Second Motherhood

     I actually prefer the subplot to the primary plot of this one. It has a feminist twist, but approaches feminism from a comical standpoint--and it works! It's a very low-key episode in that there's no serious drama and nothing terribly dark or devastating occurs, but it still takes on the notion that women can't do household repairs. Actually, they even address some ageist notions, too. I recognize that these are not at all uncommon themes for "The Golden Girls," but it's prudent to pay attention just the same.

     Rose would be the one to have all the know-how about plumbing, wouldn't she? She may be a bit dippy, but growing up on a farm can give a person some serious skills. I enjoy watching her and Dorothy get excited about their project as they prepare to install the toilet! I equally enjoy watching Dorothy push that nasty plumber out of the house when he insists that the girls' age and their gender will prohibit them from being successful! Not only is it rude of him, it strikes me as an unwise method of attracting customers. If I were in their place, his insistence that I couldn't accomplish a task would make me try all the harder to achieve it. In true Golden Girls fashion, the girls are successful in the end, but not entirely. The toilet is installed and working, but the shower water operates from the bathroom sink. So everything works (mostly) but the writers keep the flow of the show both funny and cute. In keeping with the idea of approaching sexism but balancing it with comedy, I do find it interesting that on more than one occasion Dorothy and Sophia point out that it's pathetic to be more excited to install a toilet than to go on a date. It's interesting because the idea that this should be more exciting to Dorothy than accomplishing a task she's never done before is inherently sexist, so in that way, the show seems to contradict itself, but it's a half hour sitcom so I'm willing to give a bit of leeway there. ;)

     The main plot is too standard to really break down so I'll only comment on a few things that I believe to be worth mentioning. First, I was surprised to hear Blanche say that Richard (her love interest in this episode) is "the sweetest, kindest, most handsome man [she's] ever met." I thought George was the love of Blanche's life. Also, there's a mild inconsistency when we hear Blanche say that she doesn't want to be a mother again. In a later episode she states that she would certainly like to be a mother again because she didn't feel like she had been attentive enough the first time around and even mentions that her children had a nanny growing up. Blanche is a better person than she gives herself credit for, though. I think she breaks off her engagement with Richard with class and graciousness. It's cute how she tries to walk away after calling off the wedding (casually forgetting that she's on a private jet). I think it's a nice touch and an easy way to lighten the mood of an otherwise somewhat sad/disappointing circumstance.


Some quick notes:
1. Someone in that live audience has an interesting laugh....
2. I never realized it before, but Rose's future St. Olaf stories are given in season1 as "on the farm stories." Same basic wackiness but only the lead in changes (remember the lead in is all that counts for the tally I keep!)
3. Great one liners all throughout this episode. I would call it a must see of season 1!
4. Not crazy about Blanche flopping around in the chair on the jet. She's is too classy and too experienced to let that happen on a date. Plus, I don't find it funny.

***
Cheesecake count: 1

St. Olaf v. Sicily: 0 to 1

References: Little Richard

This is so good that I found a clip and linked it for you! Enjoy! :)

Lots of great quotes in this one, but this was the easy pick for today! Quote of the day:

Rose: Dorothy, if the Egyptians built the pyramids, now, we can move this toilet!
Dorothy: Fine. Get me 20,000 Hebrews and I'll have it out of here in no time.

The Operation

There are a number of "Golden Girls" episodes that involve facing surgery--this is one of them. Dorothy is terrified of having surgery and the girls have to help comfort her as she prepares to go under the knife.

I didn't make this, but I found it and thought I'd post it anyway! ;)

It's very unusual for Dorothy to be the irrational one. Generally, she is the practical, level-headed one of the group, but I suppose this demonstrates that even the strongest, most sensible people have their personal fears and struggles. In this respect, I think it's wise to show that Dorothy can become frightened despite her general propensity to remain calm and collected. On a more personal  note, I find the idea of having surgery quite frightening, too. I guess Dorothy and I share that phobia.

The girls are all so caring and supportive of Dorothy, but I think Sophia's attitude is the sweetest of all. She didn't leave Dorothy's side for a moment in the hospital (such a good mother!). Blanche's tender side comes out in this episode, too. Usually, she is depicted as selfish and not too concerned about that which does not directly effect her, but here she is perfectly compassionate. Dorothy's roommate in the hospital is wonderful, too. The show almost always goes back to how the girls get each other through difficult times, but I think it's refreshing that the roommate is such a source of comfort for Dorothy. That little addition just goes to show that people can have a profound impact on your life and your experiences even if your time spent with them is fleeting.

The tap dancing subplot adds a nice flare to the flow of the episode. It's very cutesy to see Blanche and Rose's tap routine and their costumes are so cheesy and fun! Betty White has great legs for a woman in her 60s (at the time of filming)! The best scene, however, is easily the one set in the kitchen where Blanche tells Rose about her fear of performing. When Rose's tough, no-excuses side comes out, it's always a hoot!

Two closing thoughts: 1) Blanche is sure spraying that perfume on thick when she's seated at the vanity in her room. How much perfume does one woman need? 2) One inconsistency deals with Blanche's phobias. In this episode, we learn that she has a fear of performing and a fear of flying. In a later episode, however, she says she has no phobias other than a recurring dream...but we'll not see this for a few seasons.

***
Cheesecake count: 1

St.Olaf v. Sicily: 0 to 1

References: Pat Sajak, The Lone Ranger

Quote of the day:
Blanche: I have a fear of performing (in front of groups, that is)...When I was five, mama enrolled me in a tap dancing class...and then finally it came time for the night of the recital...and then they opened the curtain and the music started and 12 little girls started to dance--and one little girl went her pants. That girl in the puddle was me.

Rose: Hey! We've all got our sad stories...Now you're not going to wimp out on me! You're going to go to that recital! And if you end up in a puddle tonight, well, you just better break into "Singing in the Rain!"