Ep 16. There's Some Black People Coming to Dinner

There's Some Black People Coming to Dinner is episode 16 of season 2 of the popular television series, Designing Women. In this episode, the main characters find themselves confronted with issues of race and social inequality when they cater a dinner party for a wealthy African-American family.

The show revolves around the lives of four women – Julia Sugarbaker (played by Dixie Carter), Suzanne Sugarbaker (played by Delta Burke), Mary Jo Shively (played by Annie Potts), and Charlene Frazier Stillfield (played by Jean Smart) – who run an interior design firm in Atlanta. The show is known for tackling controversial issues with humor and sensitivity, and this episode is no exception.

The episode begins with the women being hired to cater a dinner party for the prestigious Black family, the Williamses, who are hosting a delegation of African heads of state. While the women are excited to take on this high profile job, they soon find themselves struggling with their own preconceptions and biases, which are challenged when they witness the social injustices faced by the Williams family.

As the women prepare for the event, they are surprised to learn that the Williamses are wealthy, sophisticated, and refined – a far cry from the stereotypes they've grown up with. However, their initial surprise is quickly replaced with shock when they discover that the Williamses have been the victims of racial discrimination and harassment in their exclusive neighborhood.

The episode explores the complexities of race and class in America, highlighting the misconceptions and prejudices that often exist on both sides of the divide. It deftly navigates the sensitive subject matter with humor and wit, showing how even the most well-intentioned individuals can be blinded by their own privilege and preconceptions.

Throughout the episode, the women are forced to confront their own prejudices and biases as they work alongside the Williams family. They grapple with issues of race, privilege, and social injustice, coming to a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by African-Americans, even those who have achieved great success.

Despite the serious themes explored in the episode, it is also full of the trademark humor and wit that fans of the show have come to love. There are plenty of laughs to be had as the women try to navigate the intricacies of high society, while also confronting the harsh realities of racial inequality.

The episode features strong performances from the show's talented cast, particularly Dixie Carter, who delivers a powerful monologue about the challenges faced by African-Americans in America. The episode also features an appearance by future Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, who plays the role of a maid employed by the Williams family.

Overall, There's Some Black People Coming to Dinner is a standout episode of Designing Women, tackling complex social issues with grace, humor, and sensitivity. It showcases the show's unique blend of sharp wit and social consciousness, proving once again why it remains a beloved classic of television history.