Maude Season 2 Episode 21 Tax Audit, The

Maude season 2 episode 21 is entitled "Tax Audit, The" and centers around the titular character Maude Findlay as she deals with the stress of a tax audit.

The episode begins with Maude receiving a letter in the mail informing her of an upcoming audit by the Internal Revenue Service. Maude is initially calm and collected about the situation, convinced that she has nothing to worry about since she has been meticulous in keeping track of her finances. However, her confidence soon gives way to panic as her anxiety about the audit begins to consume her.

Maude's husband Walter tries to reassure her that everything will be alright, but his attempts to calm her only seem to make matters worse. Meanwhile, her friend Vivian comes over to offer her support and advice, suggesting that Maude may want to hire a tax lawyer to help her navigate the audit.

As the days go by, Maude becomes increasingly stressed out, snapping at everyone around her and obsessing over every detail of her finances. She even goes so far as to refuse to eat or sleep, convinced that any distraction from the audit will be detrimental to her case.

When the day of the audit finally arrives, Maude is a nervous wreck. The auditor, a no-nonsense woman named Mrs. Reubner, proceeds to ask Maude a long list of questions about her finances and expenses, all of which seem to trip her up. Despite Walter's attempts to intervene and smooth things over, Maude persists in arguing with the auditor and refuses to back down on a certain point that she believes is in her favor.

In the end, Maude is left feeling defeated and exhausted by the entire process. She comes home to find Walter and Vivian waiting for her, both of whom are eager to hear how the audit went. Maude is initially hesitant to share the details, but eventually breaks down in tears and admits that she was unable to handle the stress of the situation.

Walter and Vivian console her and assure her that everything will eventually work out, but Maude remains despondent. However, just as all hope seems lost, the doorbell rings and a letter arrives from the IRS. Walter opens it to find that Maude's audit has been cleared and that she owes no further taxes. Overjoyed, Maude embraces Walter and Vivian, grateful for their support throughout the ordeal.

Overall, "Tax Audit, The" is a tense and emotional episode that showcases Maude's vulnerability and anxiety in the face of a difficult situation. The episode is well-written and well-acted, with standout performances from both Bea Arthur as Maude and Rue McClanahan as Vivian. The episode also offers a poignant commentary on the impact of stress and anxiety on one's mental health, as Maude's obsession with the audit nearly leads her to the brink of a breakdown. In the end, however, the episode is ultimately uplifting and hopeful, as Maude is able to overcome her fears and emerge victorious from the audit.