Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage: Secrets, Lies, and a Chunk of Change review: Digging out of debt

Georgie and Mandy have significant debts to settle, bringing on a relatable challenge. In Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage season 1, episode 3, "Secrets, Lies, and a Chunk of Change," Mandy decides to return to work as she and her husband have a daughter to raise. The direction is logical, but there's also a heavier motive behind it.

Caution: There are spoilers for Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage season 1, episode 3 in this post.

Only three episodes in, and we're beginning to see some impactful drama advancing. Sure, no one wants drama in a marriage, but Georgie and Mandy work as a team to get through it, despite a few beginning obstacles, and the results were in their favor.

Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage season 1, episode 3, "Secrets, Lies, and a Chunk of Change" review

There will be roadblocks in a marriage, and debt, especially in the form of credit cards, will be one of them at some point. That's the case between Georgie and Mandy, with the latter accruing $12,000 in charges between four cards. Naturally, this fuels Georgie emotionally, as Mandy kept her debt a secret from him. Given his young age, you'd think it'd be Georgie, but nope, this one is on Mandy. It also shows that her husband is mature beyond his years and "Chunk of Change" continues highlighting the characteristic.

Which goes to show, that age is nothing but numbers.

However, the debt isn't entirely Mandy's fault, as she helped out an ex-boyfriend with a broken wrist at the Emergency Room. But the guy is a total deadbeat who hasn't paid reimbursed a dime, so thanks to Jim's assistance, Georgie locates the ex, Nick, for what's due. As mentioned, Nick's a deadbeat with an alcohol problem, so Georgie is having major doubts despite being calm and reassured about their meeting.

Nick writes a check as payment, but when Georgie goes to the bank to deposit it, it's a bad check, much to his suspicion. He has a brief encounter with Nick at the bank, and calls him out for it. Nick is there for an entirely different purpose, and it isn't legal.

To help resolve the debt, Mandy works a three-night shift at the diner, and Georgie devises a financial boosting plan for the Garage. As Jim has a dormant tow truck, why not use it to fix flat tires for people? The plan is a go after MeMaw works out her part with the police and the Garage gives them a softball sponsorship.

The only down part to getting out of debt is spending less time with one another and CeeCee, but it's a sacrifice Georgie and Mandy are willing to take to make things right and put their union in a stronger hold.

Some Georgie and Mandy grabs

• To those wondering that $12,000 isn't bad of a debt, remember, this show is placed in 1994, and the amount is equivalent to almost $26,000 due to inflation.

• Audrey must settle her bitterness towards Georgie, as he's trying to step up and become a fantastic husband and provider, as was immensely depicted in "Secrets, Lies, and a Chunk of Change."

• The fact when a "Me" problem becomes an "Us" problem is the overall theme, and the couple contemplate mutually to make it a "we conquered it" solution is realistic an wonderful, as it tells the truth of what could happen.

• Connor McAllister is slowly coming into the mix, and while a quiet and subdued individual, he has potential.

As Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage has been granted a full season order, expect to encounter more highs and lows (but not a divorce) from this young couple.

Georgie and Mandy airs on CBS on Thursdays at 8/7c. Catch up the next day on Paramount+.