Ep 2. Mama Manzo's Day

The episode titled "Mama Manzo's Day" starts with Caroline waking up her husband, Albert, early in the morning to tell him that she has a surprise for him. They get dressed up in their matching tracksuits and take their dog on a walk. While on the walk, Caroline reveals that they are going to surprise their mother, Nettie, at her house. They plan on cooking her favorite meal, which is stuffed artichokes, as a way to show their appreciation for all that Nettie has done for them.

Next, the focus shifts to Lauren, who is in the process of picking the perfect bridesmaid dresses for her upcoming wedding. She enlists the help of Albie and Vito, who are less than enthusiastic about trying on dresses. The three of them browse through different styles and colors and eventually settle on a shade of blush pink. However, the stress of planning a wedding seems to be getting to Lauren, as she becomes emotional during the appointment.

Meanwhile, Nettie is seen going about her day, which includes a trip to the salon to get a haircut and some pampering. She talks about how much she cherishes spending time with her children and grandchildren and how it is the most important thing to her. She also reflects on her own upbringing and how she didn't have many material possessions growing up but was surrounded by love and a tight-knit family.

As Caroline and Albert start cooking the stuffed artichokes, they become increasingly nervous about impressing Nettie with their culinary skills. They reminisce about the traditions and food that they grew up with and how it has shaped their family dynamic. However, despite their nerves, the meal turns out to be a hit with Nettie, who is thrilled at their gesture.

The episode ends with Lauren and Vito meeting with a wedding planner to go over some details for their special day. Lauren expresses her desire for a big, Italian-style wedding, while Vito seems more focused on the logistics of the event. As they try to navigate the planning process and balance each other's wants and needs, they realize that they are in for a lot of work.

Overall, "Mama Manzo's Day" is an emotional episode that highlights the importance of family, tradition, and love. From Nettie's reflections on her own upbringing to Caroline and Albert's efforts to cook a special meal, the episode emphasizes the bonds that tie the Manzo family together. Meanwhile, Lauren's wedding planning journey adds a bit of levity to the episode and showcases the different personalities and priorities within the family.