Ep 15. Oh, Brother
- TVPG
- January 18, 1988
- 21 min
-
8.3 (15)
While Designing Women is widely regarded as a classic TV show from the late 1980s and early 1990s, episode 15 of season 2 titled "Oh, Brother" continues to be one of the most beloved and memorable episodes of the series. Fans of the show will be pleased to know that this episode is both hilarious and poignant, featuring incredible acting and clever writing that make it one of the finest episodes of the entire show.
In the episode, the designers of Sugarbaker and Associates, a successful interior design firm in Atlanta, Georgia, get a surprise visit from Suzanne's brother, Knocko. The siblings have a complicated relationship, with Suzanne generally being dismissive of Knocko's lifestyle and choices. However, Knocko has turned up on their doorstep, desperate for a place to stay after undergoing some personal and financial setbacks.
As the Sugarbaker designers come to grips with having Knocko around, they soon discover that there's more to him than meets the eye. For one thing, he's an excellent cook and a bit of a foodie, which won't go unnoticed by Mary Jo, who has a sweet tooth of her own. But beyond that, he's also charming, fun-loving, and has a deep emotional side that only reveals itself after a night of indulgence with Mary Jo and some alcohol.
Meanwhile, the other designers are dealing with their own issues. Julia, the stern and serious head of Sugarbaker and Associates, is trying to land a major client while dealing with some personal health issues. Charlene, the ever-affable office manager, is grappling with feelings of doubt and self-loathing after accidentally gaining weight. And Anthony, the office's resident assistant, is trying to deal with his own personal crises while never failing to offer a helping hand to his colleagues.
Throughout the course of the episode, the designers come together to help Knocko, support each other, and deal with some of their own unresolved issues. This is, in essence, what Designing Women was all about: a show that was not afraid to tackle serious issues with humor and heart, while also serving up some of the most memorable one-liners and comedic moments in TV history.
As the episode concludes, the characters have grown, changed, and bonded in unpredictable ways. There are moments of joy, frustration, and heartbreak, but always with a sense of love and compassion that shines through. Ultimately, "Oh, Brother" is a classic episode of Designing Women that showcases the show's genius for blending humor and drama, intelligence and heart, and crafting a world where strong, sassy women can thrive and grow. It's an episode that is still beloved and relevant today, and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest TV shows of all time.