Ep 22. Reservations for Eight

The show Designing Women follows the lives of four women who run an interior design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Season 2 episode 22, titled "Reservations for Eight," revolves around the ladies preparing for a dinner party and dealing with various personal and professional issues along the way.

The episode begins with Suzanne, one of the designers, practicing her Southern belle act for an upcoming audition. Meanwhile, Julia, another designer, is dealing with her ex-husband's new girlfriend, who happens to be a client of their firm. Mary Jo, the third designer, is struggling with her teenage son, who is beginning to rebel and disregard her authority. Finally, Charlene, the office manager and fourth member of the group, is dealing with her own marital issues as her husband seems to be prioritizing his music career over their relationship.

As they each go about their day, the ladies are preoccupied with preparing for the dinner party that Julia is hosting that evening. However, as the day goes on, they encounter various obstacles that threaten to derail their plans. Mary Jo's son is caught shoplifting, and Charlene and her husband get into a heated argument over his music career. Suzanne, meanwhile, is struggling with her Southern belle act, which seems to be falling flat in front of her director.

Despite these setbacks, the women all come together to help Julia prepare for the dinner party. They spend the day cooking, cleaning, and setting the table, all while trying to put their personal issues aside. As the guests arrive, tensions rise as each of the women tries to put their best foot forward. Suzanne's director shows up unexpectedly, putting added pressure on her to perform. Mary Jo's son is sullen and uncommunicative, making it difficult for her to relax and enjoy the evening. And Charlene and her husband are still at odds, leading to some uncomfortable moments between them.

As the night goes on, however, the women begin to let their guard down and enjoy themselves. They share stories, laugh, and even dance, finding solace in each other's company. By the end of the evening, they have all worked through their individual issues and come away feeling more connected than ever.

"Reservations for Eight" is a heartwarming episode that highlights the deep bond between the four women at the heart of the show. As they confront their personal struggles and come together to help each other, they show that true friendship and support can overcome any obstacle. With its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and engaging plotlines, Designing Women continues to be a beloved classic of '80s television.