Can't Find My Way Back Home

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Should Pete Help His Mother Leave Prison?
By Moira McMahon, Researcher

In episode 409, "Can't Find My Way Back Home," Pete's brother, Adam, arrives unexpectedly, hoping to recruit Pete to help their mother. Their mother's been in prison for many years for killing her boyfriend. The murder occurred when Pete and Adam were just kids.

There are certain medical conditions that can be used as a reason to be released from prison. Pete's mother, Frances, has multiple health problems because of a lifetime of smoking and alcohol abuse. Pete asks Sam to review his mom's medical records. Sam sees that she has a lot of unfortunate consequences from her unhealthy life, but she doesn't have a condition that will get her released.

She's old, and sick. She's harmless now. Pete asks Sam to say that his mother does have the heart condition that would get her released. Sam hesitantly agrees to go along, if that's what Pete really wants. So now it's up to Pete. Will he lie to get his mother out of prison?

Pete has only wanted one thing from Frances, the love only a mother can give. But she hasn't been able to do that. She lost herself in addiction which led to the killing of the one man who showed Pete and Adam any kindness at all. Pete asks her if she's sorry for taking a life. Instead of showing remorse, she wants to make a deal. If she says she's sorry, does that mean she can get out of prison?

Pete can't go through with it. His mother's still the same selfish person Pete remembers from his childhood. She doesn't have any remorse for her crime, or for being absent as a mother. Pete realizes that if she stays in prison or if she gets out, it won't change anything. He chooses not lie for his mother. He leaves her in prison to serve out her sentence.

Did Pete make the right decision?

Shouldn't Pete give his mother a second chance? What acts are unforgivable?

What would YOU do?