Episode Report Card Kim: A+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Thanksgiving
By Kim | Season 1 | Episode 9 | Aired on 11.23.1998
Ben walks into his apartment. Sean is still there. Ben asks what happened to Sean's plans. Sean says that he didn't feel up to going, so he called his cousin and cancelled. Ben points out that Sean said earlier that it was his brother's party, and asks whether there actually is a party. Sean says that there is a party, but that he's not invited to it, then bucks up and says that he's got three subs to eat. Ben asks whether Sean is sure that he's fine, and Sean says he is. As Ben walks out, he stops and says, "Are you going to come with me, or what?" Sean asks whether he can wear his t-shirt and jeans, and Ben says yes. Sean happily bounds towards the door.
Felicity walks into the bathroom, but stops when she hears crying. She turns and sees Hannah sobbing in the corner. Why wouldn't she go into a stall? Felicity asks Hannah whether she's all right, then grabs a roll of toilet paper and gives it to Hannah to use as a tissue. Hannah remarks that it's weird how things change. Felicity can't think of anything to say, so she makes a move to leave. Hannah adds, "He's a great guy." What she really means is, "I know you're the one, and don't hurt him, or I will kill you." Felicity replies, "I know." What she really means is, "Don't worry -- I'll dump him for Ben in the season finale. But hardly anyone likes Knoll by the second season, so it doesn't really matter. And you're married to him in real life, so it's not like you'll never see him again." Well, that's my interpretation.
Seriously? This final scene is what totally sold me on this show. Up until this point, I watched each week, but I thought it was all kind of depressing, and I didn't know whether I cared enough to stick with the show. But this one final scene convinced me that this was, in fact, a show to watch and love. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as interpreted by Ms. Aretha Franklin plays as the camera pans down a giant table where everyone is eating and making with the merry. Felicity and Julie share a laugh. Javier carves the turkey. Sean and Ben talk. Knoll passes the rolls to Hannah, and then pats her on the shoulder. Knoll looks at Felicity and they gaze into each other's eyes. Elena and Hannah talk. Felicity and Ben laugh together. The elevator doors open, and Elena's dad walks out. Elena looks up in surprise, then gets up and walks down the hall with him. Julie turns her head and sees them talking and hugging in the hallway. Julie looks introspective. Sean offers some food to Javier, who waves it off. Elena and her dad return to the table. Elena introduces her dad to everyone, and handshakes are exchanged. Sean brings over a chair for Elena's dad. As we slowly pan out, SVO says that she'd planned on spending Thanksgiving alone, but then Emmett showed up at her place with food. SVO concludes, "It's incredible, really. One minute, you're standing in this new city with nothing but your suitcase, and then you look around and suddenly, you realize you're surrounded by family." Fade to black. Love this show.