It's Not All Downhill From Here

Dr. Alexopolous chastises Loretha for not taking her health and diabetes more seriously. Loretha explains recent challenges—including her daughter’s depression—and Dr. Alexopolous recommends a psychiatrist and psychologist for Jalecia. After her appointment, Loretha drives to see Jalecia, only to discover Peggy checked her out of the hospital at Jalecia’s request. When Loretha talks to Jalecia, she gets angry and hangs up on her daughter.

Loretha talks to the doctors Dr. Alexopolous recommended. Both agree that Jalecia’s process may take a while and that if she does work with them, they won’t be able to relay any information to Loretha. Afterward, Loretha attends Korynthia’s hip-hop class, where she discovers she is out of shape, but she has fun and stays for the entire class.

The four friends feel that having dinner would hurt too much; with Poochie so recently gone, they have Sunday brunch instead. For the first time, everyone has good news to share. Lucky got her gastric bypass surgery and is discussing moving to Panama or Costa Rica with her husband. Sadie finds love with a woman, which all her friends easily accept. Korynthia is also in love and enjoying her life. Their waitress overhears their conversation and enjoys their antics, making the women feel better about their lives and ages.

Jalecia visits Loretha, and Loretha is surprised at how healthy she looks. Jalecia explains how she has worked with the two doctors Loretha found for her and is willingly checking into a 28-day mental health treatment facility. She does not want Loretha to know where she is or to contact her during her time there, but she hopes to leave the facility ready to have an open and honest conversation with her mother.

When Loretha calls Peggy, Peggy is furious that Jalecia has not said anything about where she is going. Loretha makes a final large deposit into Peggy’s account but insists the money will stop coming because Peggy cannot rely on Jalecia as a dependent anymore. In a genuine effort to take her health seriously, Loretha regularly attends Korynthia’s hip-hop class and buys a treadmill to use at home. By watching those around her, Loretha has seen the adverse impacts of not taking her health seriously.

After exchanging apologies, Peggy and Loretha agree to keep each other informed about any updates they receive from Jalecia. Kwame informs Loretha that he will soon arrive in Pasadena with his mother, and Loretha says they can use two bedrooms in her house. Lucky comes in the middle of the night and admits to smoking weed as a method of relaxation. She does not want to leave her friends, but Joe plans to move with or without her. She spends the night in Loretha’s guest bedroom and leaves before Loretha wakes up the following morning.

Loretha meets a man named James during a hip-hop class session, and he shows romantic interest in her. However, she is unsure whether she is ready to date again. She spends the rest of the day overseeing renovations with her two employees at the new House of Beauty and Glamour location.

Kwame and his mother, Carolyn, arrive; Loretha helps them move their bags into their bedrooms. Kwame reunites with Parker while Loretha and Carolyn bond over their shared experiences with diabetes. Loretha comments about Kwame being Carl’s son, but Carolyn reveals there was a misunderstanding and that Kwame is not Carl’s son; he is the son of Carl’s brother, Earl.

Jalecia emails Loretha to explain how much the treatment facility has helped and how she plans to stay another 28 days to reinforce what she has learned. Loretha goes shopping to prepare for a cruise; while out, Loretha encounters Odessa, whom she invites along. Odessa is surprised but accepts.

The four friends and their plus ones meet on the cruise ship and plan their first day. Odessa thanks Loretha for inviting her, which leads to a conversation about why they have been consistently mean to each other. They make amends, and the group spends the following days enjoying the water slide, hot stone massages, and dancing.

Loretha and her friends gather on deck during the final night of the cruise to say goodbye to Poochie. Loretha says a few words, and as they spread her ashes in the Pacific Ocean, Loretha promises they will all live healthier lives in her honor.