Call Me Fitz: Season 1, Episode 9 - The Upside of Matricide (2010)

In the opening scene of "The Upside of Matricide," Fitz is in his office at the car dealership, where he is confronted by his mother, who has come to visit. The atmosphere is tense as Fitz is clearly uncomfortable with her presence. His mother expresses her disappointment in Fitz's life choices, which leads to a heated argument. Fitz's internal conflict is evident as he grapples with his feelings of resentment and obligation towards her.

As the argument escalates, Fitz's mother reveals that she has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, which shocks Fitz. This revelation shifts the dynamic between them, as Fitz is forced to confront the reality of their relationship and the impending loss. He struggles with feelings of guilt and anger, torn between his desire to distance himself from her and the instinct to care for her in her time of need.

Later, Fitz's best friend, Larry, tries to support him through this emotional turmoil. Larry suggests that Fitz should take advantage of the situation and use it to his benefit, which makes Fitz uncomfortable. Despite his initial resistance, Fitz begins to consider the idea of using his mother's illness to gain sympathy and leverage in his personal and professional life.

In a pivotal scene, Fitz decides to throw a party to celebrate his mother's life, inviting friends and family. The party is filled with awkward interactions and forced smiles, as Fitz tries to maintain a facade of normalcy. However, the tension is palpable, and Fitz's internal struggle becomes more pronounced as he navigates the complexities of his relationships with his mother and the guests.

During the party, Fitz's mother shares heartfelt stories about her life, which momentarily softens Fitz's demeanor. He begins to reflect on their shared history, and for a brief moment, he feels a connection with her. However, this moment is short-lived as Fitz's insecurities and frustrations resurface, leading to another confrontation with his mother.

As the night progresses, Fitz's emotions boil over, and he lashes out at his mother, expressing all the pent-up resentment he has harbored over the years. This confrontation is raw and emotional, revealing the depth of Fitz's pain and the complexity of their relationship. His mother, hurt but resolute, responds with her own truths, leading to a cathartic moment for both of them.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, Fitz is left feeling conflicted. He realizes that he cannot escape the reality of his mother's illness and the impact it has on his life. This realization forces him to confront his own shortcomings and the choices he has made. He begins to understand that he must find a way to reconcile his feelings towards her, even if it means facing uncomfortable truths about himself.

The episode culminates in a poignant moment where Fitz visits his mother in her hospital room. He approaches her with a newfound sense of vulnerability, ready to have an honest conversation. They share a heartfelt exchange, where Fitz expresses his regrets and acknowledges the love that still exists between them, despite their tumultuous history. This moment of reconciliation marks a turning point for Fitz, as he begins to embrace the complexities of his relationship with his mother.

The episode concludes with Fitz leaving the hospital, visibly changed by the experience. He walks away with a sense of clarity and a determination to move forward, not just in his relationship with his mother, but in his own life as well. The emotional weight of the episode lingers, highlighting the intricate dynamics of family, love, and forgiveness.

In the ending of "The Upside of Matricide," Fitz confronts the emotional turmoil surrounding his mother's death and the impact it has on his relationships. He ultimately decides to take responsibility for his actions and seeks to mend the rift with his family. The episode concludes with Fitz finding a sense of closure, while other characters also face their own resolutions.

As the episode unfolds towards its conclusion, Fitz is grappling with the aftermath of his mother's death. The emotional weight of her passing looms heavily over him, and he is forced to confront the unresolved issues from their relationship. In a pivotal scene, Fitz is seen sitting alone in his office, reflecting on his past and the choices he has made. The room is dimly lit, casting shadows that mirror his internal struggle. He feels a mix of guilt and anger, not only towards his mother but also towards himself for not being the son she deserved.

Meanwhile, the other characters are also dealing with their own conflicts. Larry, Fitz's loyal friend, tries to support him but is often met with Fitz's defensive attitude. Larry's frustration grows as he realizes that Fitz is pushing away those who care about him. In a moment of vulnerability, Larry expresses his concern, urging Fitz to confront his feelings rather than bury them. This scene highlights the theme of friendship and the importance of having a support system during difficult times.

As the climax approaches, Fitz attends his mother's funeral. The atmosphere is somber, filled with mourners who share their memories of her. Fitz stands apart from the crowd, visibly uncomfortable and struggling to connect with the emotions swirling around him. He watches as others pay their respects, feeling a deep sense of isolation. In a moment of clarity, he steps forward to speak, revealing his complicated feelings about his mother. His voice trembles as he acknowledges the pain and love intertwined in their relationship. This cathartic moment serves as a turning point for Fitz, allowing him to express his grief openly.

After the funeral, Fitz seeks out his estranged family members. He approaches his brother, who has been distant and resentful. In a tense exchange, Fitz apologizes for his past behavior and expresses a desire to rebuild their relationship. The conversation is fraught with emotion, as both brothers confront their shared history and the pain that has kept them apart. This scene emphasizes the theme of reconciliation and the importance of family ties, even in the face of tragedy.

As the episode draws to a close, Fitz finds himself at a crossroads. He realizes that he cannot change the past, but he can choose how to move forward. In a final scene, he stands outside, looking up at the sky. The sun breaks through the clouds, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Fitz takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He understands that while the loss of his mother will always be a part of him, he has the power to shape his future.

In the end, Fitz's journey leads him to a place of acceptance. He acknowledges his flaws and the impact they have had on his relationships, but he also embraces the possibility of healing. Larry remains by his side, offering unwavering support as Fitz embarks on this new chapter of his life. The episode concludes with a sense of optimism, suggesting that even in the face of loss, there is always a chance for redemption and growth.

In "The Upside of Matricide," the ninth episode of "Call Me Fitz," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main storyline and character developments throughout the episode, leaving no lingering moments or teasers for future episodes.

In 'The Upside of Matricide', Fitz is driven by a mix of resentment and a desire for closure regarding his tumultuous relationship with his mother. He grapples with feelings of abandonment and betrayal, which push him to confront her about their past.

Throughout the episode, Fitz's relationship with his mother shifts from one of anger and confrontation to a more complex understanding of their shared history. As he confronts her about her past actions, he begins to see her as a flawed individual rather than just a source of pain.

Larry serves as a comedic yet insightful foil to Fitz, often providing a contrasting perspective on family dynamics. His interactions with Fitz highlight Fitz's internal struggles and push him to reflect on his choices and the impact of his mother's actions.

Fitz's emotional breakdown is triggered during a confrontation with his mother, where long-buried feelings of hurt and betrayal surface. The culmination of their unresolved issues leads to a cathartic moment for Fitz, forcing him to confront his past.

The episode delves into family loyalty as Fitz grapples with his conflicting feelings towards his mother. Despite his anger, he is torn between loyalty to his family and the need to stand up for himself, showcasing the complexity of familial bonds.

"Call Me Fitz" is a dark comedy that often explores mature themes and contains adult content. In Season 1, Episode 9, titled "The Upside of Matricide," there are several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Mature Themes: The episode deals with the concept of matricide, which is the act of killing one's mother. This theme can be disturbing and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

2. Dark Humor: The show employs dark humor that may not resonate well with all viewers, particularly those who are sensitive to jokes about serious subjects.

3. Strong Language: The dialogue includes profanity and adult language, which may be inappropriate for children.

4. Sexual Content: There are references to sexual situations and innuendos that may not be suitable for younger viewers.

5. Violence: While the show is primarily comedic, there are instances of violence or threats that could be unsettling.

6. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional distress, which may be intense for sensitive viewers.

Overall, the episode contains elements that are more appropriate for an adult audience, and parental discretion is advised.