Our story centers on three people: Thelma, Arthur and Miss Mannerheim. Imo I think Thelma and Miss Mannerheim were two peas in a pod. At least Miss Mannerheim was up front about it. I don't think Thelma realized just how alone she was and one wonders if that thought came to her after lover boy left her high and dry?
Anyway, let's get to the episode. Thelma works as a waitress in a hotel diner. Not saying she was making great money but it seemed like she wasn't without and was also financially supporting her slimeball boyfriend. You might want more but at least you can take care of what's going on in your life in the present day.
Miss Mannerheim is rich and she's formed a bond with Thelma. She even gifts her a pin that Thelma admired. Later on Miss Mannerheim reveals that she left Thelma taken care of in her will. There's mistake 1. Although to be fair, I didn't get 'greed' vibes off of Thelma at that point in time.
Mistake 2 is mentioning this inheritance to her slimeball boyfriend. Well, he doesn't want to wait for this lady to die in her own. He wants to help things along. He's reading through a book and honestly getting everything wrong. The stuff he's reading about/what Thelma's 'poisoning' Miss Mannerheim with turns out to be something that HELPS her medical condition so instead of killing Miss Mannerheim, they were actually giving her medicine!
The plans goes into action but it doesn't take long for pressure to build up in all sides. Miss Mannerheim doesn't seem to be as nice anymore. She's honestly pretty cranky. Even Thelma's slimeball boyfriend notices Thelma doesn't talk as much about her the way she used to. Thelma's catching crap from her boyfriend when she starts showing reluctance on continuing this poisoning plan. I honestly laughed my butt off at this man threatening to take his framed picture of himself and leaving. No big loss imo. But I can flip the other side of the coin over. A lot of people need love from another person. A lot of people might decide to settle. You reach a certain age and this slimeball might be your last shot of any dreams you had about a spouse, kids, house with a white picket fence, etc.
Thelma's experience isn't getting any better. She had told Miss Mannerheim to stay in bed if she didn't feel like coming downstairs to eat. Miss Mannerheim follows those directions and is in bed when Thelma comes up and brings her food and beverage up to her. But there's a problem, Miss Mannerheim likes her tea a certain way. She won't drink it unless it's prepared the way she likes it. I can honestly see both women's point of view with this scene. I also know what I like and how I want it. So I get Miss Mannerheim's attitude of drinking something how she likes it. But I also see it from Thelma's point of view as well. Thelma tries pleading with her to drink it just this once because if she goes back downstairs, the tea will be cold by the time she gets back. I get it. Thelma's at work, she's not playing 'waitress game'. She's busy, she's stressed and Thelma's about to blow. So is Miss Mannerheim. The two women get into it. And here's where things are really about to go down. Miss Mannerheim threatens to cut Thelma out of inheriting anything. Thelma's really had enough at this point and she begins to strangle Miss Mannerheim to death!
The end takes place at the arraignment hearing. Loverboy's not in sight and Thelma's having to face the music alone. The hearing is where she heard that the 'poison' was the one thing keeping Miss Mannerheim alive.
Excellent episode. This is another episode that's wonderfully told and with amazing performances from all three main characters. I especially loved the tension in the scene leading up to the strangling when the two ladies were getting into it.