Ep 11. Ebb Tide

As the fifth season of The Golden Girls continues, the group is faced with yet another adventure in the show's eleventh episode, "Ebb Tide." The episode starts with Blanche revealing that she has made an appointment with a plastic surgeon for a facelift. The intention behind this lifestyle change is to find a way to keep up with younger men and maintain her youthful appearance. Rose and Dorothy are supportive of her decision, whereas Sophia is relatively uninvolved and uninterested.

As the next day comes, the women decide to take a trip to Huntley Hall Spa. Unfortunately for them, high tide arrives early, trapping them on a small island with no way to return before the scheduled low tide. Trapped on the island, they must find a way to keep themselves entertained as they wait out the water. The girls’ usual snark and sniping about each other's lives takes a backseat, with the episode instead focusing on each character's introspective thoughts as they sit and wait for the ocean to recede.

In the past, Blanche’s self-confidence has been an anchor in the group dynamic, but in “Ebb Tide,” her self-esteem is put to the test. She becomes increasingly insecure about her decision to get a facelift as the girls subtly mock her for it. However, as the realization of being trapped on the island sinks in, the group is forced to rely on Blanche’s confidence and charisma for entertainment and motivation. Essentially, the island becomes a canvas for a previously unseen side of Blanche, and it allows the audience to see a more vulnerable and human side to her personality.

Meanwhile, the usually sharp-tongued Dorothy is exposed to her more sensitive side as she reflects on her place in life. As they wait on the island, she begins to understand that she has focused too heavily on past successes and has inconsequentially let her family slide into the background. The other girls attempt to console her, pointing out her many accomplishments and reassuring her that she is still an incredible mother and grandmother. This moment of vulnerability balances Dorothy’s typically biting personality, making her much more likable and relatable.

Finally, Rose's thoughts turn sublime, as she meditates on the spiritual aspects of her life. She expresses gratitude for the ocean's natural beauty and realizes that, caught up in her busy life, she often forgets to appreciate the simple things in life. This sentimental side to Rose may be new but reinforces the notion that the show’s writing never lets any character getting stuck in a one-dimensional mold.

The episode's theme shifts away from the darkly comedic moments of the series, instead focusing on the friends and the evolution of their relationships with each other. Though it might not be particularly exciting on paper, it fosters a deeper understanding and establishes how the group has grown throughout the series. Further, the audience is allowed to fully witness the unique world the friends share. In turn, “Ebb Tide” provides an important window of insight into each character's psyche, creating a substantial episode with plenty of heart. This episode is a testament to the diverse facets of the characters, who are continually growing and evolving, making The Golden Girls a beloved show.