Rhoda
In this spin-off of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," Rhoda Morgenstern leaves best pal Mary Richards and her other friends in Minneapolis, Minn., to try her luck in Manhattan.
Genre: Comedy
Cast:Valerie Harper , Julie Kavner , Lorenzo Music , David Groh , Nancy Walker , Ron Silver , Ray Buktenica , Kenneth McMillan , Harold Gould , Michael DeLano , Rafael Campos , Barbara Sharma , Scoey Mitchell , Richard Masur , Nancy Lane , Anne Meara , Beverly Sanders , Wes Stern
S1.E1 ∙ Joe
Rhoda goes on vacation to New York, planning just a short visit. But, she meets a businessman named Joe and they fall in love with each other. She decides to move to New York to stay.
S1.E2 ∙ You Can Go Home Again
Rhoda decides it is time to move out of Brenda's apartment, but it is difficult to find a reasonably price apartment in New York.
S1.E3 ∙ I'll Be Loving You, Sometimes
Rhoda is hurt when Joe suggests that they date other people.
S1.E4 ∙ Parents' Day
Ida drops by Brenda and Rhoda's apartment on the strong possibility that Joe will be there - based on intel from a reluctant Brenda - Joe who Ida has not yet met. Rhoda, who isn't quite ready for Joe to meet her parents, thwarts Ida's plan of attack as she and Joe are meeting elsewhere for their date. Rhoda later learns the true extent to which Ida will go to meet Joe. When Rhoda and Joe discuss the issue, Joe suggests they make a day out of each meeting the other's parents, they having lunch with Joe's parents, and having dinner with Rhoda's parents that same day. Rhoda agrees, but she urges Ida not to make a fuss. Although nervous about meeting Joe's parents, it's something that they tell her about their own relationship that surprises her. Rhoda is equally as surprised by the Ida who shows up to dinner.
S1.E5 ∙ The Lady in Red
Rhoda is surprised when a publisher contacts her about a book she wrote years before. The book is a humorous look at being overweight. The deal is too good to be true.
S1.E6 ∙ Pop Goes the Question
Joe wants to have a serious talk with Rhoda. She thinks he is going to ask her to marry him, but he asks her to move in together.
S1.E7 ∙ The Shower
Despite the fact that Rhoda doesn't really want one, Brenda convinces Rhoda to let her throw a bridal shower for her. Part of the issue is that all Rhoda's closest friends live in Minneapolis and not New York. So it isn't until the first guest arrives that Brenda tells her who is coming: five of the forty-eight invitees, who were those that wrote anything nice in Rhoda's high school yearbook. Of those five, Rhoda is really looking forward to seeing four of them. The one exception is Linda Monroe, who always purposefully tried to make Rhoda feel inferior, and always succeeded. Rhoda is truly happy to see her first four guests, three of whom have not fundamentally changed since graduation fifteen years ago, but who are at a different point in their life path than when she last saw them. Will Rhoda feel the same about Linda, the last of the guests to arrive?
S1.E8 ∙ Rhoda's Wedding
It's two days before Rhoda and Joe's wedding. One item still of contention between Rhoda and Ida is the wedding itself. Ida wants a larger wedding than Rhoda has planned, and takes steps to ensure she gets what she wants without Rhoda being able to do anything about it. Regardless of whether Rhoda or Ida gets her way on this item, the wedding may end up being just slightly larger than Rhoda planned if only because beyond Mary and Georgette being invited and coming in from Minneapolis for the festivities, three additional people decide to come from Minneapolis as well: Lou, Murray and Phyllis. There are logistical items to work out with these last minute arrivals. In addition, Rhoda is in excited anticipation about what her two favorite people in world, Joe and Mary, will think about each other. With many of the wedding guests convening at Ida and Martin's place for dinner, there are two conspicuously absent people, namely Rhoda and Joe, who have to do something important on this their final night as singletons.
S1.E10 ∙ The Honeymoon
It's the day after Rhoda and Joe's wedding. Brenda has just started dating the wedding accordionist, Nick Lobo. Rhoda and Joe are at home, they who have decided to have a stay at home honeymoon. So they are surprised when they learn that in addition to paying for the wedding, Rhoda's parents are giving them passage on a ten day Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon. After initially declining the gift, Rhoda and Joe are convinced to accept, if only because they figure what they can do at home - wink, wink - they can do on the cruise. However, the cruise is nothing that they expect. In addition to the cramped quarters which includes separate bunks for beds, they are the only passengers on board who are under seventy years of age. Can Rhoda and Joe make the best of a bad situation on board?
S1.E11 ∙ 9-E Is Available
A former girlfriend of Joe's shows up at Joe and Rhoda's apartment. Rhoda tries to be sophisticated about it. Meanwhile, they also want to find a new place to call their own.
S1.E13 ∙ Anything Wrong?
Joe has been working late hours and Rhoda notices something is bothering him.
S1.E14 ∙ 'S Wonderful
Brenda has a new boyfriend and everything is perfect. When she tells Rhoda that sometimes her boyfriend is not available, Rhoda starts to think the man is married.
S1.E15 ∙ Good-Bye Charlie
Joe's friend visits, and while Joe enjoys his company, Rhoda does not.
S1.E16 ∙ Guess What I Got You for the Holidays
The holiday is approaching and Rhoda is excited about exchanging gifts with Joe for their first Christmas together. Joe, however, is worried about his business running out of money.
S1.E17 ∙ Whattaya Think It's There For?
Ida has a feeling something is wrong between Rhoda and Joe, and keeps asking about the problem. Rhoda finally tells her about Joe's business having financial problems. Ida says she and Martin will give him the money.
S1.E18 ∙ Not Made for Each Other
Rhoda's classmate friend visits. Myrna is a smart, successful teacher, but does not know how to let loose and have fun. Rhoda decides to help her meet others and build her confidence.
S1.E19 ∙ Strained Interlude
Rhoda tries to find a way to tell Joe she has run into a former boyfriend, and has asked him to dinner. Joe is jealous.
S1.E20 ∙ Everything I Have Is Yours, Almost
Joe hides the fact that he has been seeing a doctor from Rhoda. When Rhoda finds a bill from the doctor in the mail, she forces Joe to tell her what is wrong.
S1.E21 ∙ Chest Pains
Ida tells Rhoda and Brenda that she is having chest pains, but not to worry, it is something that mothers have to endure. Of course, Rhoda and Brenda drag Ida to the doctor's office to find out what is wrong.
S1.E23 ∙ A Nice Warm Rut
Brenda complains that she has nothing exciting in her life. Rhoda tells Brenda she has to get out of the apartment and do something different for a change.
S1.E24 ∙ Ida, the Elf
Ida thinks Rhoda does not pay enough attention to Joe, and that she does not take care of his needs as she should. Ida decides to fill in the gaps by being the "shoemaker's elf" and doing the things she thinks should be done.
S1.E25 ∙ Along Comes Mary
Rhoda and Joe plan a romantic weekend vacation. There is just one problem with them getting away: Mary Richards shows up for a surprise visit.
S2.E1 ∙ Kiss Your Epaulets Goodbye
Joe and Rhoda's apartment is burglarized. When they find out Carlton let the burglars into the building, they ask to have Carlton fired for not doing his job correctly.
S2.E2 ∙ Rhoda Meets the Ex-Wife
Since Joe cannot pick up his son for the weekend visit, Rhoda says she will do it. Rhoda meets her for the first time.
S2.E3 ∙ Ida's Doctor
Ida tells Rhoda and Brenda she might be having an affair because she is interested in her doctor in a romantic way. Ida needs to know how to handle her feelings.
S2.E4 ∙ Mucho, Macho
Joe and Rhoda go out to dinner for their first anniversary. While Joe goes to find out how long it will be for their table, a man hits on Rhoda. Joe sees it and is ready to start a fight.
S2.E5 ∙ The Party
Rhoda and Joe throw a party and they have some interesting guests that bring the mood of the party down. Brenda's date plays his accordion, and a psychiatrist decides to hold self-help group sessions.
S2.E6 ∙ Brenda's Unemployment
After years of complaining about her crumby job at the bank, Brenda quits. She is happy to be out of the bank, but when she cannot find another job, the bank begins to look like a good place to work.
S2.E7 ∙ With Friends Like These
Brenda is being considered for a new position at the bank and can't wait to find out if she gets it. Meanwhile, Rhoda thinks a friend is taking advantage of her.
S2.E8 ∙ Somebody Down There Likes Him
Brenda rents out part of her apartment to help pay the rent. The new roommate is beautiful, and she thinks Joe is wonderful.
S2.E9 ∙ Call Me Grandma
Ida looks forward to being a grandmother, but Rhoda and Joe are not ready to have children. Ida sets her sight on getting Brenda married as another step towards being a grandmother.
S2.E10 ∙ Myrna's Story
Rhoda's business partner Myrna has a unique way of bringing in new business for Rhoda. Now, Rhoda has to find a way to stop it.
S2.E11 ∙ Love Songs of J. Nicholas Lobo
Joe hosts a farewell party for a worker who is retiring, and Brenda and Nick attend with Rhoda. Nick tells them he plans to leave New York because he is not getting jobs. Brenda asks Joe to hire him at his demolition company.
S2.E12 ∙ Friends and Mothers
An older woman moves into Rhoda's apartment building and they become good friends. Ida thinks Rhoda is acting like she has a new mother and gets jealous.
S2.E13 ∙ A Night with the Girls
Rhoda has invited a couple of gal pals over, but when Myrna shows up, she is canceling to go out with a man she just met. Rhoda decides the gals should go out by themselves one night to prove they do not need men to have a good time.
S2.E14 ∙ Bump in the Night
Joe joins his friends on a fishing trip and Rhoda stays home. The nights are scary when she is in the apartment alone.
S2.E15 ∙ If You Don't Tell Her, I Will
Brenda's friend Sandy asks to move in with her because the commute to work would be shorter. Brenda agrees and they work things out. But then Sandy asks a co-worker to move in as well, and then there are three in the small apartment.
S2.E16 ∙ Rhoda's Sellout
Rhoda comes up with a fresh design for the store windows of a new client, but then finds out he wants the windows done his way. Rhoda has to decide whether to do what is right or to do it his way.
S2.E17 ∙ Attack on Mr. Right
Brenda is excited about a new man she met, but is unsure how to get him interested in her. Rhoda tells her how to attract him.
S2.E18 ∙ If You Want to Shoot the Rapids, You Have to Get Wet
Rhoda and Joe go out with their friends Susie and Arthur. Susie later tells Rhoda that she and Arthur are having marital problems.
S2.E19 ∙ The Return of Billy Glass
A long-time friend of Martin's returns. Even aged, everyone falls for him and thinks he is adorable. Billy still has a crush on Ida, and Martin is afraid of them seeing each other again.
S2.E20 ∙ A Federal Case
Washington, DC based FBI agent Michael Stearns makes what most consider an unreasonable request: to move into Brenda's apartment for an indefinite period of time (meaning that she would have to find other accommodation for that time) while he does some surveillance work on an apartment across the street. Brenda agrees if only because she is attracted to Michael. Insecure Brenda, who ends up staying with a cold plagued Rhoda and Joe upstairs, makes any excuse she can to go to her apartment just so that she can see Michael. He doesn't mind as he too is attracted to her. When both Michael and Brenda come to the point of declaring their mutual attraction for each other, Michael makes a confession: that he is already involved with someone else. Willing to risk getting hurt, Brenda still decides to get involved with him for however long he is in New York. But both Michael and Brenda have to decide what to do once his assignment is completed and he is ready to head back to Washington. For Brenda, what may factor into her decision is how painful the thought of saying goodbye to Michael forever ends up being.
S2.E21 ∙ The Marty Morgan Story
Martin is restless and bored with his life. Ida thinks he is having an affair. One night when Martin again leaves for the evening without an explanation, Ida, Rhoda and Brenda follow him. They find he has a new interest - playing piano.
S2.E22 ∙ Let's Call It Love
Joe tells Rhoda he wants to spend time alone with her, but knows her family always interrupt. She agrees to spend the weekend with him, and ignore calls and visitors.
S2.E23 ∙ It's Not My Fault, Is It?
Lenny decides to ask Brenda to marry him for the seventh time, because seven is a lucky number. Brenda again turns him down.
S2.E24 ∙ Don't Give Up the Office
Rhoda is having financial problems with her business. Most of her customers are not paying her.
S3.E1 ∙ The Separation
Rhoda and Joe are house hunting. They find the house that Rhoda loves, and after their offer is accepted, Joe pulls out. The couple separate until they can work out the problem.
S3.E2 ∙ Together Again for the First Time
Joe and Rhoda are still separated. When Rhoda gets lonely, she visits Joe in his apartment. They talk, but do not find a solution to their problems.
S3.E3 ∙ No Big Deal
Rhoda switches apartments with a neighbor to save money since his is a smaller place. Gary makes a play for Rhoda.
S3.E4 ∙ I Won't Dance
Rhoda is depressed over the separation from Joe, so Brenda convinces Rhoda to go to a singles resort with her.
S3.E5 ∙ H-e-e-e-r-e's Johnny
Brenda's boyfriend Nick arranges a blind date for Rhoda. Johnny is not Rhoda's type.
S3.E6 ∙ Two Little Words... Marriage Counselor
After the latest of what has been their weekly dates, Joe has spent the night with Rhoda. Outwardly, Brenda sees this situation as a good sign. Rhoda, on the other hand, sees it as a bad sign as Joe is too happy in their current situation of dating once a week. Both Brenda and Gary think that Rhoda has to do something professionally about the matter, namely go see a marriage counselor, something which Rhoda had already contemplated previously but was afraid of the outcome. She does believe now is the time, and she is able to convince Joe into going. Rhoda wants to go into the process not looking like the instigator of their problems, but as she and Joe meet with Dr. Fox, that meeting which starts off on a bad footing, they obviously both have issues, but obviously also still love each other and want to be together. But it isn't until near the end of this first session with Dr. Fox that the ultimate question is asked and answered which may be the root of their current situation.
S3.E7 ∙ An Elephant Never Forgets
Both Gary and Brenda are trying to get Rhoda out to prevent her from lamenting about Joe and falling into old bad habits. Gary wants to set her up on a date with another tenant in the building, Eric Jurgenson. As she is not ready to date, Rhoda opts for Brenda's suggestion: accompany her to her latest Weight Control Center meeting, that group which Rhoda herself used to belong to. At the meeting, Brenda gets some unexpected news: she has met her weight loss goal, and thus is kicked out of the group. Brenda takes this news hard as she sees this as yet another rejection, and she has always used her weight as a crutch on which to blame all her life's problems. Brenda also has a hard time giving up what she has done all her life, and that is to hide herself physically and emotionally as not to show what she considered her ugly self to others. Regardless, others do notice, among them being Eric who asks her out. As attracted as Brenda is to Eric, she has to decide if a past encounter, one that Eric probably doesn't remember, will affect her present.
S3.E8 ∙ Rhoda Questions Her Life and Flies to Paris
Rhoda doesn't quite understand Joe's latest complaint about their marriage: that it was too comfortable. The more she thinks about it though, she finally does understand that the marriage was dull, which she didn't really realize, and more so that she herself is dull and not spontaneous. To get herself out of her rut, she wants to do something crazy, but can't figure out what that crazy but also doable thing will be. She draws Brenda into her scheme, the two who will each write three three things down on pieces of paper, and each randomly draw one of those pieces of paper, having to do whatever is written on it. Brenda's task ends up being to telephone Woody Allen whose telephone number she got from the bank and who she has wanted to call since. Rhoda's task ends up being a little more expensive: take a weekend trip to Paris. Although many people, like Sally and Brenda, encourage Rhoda to go through with the trip, many little voices, mostly inside of her and a louder external voice from Joe, who tells her that this trip isn't her, tell her not to go. To who will Rhoda ultimate listen?
S3.E9 ∙ Meet the Levys
Brenda agrees to go out on a date with Gary. She has second thoughts when she finds out the real reason he asked her: it is to accompany him to his parents' place for dinner as he has told them that they have been dating for the last six months. He chose Brenda specifically because she is the type of girl his parents would like, despite she being nowhere near Gary's type. Brenda still decides to go along with the ruse. Shortly before they would be heading off to the dinner, Brenda comes down with the flu. Gary can't tell his parents the truth about Brenda's illness as that's the excuse he's used every other time they have suggested getting together. Brenda still decides to go if only to help Gary. If only to keep Brenda in bed where she truly belongs, Rhoda reluctantly agrees to be Brenda for the evening in front of Gary's parents. Beyond Rhoda trying to remember all those made up things Gary has told his parents about Brenda, many of those things which Rhoda doesn't even know, Rhoda has to pretend to be the sweet, accommodating girl that Brenda really is, which may be the more difficult task. Rhoda forgets one important item, which ultimately places her in survival mode in the Levy home.
S3.E10 ∙ Man of the Year
Rhoda goes out with Sally... top a single bar. Jury when they count be the worst, whilst Sally's walking around the bar, she sees a good-looking man, and tells Rhoda he's heading towards her. When he's close, Rhoda sees him; it's Joe - and he's there with another (younger) women?
S3.E11 ∙ You Deserve a Break Today
While Rhoda is in the bank waiting in Brenda's teller line, a man gets in the long line behind her, he telling her that he wants specifically to be in this line as he is attracted to Brenda. Rhoda does whatever she can to get this man and Brenda together, which does not take much encouragement on either side. They both eventually learn that he is Marty Davidson, a successful businessman who owns three McDonald's franchises. After their first date, Brenda is totally enamored with him, as he's sweet, and treats her like she's the most special person in the world. Brenda is however unprepared for his marriage proposal, which he asks in front of Rhoda only after a few dates. Regardless, Brenda accepts. As Brenda thinks more about the proposal, she comes to the realization that although she loves Marty more than any man she has ever been with, she is not in love with him. She has to decide if that is enough to stay engaged to him, and indeed to continue dating him.
S3.E12 ∙ A Touch of Classy
Sally is staying temporarily with Rhoda while work is being done on her own apartment. During this stay, Sally receives a visit at Rhoda's from her airline pilot ex-husband, Lloyd Zimmer, the two who got divorced because of his philandering despite the fact that Sally sees him as a descent guy otherwise. Lloyd, who philandered in part to overcome his insecurity of being short, comes bearing news: he is getting remarried, and he wants Sally's blessing... to reduce his alimony to her on fiancée Cissy's wants. In discussing the issue with Rhoda and Brenda, Sally has mixed emotions about the situation. She can screw Lloyd by not giving in to his request. But if she does agree, she will never have to deal with Lloyd ever again. Sally decides what she is going to do, but, as a gesture, decides to have a dinner with Lloyd and Cissy together. After meeting Cissy, Sally changes her mind about what she is going to do, which affects Lloyd in more ways than one.
S3.E13 ∙ Guess Who I Saw Today
Rhoda has done some freelance work for Rick, the owner of the singles bar/restaurant she and Joe frequented. She designed some invitations for him announcing the third anniversary of his place, for which he is having a big party. Despite being slightly repulsed by the thought of Rick, Sally nonetheless agrees to be his date for the evening. He also invites Rhoda and Brenda. Brenda accepts, but it takes much convincing for Rhoda eventually to accept, which she does in part on Gary's plea to be his date so that he can crash the party. Despite Rick's vow that he didn't invite Joe, Joe does show up, as the date of his neighbor, Jan. Rhoda doesn't know what to think about seeing Joe with another woman. All she does know is that she doesn't like the feeling. Regardless, she believes it was somewhat of an inevitability. It isn't until she and Joe can talk about the situation can they come to their true feelings about this aspect of their separated lives.
S3.E14 ∙ What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
Rhoda decides to host a New Year's Eve Party. It turns bizarre with a Halloween touch.
S3.E15 ∙ Love for Sale
Gary holds a sale event at his store to attract more business. Rhoda and Brenda help at the store. At the end of the day, Brenda and Gary realize they are falling in love.
S3.E16 ∙ A Night in the Emergency Room
Brenda thinks Nick wants to borrow money so she asks Rhoda for advice. Rhoda suggests against lending money. Nick is disappointed and talks to Rhoda. While there, he accidentally drops his accordion on Rhoda's foot and breaks her toe.
S3.E17 ∙ Somebody Has to Say They're Sorry
Gary has some dirt on the beautiful woman who has just moved into the building across the hall from Rhoda. Although she lists on her mailbox that she is an interior designer, Gary has it on first hand knowledge that she is a lady of the evening as he invited her to his place, and she replied that it would cost him $100. This news is old to Rhoda, as a constant parade of men have come knocking on her door in error. Rhoda has some exciting news of her own: she may get the contract to do the window for an exclusive store. Trying to get the contract becomes a problem for Rhoda when the store's representative, Ernie Joyce, seems like he is more interested in getting to know Rhoda in the biblical sense than in her sketches. Rhoda ends up being most concerned about how she can get just treatment from Ernie for his actions against her in the form of a simple and sincere "I'm sorry". Rhoda may have an unexpected ally in the matter. Meanwhile, Brenda is going on a blind date with her first ever jock.
S3.E18 ∙ The Ultimatum
Rhoda is totally stressed out about a job, which isn't helped by the fact that she has to interrupt her work to go see the marriage counselor, Dr. Fox, who she doesn't think has been providing any help of late in getting her and Joe back together, especially since the counseling sessions have been as individuals and not as a couple to discuss their issues together. Rhoda is going to break off her professional relationship with Dr. Fox after this next appointment. She changes her mind when she learns from Dr. Fox about Joe's counseling sessions, and receives some insight into the matter from Dr. Fox. On Dr. Fox's advice, Rhoda plans on confronting Joe with her feelings, which ends up being an ultimatum of sorts. Rhoda is somewhat surprised and hurt by Joe's response to that ultimatum, which ends up involving Dr. Fox in a non-professional sense, he who may not be able to take off his psychologist hat in the situation.
S3.E19 ∙ Rhoda's Mystery Man
Rhoda's received a bunch of gifts from a secret admirer; long-stemmed red roses, a box of chocolates, and jewelry. Gifts usually reserved from a serious date or boyfriend. The situation becomes more serious when Rhoda finds out the jewel is a real diamond, and her secret admirer makes reference to meeting the following night, at midnight. Rhoda has no idea who her mystery man is, but, with Brenda and Gary as backup, Rhoda decides to complete the extravagant date to the end, to prove her mystery man wrong, while getting a nice dinner in the process.
S3.E20 ∙ Nick Lobo, Superstar
A despondent Nick, who wants to be alone, kicks Brenda out of her apartment. As Brenda takes refuge with Rhoda, Rhoda in turn demands that Brenda stand up to Nick at least to find out why he kicked her out of her own apartment. Brenda finds out it's because the five year deal he made with his father - make good in the entertainment business or else join him in his work as a trash collector - is up in exactly three days. Brenda tries her best to encourage Nick along his three day journey to stardom. But she also asks for Rhoda's help and advice directly to Nick, which may be difficult not only because Rhoda has never been the biggest Nick Lobo fan, but because she is facing her own problems, namely her skin breaking out all over of which her dermatologist can't figure the cause.
S3.E21 ∙ Nose Job
Brenda has been dating Benny Goodwin, who has fallen in love with her... after their first date. In talking about their future children, Benny admits to Brenda that he had his ears done when he was a child. This admission makes Brenda think about the one part of her body that she would most like to change, namely her nose. Against Rhoda's advice, Brenda decides at least to go for a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. After the consultation with Dr. Dreiser, who supports the notion of cosmetic surgery in general, an easily swayed Brenda decides to proceed with the expensive surgery, for which she will require a loan to do. Despite Rhoda being against the surgery in principle, Rhoda can't argue with Brenda's primary reason for getting it done, namely to feel better about herself. So can Rhoda or anyone else make Brenda feel that she's beautiful just the way she is?
S3.E22 ∙ The Second Time Around
As they do every year, Brenda's bank coworkers throw her a surprise party. Unfortunately, they do it on their boss' desk. When Rhoda makes a mess, instead of him getting mad, he invites Brenda and Rhoda to dinner. He then asks Rhoda out on a date.
S3.E23 ∙ Pajama Party Bingo
Carlton and Brenda have made big changes in their lives, Carlton who has now vowed sobriety, and Brenda who has a radical new hairdo. Brenda's change is only the first radical change she will be making, one every week to her appearance until she comes up with a complete look she likes. In the meantime, some things remain the same. Rhoda has invited her old friend from high school, Susan Alborn, over for an old fashioned slumber party. Susan has just found out that she is pregnant for the seventh time. Brenda reluctantly stays for the party, the reason she wouldn't being that she is somewhat mad at Rhoda for openly criticizing her new hairdo. Brenda uses the opportunity of a truth party game to rail against Rhoda for always treating her like a baby, Rhoda who in turn justifies her behavior as Brenda always asks her advice and opinion. Brenda, who storms out, is madder than she has ever been against her older sister. Can anything be said on either side to mend the rift?
S3.E24 ∙ To Vegas with Love
Rhoda receives a special delivery letter, with the return addressee being "Mr. Magnetism" in Las Vegas. Before she opens it, she knows it's from Johnny Venture, who she has told time and time again in no uncertain terms that she is not interested in pursuing a relationship with him. His letter contains a round trip ticket each for her and Brenda to Las Vegas, and what he says is a sincere request for them to come view his act, which he feels needs a fresh pair of eyes to critique its look. Rhoda has no hesitation in accepting his offer no strings attached if only for a nice and free weekend in Las Vegas, which she is able to convince Brenda to accept as well. Although Johnny hits on Rhoda immediately upon her and Brenda's arrival in Las Vegas, Johnny wants to show Rhoda a good time regardless, as Vegas is his town and he feels he can get anything he wants - anything - for the asking. Despite Rhoda admittedly getting caught up in the weekend, the question still remains if either Rhoda or Johnny will be any closer to getting what each really wants out of the other by the end of the weekend.
S4.E1 ∙ The Return of Ida
Rhoda receives news that her divorce is final. Frustrated by the entire situation, Rhoda needs to take it out on something. Her anger is tempered by a visit from Ida, who unexpectedly returned home a week early from her and Martin's year long travels. But the family reunion quickly goes downhill when Ida learns of the changes in both Rhoda and Brenda's lives including Brenda dating Benny, a man who seems to have no real professional future, and Rhoda having a friend like Johnny Venture. But the biggest bone of contention is Rhoda's divorce, which Ida believes Rhoda could have waited to do until she got back so that she could provide some sage advice as a friend. This news causes a rift between Rhoda and Ida, not so much for the act of the divorce itself, but because Rhoda does not consider Ida a friend, but rather solely her mother. They say some things to each other that truly does question if each even likes the other. Rhoda and Ida have to come to an understanding about what their relationship truly is and should be. Meanwhile, Gary has been wearing a new attire borrowed largely from Rhoda primarily to deal with an accidental burn in an unusual area.
S4.E2 ∙ The Job
With Brenda's announcement of a raise, Rhoda realises how much - or how little - she's making. Rhoda gives up her window dressing clients, and pounds the prevents, until she's about to give up. When she's about to despair, she walks into Doyle's costumes and take herself into a partnership.
S4.E3 ∙ Lady's Choice
There is a brown out in Rhoda and Brenda's building during a heat wave, meaning no air conditioning. If only to get into an air conditioned environment, Rhoda and Gary crash Brenda and Benny's date to go bowling. The bowling match brings out the alpha male in both Benny and Gary, each who believes he is the expert bowler among the group. As such, the two decide to go into a one-on-one bowling match with stakes on the line. Gary decides that the winner gets Brenda, as he has just come to the realization that he still has romantic feelings for her. Brenda, who ends up enjoying the adoration of two men she considers friends and possible lovers, is the person who will ultimately decide with who she will end up. She also ends up enjoying dating both Benny and Gary, and their plays to make himself the one and only apple of her eye. But Brenda, who is unaccustomed to dating one man let alone two, may not be able to handle the pressure. Regardless, Brenda will eventually have to make a decision... or does she?
S4.E4 ∙ One Is a Number
The morning of their scheduled night out to the theater, Brenda ditches Rhoda in favor of going to watch Benny in a roller skating competition. Rhoda is a little angry at Brenda but can understand. As morning turns to afternoon, Rhoda is surprised that she can't find anyone to go to the theater with her. She is so determined not to go alone that she even asks Jack, Johnny and Carlton in succession if each would like to go with her, each who turns her down for one reason or another. As she makes up her mind not to go, Carlton convinces her that she will have a better time going to the theater solo than staying at home. Although she isn't totally convinced, Rhoda does end up going alone. Although going out for the evening alone is much as she expects and not in a good way, Rhoda does come to an epiphany based on the people she interacts with that evening.
S4.E5 ∙ Ida Works Out
Rhoda has been run off her feet at work since it is the Halloween season. She asks Brenda is she'd like to moonlight at Doyle's temporarily as an order clerk to help them get over the Halloween rush, which Brenda gratefully declines. Ida, however, thinks she knows the perfect person for the job: herself. Ida needs the money to buy Martin a gift, and she has the time. Rhoda thinks it's a terrible idea if only because Ida and Jack hate each other. Although Ida guilts Rhoda into asking Jack for her, Rhoda doesn't. So Ida decides to ask Jack himself. Surprisingly, Jack does hire Ida if only because he thinks she'd make a good clerk despite their mutual dislike. Ida, who does things her own way, ends up quietly irritating Rhoda at work, whereas Jack ends up loving Ida, so much so that he wants to offer her a full time job. Rhoda, for which working with her mother full time would be her worst nightmare, examines her true feelings on why.
S4.E6 ∙ Rhoda Likes Mike
Mike Andretti is a restaurateur acquaintance of Jack's who comes into the costume shop one day to order some uniforms for the staff at the new English styled restaurant he will soon be opening. There is an immediate and mutual attraction between Mike and Rhoda. Mike can see that Rhoda likes him. Jack pushes the two of them together as he can see Rhoda's apprehension in accepting Mike's dinner date if only because this will be her first date since her divorce became official. A first date turns into a second date which turns into a third date which turns into a fourth date. Despite the fact that both Rhoda and Mike were both at each of the four dates, it becomes obvious that each of them took out of these dates, especially the last one, something totally different than the other. The question becomes whether they can come to an understanding about their personal relationship, which may be especially important as they do have to maintain a professional relationship.
S4.E7 ∙ The Weekend
Although she wanted more with him, Rhoda has agreed to Mike Andretti's proposal that they keep their personal relationship on a casual basis, dating once every few weeks. But after the first little while under this arrangement, Rhoda seems to have settled into their routine well. The only thing she expresses her displeasure about with him is that they have had their dates at his restaurants, where he always seems to get preoccupied with work rather than with her. As such, Mike makes a suggestion that they go away together for the entire weekend. As such a date is against the implication of their agreement, Rhoda truly has to figure out what she thinks it means, especially if she does agree. Regardless, the weekend may not happen if Ida finds out about it. Rhoda does agree, but the weekend nonetheless doesn't turn out the way either Rhoda or Mike anticipated, which in turn leads to a reexamination of what is happening between the two of them. Meanwhile, Brenda wonders why after six months of dating that Benny has not tried to make a move on her. Brenda decides to take matters into her own hands, which again may not work if Ida finds out what she's up to.
S4.E8 ∙ Home Movies
It's a snowy Friday, and having to fight the snow to get there is the least of Rhoda and Brenda's problems about their bi-weekly dinner with their parents this evening. They are finding that they have little in common with their parents, which makes these dinners less exciting than watching paint dry. At least for Brenda, she has a late date with Benny so that she has a legitimate and parent approved excuse to leave early. At dinner, Rhoda plans on telling their parents the truth about no longer wanting to have these dinners. Meanwhile, out in the Bronx, Ida and Martin are also dreading the dinner as they too feel they have nothing in common with their daughters. They want to get what they feel is their obligation this evening over with as quickly as possible so that they can get to what they really want to do (wink, wink). The dinner starts off as badly as most have lately, but gets worse when Benny telephones saying that he will be late since his car broke down. Being stuck together, the Morgenstern family, through their shared history, comes to the realization that family does matter and their family really does want to spend their time together.
S4.E9 ∙ Johnny's Solo Flight
Rhoda reluctantly agrees for the second time in a week to accompany Brenda to go see Johnny's lounge show. As he is available that evening, Gary decides to crash their outing as he has never seen Johnny perform before. Situations during and after Johnny's first set make Rhoda suggest to Johnny that he give it a go as a solo performer rather than rely on back-up singers as he has done up to this point in his career. But making the transition from a group to one on stage for that second set isn't as easy as Johnny or Rhoda would hope. The question becomes whether Johnny's career and life can withstand this change.
S4.E10 ∙ Who's Shy?
It's the holiday season and Brenda has come down with the exact same illness she had this time last year: party-itis. Being a shy person, she will do anything to get out of attending her office's Christmas party. She didn't even have the nerve to return a broken dress she purchased fearing the salespeople. Even with Rhoda's advice, Brenda and Benny have a miserable time at the party. Gary and Rhoda believe that Brenda may need professional help to overcome this shyness. So Brenda joins a support group for shy people led by a Dr. Sanders. Meanwhile, Rhoda, who feels she doesn't really know Jack, invites him over for dinner, he who sees the invitation solely as meal rather than a social occasion. An action by Jack may provide Brenda with the tools she really needs to overcome her problem, while providing Rhoda what she wanted by inviting Jack over for dinner.
S4.E11 ∙ Blind Date
Ida sets up a blind date with "Steve Miller" a former school mate of Rhoda's. Rhoda remembers him as a "good-looking Robert Redford" When Steve Miller turns out to be short and bald. Rhoda realizes he is a different Steve Miller. Even though she is disappointed, she says yes to a second date, so as not to treat him the way she was treated in high school. However, Steve Miller turns out to be hateful, smug and insulting, Rhoda tells him off with style.
S4.E12 ∙ Ida Alone
While Rhoda, Jack and Ramon are dealing with an emergency at the costume shop, Brenda comes by with what she believes is an even bigger emergency having to do with Ida, who is alone as Martin is on an extended golf vacation. Brenda doesn't know what the problem is, but she knows that there is something seriously wrong with their mother, about which Brenda is able to convince Rhoda based on the evidence. Rushing off to the Bronx, they do find their mother at their parent's apartment, she being seriously depressed. The reason: she feels all alone in the world. While Ida and Martin left New York to travel for a year, all of Ida's friends either left town or died, so without Martin for the first time, she is finally coming to that realization. Rhoda and Brenda encourage their mother to find other friends, and decide to hold a get together at Rhoda's apartment for all their building neighbors for Ida to meet those new friends. After one minor set-back at the party, Ida does meet who she considers the perfect person as that new friend, a neighbor of Rhoda and Brenda's named Mae Parker. But as Ida gets to know Mae, something could send Ida back into her depressed funk.
S4.E13 ∙ All Work and No Play
Rhoda is running on an adrenaline high. She is excited that she has lots of creative and interesting work at the costume shop, so much so that she doesn't refuse new orders, even if it means not sleeping to complete the orders. As time goes on, Rhoda has no idea that she has overextended herself, both in her professional and personal commitments, until she misses deadlines or totally forgets those commitments. Even then, she doesn't realize that there is a problem as she is so focused on rectifying that specific "missed deadline" while dealing with whatever the current job at hand is. It isn't until she forgets one specific commitment that she realizes that something has to give in her life. That commitment is organizing Brenda's birthday party, Brenda who has never been more upset at her older sister, and who she has always idolized until now. It isn't reorganizing her life that is most important to Rhoda, but rather making it up to Brenda while making Brenda really realize that what Rhoda did in forgetting her birthday was somewhat unforgivable.
S4.E14 ∙ Happy Anniversary
The Morgensterns' fortieth wedding anniversary is approaching. Ida implies to Brenda that she is expecting a large surprise party for the milestone, which Rhoda believes is stupid to accommodate, as it would not be a surprise. But Rhoda and Brenda devise a plan to make it a surprise, that plan which they proceed to execute. As the surprise party arrives, the fact of it being a surprise or not becomes secondary as an issue between Martin and Ida arises that has the potential to ruin the occasion. Martin has to try to make what Ida believes are amends for his actions, which may be all the more difficult because of the reason for those actions and needing to make the amends in front of a room full of family and friends.
S4.E15 ∙ The Jack Story
To help Jack impress an old friend visiting from out of town, Rhoda offers to be his date for the evening. Jack spares no expense to make the evening special in his mind, the effort which Rhoda appreciates if not the actual actions. Things change once she meets Jack's friend Larry Kruger, and Larry's wife, Sharon Kruger, at the restaurant. For Rhoda, it's hate at first sight as Larry is a self-centered, egotistical male chauvinist who doesn't care who she is. Sharon is a stereotypical dumb blond who is subservient to Larry's every whim. Jack feels the only way to impress Larry is to be exactly like him, which by association includes Rhoda treating him exactly the way Sharon treats Larry. The slow disintegration of the dinner speeds up once Rhoda learns from Larry and Sharon what Jack has told them about her. The dinner hits an abrupt end due to an action by Jack which results in a further action by Rhoda in retaliation. The question becomes whether Jack and Rhoda's relationship, both personal and professional, can overcome this evening.
S4.E16 ∙ Rhoda Cheats
Through a learn as you work program, Brenda is taking a night school class in bookkeeping, the tuition paid by the bank. As Rhoda does Jack's books but does them poorly - which a stingy and lazy Jack does not mind - Rhoda gets a reluctant Jack to pay for half of her $300 tuition to take the same class. While Brenda works hard and gets good grades along the way, Rhoda can't be bothered to study - she feeling sleep is more important when she isn't working long hours - which is reflected in her average grades. But Rhoda's lack of studying catches up with her by the time of a midterm exam, which she is ill-prepared to take. Not wanting to fail, Rhoda proceeds to cheat, a non-compliant Brenda who is her targeted accomplice. Rhoda gets caught, gets expelled by the instructor, Mr. Parsons, and Brenda, as the accomplice, receives a failing grade for the exam. Beyond how she will make it up to Brenda for something that was not of Brenda's own doing, Rhoda has to explain to Jack why she is no longer in the class and is unable to get their money back. Jack goes to extreme measures to ensure that he and Rhoda get their $300 worth out of the class.
S4.E17 ∙ Gary and Ida
Gary's parents have moved to Miami Beach, which Gary believes means that he can spread his proverbial wings and be the person he wants to be without especially his mother's scrutiny. But Rhoda and Brenda soon realize that Gary's mother did many if not most of his day-to-day chores, so that Gary has no idea how to do such basic tasks as shop for food, cook, or even turn on his oven. They also quickly learn that Gary really has no intention of learning how to do these things if he can find other people to do them for him, such as Rhoda and Brenda, who become but don't want to be his surrogate mothers. As Rhoda mentions the problem to Jack, Jack thinks he knows how to get them out of their problem, namely by giving Gary the ultimate overbearing mother that he would never want: Ida. Their plan has some unexpected consequences.
S4.E18 ∙ As Time Goes By
As the costume shop is running in a deficit situation, Jack and Rhoda have to come up with ways either to save money and/or increase revenues. Rhoda believes the only way to do so is to increase business, so she suggests throwing a by invitation only open house party to bring in new customers. Jack likes the idea, but wants no part of it since he hates parties. Rhoda convinces him that he has to be at the party as the head of the company. But just before the party is about to start and as Jack and Rhoda go to the not often used bathroom at the end of the hallway to use the larger utility sink in it to chill the wine, they get stuck inside with no one being around to hear them trying to get out. Additionally, no one knows where they went. As the party guests try to figure out what happened to them with Ida believing the worst, Jack and Rhoda have to figure out a way to get out, that is unless they have what they consider a better plan with a case-full of chilled wine.
S4.E19 ∙ Two's Company
Although the store has been in trouble before, Gary learns that he will truly have to close it if he doesn't get an infusion of cash quickly. Benny knows of an investor: himself, as he just came into a $9,500 inheritance, which with his own $500, is exactly the $10,000 Gary needs. Benny offers this money as a silent partner, of which Gary will split the store profits 50/50 on the upcoming one day sale. One part of this plan does not come to pass, namely the silent part, as Benny can't help but provide first his input, then second his directives, and then third his direct management of everyone including Rhoda and Brenda, who volunteer to take time out of their own jobs to help at the sale, and even Gary. The questions become what those affected by Benny's actions will do, and if their collective relationships can withstand this unexpected fracture. Upon reflection, Gary has a clearer head about Benny's doings.
S4.E20 ∙ Brenda and the Bank Girl
Rhoda notices that a teller at the bank is being extremely nice to a fault to customers. Brenda tells her it's because the bank is holding a contest where customers vote for their favorite teller - one contest for female and another for male tellers - with the winners from each of the twenty branches competing to be the First Security Bank Girl/Guy to be featured in an advertising campaign. Rhoda also learns that Brenda has not allowed her name to be on the ballot. Brenda's family and close friends eventually learn from Brenda that if she doesn't participate, that means that she won't be disappointed, especially if she comes to a conclusion that she really does want to win. Her friends and family try to convince Brenda to join the contest if only to be in the game, win or lose. Brenda does eventually give in, only on the understanding that she doesn't want nor expect to win, still leaving herself in a position not to be hurt. But will actually being in the game change Brenda's perspective of the outcome she truly wants and will go to unexpected lengths to achieve?
S4.E21 ∙ So Long, Lucky
When one of Rhoda's clothes racks is left outside, a policeman ties his horse to the rack & goes in to tell Rhoda to move the rack. Outside, they find the horse chased after someone with the rack and got hit by a truck. Rhoda feels guilty.
S4.E22 ∙ Jack's Back
Jack goes to Rhoda's apartment to pick up a sketch and hurts his back. He has to stay with Rhoda until he is better.
S4.E23 ∙ Five for the Road: Part 1
Rhoda notices that Jack is out of sorts. She finally is able to get out of him that what is bothering him is that this upcoming Sunday would have been his and his deceased wife Peggy's twenty-third wedding anniversary. While Peggy was alive, he could never remember such milestones, but now that she's dead, he can't stop thinking of them. Learning the story, Ida offers to cook dinner for Jack on Sunday, the dinner to be held at Rhoda's with Brenda and Benny also in attendance. The dinner doesn't quite come to pass as Ida, on her way to Rhoda's apartment, is mugged, her fully cooked meal stolen. Hearing what Ida cooked, Jack can't help but now want a pot roast dinner, it being too late to cook another. As it is still early and as it is a nice day, Rhoda suggests they all hop into Benny's car for the hour and a half drive to a restaurant that served what Jack and Peggy considered the world's best pot roast, an out of the way country place called the Quincy House in upstate New York. Three hours later in a raging rainstorm, they may never make it to the Quincy House as they are only following Jack's remembrance of where it was located by such landmarks as "the big elm tree".
S4.E24 ∙ Five for the Road: Part 2
It's a dark and stormy night. Benny's car is stuck in the mud at the end of a dirt road. Jack, Rhoda, Ida, Brenda and Benny decide to take refuge in what looks like an abandoned, and thus "haunted" house, which they eventually learn is the now permanently closed Quincy House, the restaurant that Jack was looking for. Scared and hungry with only the few rations that Ida has in her purse, those rations which they decide to share whenever the collective decide they are so hungry that they have to eat, the group feels that they have to be smart to survive as they have no idea how long they will be stuck there. Being in survival mode, the group will either bond together or break down and treat the situation as every person for him/herself. But in their collective together time, they may have a chance to talk about their lives, for Benny which includes his feeling that he will never fit into the Morgenstern family, as Ida, Rhoda and Brenda are always talking about their shared history, a history of which he is not a part.
S5.E1 ∙ Martin Doesn't Live Here Anymore
It's Martin's 60th birthday, and Rhoda is hosting a party for the family at her apartment. At the last minute, Ida telephones saying that she and Martin won't be able to make it as Martin has thrown out his back again, and is sleeping it off. Rhoda and Brenda figure that if Martin can't come to them, they will go to Martin out in the Bronx. Upon their arrival at their parent's apartment, Rhoda and Brenda find that their mother is acting strangely and for some reason won't let them in. They eventually learn it is because Ida lied and Martin is not even home. The reason: he left her two months ago. Not wanting to burden the girls, Ida had been making excuse after excuse to them of his whereabouts. All Ida knows is that he is receiving mail via general delivery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he has gone to "find himself", but that he still loves Ida and the girls and that he will come home eventually. Now that she no longer has the deception to the girls to preoccupy her time, Ida goes into a depression over the issue. Barring Martin's early return, will anything get Ida out of her funk? Meanwhile, Benny gives Brenda an ultimatum of sorts about the status of their relationship.
S5.E2 ∙ In Search of Martin
Ida learns from a friend who actually saw him of Martin's whereabouts in Fort Lauderdale. Despite the account that Martin seems very happy in his new life, Ida plans on going down to Fort Lauderdale all dolled up to surprise him, the sight of her which she hopes will make him want to come home. At the last minute, Ida changes her mind as she figures if he had wanted to come home, he would have done so without any urging from her. Instead, she asks Rhoda and Brenda to go on her behalf, which they do with Benny as their chauffeur for the long drive if only because of Brenda's fear of flying. They do eventually arrive in Fort Lauderdale after a less than smooth trip, and they do find Martin. But trying to find some alone time actually to speak to him about what is going through his mind may be a totally different and more difficult matter.
S5.E3 ∙ Rhoda vs. Ida
By seeing a provocative new dress she just purchased, Rhoda and Brenda learn that Ida has decided to date again, most specifically her allergist, Dr. Murray Berger. After getting over the shock, the girls approve of their mother having some male companionship to go out every once in a while, instead of staying home alone waiting for Martin to return. So that they can all get acquainted, Rhoda decides to host a small dinner party for her mother, Dr. Berger, Brenda and Benny. Rhoda changes her mind about what her mother is doing when she meets Dr. Berger, who is twenty years her junior, and someone to who Rhoda herself would have been attracted under different circumstances. After Rhoda expresses her concerns to her mother in private, Ida counters that what Rhoda is truly feeling is jealousy about she having what Rhoda would want. To deal with her feelings and to try and repair her relationship with her mother, Rhoda has to examine critically whether her mother's comments have any merit. Meanwhile, Rhoda runs into Tina Molinari, Gary's annoying ex-employee from the jeans store. She has been unemployed since Gary closed the store to move to Chicago. Despite Rhoda's sly hints to him not to do it, Jack hires her as the costume shop's new girl Friday.
S5.E4 ∙ Brenda Gets Engaged
Although she knew the day would come, Brenda is still surprised when Benny proposes. Talking openly about the pros and cons of the proposal in front of Benny, Brenda decides that the pros far outweighs the cons and she says yes. Rhoda, the first person to hear the news, is excited for her sister and her soon to be brother-in-law. Rhoda decides to hold a small party so that Brenda and Benny can tell Ida, the formality of whose blessing Brenda wants before she proceeds. Ida, however, surprises both Brenda and Rhoda by not giving her blessing, as Martin leaving her has made her change her perspective on marriage, in which she no longer believes. A heartbroken Brenda has a falling out with her mother over the issue. Still wanting to be with Benny, Brenda instead decides to ask him to move in with her. Meanwhile, Rhoda tries to convince Ida to give Brenda her blessing about the wedding, Ida not believing that Brenda would live in sin. Either Ida or Brenda will have to change their mind for Brenda and Ida to be able to reconcile.
S5.E5 ∙ Meet the Goodwins
Brenda is in a tizzy as Benny has invited her to his parents' place to meet them for the first time. Brenda asks Rhoda to come with her for moral support. A reluctant Rhoda eventually agrees. Although Rhoda's presence does make the meeting easier for Brenda, it is Rhoda who ends up having the bigger problem as Benny's older brother, Earl, who is also at the dinner but who Rhoda has no interest in, declares his attraction to her. Rhoda, who has no intention of ever dealing with Earl again except in family gatherings, succumbs to Benny's pleas for her to go out with him again if only to maintain family peace. Rhoda has to decide how far she will go to let Earl know that she has no interest in him, while still maintaining that family peace.
S5.E6 ∙ Ida's Roommate
Ida has been spending a lot of time lately with Rhoda and Brenda. She admits it's because she's lonely. As such, she's decided to look for a roommate, advertising for a female. Holding the screening interviews at Rhoda's apartment, Ida receives an interesting response in the form of Phillip Cooper, who, with his wife, is looking for a new situation with a third after Mrs. Cooper's mother, who lived with them and was their meticulous housekeeper, moved away. The story is enough for Ida to take that interview to the next step at least to let the Coopers take a look at her apartment. But upon Mr. Cooper's arrival at her apartment, Ida learns his story was not quite true: there is no longer a Mrs. Cooper, who recently passed away. Mr. Cooper saw in Ida's ad a home situation which he now misses without his wife. Although initially suspect, Ida is enamored enough with his story to accept him as her roommate. Only time will tell if it ends up being a match made in roommate heaven, or if certain issues will arise which they hadn't anticipated which could turn that heaven into a certain kind of hell.
S5.E7 ∙ Martin Comes Home
Ida's birthday is approaching, and without Martin around, she says she doesn't want a big fuss, although she does invite Rhoda, Brenda and Benny to spend it with her at her place in the Bronx. Among the gifts that Ida receives is one shipped to her from Martin, it being a sound movie projector complete with a film showing Martin and his latest goings-on in Florida. Ida is happy to see Martin, if only on film, and has bittersweet feelings about seeing how happy and content he seems to be. Ida receives an unexpected last minute present in the form of Martin himself, who has come home, he feeling that her birthday was the best time he could have made the move back for everyone concerned. But rather than be happy to see her husband in the flesh again, Ida does not want to see or talk to him, at least not yet, which places Martin in a difficult situation. Rhoda and Brenda try to convince their mother to at least talk to him, which if she does may reveal what she is truly feeling about her husband and their marriage at this stage in their life.
S5.E8 ∙ Jack's New Image
Jack's successful dieting triggers some wardrobe and lifestyle changes that seem abrupt, and which go on to disrupt the regular flow of activity at the costume shop.
S5.E9 ∙ The Total Brenda
Brenda and Rhoda notice that Benny is out of sorts, off in his own world. Brenda learns that a recent incident is just the latest but perhaps most telling that he is invisible to most people, and thus feels unloved and unwanted by society. Brenda decides to do whatever she can to make Benny feel like he is a worthwhile human being. She decides to take the advice of one of her work colleagues and follow the tenets of a book called "How to Be a Different Woman in Every Room", which not only espouses being subservient to your man, but also doing so in a different but equally feminine persona for the tasks associated with every different room in one's house. So in addition to waiting on Benny hand and foot, Brenda also decides to wear different frilly clothing for these different personae. Rhoda voices to Brenda her hatred of what Brenda has become in trying to please Benny. Beyond dealing with Rhoda's displeasure, Brenda has to figure out if her tactics truly are making Benny feel loved by society, and if not, what will. Meanwhile, Jack sets Rhoda up on the latest of the many blind dates in her life.
S5.E10 ∙ The Date in the Iron Mask
Both Brenda and Rhoda have exciting things going-on in their respective lives. Brenda is going engagement ring shopping with Benny. And Rhoda has been nominated for a prestigious New York Society of Costume Designers award for a science-fiction monster mask she designed. Jack, who has never won anything in his life, isn't happy for Rhoda until he learns that the company shares the honor if she wins. As such, Jack springs for the entire gang, including Brenda and Benny, to go to the awards dinner and dance. Rhoda is thinking about going solo, although Jack thinks she should ask one of their clients, model good looking Doug Korman. Despite Rhoda's less than eloquent invitation, Doug accepts. Rhoda admits that she is looking forward to having someone as good looking as Doug on her arm for the event. Beyond Rhoda and Jack actually winning or not winning the award, the events of the evening end up being less than smooth for their entire group, especially for Doug.
S5.E11 ∙ Martin Swallows His Heart
Martin admits to his daughters that he is getting frustrated in his attempts to win back Ida, she who still seems cool to their dates. After hearing straight from Martin what the two do on their dates, Rhoda suggests that he needs to take a more romantic approach, by cooking Ida a quiet candlelit dinner for two. As Martin is still not allowed home, Martin takes Rhoda up on her offer to use her apartment and have the invitation under the guise of a family dinner. Martin takes Rhoda advice to heart in more ways than one. Upon her arrival, Ida is surprised, a little taken aback but impressed with Martin's efforts. But Martin's attempt to be romantic takes a turn for the wrong, which results in Martin, Ida, Rhoda and Brenda spending the better part of the evening with a bunch of poker playing doctors, who seemingly are more concerned about their cards than patient welfare.
S5.E12 ∙ Earl's Helping Hand
Rhoda is involved in two pieces of bad news. The first is that Jack is facing a massive personal debt - namely to his loan shark bookie cousin - which may force him to close the shop if he can't come up with $5,000 pronto. The second is that Brenda has invited Benny's brother Earl, who Rhoda cannot stand, over, he who in turn has tried again and again to make Rhoda fall in love with him. The first problem looks like it may be solved when Jack announces that an investor for the shop has come forward with the entire $5,000. However, that good news turns to bad when Rhoda learns the investor is Earl, who wants to spend the entire week at the shop to check it out as a sound investment. Rhoda believes that Earl will renege on the entire amount at the end of the week, this move purely a ploy to spend the week with her. As a show of good faith, Earl gives Jack $1,000 cash at the beginning, which Jack can return at his leisure if on the off chance Earl decides not to invest at the end of the five days. The questions become whether Rhoda can stand five days straight of being with Earl, and if she does, whether her initial assumption is correct that he had no intention of ever investing. Meanwhile, Benny is avoiding Brenda if only because she wants to give him a haircut.
S5.E13 ∙ Brenda Runs Away
In the lead up to Brenda and Benny's wedding whenever it may be, Brenda seems to be bombarded on all sides by people figuring out her life for her. First, Ida and she have a disagreement on the wedding dress, Ida wanting something more traditional, while Brenda wants a simple every day dress. Second, Benny has news that he has found a house for them after their marriage, they sharing it with another couple on Staten Island. Third, Ida offers Brenda and Benny a trip to Israel, complete with a meeting with Golda Meir, for their honeymoon. And finally, Benny has arranged for Brenda to join him in the Goodwin family plot after their passing. Brenda is overwhelmed enough in the battles in which she knows what she wants, but is totally drowning in those decisions about which she has no idea yet what she wants. By the early light of morning, Brenda is nowhere to be found, she having run away from all these problems. Rhoda, Ida and Benny have to figure out where she went, and if they can what they can do to make everything all right in her world. Meanwhile, Rhoda is getting estimates from carpenters to enclose her kitchen. Upon hearing what she wants to do, Jack offers to do the work. Rhoda, who didn't even know that Jack knew carpentry, has to decide whether to take him up on the offer, and if she does and it doesn't go well if their friendship will be affected by it.
