Ep 5. No Good Deed

Reba showcases the life of a divorced mother of three, Reba Hart, who tries her best to keep her family together after her ex-husband announces that he is leaving her for his dental hygienist. In season 5 episode 5, titled "No Good Deed," Reba decides to donate a kidney to her friend Lori Ann's daughter who desperately needs the transplant. The episode revolves around Reba's decision and its impact on her family and personal life.

The episode begins with Reba, Lori Ann, and Van's mother, Helen, dancing in the living room, ecstatic about the fact that Lori Ann's daughter, Stacey, has finally gotten a donor for her kidney transplant. However, their joy is short-lived when Lori Ann confesses that the donor has backed out, leaving Stacey in a dire situation. Reba immediately offers to donate her kidney to Stacey, much to the surprise of her family and friends. She makes the decision without consulting anyone, not even her children, and tells them about it later.

While her friends and family are grateful for her gesture, they also express concern about the potential risks involved in the surgery. Reba's mother, for instance, worries about Reba's well-being, and even suggests that she may back out of the transplant if she gets scared. Cheyenne and Brock, Reba's daughter and ex-husband, are apprehensive as well, and try to talk her out of it. They remind her that she's not as young as she used to be, and that her health might be at risk. Reba, however, is adamant about her decision, and insists that she's doing it for the right reasons.

As the episode progresses, Reba's resolve to donate her kidney is tested when she starts experiencing health issues. The episode shows her getting frustrated with herself, as she starts forgetting things and misplacing items. She forgets to pick up her son, Jake, from school, and ends up being late for her doctor's appointment. At the appointment, the doctors run some tests and discover that Reba has a blockage in one of her arteries. They advise her to postpone the surgery, but Reba refuses to do so, saying that she's committed to saving Stacey's life.

As the day of the surgery approaches, Reba's family and friends rally around her, showing their support in different ways. Brock offers to be with her during the surgery, which touches Reba deeply. Cheyenne admits that she was wrong to try and dissuade her mother, and apologizes for not understanding her motives. Van, Reba's son-in-law, tries to cheer her up by making light of the situation, and gives her a silly hat to wear before the surgery. Kyra, Reba's youngest daughter, also offers her support, showing her concern by asking if there's anything she can do to help.

The episode ends with Reba recovering from the surgery, lying in bed in the hospital room. She wakes up to find that her family and friends are there beside her, all relieved that the surgery was successful. Reba looks at Stacey, who is also in the room, and smiles weakly. She tells her that she's happy to have been able to help her, and that she feels blessed to have been given the opportunity to do so. Stacey thanks Reba, and tells her that she's forever in her debt. Reba, however, brushes off the gratitude, saying that it was the least she could do.

Overall, Reba season 5 episode 5 is a heartwarming episode that showcases Reba's selflessness and compassion. It demonstrates the lengths to which some people are willing to go to help others, even if it means putting their own health at risk. The episode also highlights the importance of family and community support, and how these can make a huge difference in times of adversity.