‘Single Drunk Female’ Recap: ‘A Wedding’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘Single Drunk Female’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe, that when we have emerged from an incredible challenge in our lives, that the worst is truly behind us, and that we never have to worry about facing such matters ever again and it makes sense as to why we hold to that line of thinking. After all, we grew during that dark period of time and acquired a new set of skills to deal with our burdens, and the past is indeed in the past. So, in our minds… the chances of ever facing such matters again or letting them get the best of us, is slim to none. Because it's over and now, we’ve got this, and we are ready. But while that is a brave line of thinking, one that genuinely puts us on cloud nine and helps us to get through the day, there are flaws that accompany such thoughts.
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For the universe is cyclical in nature and has a tendency to throw us into familiar situations to truly test us and our mettle and those moments will absolutely inform us of whether or not we've moved beyond the challenge in question and what's wild, is that the everyday person has it easy when it comes to that. Because if your incredible challenge was overcoming addiction, those same surprises and nuggets of chaos… will quickly remind a former addict of the comfort that awaits them by way of their favorite substance and well, when that moment arrives… the recovering individual faces quite the stunning and difficult choice, one that also informs them of where they are in the recovery process, and really, this particular test is top of mind today, because it served as the central theme to the season finale of Single Drunk Female on Freeform. 

Because ‘A Wedding’ put Samantha Fink’s sobriety to the test, in a surprisingly unique manner. For when we catch up with her, here, she’s feeling great. Because she still has a steady job, a support network, and at long last… her probation is finally over, giving her genuine joy and freedom and hope that at long last… she is going to get back on track. In fact, life is treating her so well, that she even gets invited to Brit’s wedding. But what should be a true closure moment for Sam, turns out to be the test in question. For when she is called up to Brit’s private dressing room, because Brit is having a moment filled with fear and worry… everything changes.

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For Brit is angry and filled with doubt regarding her nuptials and despite her consistent ability to keep the peace, and deflect, and find the beauty in each moment, she can’t here, and she just unloads on Sam and informs her of some heartbreaking facts and well… that’s enough to motivate Sam to leave to clear her head and try and hold it together as emotions wash over her and well, that is no easy task. Mainly because, it finally becomes apparent to her that James has fallen off the wagon on her way out the door, and seeing him in such a state and hearing his drunk persona speak ill of everything he told her to hold dear… combined with Brit's breakdown, pushes Sam like never before and puts her in that difficult place. Wherein she has the choice to either give into alcohol’s comfort once again, or use her new skill set to stand tall and find real comfort in growth.
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In the end, Sam chose the latter of those two options and spent her evening, enjoying a little alone time with video games. Wherein she could process the day’s events and use her skill set to aid her in that, and for her efforts, she found peace and strength and comfort that she was on the right path and in quite the surprise… Brit made time to come see Sam after the wedding. To seek forgiveness and to seek the bond they once shared, giving the both of them hope for a renewed friendship and a better tomorrow. One where the sun would rise as it always does and where everything would be okay. Not because this is the end of the story, and this is the happy ending. No instead, that hope exists to send us a powerful message.

In that, tomorrow is another day and that all we can do, is take life one day at a time and handle events as they unfold in the moment… just as Sam did here and that… really is a wonderful way to bring this brilliant season to a close. Since it informs us how far Sam has come and how strong she is now, and how she is ready to handle the challenges ahead, and there will be plenty. For there is still work to be done in patching things up with her mother and Brit, and of course… James’ slip has to be dealt with and life… will still test Sam like never before and well, all that revelation does… is leave us eager for news of a season two renewal. So, we can see this poignant and powerful story continue along and be refreshed by its honesty, and inspired by Sam’s never-ending work, to stay sober and healthy and happy.

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