Mom Season 7 Episode 7 Review: Pork Butt and a Mall Walker

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Revelations are coming to light on Mom Season 7 Episode 7, and they hit close to home. 

Mom is a series that always does well when it's trying to balance real life with comedy, and there are elements of "Pork Butt and a Mall Walker" that hit close to home while still striking a comedic chord. 

Bonnie and Adam carry much of the comedic thread for this episode. Bonnie's obsession with finding couple friends because that's what you do when you get married is relatable, but doesn't really advance the plot. 

Jill Does Yoga - Mom Season 7 Episode 7

The double date with Jill and Andy is the crux of the episode, and it brings out the main issue, which is what happens when a sober person has a partner that drinks. 

Seasons ago, I thought that this issue might be what would do Adam and Bonnie in. Seasons ago, there was an episode where Bonnie met a sober man at a food festival, and it caused some tension in their relationship. 

While they ultimately pushed through it, it could have easily gone the other way. 

Which is why it's important that Jill recognizes and does what's right for herself. She's realized what she wants in a relationship, and she makes it clear to Andy. 

Stating that she wants to be with someone sober is a scary and brave act. Andy's reaction is even more perfect. 

Andy: Or, I could just not drink.
Jill: What?
Andy: If it makes you uncomfortable, I won't drink.
Jill: You can do that?
Andy: Absolutely.
Jill: Oh my god, I love that you would do that for me. And I hate you because you can.

The way this scene was written, with Jill acting so timid, made me think that it was truly the end for them. The fact that Andy would put Jill first is touching and something she deserves.

Jill hasn't ever had someone who put her pleasure before, and Andy not being the type to walk away is a deserved change for her.

Marjorie and Christy in William-Sonoma - Mom Season 7 Episode 7

Yet, it also feels like it isn't the end of the road for the issue. 

Somehow, I don't see it being a big hit with Adam, and I am sure that there is going to be some resentment for how Andy could stop somewhere down the line. Then again, maybe not. We'll see how the continuity holds up. 

The series has touched on how alcoholism is a disease a few times, and this episode further drives the point home with the conversation Jill has with Bonnie.

Seeing how Adam and Andy act when they're drunk reminds them of how they used to be when they were drunk. More importantly, it also makes them realize that they don't want to be that drunk. 

It's moments like these that showcase just how far these characters have come in seven seasons. Yet, while they might have gotten stronger, the comedy is still there. Bonnie is still going to try to get the beach house keys even if she has to die trying. 

Meanwhile, Tammy and Christy are dealing with a very frugal Marjorie. 

This storyline is best dissected in two parts. The first is Tammy's decision to move out. 

Tammy's work as a handyman has been fascinating to watch. The fact that she's able to pull in money from a trade like that is amazing. 

The fact that she can support herself on that money is even more amazing. As Christy says: 

You have money, to live alone, without an annoying older woman? That's my dream!

Christy

The second part is Marjorie's revelation that she's looking for a job. 

Bonnie Gives Adam a Look - Mom Season 7 Episode 7

Fortunately, Marjorie can work at the moment, but I imagine she knows that won't always be the case.

Considering we had an episode concerning death a few weeks ago, in which Tammy spent most of the episode trying to keep Marjorie from dying, it's safe to assume that she's going to have a long life ahead of her.

With that comes the need for funds. 

Marjorie is finding herself in a tough situation, having to reenter the workforce at her age. She worries about not just that working against her but also her record. It's going to be very interesting to see how this plays out in the episodes to come.

The real payoff in this scene comes from the moment when Christy gives Marjorie her pep talk back to her. It's truly one of those "the student becomes the teacher" moments and is very rewarding to watch. 

Hearing Christy tell Marjorie to take it one day at a time is a highlight of this episode, and now as Marjorie continues her job search, let's see who can keep their heads together. 

 - Mom Season 7 Episode 7

What isn't addressed in this episode, though, is an obvious solution. If there is a lot of money in a trade, and Tammy is currently crushing it with her handyman work, couldn't they find skills Marjorie has and capitalize on those?

There must be something that she can work with.

Episodes like these truly highlight how far these characters have come in seven seasons. The heavy moments that focus primarily on character growth with a few moments or silent gags are a great way to strike a balance in tone.  

While this episode doesn't have audiences rolling on the floor laughing, it does attempt to address some serious issues with tact. 

What did you think of this episode of Mom? Do you have a favorite moment you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments below. 

Don't forget to watch Mom online to see more fo this episode and others. 

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Pork Butt and a Mall Walker Review

Editor Rating: 3.0 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.3 / 5.0 (11 Votes)

Lauren Busser is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow her on Twitter.

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Mom Season 7 Episode 7 Quotes

Seymour is a very vigorous 72.

Marjorie

Christy: Why are you so hung up on having couple friends?
Bonnie: It's what you do when you get married. You cultivate relationships with other couples. You go to movies together, you meet for sushi, you stay at their beach house. They had a beach house.
Christy: Really? Do they have any kids my age?