In an expected (down)turn of events, once-plucky Lois Flagston is now grappling with a crippling bout of depression, making her presence in future episodes of "Hi and Lois" less certain.
Monday's episode shows years of worry and disappointment taking their toll on this once-vivacious suburbanite. While many mothers would no doubt jump at the chance to enjoy a warm morning breakfast with their children while the snow and wind whip about outside, poor Lois is instead beset by an unshakable ennui. Even Dot and Ditto, never the most observant of comic-strip children, can't help but notice that Mom is veering toward inescapable emotional depths.
How has it come to this? Well, the signs have been present for months: Brief mental crack-ups that take place in the laundry room; horror and outrage sparked by a depraved teenage son; and a loveless marriage that requires role-play in order to spark anything approaching sexual desire.
While the kids prescribe a walk outside in the snow, we insist that Lois call a reliable psychotherapist and demand to wolf down a bottle of Ability by afternoon's end. If she can't, we worry what Hi will find waitnig for him when he finally returns from his menial job.
At least there's one positive development here: For the first time in weeks, Lois has put on something other than her pink blouse, which we suspect must have reeked of body odor and tears given how often she's been wearing it in recent months. Let's hope she remembers to change her wardrobe even if things don't start to look up.
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