Women of the House
Encyclopedia
Women of the House is an American
situation comedy
television series. It is a spin-off
of Designing Women
and stars Delta Burke
, who had reconciled with producers after a bitter, highly publicized, off-screen battle.
was ill-prepared for the outspoken, "big, dumb, hick beauty queen's" arrival to the United States House of Representatives
, though she did form an unusual bond with then-current President Bill Clinton
, who was frequently heard off-screen. Along with her, Suzanne dragged her mentally handicapped brother Jim (Jonathan Banks
), her young, adopted daughter Desiree (Brittany Parkyn), and her oft-spoken of (but only once seen) maid, Sapphire Jones (Barbara Montgomery
).
Teri Garr
starred as Suzanne's press secretary
Sissy Emerson, a washed up reporter who had turned to the bottle a few years earlier, but was starting to clean up her act. A pre-Everybody Loves Raymond
s Patricia Heaton
portrayed Natty Hollingsworth, Suzanne's snooty, conservative, anal-retentive, bun-wearing Administrative Assistant whose Congressman boyfriend was serving a prison sentence. Jennifer Malone (Valerie Mahaffey, Julie Hagerty
), known to her co-workers as "Malone," was a vivacious, naive, frail housewife who was recently left by her husband, and whose children were tyrants. The years of sexual repression had taken its toll on Malone and she had begun to become obsessed with sex. Later seen in the cast was Lisa Rieffel
as Veda Walkman, a ditsy Generation X
er who took an internship at the office. In more minor roles were William Newman as Dave, an older gentleman with bad arthritis who worked in the office and Adam Carl as Adam, another intern (which was not the same-named character Carl played in several episodes of Designing Women).
Episodes were somewhat serialized, with running stories about Malone's emerging sexuality, Suzanne's annoyance at having to deal with fishermen and her involvement with a government hearing about the depiction of violence against women portrayed on film. The political jokes were more rampant than in the show's predecessor.
, the character of Jennifer Malone, Suzanne's secretary, was played by two different actresses. The producers' original choice, Julie Hagerty
was unavailable when production began, so Valerie Mahaffey took the role until Hagerty was available. Hagerty quit after taping two episodes, and Mahaffey returned to the role for one more show. In the following episode, Lisa Rieffel
was introduced as intern Veda. Malone's sudden departure was never explained on-screen, though when last seen, she was embarrassed for having asked Suzanne if she could accept the invitation for a date with Ms. Sugarbaker's ex-husband, Dash Goff (Gerald McRaney
).
Similarly, the character of Suzanne's brother Jim (Jonathan Banks
) was quickly phased out of the show, though Suzanne did continue to refer to him in later episodes. Strangely, Banks got a "Special Guest Star" credit in the opening segment of the first eight episodes, though he only appeared in three.
One of the first people attached to star in the series was then-renowned self-help guru Susan Powter
. Powter eventually appeared in the twelfth episode, "Dear Diary," and it was left open for her character to have a heavy recurring role if the series had continued.
. CBS
bounced it on and off the schedule, and the network ultimately aired only nine of the thirteen episodes. After the eighth episode, "The Afternoon Wife," performed poorly in the ratings in March, the network canceled the show. The final episodes were to be aired over the summer. The ninth episode, "Veda," was broadcast in August. It was the last episode CBS would air.
The tenth episode, "Women in Film," featured a myriad of female celebrity cameo appearance
s and ended with a one minute montage of women being brutally abused. CBS agreed to air the episode, but only if the final montage was excised. The scene aired a week early on the tabloid television
show Hard Copy
, but CBS opted not to air the episode at the last moment, and the series abruptly vanished from the air. 21 days after "Women in Film" was initially scheduled to air, the Lifetime
cable network (who had exclusive airing rights at the time for Designing Women) aired the final four episodes (along with a rerun of an earlier episode titled "Men Are Good") as a marathon. "Women in Film" aired last, out of sequence, and the marathon concluded with a brief interview with writer/creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
. The heavily promoted marathon was broadcast several times; none of the other episodes were rerun in the US.
had secured the rights to the complete series, which was slated to be released on DVD in early 2011. In April of 2011, it was announced that the DVD release has been cancelled due to "issues surrounding the source material delivery." No further information regarding the status of the source material has been released, and according to Mill Creek, the DVD's removal from the release schedule is "permanent."
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
situation comedy
Situation comedy
A situation comedy, often shortened to sitcom, is a genre of comedy that features characters sharing the same common environment, such as a home or workplace, accompanied with jokes as part of the dialogue...
television series. It is a spin-off
Spin-off (media)
In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
of Designing Women
Designing Women
Designing Women is an American television sitcom that centered on the working and personal lives of four Southern women and one man in an interior design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. It aired on the CBS television network from September 29, 1986 until May 24, 1993. The show was created by head writer...
and stars Delta Burke
Delta Burke
Delta Ramona Leah Burke is an American television and film actress. Her television work includes a leading role as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom Designing Women...
, who had reconciled with producers after a bitter, highly publicized, off-screen battle.
Premise
Suzanne Sugarbaker's latest husband has died, and as his widow, she assumes his political office for the remainder of his term. Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
was ill-prepared for the outspoken, "big, dumb, hick beauty queen's" arrival to the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
, though she did form an unusual bond with then-current President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
, who was frequently heard off-screen. Along with her, Suzanne dragged her mentally handicapped brother Jim (Jonathan Banks
Jonathan Banks
Jonathan Ray Banks is an American actor in film and television.Banks was born in Washington, D.C. in 1947. His mother worked for the CIA. Banks attended Indiana University Bloomington where he was a classmate of Kevin Kline...
), her young, adopted daughter Desiree (Brittany Parkyn), and her oft-spoken of (but only once seen) maid, Sapphire Jones (Barbara Montgomery
Barbara Montgomery
Barbara Montgomery is an American television and film actress. Montgomery is best known for her role as Cassietta Hetebrink on the sitcom, Amen, Montgomery played the role for four years, and left in 1990...
).
Teri Garr
Teri Garr
-Early life:Garr was born in Lakewood, Ohio in 1947. Her father, Eddie Garr , was a vaudeville performer, comedian and actor whose career peaked when he briefly took over the lead role in the Broadway drama Tobacco Road...
starred as Suzanne's press secretary
Press secretary
A press secretary or press officer is a senior advisor who provides advice on how to deal with the news media and, using news management techniques, helps their employer to maintain a positive public image and avoid negative media coverage....
Sissy Emerson, a washed up reporter who had turned to the bottle a few years earlier, but was starting to clean up her act. A pre-Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond is an American television sitcom that originally ran on CBS from September 13, 1996, to May 16, 2005. Many of the situations from the show are based on the real-life experiences of lead actor Ray Romano, creator/producer Phil Rosenthal and the show's writing staff...
s Patricia Heaton
Patricia Heaton
Patricia Helen Heaton is an American actress, comedienne, producer and model, best known for portraying Debra Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996 to 2005, for which she won two Emmy Awards....
portrayed Natty Hollingsworth, Suzanne's snooty, conservative, anal-retentive, bun-wearing Administrative Assistant whose Congressman boyfriend was serving a prison sentence. Jennifer Malone (Valerie Mahaffey, Julie Hagerty
Julie Hagerty
Julie Hagerty is an American actress and former model.-Early life:Hagerty was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Harriet Yuellig, a model and singer, and Jerry Hagerty, a musician. Her brother Michael Hagerty was also an actor. Her parents later divorced. Hagerty attended Indian Hill High...
), known to her co-workers as "Malone," was a vivacious, naive, frail housewife who was recently left by her husband, and whose children were tyrants. The years of sexual repression had taken its toll on Malone and she had begun to become obsessed with sex. Later seen in the cast was Lisa Rieffel
Lisa Rieffel
Lisa Rieffel is an American singer, musician, and actress.Rieffel was born in Denville, New Jersey. She is a founding member and lead singer of the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Killola, and has been a singer/actress since childhood...
as Veda Walkman, a ditsy Generation X
Generation X
Generation X, commonly abbreviated to Gen X, is the generation born after the Western post–World War II baby boom ended. While there is no universally agreed upon time frame, the term generally includes people born from the early 1960's through the early 1980's, usually no later than 1981 or...
er who took an internship at the office. In more minor roles were William Newman as Dave, an older gentleman with bad arthritis who worked in the office and Adam Carl as Adam, another intern (which was not the same-named character Carl played in several episodes of Designing Women).
Episodes were somewhat serialized, with running stories about Malone's emerging sexuality, Suzanne's annoyance at having to deal with fishermen and her involvement with a government hearing about the depiction of violence against women portrayed on film. The political jokes were more rampant than in the show's predecessor.
Discrepancies
- Brother Jim Sugarbaker was never mentioned in the entire run of Designing Women, though in a 1988 episode titled "Oh, Brother", another Sugarbaker sibling named Clayton was introduced.
- Suzanne makes numerous references to her maid, Sapphire, having been her mammyMammy archetypeThe mammy archetype is perhaps one of the best-known archetypes of African American women. She is often portrayed within a narrative framework or other imagery as a domestic servant of African descent, generally good-natured, often overweight, very dark skinned, middle aged, and loud...
, who stayed on with Suzanne through her entire life. One of the most memorable running plotlines from Designing Women was Suzanne's never-seen, psychotic, immigrant maid Consuela, who caused plenty of trouble for everyone at the Sugarbaker Design Firm.
- In the time since Suzanne departed for Japan when she left Designing Women, she was married twice. Her fourth husband is never mentioned.
- Anthony Bouvier (Meshach TaylorMeshach TaylorMeshach Taylor is an American actor.He is perhaps best known for his role as Anthony Bouvier on the sitcom Designing Women. He also had a major role on the sitcom Dave's World, playing Sheldon Baylor, and appeared in Buffalo Bill.-Personal life:Taylor was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of...
) made a guest appearance in the final episode. While plenty of references were made to his shenanigans with Suzanne on Designing Women, absolutely no mention is made of Etienne, whom Anthony was married to when the series ended.
Casting issues
In an odd casting snafuSNAFU
SNAFU is an acronym that stands for situation normal: all fucked up. It is sometimes bowdlerized to all fouled up or similar. In simple terms, it means that the normal situation is in a bad state, as it always is, therefore nothing unexpected. It is usually used in jest, or as a sign of frustration...
, the character of Jennifer Malone, Suzanne's secretary, was played by two different actresses. The producers' original choice, Julie Hagerty
Julie Hagerty
Julie Hagerty is an American actress and former model.-Early life:Hagerty was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Harriet Yuellig, a model and singer, and Jerry Hagerty, a musician. Her brother Michael Hagerty was also an actor. Her parents later divorced. Hagerty attended Indian Hill High...
was unavailable when production began, so Valerie Mahaffey took the role until Hagerty was available. Hagerty quit after taping two episodes, and Mahaffey returned to the role for one more show. In the following episode, Lisa Rieffel
Lisa Rieffel
Lisa Rieffel is an American singer, musician, and actress.Rieffel was born in Denville, New Jersey. She is a founding member and lead singer of the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Killola, and has been a singer/actress since childhood...
was introduced as intern Veda. Malone's sudden departure was never explained on-screen, though when last seen, she was embarrassed for having asked Suzanne if she could accept the invitation for a date with Ms. Sugarbaker's ex-husband, Dash Goff (Gerald McRaney
Gerald McRaney
Gerald Lee "Mac" McRaney is an American television and movie actor. McRaney is best known as one of the stars of the television shows Simon & Simon, Major Dad, and Promised Land. He was a series regular for the first season of Jericho.-Early life:McRaney was born in Collins, Mississippi, the son...
).
Similarly, the character of Suzanne's brother Jim (Jonathan Banks
Jonathan Banks
Jonathan Ray Banks is an American actor in film and television.Banks was born in Washington, D.C. in 1947. His mother worked for the CIA. Banks attended Indiana University Bloomington where he was a classmate of Kevin Kline...
) was quickly phased out of the show, though Suzanne did continue to refer to him in later episodes. Strangely, Banks got a "Special Guest Star" credit in the opening segment of the first eight episodes, though he only appeared in three.
One of the first people attached to star in the series was then-renowned self-help guru Susan Powter
Susan Powter
Susan Powter is an Australian-born motivational speaker, nutritionist, personal trainer and author, who rose to fame in the 1990s with her catchphrase "Stop the Insanity!" She hosted her own talk show The Susan Powter Show in the 1990s.-Life:Powter was born in Sydney, Australia in 1957, living...
. Powter eventually appeared in the twelfth episode, "Dear Diary," and it was left open for her character to have a heavy recurring role if the series had continued.
Cancellation and controversy
The series was not heavily promoted. It debuted to low ratingsNielsen Ratings
Nielsen ratings are the audience measurement systems developed by Nielsen Media Research, in an effort to determine the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States...
. CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
bounced it on and off the schedule, and the network ultimately aired only nine of the thirteen episodes. After the eighth episode, "The Afternoon Wife," performed poorly in the ratings in March, the network canceled the show. The final episodes were to be aired over the summer. The ninth episode, "Veda," was broadcast in August. It was the last episode CBS would air.
The tenth episode, "Women in Film," featured a myriad of female celebrity cameo appearance
Cameo appearance
A cameo role or cameo appearance is a brief appearance of a known person in a work of the performing arts, such as plays, films, video games and television...
s and ended with a one minute montage of women being brutally abused. CBS agreed to air the episode, but only if the final montage was excised. The scene aired a week early on the tabloid television
Tabloid television
Tabloid television, also known as Teletabloid, is a form of tabloid journalism. Tabloid television newscasts usually incorporate flashy graphics and sensationalized stories.Often, there is a heavy emphasis on crime, stories with good video, and celebrity news...
show Hard Copy
Hard Copy
Hard Copy is an American tabloid news television show that ran in syndication from 1989 to 1999. Hard Copy was aggressive in its use of questionable material on television, including gratuitous violence....
, but CBS opted not to air the episode at the last moment, and the series abruptly vanished from the air. 21 days after "Women in Film" was initially scheduled to air, the Lifetime
Lifetime Television
Lifetime Television, often referred to as Lifetime TV, or most commonly, Lifetime, is an American cable television specialty channel devoted to movies, sitcoms and dramas, all of which are either geared toward women or feature women in lead roles. The cable network is owned by A&E Television Networks...
cable network (who had exclusive airing rights at the time for Designing Women) aired the final four episodes (along with a rerun of an earlier episode titled "Men Are Good") as a marathon. "Women in Film" aired last, out of sequence, and the marathon concluded with a brief interview with writer/creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Linda Bloodworth-Thomason is an American writer and television producer....
. The heavily promoted marathon was broadcast several times; none of the other episodes were rerun in the US.
Main cast
- Delta BurkeDelta BurkeDelta Ramona Leah Burke is an American television and film actress. Her television work includes a leading role as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom Designing Women...
as Suzanne Sugarbaker - Terri Garr as Sissy Emerson
- Patricia HeatonPatricia HeatonPatricia Helen Heaton is an American actress, comedienne, producer and model, best known for portraying Debra Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996 to 2005, for which she won two Emmy Awards....
as Natalie "Natty" Hollingsworth - Valerie Mahaffey as Jennifer Malone (6 episodes)
- Lisa RieffelLisa RieffelLisa Rieffel is an American singer, musician, and actress.Rieffel was born in Denville, New Jersey. She is a founding member and lead singer of the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Killola, and has been a singer/actress since childhood...
as Veda Walkman (5 episodes)
Recurring cast
- Jonathan BanksJonathan BanksJonathan Ray Banks is an American actor in film and television.Banks was born in Washington, D.C. in 1947. His mother worked for the CIA. Banks attended Indiana University Bloomington where he was a classmate of Kevin Kline...
as Jim Sugarbaker - Brittany Parkyn as Desiree "Desi" Sugarbaker
- William M. Newman as Dave
- Adam Carl as Adam
Notable guest stars
- Jamie FarrJamie FarrJamie Farr is an American television, film, and theater actor. He is best known for having played the role of cross-dressing Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger in the television sitcom M*A*S*H.-Early life:...
guest starred as himself in the episode "Guess Who's Sleeping in Lincoln's Bed?", and he gave a nod to the series M*A*S*H by appearing in dragDrag (clothing)Drag is used for any clothing carrying symbolic significance but usually referring to the clothing associated with one gender role when worn by a person of another gender. The origin of the term "drag" is unknown, but it may have originated in Polari, a gay street argot in England in the early...
. Amongst the writing staff of M*A*S*H was Women of the House writer/creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. - Gerald McRaneyGerald McRaneyGerald Lee "Mac" McRaney is an American television and movie actor. McRaney is best known as one of the stars of the television shows Simon & Simon, Major Dad, and Promised Land. He was a series regular for the first season of Jericho.-Early life:McRaney was born in Collins, Mississippi, the son...
made an appearance in "The Afternoon Wife", playing Suzanne's ex-husband, novelist Dash Goff, a character that originated on Designing Women. By this point, McRaney and series lead Delta Burke were married in real life. - Meshach TaylorMeshach TaylorMeshach Taylor is an American actor.He is perhaps best known for his role as Anthony Bouvier on the sitcom Designing Women. He also had a major role on the sitcom Dave's World, playing Sheldon Baylor, and appeared in Buffalo Bill.-Personal life:Taylor was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of...
reprised his Designing Women role of Anthony Bouvier in the episode "Dear Diary". - Susan PowterSusan PowterSusan Powter is an Australian-born motivational speaker, nutritionist, personal trainer and author, who rose to fame in the 1990s with her catchphrase "Stop the Insanity!" She hosted her own talk show The Susan Powter Show in the 1990s.-Life:Powter was born in Sydney, Australia in 1957, living...
was initially announced as a cast member of the series. She finally showed up in Episode 12, "Dear Diary". - Charles FrankCharles FrankCharles R. Frank is an American actor noted for playing Bret Maverick's cousin Ben Maverick in the 1978 TV-movie The New Maverick with James Garner and Jack Kelly, and in the short-lived 1979 television series Young Maverick. Graduated with the class of 1969 from MIddlebury College.-Career:From...
appeared as the oft-spoken of Congressman Ed Sharkey in the final episode, "The Conjugal Cottage." Frank starred opposite Delta Burke and Dixie CarterDixie CarterDixie Virginia Carter was an American film, television and stage actress, best known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom Designing Women...
in Linda Bloodworth-Thomason's 1982 sitcom Filthy RichFilthy Rich (1982 TV series)Filthy Rich is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from August 1982 to July 1983. Starring Dixie Carter and Delta Burke, the series satirized prime-time soap operas such as Dallas and Dynasty.-Plot:...
. - Telma HopkinsTelma HopkinsTelma Louise Hopkins is an American singer and television actress. A member of the 1970s pop group Tony Orlando and Dawn, she later starred in several television sitcoms, including Bosom Buddies, Gimme a Break!, Family Matters, Getting By, and Half & Half...
starred as a wisecracking cop in the episode "The Conjugal Cottage". - The episode "Women in Film" featured cameos by Loni AndersonLoni AndersonLoni Kaye Anderson is an American actress who played the role of Jennifer Marlowe on the television sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati.- Early life :...
, Brett ButlerBrett Butler (comedian)Brett Butler is an American actress, writer, and stand-up comedian, best known for playing the title role in the comedy series Grace Under Fire.-Early life:...
, Roseanne BarrRoseanne BarrRoseanne Cherrie Barr is an American actress, comedian, writer, television producer and director. Barr began her career in stand-up comedy at clubs before gaining fame for her role in the sitcom Roseanne. The show was a hit and lasted nine seasons, from 1988 to 1997...
, Rita MorenoRita MorenoRita Moreno is a Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress. She is the only Hispanic and one of the few performers who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, and was the second Puerto Rican to win an Academy Award....
, Marilyn ChambersMarilyn ChambersMarilyn Chambers was an American pornographic actress, exotic dancer, model, actress and vice-presidential candidate...
, Marilyn McCooMarilyn McCooMarilyn McCoo is an American singer, actress, and television presenter, who is best known for being the lead female vocalist in the group The 5th Dimension, as well as hosting the 1980s music countdown series Solid Gold...
, Deidre HallDeidre HallDeidre Ann Hall is a dramatic American actress best known for her portrayal of Dr. Marlena Evans on NBC's daytime drama Days of our Lives, which she played for over 29 years, and is to return to the role this summer. The character is considered an icon to the soap, and has been experienced some of...
, Elizabeth AshleyElizabeth AshleyElizabeth Ashley is an American actress who first came to prominence as the ingenue in the Broadway play Take Her, She's Mine, which earned her a Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Play.-Early life:...
, Joan Van ArkJoan Van ArkJoan Van Ark is an American actress, most notable for her role as Valene Ewing, which she originated on the CBS series Dallas and continued for thirteen seasons on its spin-off, Knots Landing...
, and Stephanie Powers.
Season 1 (1995)
13 episodes| Episode # | Airdate | Title | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 4, 1995 | "Miss Sugarbaker Goes to Washington (1)" | Suzanne arrives in Washington to fill her husband's seat in Congress. She agrees to go on CNN CNN Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States... 's political Crossfire Crossfire (TV series) Crossfire was a current events debate television program that aired from 1982 to 2005 on CNN. Its format was designed to present and challenge the opinions of a politically liberal pundit and a conservative pundit.-Format:... TV series, where she makes a fool of herself with her off-the-cuff comments.
|
| 2 | January 4, 1995 | "Miss Sugarbaker Goes to Washington (2)" | As a result of Suzanne's Crossfire Crossfire (TV series) Crossfire was a current events debate television program that aired from 1982 to 2005 on CNN. Its format was designed to present and challenge the opinions of a politically liberal pundit and a conservative pundit.-Format:... appearance, she becomes involved in a scandal dubbed "Knickknack-Gate." Jonathan Banks Jonathan Ray Banks is an American actor in film and television.Banks was born in Washington, D.C. in 1947. His mother worked for the CIA. Banks attended Indiana University Bloomington where he was a classmate of Kevin Kline... , Brittany Parkyn, James Tartan, M.C. Gainey, Jeff Doucette Jeff Doucette Jeff Doucette is an American television and film actor. Doucette has appeared in over 92 films and television series which include Bedazzled, That '70s Show, Malcolm in the Middle, Murphy Brown, Invasion, "Gilmore Girls", Desperate Housewives, Newhart, Little House on the Prairie, Highway To... , James Stewart James Stewart (actor) James Maitland Stewart was an American film and stage actor, known for his distinctive voice and his everyman persona. Over the course of his career, he starred in many films widely considered classics and was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one in competition and receiving one Lifetime... (archive footage) And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" is a torch song from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, with lyrics by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger... " performed by Jennifer Holliday Jennifer Holliday Jennifer-Yvette Holliday is an African-American singer and Tony Award-winning actress. She started her career on Broadway in musicals such as Dreamgirls, and later became a successful recording artist... |
| 3 | January 9, 1995 | "Guess Who's Sleeping in Lincoln's Bed" | When the Clinton's cancel their dinner engagement at the last moment, they invite Suzanne to stay at the White House White House The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical... . Once there, she promptly destroys the historic Lincoln Bed. Meanwhile, Malone begins obsessively sketching nude men. Guest-star Jamie Farr Jamie Farr Jamie Farr is an American television, film, and theater actor. He is best known for having played the role of cross-dressing Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger in the television sitcom M*A*S*H.-Early life:... reunites with M*A*S*H writer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. Jamie Farr Jamie Farr is an American television, film, and theater actor. He is best known for having played the role of cross-dressing Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger in the television sitcom M*A*S*H.-Early life:... , Michael Danek, Bud Leslie, Glenn Taranto Glenn Taranto Glenn Taranto is an American actor and screenwriter, perhaps best known for his role as Gomez on The New Addams Family.... , Kate Randolph Burns, Gary Newton Gary Newton Gary Basil Newton was an American field hockey player. He competed for the Americans at the 1984 Summer Olympics. His brother Michael was one of his teammates at the Olympics.-External links:*... Da Doo Ron Ron "Da Doo Ron Ron" is a 1963 hit single by The Crystals, produced by Phil Spector in his Wall of Sound style. The song was written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Spector. The drummer was Hal Blaine.... ," "Don't Mess with Bill Don't Mess with Bill "Don't Mess with Bill" is a million-selling Gold certified 1966 single recorded by The Marvelettes for Motown Records' Tamla label. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, "Don't Mess with Bill" features a lead vocal by Wanda Young. The single peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in... ", "Wedding Bell Blues Wedding Bell Blues "Wedding Bell Blues" is a song written and recorded by Laura Nyro in 1966 that became a number one hit for The 5th Dimension in 1969 and subsequently a popular phrase in American culture... " performed by Delta Burke Delta Burke Delta Ramona Leah Burke is an American television and film actress. Her television work includes a leading role as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom Designing Women... |
| 4 | January 11, 1995 | "That's What Friends Are For" | Sissy finds herself homeless just as her deprecating rival comes to town. Meanwhile, Suzanne decides to write an article about the "inter-racial bond" she shares with her maid, Sapphire.
Jonathan Banks Jonathan Ray Banks is an American actor in film and television.Banks was born in Washington, D.C. in 1947. His mother worked for the CIA. Banks attended Indiana University Bloomington where he was a classmate of Kevin Kline... , Barbara Montgomery Barbara Montgomery (US actress) Barbara Montgomery is an American television and film actress. Montgomery is best known for her role as Cassietta Hetebrink on the sitcom, Amen, Montgomery played the role for four years, and left in 1990... , Brittany Parkyn, Deborah May Deborah May Deborah May is a television and film actress. She has appeared in such TV shows as ER, The Golden Girls, Days of our Lives, The Larry Sanders Show, Murder One, St... , Lou Rawls Lou Rawls Louis Allen "Lou" Rawls was an American soul, jazz, and blues singer. He was known for his smooth vocal style: Frank Sinatra once said that Rawls had "the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game"... (archive footage) You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" is a song performed by R&B singer Lou Rawls on his 1976 album All Things in Time. The song proved to be Rawls' breakthrough hit, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&B and Easy Listening charts. The single also reached... " performed by Lou Rawls Lou Rawls Louis Allen "Lou" Rawls was an American soul, jazz, and blues singer. He was known for his smooth vocal style: Frank Sinatra once said that Rawls had "the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game"... |
| 5 | January 18, 1995 | "Men Are Good" | Malone, who never dated anyone but her high school sweetheart, is asked out by a handsome widower.
|
| 6 | January 25, 1995 | "You Talk Too Much" | The staff convenes at Suzanne's house to randomly monitor violently monitor violence against women on television for an upcoming congressional hearing. Meanwhile Suzanne is trying to diet and Natty reports Sissy to the F.B.I.
Julie Hagerty Julie Hagerty is an American actress and former model.-Early life:Hagerty was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Harriet Yuellig, a model and singer, and Jerry Hagerty, a musician. Her brother Michael Hagerty was also an actor. Her parents later divorced. Hagerty attended Indian Hill High... , William Newman, Jennifer Williams, Darrell Harris, Maryann Sanders Something to Talk About Something to Talk About is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard and recorded by Bonnie Raitt in 1990, from her 1991 album Luck of the Draw. It was released to U.S... " performed by Shirley Eikhard Shirley Eikhard Shirley Rose Eikhard is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Her song, "Something to Talk About", was recorded by musician Bonnie Raitt to significant success in the 1990s. She sang the theme song to the movie The Passion of Ayn Rand, "Love is, Love is Not"... ; "Happy Days Are Here Again Happy Days Are Here Again "Happy Days Are Here Again" is a song copyrighted in 1929 by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen and published by EMI Robbins Catalog, Inc./Advanced Music Corp... " performed by Patricia Heaton Patricia Heaton Patricia Helen Heaton is an American actress, comedienne, producer and model, best known for portraying Debra Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996 to 2005, for which she won two Emmy Awards.... ; "You Talk Too Much You Talk Too Much "You Talk Too Much" is a 1960 single by Joe Jones. It was written by Fats Domino's brother-in-law, Reginald Hall, but Fats actually turned down the song.... " performed by Joe Jones Joe Jones (singer) Joe Jones was an American R&B singer, songwriter and arranger... |
| 7 | February 1, 1995 | "Bad Girl" | Malone has a pregnancy scare, Suzanne arranges a meeting with Alaskan fishermen and Sissy sells obscene lingerie.
Julie Hagerty Julie Hagerty is an American actress and former model.-Early life:Hagerty was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Harriet Yuellig, a model and singer, and Jerry Hagerty, a musician. Her brother Michael Hagerty was also an actor. Her parents later divorced. Hagerty attended Indian Hill High... , William Newman, Ellen Dubin Ellen Dubin Ellen Dubin is a Canadian actress. She is best known for her part in the television mini-series Lexx, playing the role of Giggerota.Dubin was born in Toronto, Ontario. From 2004-2006 Dubin starred in the TV series The Collector as Jeri Slate. She was nominated for a Gemini Award for this role... , David J. Partington, Daniel Bryan Cartwell Bad Girls (song) "Bad Girls" is a 1979 single released by American singer Donna Summer, co-written by Summer and the Brooklyn Dreams. The inspiration for her to write the song came after one of her assistants was offended by a police officer who thought she was a street prostitute.A rough version of the song had... performed by Donna Summer Donna Summer LaDonna Adrian Gaines , known by her stage name, Donna Summer, is an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Summer is a five-time Grammy winner and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach... and cast |
| 8 | March 20, 1995 | "The Afternoon Wife" | Suzanne becomes jealous when her ex-husband Dash (Gerald McRaney Gerald McRaney Gerald Lee "Mac" McRaney is an American television and movie actor. McRaney is best known as one of the stars of the television shows Simon & Simon, Major Dad, and Promised Land. He was a series regular for the first season of Jericho.-Early life:McRaney was born in Collins, Mississippi, the son... ) flirts with all of her staffers. McRaney reprises his recurring role from Designing Women Designing Women Designing Women is an American television sitcom that centered on the working and personal lives of four Southern women and one man in an interior design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. It aired on the CBS television network from September 29, 1986 until May 24, 1993. The show was created by head writer... . Gerald McRaney Gerald Lee "Mac" McRaney is an American television and movie actor. McRaney is best known as one of the stars of the television shows Simon & Simon, Major Dad, and Promised Land. He was a series regular for the first season of Jericho.-Early life:McRaney was born in Collins, Mississippi, the son... Something to Talk About Something to Talk About is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard and recorded by Bonnie Raitt in 1990, from her 1991 album Luck of the Draw. It was released to U.S... " performed by Shirley Eikhard Shirley Eikhard Shirley Rose Eikhard is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Her song, "Something to Talk About", was recorded by musician Bonnie Raitt to significant success in the 1990s. She sang the theme song to the movie The Passion of Ayn Rand, "Love is, Love is Not"... ; "Shut Up and Kiss Me Shut up and Kiss Me (song) "Shut Up and Kiss Me" is the title of a song recorded by American country music artist Mary Chapin Carpenter on her 1994 studio album Stones in the Road. The song served as that album's lead-off single, and became her only Number One hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts; it... " performed by Michelle Wright Michelle Wright Michelle Wright is a Canadian country music artist. She is one of the country's most widely recognized and awarded female country singers of the 1990s, winning the Canadian Country Music Association's Fans' Choice Award twice... |
| 9 | August 19, 1995 | "Veda" | Young, sweet, bubbly, "potty-mouth" Veda Walkman joins the office on an internship and instantly annoys her co-workers. Meanwhile Sissy and Natty engage in practical jokes.
Lisa Rieffel Lisa Rieffel is an American singer, musician, and actress.Rieffel was born in Denville, New Jersey. She is a founding member and lead singer of the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Killola, and has been a singer/actress since childhood... , Ann Bellamy, William Newman, Adam Carl, Charles Walker Charles Walker Charles David "Charlie" Walker is an American engineer who flew on three Space Shuttle missions in 1984 and 1985 as a Payload Specialist for the McDonnell Douglas Corporation... I'm Too Sexy "I'm Too Sexy" is a song by English trio Right Said Fred from their album Up. The single topped the American charts for three weeks in early 1992, after having peaked at number two in Britain less than six months earlier.... " performed by Lisa Rieffel Lisa Rieffel Lisa Rieffel is an American singer, musician, and actress.Rieffel was born in Denville, New Jersey. She is a founding member and lead singer of the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Killola, and has been a singer/actress since childhood... |
| 10 | September 8, 1995 | "Women in Film" | Suzanne's staff gathers to again to review violence against women on film for a congressional hearing. A bevy of female stars have cameos, speaking out against violent and exploitive films.
Lisa Rieffel Lisa Rieffel is an American singer, musician, and actress.Rieffel was born in Denville, New Jersey. She is a founding member and lead singer of the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Killola, and has been a singer/actress since childhood... , William Newman, Jason Grant Smith, Tony Carreiro, Shirley Jones Shirley Jones Shirley Mae Jones is an American singer and actress of stage, film and television. In her six decades of television, she starred as wholesome characters in a number of well-known musical films, such as Oklahoma! , Carousel , and The Music Man... , Carol Burnett Carol Burnett Carol Creighton Burnett is an American actress, comedian, singer, dancer and writer. Burnett started her career in New York. After becoming a hit on Broadway, she made her television debut... , Loni Anderson Loni Anderson Loni Kaye Anderson is an American actress who played the role of Jennifer Marlowe on the television sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati.- Early life :... , Roseanne Barr Roseanne Barr Roseanne Cherrie Barr is an American actress, comedian, writer, television producer and director. Barr began her career in stand-up comedy at clubs before gaining fame for her role in the sitcom Roseanne. The show was a hit and lasted nine seasons, from 1988 to 1997... , Brett Butler Brett Butler (comedian) Brett Butler is an American actress, writer, and stand-up comedian, best known for playing the title role in the comedy series Grace Under Fire.-Early life:... , Elizabeth Ashley Elizabeth Ashley Elizabeth Ashley is an American actress who first came to prominence as the ingenue in the Broadway play Take Her, She's Mine, which earned her a Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Play.-Early life:... , Deidre Hall Deidre Hall Deidre Ann Hall is a dramatic American actress best known for her portrayal of Dr. Marlena Evans on NBC's daytime drama Days of our Lives, which she played for over 29 years, and is to return to the role this summer. The character is considered an icon to the soap, and has been experienced some of... , Rita Moreno Rita Moreno Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress. She is the only Hispanic and one of the few performers who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, and was the second Puerto Rican to win an Academy Award.... , Marilyn Chambers Marilyn Chambers Marilyn Chambers was an American pornographic actress, exotic dancer, model, actress and vice-presidential candidate... , Marilyn McCoo Marilyn McCoo Marilyn McCoo is an American singer, actress, and television presenter, who is best known for being the lead female vocalist in the group The 5th Dimension, as well as hosting the 1980s music countdown series Solid Gold... , Joan Van Ark Joan Van Ark Joan Van Ark is an American actress, most notable for her role as Valene Ewing, which she originated on the CBS series Dallas and continued for thirteen seasons on its spin-off, Knots Landing... , Stefanie Powers Stefanie Powers Stefanie Powers is an American actress best known for her role as Jennifer Hart in the 1980s television series Hart to Hart.-Early life:... , Charles C. Stevenson Jr, Rick Hamilton Rick Hamilton Richard R. Hamilton is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the New York Jets. He played college football at the University of Central Florida. He also played for the Orlando Predators .... , Jonathan Terry Jonathan Terry Jonathan Terry is a television and film actor. He is best known for his role as Starker in Halloween III: Season of the Witch and Colonel Glover in The Return of the Living Dead and Return of the Living Dead Part II.-Filmography:... You Always Hurt the One You Love "You Always Hurt the One You Love" is a pop standard, words by Allan Roberts and music by Doris Fisher. It has been performed by many artists over the years, such as The Mills Brothers, Connie Francis , Fats Domino, The Impressions,Frankie Laine, Richard Chamberlain , Peggy Lee, Maureen Evans,... " performed by Willie Nelson Willie Nelson Willie Hugh Nelson is an American country music singer-songwriter, as well as an author, poet, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie , combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger and Stardust , made Nelson one of the most recognized... |
| 11 | September 8, 1995 | "North to Alaska" | Suzanne, Sissy and Natty are sent to Alaska to investigate the spawning habits of salmon. The ladies are awed by the abundance of attractive, eligible bachelors, and they each wind up being bitten by the love bug.
Lisa Rieffel Lisa Rieffel is an American singer, musician, and actress.Rieffel was born in Denville, New Jersey. She is a founding member and lead singer of the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Killola, and has been a singer/actress since childhood... , Gerard Christopher Gerard Christopher Gerard Christopher is an American actor. He was the second actor to play the role of Superboy in the series of the same name . During his tenure on Superboy he would later also be a producer and writer on the series... , Paul Kersey, Peter Reckell Peter Reckell Peter Paul Reckell is an American actor. He is best known for playing Bo Brady, a role he originated in 1983 on the NBC drama Days of our Lives.... It Had to Be You (song) "It Had to Be You" is a popular song written by Isham Jones, with lyrics by Gus Kahn, and was first published in 1924.The song was performed by Priscilla Lane in the 1939 film The Roaring Twenties and by Danny Thomas in the 1951 film I'll See You in My Dreams. The latter film was based loosely upon... " performed by Gerard Christopher Gerard Christopher Gerard Christopher is an American actor. He was the second actor to play the role of Superboy in the series of the same name . During his tenure on Superboy he would later also be a producer and writer on the series... , Paul Kersey, Peter Reckell Peter Reckell Peter Paul Reckell is an American actor. He is best known for playing Bo Brady, a role he originated in 1983 on the NBC drama Days of our Lives.... , and Patricia Heaton Patricia Heaton Patricia Helen Heaton is an American actress, comedienne, producer and model, best known for portraying Debra Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996 to 2005, for which she won two Emmy Awards.... ; "He Touched Me He Touched Me He Touched Me is a 1972 gospel music album by Elvis Presley. It earned Presley his second of three Grammy Awards. It was his third and final studio gospel album, and the most contemporary of the three. The album was certified Gold on 3/27/1992 and Platinum on 7/15/1999 by the RIAA.-Track listing:#... " performed by Patricia Heaton Patricia Heaton Patricia Helen Heaton is an American actress, comedienne, producer and model, best known for portraying Debra Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996 to 2005, for which she won two Emmy Awards.... ; "Honky Tonk Man Honky Tonk Man (song) "Honky Tonk Man" is the title of a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Johnny Horton. It was released in March 1956 as his debut single, reaching #9 on the U.S. country singles charts... " performed by Carl Smith Carl Smith (country musician) Carl Milton Smith was an American country music singer. Known as "Mister Country," Smith was the husband of June Carter and Goldie Hill, the drinking companion of Johnny Cash, and the father of Carlene Carter... |
| 12 | September 8, 1995 | "Dear Diary" | Congresswoman Kirby Seizmore Susan Powter Susan Powter Susan Powter is an Australian-born motivational speaker, nutritionist, personal trainer and author, who rose to fame in the 1990s with her catchphrase "Stop the Insanity!" She hosted her own talk show The Susan Powter Show in the 1990s.-Life:Powter was born in Sydney, Australia in 1957, living... ) from the Ethics Committee launches an investigation into Suzanne's activities, so Suzanne turns to visiting friend Anthony Bouvier to dispose of her diary. Meshach Taylor Meshach Taylor Meshach Taylor is an American actor.He is perhaps best known for his role as Anthony Bouvier on the sitcom Designing Women. He also had a major role on the sitcom Dave's World, playing Sheldon Baylor, and appeared in Buffalo Bill.-Personal life:Taylor was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of... reprises his role from Designing Women Designing Women Designing Women is an American television sitcom that centered on the working and personal lives of four Southern women and one man in an interior design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. It aired on the CBS television network from September 29, 1986 until May 24, 1993. The show was created by head writer... . Meshach Taylor Meshach Taylor is an American actor.He is perhaps best known for his role as Anthony Bouvier on the sitcom Designing Women. He also had a major role on the sitcom Dave's World, playing Sheldon Baylor, and appeared in Buffalo Bill.-Personal life:Taylor was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of... , Susan Powter Susan Powter Susan Powter is an Australian-born motivational speaker, nutritionist, personal trainer and author, who rose to fame in the 1990s with her catchphrase "Stop the Insanity!" She hosted her own talk show The Susan Powter Show in the 1990s.-Life:Powter was born in Sydney, Australia in 1957, living... , Lisa Rieffel Lisa Rieffel Lisa Rieffel is an American singer, musician, and actress.Rieffel was born in Denville, New Jersey. She is a founding member and lead singer of the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Killola, and has been a singer/actress since childhood... , Regis Philbin Regis Philbin Regis Francis Xavier Philbin is an American media personality, actor and singer, known for hosting talk and game shows since the 1960s. Philbin is often called "the hardest working man in show business" and holds the Guinness World Record for the most time spent in front of a television camera... , Kathie Lee Gifford Kathie Lee Gifford Kathie Lee Gifford is an American television host, singer, songwriter and actress, best known for her 15-year run on the talk show Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, which she co-hosted with Regis Philbin... |
| 13 | September 8, 1995 | "The Conjugal Cottage" | Natalie becomes violently ill the same weekend that she's planned to spend with her imprisoned lover. Sissy takes her place to keep Ed (Charles Frank Charles Frank Charles R. Frank is an American actor noted for playing Bret Maverick's cousin Ben Maverick in the 1978 TV-movie The New Maverick with James Garner and Jack Kelly, and in the short-lived 1979 television series Young Maverick. Graduated with the class of 1969 from MIddlebury College.-Career:From... ) from losing the privilege of the conjugal cottage. Meanwhile the ladies try out a line of indestructible pantyhose. Charles Frank Charles Frank Charles R. Frank is an American actor noted for playing Bret Maverick's cousin Ben Maverick in the 1978 TV-movie The New Maverick with James Garner and Jack Kelly, and in the short-lived 1979 television series Young Maverick. Graduated with the class of 1969 from MIddlebury College.-Career:From... reunites with his Filthy Rich Filthy Rich (1982 TV series) Filthy Rich is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from August 1982 to July 1983. Starring Dixie Carter and Delta Burke, the series satirized prime-time soap operas such as Dallas and Dynasty.-Plot:... co-star Delta Burke Delta Burke Delta Ramona Leah Burke is an American television and film actress. Her television work includes a leading role as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom Designing Women... and writer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. Lisa Rieffel Lisa Rieffel is an American singer, musician, and actress.Rieffel was born in Denville, New Jersey. She is a founding member and lead singer of the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Killola, and has been a singer/actress since childhood... , Charles Frank Charles Frank Charles R. Frank is an American actor noted for playing Bret Maverick's cousin Ben Maverick in the 1978 TV-movie The New Maverick with James Garner and Jack Kelly, and in the short-lived 1979 television series Young Maverick. Graduated with the class of 1969 from MIddlebury College.-Career:From... , Telma Hopkins Telma Hopkins Telma Louise Hopkins is an American singer and television actress. A member of the 1970s pop group Tony Orlando and Dawn, she later starred in several television sitcoms, including Bosom Buddies, Gimme a Break!, Family Matters, Getting By, and Half & Half... |
Cultural references
- Basic InstinctBasic InstinctBasic Instinct is a 1992 erotic thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Joe Eszterhas, and starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone....
- The infamous scene with Sharon StoneSharon StoneSharon Vonne Stone is an American actress, film producer, and former fashion model. She achieved international recognition for her role in the erotic thriller Basic Instinct...
's pantiless crotch is discussed in the episode "Women in Film." - Boxing HelenaBoxing HelenaBoxing Helena is a 1993 romantic drama film and the debut feature film by Jennifer Chambers Lynch, daughter of David Lynch. The film stars Julian Sands and Sherilyn Fenn as the eponymous Helena.-Plot:...
- Suzanne launches into a rant about the film in the episode "Women in Film", referring to it as "Waltzing Matilda." - CrossfireCrossfire (TV series)Crossfire was a current events debate television program that aired from 1982 to 2005 on CNN. Its format was designed to present and challenge the opinions of a politically liberal pundit and a conservative pundit.-Format:...
- Suzanne appears on the political talk show in "Miss Sugarbaker Goes to Washington". - DeliveranceDeliveranceDeliverance is a 1972 American thriller film produced and directed by John Boorman. Principal cast members include Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ronny Cox and Ned Beatty in his film debut. The film is based on a 1970 novel of the same name by American author James Dickey, who has a small role in the...
- The film is referenced in the episode "Bad Girl"; the infamous rape scene with Ned BeattyNed BeattyNed Thomas Beatty is an American actor who has appeared in more than 100 films and has been nominated for an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain and a Golden Globe Award; won a Drama Desk Award....
is discussed at length in the episode "Women in Film". - Driving Miss DaisyDriving Miss DaisyDriving Miss Daisy is a 1989 American comedy-drama film adapted from the Alfred Uhry play of the same name. The film was directed by Bruce Beresford, with Morgan Freeman reprising his role as Hoke Colburn and Jessica Tandy playing Miss Daisy...
- In the episode "That's What Friends Are For", Suzanne writes an article about the interracial bond she shares with her maid, tentatively titled "Driving Miss Suzanne." A few other references to the film appear in the episode. - Forrest GumpForrest GumpForrest Gump is a 1994 American epic comedy-drama romance film based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film was directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Gary Sinise...
- Referenced as the number one film in America in the episode "Women in Film"; in the episode "North to Alaska", Suzanne says she was distracted while watching the film and didn't hear the final word in the line "Life is like a box of chocolates." - Inspector MorseInspector Morse (TV series)Inspector Morse is a detective drama based on Colin Dexter's series of Chief Inspector Morse novels. The series starred John Thaw as Chief Inspector Morse and Kevin Whately as Sergeant Lewis. Dexter makes a cameo appearance in all but three of the episodes....
- The plot of an episode is discussed in the episode "You Talk Too Much". - M*A*S*H - Jamie FarrJamie FarrJamie Farr is an American television, film, and theater actor. He is best known for having played the role of cross-dressing Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger in the television sitcom M*A*S*H.-Early life:...
guest-stars as himself in "Guess Who's Sleeping in Lincoln's Bed?", and he ultimately gets into dragDrag (clothing)Drag is used for any clothing carrying symbolic significance but usually referring to the clothing associated with one gender role when worn by a person of another gender. The origin of the term "drag" is unknown, but it may have originated in Polari, a gay street argot in England in the early...
. - Mr. Smith Goes to WashingtonMr. Smith Goes to WashingtonMr. Smith Goes to Washington is a 1939 American drama film starring Jean Arthur and James Stewart about one man's effect on American politics. It was directed by Frank Capra and written by Sidney Buchman, based on Lewis R. Foster's unpublished story. Mr...
- Referenced numerous times in the episode "Miss Sugarbaker Goes to Washington". - Nine 1/2 Weeks - The film is discussed at length in the episode "Women in Film".
- Sonny BonoSonny BonoSalvatore Phillip "Sonny" Bono was an American recording artist, record producer, actor, and politician whose career spanned over three decades.-Early life:...
- In the episode "Women in Film", Suzanne is jealous that Senator Bono was awarded "Best Buns" in a superficial 'best and worst of Washington' article. - Bill ClintonBill ClintonWilliam Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
- Mentioned in many episodes, heard off-screen at times. - Hillary Clinton - Numerous references throughout the series.
- Newt GingrichNewt GingrichNewton Leroy "Newt" Gingrich is a U.S. Republican Party politician who served as the House Minority Whip from 1989 to 1995 and as the 58th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999....
- The butt of jokes in many episodes. - Jesse HelmsJesse HelmsJesse Alexander Helms, Jr. was a five-term Republican United States Senator from North Carolina who served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1995 to 2001...
- A plot in "You Talk Too Much" finds Sissy pulling a prank on Natty by saying she spit in Senator Helms's soup. When Helms is rushed to the hospital under mysterious circumstances, Natty reporters Sissy to the F.B.I.. - James StewartJames Stewart (actor)James Maitland Stewart was an American film and stage actor, known for his distinctive voice and his everyman persona. Over the course of his career, he starred in many films widely considered classics and was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one in competition and receiving one Lifetime...
- Referenced numerous times in "Miss Sugarbaker Goes to Washington".
DVD release
Mill Creek EntertainmentMill Creek Entertainment
Mill Creek Entertainment is a home entertainment company that manufactures movie and television DVD compilation box sets at "value" prices. Nashville's Amity Entertainment is an affiliate to Mill Creek...
had secured the rights to the complete series, which was slated to be released on DVD in early 2011. In April of 2011, it was announced that the DVD release has been cancelled due to "issues surrounding the source material delivery." No further information regarding the status of the source material has been released, and according to Mill Creek, the DVD's removal from the release schedule is "permanent."