Sat, Oct 1, 1977
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.
Sat, Oct 8, 1977
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.
Sat, Oct 15, 1977
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?
Sat, Oct 22, 1977
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.
Sat, Oct 29, 1977
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.
Sat, Nov 5, 1977
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.
Sat, Nov 12, 1977
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.
Sat, Dec 3, 1977
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.
Sat, Dec 10, 1977
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.
Sat, Dec 24, 1977
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.
Sat, Jan 7, 1978
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.
Fri, Jan 13, 1978
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.
Sat, Jan 21, 1978
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.
Sat, Jan 28, 1978
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.
Sat, Feb 4, 1978
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.
Sat, Feb 11, 1978
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.
Sat, Feb 18, 1978
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.
Sat, Feb 25, 1978
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.
Sat, Mar 4, 1978
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.
Sat, Mar 11, 1978
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?
Sat, Apr 15, 1978
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".
Sat, Apr 22, 1978
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.