CBS' Mom - Episode 6.06 "Cottage Cheese and a Weird Buzz"
Christy and Jill clash over a gambling debt. Bonnie's new hobby troubles Adam.
In 2018, it has become very difficult to keep up with every television show out there. It's even more difficult to provide adequate coverage on this site about the episodes that air every week. Not every show can get full coverage because of my busy and hectic viewing schedule. As such, some reviews will now be condensed to give only some summary thoughts. But it also affords a space for me to jot down my thoughts on the various episodes. And so, here are my thoughts on this week's episode of CBS' Mom.
"Cottage Cheese and a Weird Buzz" was directed by James Widdoes with story by Nick Bakay, Adam Chase & Susan McMartin and teleplay by Marco Pennette, Anne Flett-Giordano & Michael Shipley
Money has always been a prominent issue throughout the run of Mom. Christy and Bonnie have always been struggling to make ends meet. Sure, they have advanced through life. Christy is going to law school and Bonnie is engaged. But money remains an issue for them. Christy is realizing just how much of a problem her gambling is this season. She is irresponsible with money when she actually has some to spend. It has the potential of ruining her close relationships. She gambled instead of getting her mother out of jail. She is still paying Jill back for the loan that she gave her. That's causing stress because Christy doesn't have the money. She forgets that it's still a payment plan she needs to be actively working on. Jill doesn't care about this money. She has enough to do whatever she wants. That's offensive to Christy though because she has worked hard for this money and feels betrayed when it's tossed away without any consideration whatsoever. She knows who Jill is and what she spends her money on. It's very different than how she and Bonnie approach the subject. But it's difficult for her and inspires such a fierce argument. Jill is willing to forgive this debt if it risks destroying their friendship. And yet, Christy is reminded by her new gambler's anonymous sponsor that this debt will keep her sober because it will remind her of the cost to her actions. It will keep her focused on this specific mission with the sting that comes from handing it over to Jill serving as a painful reminder of just how humiliating all of this truly is. That's an important lesson. There's hope that she can defeat this new addiction in her life. But it's also fascinating to see the show explore the many different nuances of it as well. Christy needs help from her sponsor in order to see Jill's point and accept that this is what's best for her to maintain her sobriety. Elsewhere, Adam is also concerned about Bonnie's sobriety. He thinks she has find a new outlet for her addiction. The two of them decide to get matching tattoos in the spur of the moment. It's never a smart idea to get a tattoo of someone's name. Bonnie accepts that she has to commit to this relationship or settle for only dating guys named Adam in the future. Meanwhile, it'll be funny to see if Adam's new nickname for Bonnie actually sticks. He does get Tammy and Marjorie to start calling her Bo after all. But he also fears that the pain that comes from getting a tattoo can feel like a rush to Bonnie to the point that she'll want to start drinking again. It's a legitimate fear. And yet, Marjorie is also right to call him out for this being his problem to figure out. She knows Bonnie and her struggles with addiction. Adam is very sensitive to that as well. He doesn't want her to relapse. But this is very much an issue of him ensuring that his feelings are heard and that he is respected in this relationship as well. He has never shown an interest in meetings before. But now, he seems genuinely intrigued to start attending his own group for loved ones of people with alcoholism. That should present as a new way for him to form friends while also getting a better understanding of how to be in this relationship with Bonnie. That too is a fascinating story for the show to pursue moving forward.
