Ep 3. Dial M for Mother

Jay Sherman is a movie critic, who lives with his adoptive son, Marty, and his sister, Margo. In Dial M for Mother, the third episode of the first season of the show The Critic, we see Jay receiving an invitation for a screening of the latest film of his former flame, Valerie Fox. She invites him to the screening and dinner afterward, where her son will also be present. Jay, desperately looking to rekindle their relationship, accepts the invitation. Too bad he doesn't know what he's gotten himself into.

Margo offers to help Jay pick out an outfit, realizing her brother's love for Valerie. Meanwhile, Marty is terrified that his mother is coming to visit him. Oblivious to her own son's feelings, Eleanor does not show any tenderness to Marty. She is more focused on putting down his father and stepmother than showing love to her son. Meanwhile, Margo has decided to play detective, convinced that there is a murder plot afoot at the screening.

Jay and Valerie finally meet, but things do not go as planned. Valerie reveals that she cannot be with him anymore because she is already seeing someone. Jay is devastated, but he still has dinner with Valerie and her son, Randy. As they dine at the restaurant, Margo tries to convince Jay that Valerie's relationship is suspicious and that there may be something nefarious afoot.

Marty, on the other hand, decides to take matters into his own hands. He takes his mother sightseeing and tries to bond with her, but she remains subtly dismissive. When they reach the top of the Empire State Building, Marty tells Eleanor that he loves her. Despite her defensive attitude, he persuades her to stay for a little while longer. They enjoy the sunset together, and Eleanor shows a brief moment of love and protection for her son.

Back at dinner, Margo's investigative skills lead her to the realization that Randy is not Valerie's son but her boyfriend. Jay is shocked at this revelation and tries to run away from the restaurant. But it's too late. Valerie and Randy have already made their move.

As the episode unfolds, we see the characters' true selves come out. Jay, once a desperate lover, becomes the hero of the story, fighting off Randy's goons. Marty, always the good-hearted and loving son, finds a way to connect with his mother, even if just for a moment. And Margo, who started the episode as the annoying and controlling sister, becomes the key to Jay's survival.

Dial M for Mother is a comedic masterpiece that showcases the best of the show The Critic. It blends elements of classic movies such as Dial M for Murder and North by Northwest with a modern-day comedy of errors. The characters are relatable, the plot is suspenseful, and the humor is on point. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves classic movies, comedy, and a good old-fashioned thriller twist.