Episode Report Card Niki: B+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Losing You
By Niki | Season 3 | Episode 18 | Aired on 04.07.2002
Cut to Lily's truck pulling into the driveway. Grace rushes out the door, smoothing her brown corduroy jacket. Guess where she's taking her fashion cues these days. At least it looks ironed. Babs exclaims at how grown-up Grace has become. If she only knew the half of it. Jessie and Katie emerge from the house, and Grace informs Lily that she's giving the two of them a ride to Karen's. "Oh, hello. Do you live nearby?" Babs asks Jessie. Lily shoots her a strange look and reminds her that Jessie is Rick's daughter. Babs plays it off like she just didn't recognize Jessie because she's "all grown-up, too." Again, if she only knew the half of it. Jessie introduces Katie, and Babs smiles, "Oh, so many big girls," as they shake hands. The big girls pile into the truck, and Lily ushers Babs into the house.
In the foyer, Babs shudders and grumbles that it's so chilly. She complains that she never knows what the weather is going to be like, and that she always packs the wrong things. Lily says Babs can borrow any sweaters or scarves that she needs, and offers to turn up the heat. Babs wraps her arms around herself and pitifully says, "Oh, please!" While Lily adjusts the heat, Barbara wanders into the living room and stares at a worn, brown leather chair. She asks where Lily got it, and Lily answers that it belongs to Rick. She explains that he loves it; it's where he does all his thinking. "Oh, well, you can always have it reupholstered," Babs muses. Yeah, and she could always get remarried, too. Lily turns away from the thermostat with a pained expression. She looks toward the front door with relief as the cavalry, in the form of Judy, arrives. Judy and Babs hug while Babs complains about the airport, and all the "soldiers with guns." She gripes that she hates guns. Judy agrees that she does, too. She holds up a small blue gift bag and says she has "a little something" for Barbara. Meanwhile, Lily loads herself down like a pack mule with Babs's suitcases and starts schlepping them toward the stairs. Babs calls over her shoulder for Lily to get her a glass of water. Lily drops the suitcases and, with the resolve of a martyr, heads for the kitchen. Judy shepherds Babs in the same direction, feigning interest while the old lady rattles off a list of complaints about the airline food. You know, if you want to make it as a complainer in this world, you've got to come up with more original material than that.
In the kitchen, Babs pulls a small package out of her purse and says, "I know you love these, Judy." Judy tries to muster some enthusiasm as she exclaims, "Oh, rye crackers!" Lily brings over Babs's water, and Judy shoots her a look over Barbara's shoulder. "I told you," she mouths, her lips barely moving as she brandishes the crackers. "I know," Lily mouths back, smiling at their private joke. Babs is still rattling on about the food. Jesus, could you imagine the state of poor schmo who had to sit next to her for the entire flight? Judy distracts her by asking if she's going to open the present she brought her. Barbara reaches into the bag and says, "A book! How nice!" Judy leans over her shoulder and says, "Anne Lindbergh. You know, she spent a year by the sea after her husband died." Babs uh-huhs and unceremoniously drops the book on the counter, muttering, "That poor little Lindbergh baby." Lily catches Judy's disappointment, and they exchange a look, Lily silently willing her to hang in. Babs turns brisk, asking, "Now, when am I going to get to see my new grandbaby?" Judy gently tries to explain that the baby isn't technically Babs's grandchild, but Lily loudly says they'll pick up Zoe and head to Booklovers to "smooch the baby," and that way Babs can also see what Judy did with Phil's. "It's too bad she's not here," Babs says. "Who, Zoe?" Lily asks. Barbara answers, "No, the baby. Shouldn't she be here?" Judy gapes. "Mom," Lily says, sounding a little exasperated. Babs quickly asks if Lily can lend her a sweater. Lily tries to smile and sound normal as she says sure. Judy's busy trying not to freak out.