Ep 11. Howard the Date

It's holiday time at the Sugarbaker interior design firm and the ladies are getting in the festive spirit with their annual Secret Santa gift exchange. Julia, Mary Jo, Charlene, and Suzanne are all excited to see who they'll be shopping for this year, but their holiday cheer is dampened when they receive an unexpected visit from their ex-con handyman, Howard.

Howard is hoping to impress a woman with a fancy dinner date, but his lack of social graces and etiquette are holding him back. He turns to the Sugarbaker ladies for help, and they reluctantly agree to give him a crash course in the art of dating. They take on the challenge with humor and a touch of frustration, as Howard continually manages to screw up their advice in his clumsy, well-meaning way.

Charlene is particularly exasperated with him, as she's the one he's chosen to practice with. She's eager to get home to her husband, Bill, for some holiday snuggles and Howard's constant interruptions are putting a damper on her plans. However, by the time the Sugarbaker's gift exchange rolls around, Howard has made some progress and even manages to impress them all with his newfound confidence and charm.

In typical Designing Women fashion, the show touches on important issues as well. In this episode, sexism and outdated views on gender roles are explored. While the ladies are helping Howard with his dating woes, they find themselves at odds with his old-fashioned beliefs about what women should and shouldn't do. They challenge these views, giving viewers a message on the importance of gender equality and personal agency.

Another highlight of this episode is the emotional depth that's explored in the relationship between Charlene and Bill. Their love for each other is palpable, and this is highlighted in a touching scene where they exchange their Secret Santa gifts. It's a reminder that Designing Women isn't just a goofy, lighthearted sitcom, but a show with heart and soul.

Overall, "Howard the Date" is a delightful holiday episode that showcases the comedic talents of the cast. It's a testament to the show's timeless appeal that it still resonates with audiences over thirty years later. It's a must-watch for fans of Designing Women and anyone looking for a good laugh during the holiday season.