Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Season 2 Episode 1 Review: A Tie Breaker and a Huge Mistake

Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Season 2 Episode 1, “A Tie Breaker and a Huge Mistake,” marks its return for second season and picks up where the series left off. “A Tie Breaker and a Huge Mistake,” ironically, serves as a slower-paced reintroduction to the lives of Georgie Cooper and Mandy McAllister.

The episode kicks off with the consequences of Jim selling his business to Georgie. While Georgie and Ruben find themselves caught in a disagreement about money, Jim is struggling to figure out how to spend his retirement. 

The episode spends a significant portion of its runtime showing Georgie and Ruben arguing, specifically, about whether or not they should buy a new computer for their business. Georgie pushes for taking bigger risks while Ruben responds with anxious refusal.

Even Jim’s suggestions mainly served to spark a new argument about whether they should get an accountant. 

Montana Jordon and Jesse Prez, fortunately, did provide entertaining performances during the scenes where Georgie and Ruben were arguing. The two played off each other relatively well, leaning into the characters’ different views on how to run a business.

However, these scenes could come off as more frustrating than funny at times. That isn’t to say there weren’t any standout jokes during these portions, but they did go on for quite a while, not advancing the plot much.

However, the climax of the episode completely shifts gears and literally speeds up the conflict resolution.

One would think Ruben is wholly set in his ways, but no. The tie breaker for their conflict ends up being a footrace to the post office and back. 

What ensues is a genuinely hilarious montage of Georgie and Ruben beelining it to the post office. It’s clear they were both in it to win it at any cost, shoving and hurdling obstacles in an over-the-top show of determination.

At the same time, Jim is doing his absolute best to enjoy his retirement throughout the episode. It quickly becomes clear to his family that he doesn’t quite know what to do with all his newfound free time.

While Georgie is questioning whether or not buying the store was a bad idea, Jim is wondering the same thing about selling it.

Jim and Mandy end up having a sweet moment together where she encourages him to go to the shop to give Georgie and Ruben some guidance. While Jim himself doesn’t have the biggest personality in the cast, Will Sasso does a stellar job of making him feel very real and incredibly charming.

For example, during dinner after his conversation with Georgie and Ruben, he is extremely excited and proud of himself while explaining how he helped them. While everyone at the table knows he just pointed out the obvious, nobody has the heart to tell him, except Dougie, and it’s hard not to feel the same way.

Jim’s insistence on reiterating how helpful he was, while a little sad, had a level of charm to it. There is something relatable about it, especially if you’ve ever talked to someone who is newly retired.

In general, while not bad, the episode felt incredibly slow at times. The episode is meant to be a setup for the rest of the season by showing Georgie’s business struggles and ambitions.

There were points where the plot seems to hit a wall and didn’t have enough jokes to make up for it. However, the solid performances and a genuinely funny ending did help keep things from feeling too bland. 

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Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage airs Thursdays at 8/7c on CBS.

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