Ep 12. Real, Scary Men

Designing Women season 6 episode 12, titled "Real, Scary Men," revolves around the four women of Sugarbaker and Associates and their interactions with a group of men who are in town for a hunting trip. While the women initially dismiss the men as typical "good ol' boys," they are forced to reevaluate their perceptions as they spend more time with them.

Julia, Mary Jo, Suzanne, and Charlene all have their own preconceived notions about the group of men and their attitudes towards women. Julia, a staunch feminist, is particularly wary of men who enjoy hunting and views the activity as barbaric. Suzanne, on the other hand, is immediately intrigued by the group's leader, a charming man named Trip who has a way with words. Charlene, having grown up in a small town herself, is the most open-minded of the group and sees the hunters as just "regular guys." Mary Jo, however, is perhaps the most skeptical of all, citing their lack of interest in the arts and progressive politics as red flags.

The women's opinions start to shift when they are invited to a dinner with the men and witnesses firsthand the camaraderie and respect between them. As the night wears on, they realize that the hunters are not the backward, sexist individuals they had initially assumed them to be. They are surprised to learn that many of the men are successful businessmen and politicians who are passionate about philanthropy and improving their community. They are also shocked to hear some of the men's stories about the discrimination they have faced in their own lives, including being dismissed and belittled for their Southern accents and love of hunting.

As the episode progresses, the women find themselves talking more openly with the hunters and sharing stories about their own lives and experiences. Julia and Trip engage in a thoughtful debate about hunting, with Trip arguing that it is a necessary part of balancing the ecosystem and Julia countering that it is a cruel and unnecessary tradition. Suzanne and Charlene both find themselves with romantic interests in two of the hunters, causing some tension between them. Mary Jo, meanwhile, begins to appreciate the men's perspectives and even agrees to go on a hunting trip with them the following day.

Throughout the episode, the women and men both challenge each other's assumptions and learn to better understand one another. The episode does not shy away from showing the complexities of these interactions, as the women are forced to confront their own biases and the men are shown grappling with their own privilege and traditional gender roles. However, by the end of the dinner, it is clear that despite their differences, the women and men have come to a newfound respect for each other.

Overall, "Real, Scary Men" is an episode that tackles themes of prejudice and open-mindedness with honesty and sensitivity. The show's strong characterizations and witty dialogue ensure that the episode never feels preachy or overly didactic, instead offering a nuanced examination of how we can learn from and connect with those who have different backgrounds and beliefs.