thirtysomething (1987)

Episode Overview

Richard makes the decision to leave his wife and moves in with Ellyn, bringing his daughter Christy along. Their new blended family faces immediate challenges. Richard and Ellyn meet for lunch, where he reassures her that today is the day he will finally leave his wife after five weeks of promises. Meanwhile, the Steadman household is preoccupied with discussions about their will, which has Melissa feeling anxious about her role as the new baby's godmother. Valerie arrives with paperwork, only to break down in tears, revealing that Richard has abandoned her and accusing Ellyn of selfishly tearing their family apart. Richard, Ellyn, and Christy check into a hotel, struggling to navigate their new living situation. Elsewhere, Ellyn’s therapist probes her about her connection with Christy, noting how the girl's presence has kept Ellyn and Richard from being intimate for over six days.