Job Hunting

   This is a relatable episode for many, particularly with the economy as it is. Finding work is very important and very stressful when it's not immediately available. This episode addresses issues with finding work in terms of sexism, but primarily in terms of agism. It's an interesting scenario, really. I don't know what the ideal age is for finding work. I'm guessing somewhere in your late 30s and early 40s? Too young and you're seen as lacking experience. Too old and you're considered immutable and a bad investment for the employer in question.

Punching up the resume.

     



     Regardless, Dorothy does a fabulous job of bolstering Rose's confidence during their "come to Jesus moment" in Rose's bedroom. I love when you get to see the girls going out of their way to support each other! True to the nature of the show, the writers manage to squeeze in a comedic moment (at Blanche's expense) during an otherwise sad and stressful moment for Rose.

Dorothy's face when she learns an old crush is in town.
Priceless!

    This all leads to the girls making their way to the kitchen for a late night treat (our 2nd cheesecake moment of the show thus far!). This marks their first legitimate late night discussion about sexuality and, I believe, sets a precedent for the rest of the series. I'm continually fascinated at how the show manages to push the boundaries of women on television. For me, it demonstrates how women interact with one another in private settings, and although Golden Girls stars older women, their behaviors and concerns really apply to women of all ages.

Cheesecake, of course! 

   
     Ultimately, Rose lands a job working as a waitress in a coffee shop. Four days a week, twelve hours a day...12 hour days for a person her age is a lot! It's a lot for anyone, particularly in the restaurant business. This brings me to a major continuity issue, however. There's never again any mention of her working at the coffee shop and they stick to the original story that she works at a grief counseling center for several seasons (until she makes a career move to work in television). The lack of continuity is my only major criticism of the Golden Girls as a series, but this can probably be attributed to having too many writers who weren't necessarily collaborating. That said, Golden Girls was nominated for the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy series in 6 out of its 7 seasons (winning 2 consecutive years in 1986 & 1987),
and you can't argue with results like that!


References: Dan Rather, Scarlett O'Hara, Buddy Ebsen, Mary Lou Retton, Jimmy Hoffa

Quote of the day:

"I'm as jumpy as a virgin at a prison rodeo." -Blanche

Cheesecake count: 2

St. Olaf v. Sicily: 0 to 1

The Flu (Flu Attack)

I know, I know...I haven't posted in a very long time. But I only have 5 episodes left. I have to finish!

So...

   There's not much to be said about this episode as it is all very straight forward. The girls are preparing to attend a banquet but they all come down with the flu (except Sophia)! They attend the banquet in spite of their shared illness, however. Basically, it's a chance for the audience to laugh at the girls' crankiness and spiteful behavior toward one another.

I have a few thoughts to add, but really there's no need to break this one down at all. It doesn't even have a subplot to address.

-I love Dorothy's flawless grammar. She uses the phrase "I couldn't care less" rather than "I could care less." The latter drives me bonkers!

- The show really is ahead of its time. It features a female doctor, acknowledges the lack of women in the profession, and then goes on to reference transgendered people as well...albeit jokingly, but not in a way that is hurtful or cruel.

-I love how they still pile on the make up despite the fact that the girls are supposed to be sick. Got to love the bright pink lipstick and electric blue eyeshadow!

-I've never looked at pesto the same since hearing the story that it was originally intended as ear salve. I know it's fictional, but it still paints an unpleasant picture!

-The bickering in this episode is legendary! Usually 2 are fighting but it's hilarious when they all are at odds!

-The outfit that was supposedly Don Johnson's was also used in the episode "Nice and Easy." Blanche's niece goes out with a man (Ed) who's obsessed with Miami Vice and he is sporting that same outfit on the show.

Cheesecake count: 1

References: Carry Grant, Norman Mailer, Don Johnson

Quote of the day:

"I haven't had to disappoint so many men since daddy tore down the treehouse."- Blanche

St.Olaf v. Sicily:  0 to 1
*Remember that I only count Rose and Sophia stories if they begin with "Back in St. Olaf" or "Picture it. Sicily..."*