thirtysomething (1987)

Episode Overview

Melissa is getting ready for a birthday celebration at her parents' house, where she’ll be celebrating with her mother Elaine and her cherished grandmother Rose, or Nana, who has owned a dress shop for fifty-five years. Elaine believes it's time for Nana to move in with them, but Melissa feels her mother is treating Nana like she's much older than she is, despite her congestive heart failure. Meanwhile, Ellyn offers Melissa a job at City Hall, which she accepts despite her busy schedule. During a family portrait session, Nana suddenly has a vivid flashback of her youth, causing concern among the family and prompting them to call a doctor. Later, while critiquing customers at her store, Nana experiences chest pain. She pleads with Melissa not to involve Elaine, but Melissa makes the call anyway.