Ep 1. Designing Women

Designing Women is an American sitcom which first aired in September 1986 on CBS. The show ran for seven seasons, spanning 163 episodes, and was highly praised for its feminist commentary. Created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, the show's themes focused on gender, class, and politics, and its cast was made up of strong women.

The first episode of the series is titled "Designing Women", and it introduces us to the four main characters: Julia Sugarbaker (played by Dixie Carter), her younger sister Suzanne Sugarbaker (Delta Burke), Mary Jo Shively (Annie Potts), and Charlene Frazier Stillfield (Jean Smart). The four women co-own an Atlanta-based interior design firm called Sugarbaker & Associates.

The episode opens with Julia giving a eulogy at the funeral of her ex-husband's aunt. She delivers a passionate speech about how older generations of women paved the way for women to have the opportunities they currently have. Her speech sets the tone for the rest of the episode, highlighting the show's feminist themes.

After the funeral, Julia returns to the office and meets a new employee, Bernice Clifton (Alice Ghostley). Bernice is a elderly woman who worked with Julia's ex-husband before he died, and she has come to work for Sugarbaker & Associates. Suzanne, who is immediately suspicious of Bernice, tells the ladies she doesn't trust her and feels that she is out to get her.

As the episode progresses, we see the dynamic between the four women. Julia is the boss and the leader of the group. She's strong-willed, assertive, and takes charge in a crisis. Suzanne, on the other hand, is wealthy and self-absorbed. She's often portrayed as the group's antagonist, causing tension and creating problems. Mary Jo is the most down-to-earth of the group. She's a single mom who often feels overwhelmed and underappreciated. Lastly, Charlene is sweet and optimistic. She's often the voice of reason and the one who reassures the group when they're feeling uncertain.

The ladies attend a party together, where they discuss a potential client, a wealthy woman who wants to hire them to design her home. Suzanne is more interested in gossiping and being the center of attention than talking business, further highlighting her self-absorption. Julia and the other ladies eventually convince her to take part in the business discussion.

Suzanne becomes extremely jealous when the potential client pays more attention to Julia than to her. She ends up drinking too much, causing a scene, and embarrassing the group. The following day, the ladies have a meeting with the client, but Suzanne is too hungover to attend. Julia ends up taking over for her, and we see her expertise in action.

The episode concludes with the ladies heading back to the office. They find Bernice in Julia's office, having fallen asleep on the couch. Suzanne, still suspicious of Bernice, believes she slipped into Julia's office to steal her rolodex and other files. However, they soon discover that Bernice was only in the office to take a nap, and her kind and trusting nature brings a sense of warmth to the group.

"Designing Women" sets the tone for the rest of the series, highlighting the intelligence, charm, and wit of its characters. We see the four women working together, sharing their different perspectives and experiences to create a cohesive and successful business. The episode is a strong introduction to the series and sets the bar high for what's to come.