Niki Newman has fallen off the wagon. She was carrying a flask around with her and sneaking drinks. One time she even went to a dive bar to get drunk. Two of Niki's biggest supporters have been friends: Lauren and ex-husband Jack. When they have witnessed her intoxicated, they talk calmly to her. They reassure her. The urge her to contact her sponsor or to attend a meeting. It's a stark contrast to Liz's approach with Finn. That is why she irked me.
Finn didn't fall off the wagon because he got a hang nail or someone sideswiped his car. His dad died. He should not be drinking but he is. She didn't help him in that moment. She talked at him and in rather stern way. She accomplished nothing from the path she took. There is nothing wrong with tough love, but she made a misstep there.
And your mention of not her first rodeo made me think of Sonny. He is spiraling. He severely beat two people. His friends and family are calmly trying to help him. It's not their first rodeo either. The only person to get stern with him was Dante and that came about because he was asking him to do something unethical.
No worries though. The cheese stands alone. I'm used to it 😁
