Golden Girls

NBC was already a monster by 1985 thanks to programs like "The Cosby Show", "Cheers" and "L.A. Law" (all part of that unbeatable Thursday lineup). In 1985 it appeared that Beatrice Arthur (who struck gold with "Maude", a spin-off of "All in the Family") was going back to television in a new show called "The Golden Girls". Along with Arthur (a smart-mouthed Brooklyn native) was her old-world Sicilian mother (Estelle Getty), a bubble-headed Minnesota native (Betty White) and a sex-crazed belle from Georgia (Rue McClanahan). This quartet of actresses would create the finest core of performers to ever star in a television series. "The Golden Girls", unlike "Cheers", was a hit from its first episode. It dominated with vigor and spunk on Saturday nights. NBC was worried that the show would never find an audience big enough to make a dent in the ratings, but for a time "The Golden Girls" was as excellent as anything else the networks had to offer. The four women, all obviously over 50, lived, laughed and cried together in Miami for nearly a decade from 1985 to 1992. The series pushed the envelope on everything that dominated headlines during its run (AIDS, homosexuality, sexism, ageism, political unrest, abortion and an endless list of other topics too long to go into at length). The episodes went for comedy, but usually almost always had a deep meaning to them about love and friendship. All four actresses shared the spotlight equally for the most part. Arthur and McClanahan had hit gold with "Maude" and White had been along seemingly at the advent of television programming. Getty was relatively unknown, but fit in well with more-established performers immediately (her character got away with more than the others as she was written as a lady who had suffered a major stroke which affected the relationship between what she said and thought). Herb Edelman (who made a name for himself in "The Odd Couple") was always a consistent element as Arthur's two-timing ex-husband and Harold Gould (who was a key player in "The Sting") also became a fixture during the series' latter episodes as White's love interest. Like all good things though, "The Golden Girls" began to slowly lose their edge and appeal by the early-1990s. Time slot changes and constant contract re-negotiations ended the series far too early. Arthur's want to leave the show by 1992 would ultimately kill the program. CBS attempted to bring the other three back with "The Golden Palace", but that series never found its legs without Arthur. 5 stars out of 5.

With its bright, wicker-strewn set and four distinct female characters, I don't see how "The Golden Girls" could've missed. Add a terrific cast, and you've got a goldmine. My favorite episodes are the serious one about Alzheimers, the hilarious one where the women have to decide between a new roof or a painting by a dying artist, and any of those that prominently feature Beatrice Arthur (portraying my favorite golden girl, Dorothy Zbornak). Occasionally there was a dip in inspiration, such as the groan-filled two-parter about Blanche's moonlight madness party, or some fearsome overacting (Estelle Getty was the usual culprit). Still, the reruns never fail to get a laugh out of me, and I must know the episodes by heart by now. Sharp, canny writing, funny second plots to match the main action, brilliant characterizations and good writing for the supporting players. It is my generation's "I Love Lucy".

The sweet Betty White, the glamorous Rue McClanahan, the sharp Bea Arthur and the hilarious Estelle Getty join forces to star in this unforgettable, nostalgic, utterly hilarious, warm, family comedy that entwines every feeling and emotion that us humans experience and covers it with verbal and visual comedy.

After her husbands death, Blanche Deveraux (Rue McClanahan), a sexy, Texas southerner, advertises for two roommates to live in her smart, Floridian bungalow. After several candidates, she receives grief-councilor Rose Nyland (Betty White), an adorable, naïve widow from St. Olaf, Minnesota and Dorothy Zbornak (Beatrice Arthur), a recently divorced substitute high-school, literature teacher, from New York City. The three live together until in the pilot episode where Dorothy's witty, Sicilian mother, Sofia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) appears, after her nursing home 'burnt down'. Together, the four women live together, accompanied by sex, cheesecake, gossip, arguments and every other element that makes true friendship.

If I was ever asked what five things I'd take with me onto a tropical island – it'd be the three Golden Girls series I have on DVD, my TV and my DVD Player. The Golden Girls remains my forever favorite sitcom, simply because its true – its not fake. Its totally and utterly believable.

Herb Edelman also made frequent appearances as Dorothy's sleazy ex-husband, who left her for an air hostess. As did Harold Gould as Rose's major love interest. Equipped with its famous guest appearances, including Tony Jay, Anne Haney, Polly Holiday, George Clooney, Paula Kelly, Nancy Walker, Lloyd Bochner, Murray Hamilton, Deborah May, Jeanette Nolan and Leslie Neilson. Not to mention the Special Guest Appearances – people as themselves – including Burt Reynolds, Alex Trebek and Merv Griffin this is also another key factor.

I actually wrote to my two favourite Golden Girls' Betty/Rose and Rue/Blanche back in 2004 who BOTH sent back beautiful signed photos personally addressed to me. I was so happy. Since I purchased the first three series of amazon.com (I live in the UK, but own a DVD player – which, thank God, plays American DVDs), I've also grown to like Dorothy. If Bea Arthur is reading this, I am planning to write to her as well, but due to the constant worry of my upcoming GSCE's – I just haven't had time. Please, bare with me! I'd also right to Estelle but sadly due to her suffering with the dreadful Alzheimer's Disease, I can't.

My own personal top five favorites would have to be: (NOT in order)

1. The Operation 2. The Actor (Dorothy – life on stage: You're a dirt bag!) 3. Pilot 4. The Heart Attack 5. The Housekeeper

The cheerful opening theme tune 'Thank You For Being a Friend' sung by a lady who's name I don't know, helps create the sense of security and joy when watching. I can't recall a storyline that wasn't profound and funny at the same time. What more can I say? I love this programe, much better than 'The Nanny' (Another favourite American sitcom of mine) and 'Will and Grace' an overrated American comedy. I'm so pleased all three won award for their treasured portrayals. I now look forward to buying series four – due to release in February 2006, so a little while to wait.

A pure diamond of a show!

I loved this show the minute I saw it as a teen. I saw it once or twice as a kid, but never got the jokes. Now that I'm a bit more grown-up, I've seen every epi at least 10 times and watch it whenever it comes on. They were the precursor to every show about 4 women talking about everything under the sun. The similarity to Sex and the City is very striking and many other shows like that. Blanche and Dorothy were my favorite. But, of course, each one represents the different sides of women. Like that episode with the Hungarian sculpturer who said the stature was all 3 of them because together, they make the perfect woman. I love this show to death and don't mind watching it over and over. It broke a lot of barriers and is just plain funny. They were so good at their characters that to see them doing something outside of it in real life is a shock, lol. Golden Girls Forever!

This show was a friggin' classic!

This came out when I was very young, before they showed it in reruns on Lifetime, I had no clue what was so funny... now I know!

I'm a guy, but I enjoy shows like this because of almost everything... especially when the other three girls insult Rose.

The way I see it, no matter how many times you've seen this show, it's always funny.

This is definately a 10 in my book.