Jackie Goes on a Date. Retrospective: Nurse Jackie – “Good Thing”

Season 5, Episode 5

Air Date: Sunday, May 12, 2013, 9 pm ET/PT on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

Much to Jackie’s (Edie Falco) chagrin, everyone at All Saints knows she’s going on a date with Officer Frank Verelli (Adam Ferrara). And most of them (key word here being “most”) are rooting for her since this is her first date since her split with Kevin (Dominic Fumusa). On top of that, Jackie is having difficulty dealing with the stress associated with this momentous (in her mind) occasion.

Zoey snaps a picture after she and Thor help Jackie get dressed for her date.

Zoey snaps a picture of the “team” before Jackie leaves for her date.

One of the aspects of Nurse Jackie I like the most is the camaraderie among the hospital staff. So it comes as no surprise when Zoey (Merritt Wever), Thor (Stephen Wallem), Coop (Peter Facinelli), and even newcomer Carrie (Betty Gilpin) help Jackie get ready for her date, each in their own special way. Perhaps the funniest is when Coop shows Jackie what he does to get ready for a date; it totally cracked me up! I must say, though, Jackie looks absolutely beautiful after Zoey and Thor help her get dressed.

There’s no telling what’s going through Zoey’s mind!

Zoey really shines in “Good Thing.” Not only do I love the deductive reasoning she uses to figure out what’s inside Jackie’s gym bag, but the way she takes charge and delivers a baby for a gunshot victim (Cherie Rice) is sublime. She’s steady and calm as she talks to the woman, giving her instructions on how and when to breathe. But what I enjoyed most about this scene is the wink Jackie gives Zoey after cutting the cord. It’s a “good-job-I-knew-you-could-do-it” vote of confidence and a special moment between the two women. But the way Zoey looks at the baby swaddled in her arms makes you realize this is an emotional moment for her. I wonder if she’s going to want a baby of her own soon. Does anyone think she’s ready for such a significant undertaking?

Prentiss (Morris Chestnut) continues to look for a reason to report Gloria (Anna Deavere Smith) to the medical board. I can’t say I blame him with all the things she forgets to do. I mean, how is an ER supposed to function without proper schedules, charts, etc.? But Gloria has a moment of triumph when she finds something wrong in a dancer’s (Amos Machanic) x-ray that Coop happily confirms. I wanted to jump for joy for Gloria because this means Prentiss’ diagnosis is wrong! Maybe this will get Prentiss off her case for a while, although I doubt it. I don’t think it’s because he dislikes Gloria; perhaps he’s more concerned about his name if something goes wrong.

Jackie and Frank are having a good time on their date. They’re much more comfortable at this restaurant than they would have been at that fou-fou place Frank originally wanted to take her to.

Jackie’s revelation about how stressed she is about her date with Frank is honest and realistic. While it’s nice to see her smile, I think we all know how difficult this must be for her. It’s been a long time since she’s been out in the dating world. And Grace (Ruby Jerins) doesn’t help the situation any by sneaking out with her boyfriend Danny (Danny Flaherty) instead of being where she’s supposed to be. In Grace’s defense, however, at least she realizes she shouldn’t be at the club and leaves.

Memorable lines:

Zoey: “Favorite trauma ever! I feel so alive, like I just ate a bunch of fresh fish!”

Zoey: “I feel like I’m suddenly on one of those makeover reality shows.”

Jackie: “Two boys, huh?”

Frank: “Yeah, I live in fart land.”

Cruz to Jackie: “They say time heals. That’s bullshit. Time’s a thief.”

Bobby Cannavale returns this week as Dr. Mike Cruz. He is suffering badly from the death of his son Charlie (Jake Cannavale) and turns to Jackie for comfort. As mean-spirited as Cruz was last season, he’s does a complete about-face in “Good Thing.” The moment Jackie wipes a tear from Cruz’s eye is extremely heartfelt; it’s easy to see how much pain the man is in. However, I wasn’t exactly expecting the kind of comfort she gives him, although I understand it. With all the stress Jackie is experiencing about her new relationship with Frank, getting it on with Cruz seems like the easy way out for her. Plus, she and Cruz have a special bond, especially since he’s been listening to the messages she’s been leaving on Charlie’s phone. Too bad she doesn’t hear her phone ringing as Grace desperately tries to reach her. Keren Ann’s “My Name is Trouble” seems like an appropriate song to be playing when Jackie rushes to pick up Grace, who’s standing all alone on the street. That kid is in real trouble this time, or at least I hope she’ll be. Lord knows what will happen to Grace if she continues down this road.

Is this the beginning of Jackie making mistake after mistake, which can only lead to her falling off the wagon? How is she going to juggle dating both Frank and Cruz? And let’s not forget Eddie; he’s still in the picture, so to speak. What do you think about Jackie’s behavior?

Download Keren Ann’s “May Name is Trouble”

Tune in to Nurse Jackie Sundays at 9 pm ET/PT, only on Showtime.

Follow the show on Twitter @Sho_Network using the hash tag #NurseJackie. Like Nurse Jackie on Facebook, and stay up to date with the series on its official website.

More Twitter follows for you: Coop @peterfacinelli, Gloria @AnnaDeavereS, and Dr. Prentiss @Morris_Chestnut.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!