Ep 22. Bachelor Suite

Designing Women was a popular American sitcom that ran for seven seasons from 1986 to 1993. The show followed four women who worked together at an interior design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Designing Women was known for tackling tough social issues and providing a sharp commentary on the politics of the time.

The twenty-second episode of season one, “Bachelor Suite,” focuses on the romantic troubles of the character Mary Jo Shively (Annie Potts). Mary Jo is a divorced mother of two who is struggling to find a new relationship. She has been dating a man named Bill for a few weeks, but things are not going well. Mary Jo confides in her friend and coworker Julia Sugarbaker (Dixie Carter) that she suspects Bill might be gay.

Meanwhile, the firm is hired to decorate a swanky bachelor suite in a luxury high-rise building. The suite is designed to appeal to wealthy, single men who are looking for a sleek and modern living space. The design team - Julia, Mary Jo, Suzanne Sugarbaker (Delta Burke), and Charlene Frazier Stillfield (Jean Smart) - are excited about the opportunity to create the perfect bachelor pad.

Throughout the episode, the women clash with the building’s sexist and chauvinistic manager, Mr. Pfeiffer. He constantly undermines their work and suggests that they are unable to design a suitable space for single men. The women are determined to prove Mr. Pfeiffer wrong, so they pull out all the stops to create a stunning bachelor suite.

As they work on the project, Mary Jo continues to grapple with her relationship troubles. She begins to obsess over Bill’s sexuality, examining every aspect of their interactions for signs that he might be gay. Julia tries to reassure Mary Jo that her fears are unfounded, but Mary Jo remains convinced that Bill is hiding something.

At the end of the episode, the bachelor suite is revealed to the building’s owner and a group of potential tenants. The design team is thrilled to hear compliments pouring in about their work, but Mr. Pfeiffer is not satisfied. He accuses the women of designing a space that is “too feminine” for single men. The women are outraged by his comments, and Julia delivers a scathing rebuke that puts Mr. Pfeiffer in his place.

In the closing moments of the episode, Mary Jo decides to confront Bill about her suspicions. The two have a frank conversation in which Bill admits that he is, in fact, gay. Mary Jo is disappointed but relieved to finally have an answer to her questions. The two part on friendly terms, and Mary Jo is left to ponder the complexities of modern dating.

“Bachelor Suite” is a humorous and insightful episode of Designing Women that deals with issues like homophobia and sexism with grace and wit. The dynamic between the four women is as strong as ever, and the tension between the design team and Mr. Pfeiffer provides ample opportunity for laughs. The episode serves as a reminder of the show’s enduring relevance and its ability to tackle difficult topics in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.