Photo: CBS/Photofest.Death is subject sitcoms seldom touch. When they do, it's often presented in a comic light. Think Rachel Green's evil boss getting plowed down by a cab, or Gloria getting dolled up in an oversized black veil for Phil's mom's funeral on Modern Family.
That's what made the character death on last night's episode of Mom, which has dealt with the subject before, so unexpected and shocking. The character wasn't an old relative who'd never been on screen, or someone fans were rooting to get rid of. She was a vibrant young woman struggling with drug addiction, plunging the show into some dark territory.
Last night's episode saw Emily Osment's character Jodi, a recovering teen addict taken in by her AA sponsor Christy (Anna Faris), die from a drug overdose. The show ended with a PSA from Faris and co-star Allison Janney urging viewers with addiction issues to seek help.
Fans were quick to react to the death on social media. Even Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, who appeared in the show's PSA, chimed in.
Thank you @AllisonBJanney, @AnnaKFaris, @MomCBS&@CBScares for helping spread the truth about #addiction.
— U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) February 19, 2016
Thank you @MomCBS for the powerful message. Watching with my husband as he celebrates 27 years sober. #Momaholics
— Tina Anderson (@dreamie32) February 19, 2016
What a heavy #Mom episode. I did not see that coming. But well done. Watch this show guys. It's not your typical network sitcom. @MomCBS
— Christian D. Rillera (@CDRillera) February 19, 2016
@thesaintlybrew@EmilyOsment@MomCBS I yelled out NO😭 I'm shocked sad and mad
— Carolyn (@rumtogo) February 19, 2016
Still stunned w/ tonight's ep of @MomCBS. Perfect example of how real addiction can be though. The show is unlike any other sitcom. #respect
— Trevor Cancilla (@trevcosi23) February 19, 2016
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Kerry Washington & Her Mom Geek Out Over Game Of Thrones
Scandal Season 5, Episode 11 Recap: The Ex-Girlfriend Gang
The One Where The Friends Cast Took A Trip To Las Vegas