Episode Title: Season 1, Episode 9

A bitter winter chill settles over Milbridge, prompting Myra to serve up a controversial new lunch special: the "Conked Out Fish Sandwich," a spin on a Caribbean conch fritter using local oysters and clams. Regulars Aiden and Caiden are bewildered by the "chopped fish" concept but are eventually won over, leading Aiden to make a clumsy and ill-fated romantic confession to Myra right in the middle of the lunch rush.

Meanwhile, Gordon prepares for a trip to Portland to advise Myra's ex-husband, Glenn, on how to spot faked boat damage for his new insurance job—or perhaps how to commit it. Myra frets that her son Ethan's holiday visit to his girlfriend's stable family will make him resent his own "messed up" upbringing.

Later that evening, the new artist in town, Neil, shares his backstory with Boots Morrin, revealing how a wild trip to Europe and a Swiss DJ named "Sugar" inspired his artistic freedom. The night ends with Boots and Gordon leaving together, sparking gossip about the nature of their relationship.

Major Themes

• Culinary Innovation vs. Tradition: Myra continues to challenge the locals' palates, this time reinterpreting a tropical dish (Conch Fritters) with New England ingredients (clams, oysters, barley), causing confusion but ultimately delight.
• The Ethics of Survival: Gordon discusses the gray areas of maritime life, explaining how desperate fishermen might fake accidents for insurance money when the catch is poor, and debating whether Glenn will stay "on the straight and narrow".
• Parental Insecurity: Myra's fear that her son will prefer his girlfriend's "normal" family highlights her own insecurities about being a single mother and the chaotic environment she raised him in.
• Artistic Freedom: Neil shares his philosophy that art is about feeding the audience what they want, while also holding onto the lesson from his muse to "paint whatever I want" and be free.
• Romantic Missteps: Aiden's awkward proposal to Myra—suggesting they "climb to the top" of the culinary world together—is met with a harsh rejection, reinforcing Myra's independence and professional pride.