Ep 9. Meet the Grandparents

When Jimmy Chance's parents, Burt and Virginia, receive a message from a lawyer claiming that Burt's parents are looking for him, they are in shock. After all, Burt had a rough childhood and was put up for adoption by his parents. When Burt and Virginia take Jimmy to meet his grandparents, it is not what they expected. Burt's parents, Arnold and Louise, are wealthy and live in a luxurious retirement community. They are excited to meet their grandson, but things quickly take a turn.

Arnold and Louise are not the warm and fuzzy grandparents Jimmy was hoping for. They are snobbish and judgmental, making fun of Jimmy's upbringing and even criticizing Burt and Virginia's parenting. They also make it clear that they are not interested in forming a relationship with their newly discovered grandchild.

As the visit goes on, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. It turns out that Burt's parents gave him up for adoption because they could not afford to care for him. Arnold and Louise also reveal that Burt has a half-brother who was also put up for adoption. They now want to meet him, but Burt is not sure he is ready for that.

Meanwhile, Virginia tries to fit in with the other wealthy residents of the retirement community. She attends a luncheon where she is the only one wearing jeans and a t-shirt. She tries to impress the other women with her cooking skills, but it only makes her stand out more. Eventually, she gives up and goes outside to smoke a cigarette, where she meets a kindred spirit in a fellow smoker.

As the visit comes to an end, Burt and Virginia make it clear to Arnold and Louise that they do not want anything to do with them unless they are willing to accept Jimmy as their grandchild. Arnold and Louise seem to come around, but Burt is still not sure he is ready to meet his half-brother.

"Meet the Grandparents" is a touching and often funny episode that explores the complexities of family relationships. It raises questions about nature vs. nurture, and the idea that blood is not always thicker than water. As always, the cast delivers stellar performances, with Cloris Leachman stealing the show as Louise, the snobbish grandmother with a heart of gold.