JULY 1, 1968 (EP. #1028)
The perceptive viewer saw by Lenore's attitude and expression that she had a sweet-sad,
half-scared, half-anticipating feeling. Over breakfast, Russ fed toast to an excited Rachel, who
begged Alice to tell her all about the luncheon. Lenore showed Lee how Ada did her hair special.
Fred came in with Helen, who shooed the girls up the stairs. In the sacristy of St. John's Cathedral,
Walter and Dru spoke with Dr. Brooks, the minister. With a sense of wonder, Walter peeked out
at the arriving guests, then confided to Dru a little ruefully that he liked Bill, though he'd always
worried about him. Alice entered, then Lee, then Fred escorted Lenore down the aisle. The entire
cast (except Ernie and Peggy) watched as Walter and Lenore exchanged vows and rings.
Minister: "Walter Curtin, wilt thou have Lenore to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's
ordinance in the Holy State of Matrimony? [...]"
Walter: "I will."
...
Minister: (TO LENORE) "Repeat after me: I, Lenore, take thee, Walter, for my lawful husband."
Lenore: "I, Lenore, take thee, Walter, for my lawful husband."
...
Minister: "[...] And what God has joined together, let no man put asunder." (AND AS THE
MUSIC SWELLS, AND WALTER TURNS TOWARD LENORE AND SHE TOWARD HIM, WE FADE OUT).
JULY 2, 1968 (EP. #1029)
Lenore was radiant as Walter kissed her then led her back up the aisle, but there were tears of sadness in Lee's eyes. At the Bay City Country Club, as Lenore, Walter, Alice, Lee, Dru, Helen, and Fred stood in the reception line, Rachel tried to convince Russ to become a member. Russ promised her their little girl will have the big wedding they never had, which failed to ease Rachel's regretful outlook. Lee was embarrassed when both Sam and John told her she looked beautiful. Bill took photos of everyone. Liz told Helen to stop twitting at her, since now she and Missy have a good laugh at her original opposition to her marrying Bill. Helen anxiously accepted Walter's invitation to dance so that she could avoid hearing more of Liz's rose-colored account of her past with Missy. Alice reflected to Dru on the ways in which she has grown to like Walter over time. Steve Frame introduced himself to Alice, then led her to the dance floor. A pouting Rachel managed to convince Russ that one dance won't hurt the baby. Ada was so pleased when Dru told her Rachel has been fitting in very well that she agreed to dance with him. Lahoma scolded Lee for thinking of throwing away all the wonderful things she has, but Lee maintained that the things she truly wants in life are unattainable. Pat reminded Rachel they were no longer eligible for the bouquet, which Lahoma caught when Lee made no move to grab it.
Dru: (About Walter) "I, on the contrary, always admired him."
Alice: "I do, too, now. He's--" (BUT THEY'RE INTERRUPTED BY A YOUNG MAN)
Steve: (George Reinholt, Introduction Line) "Excuse me, but are you Alice? Alice Matthews?"
Alice: "Yes."
Steve: "I'm Stephen Frame." (BEAT) "I've been waiting for Lenore or Walter to introduce us, but
somehow I don't think they're going to get the time. So hello."
Alice: "Well, hello." (LAUGHS, THEN) "This is Mr. Dru, Uncle Dru, this is... well this is Mr.
Stephen Frame." (THEY GREET AND STEPHEN IS MORE THAN CORDIAL, BUT IT'S CLEAR HIS REAL INTEREST IS IN ALICE).
Helen: (at the Bay City Country Club) (Exit Line, accepting Walter's invitation to dance) "I'd love to Walter and you came just at the right moment."
Notes: Last appearance of Murial Williams as Helen Moore (1968). First appearance of George Reinholt as Stephen (Steve) Frame. Jim was absent for the wedding and following episodes, explained on-screen by a bad cold.
JULY 3, 1968 (EP. #1030)
Just before Walter and Lenore left under a shower of rice, Alice joked to Walter she'd like to run
away with him. Rachel, John, and Missy had three different views on what was the most beautiful
wedding they'd ever seen. Missy twinkled at Bill as he led her off for a dance. On the plane,
Lenore was ecstatic when Walter told her they would be visiting all seven of the Hawaiian Islands.
Rachel made sure she and Russ stayed behind when Pat, John, Sam, and Lee left. Russ was
impressed and Rachel's head swiveled at the money behind that kind of buy when Steve revealed
he's the new co-owner of the Bay City Bengals, a football team. Alice advised Russ that exercise
was healthy for a pregnant woman. Lee silently begged for strength after Sam brought her home.
Rachel danced gaily around their bedroom as Russ watched her with loving admiration. Russ
brought her some fizz when she felt a twinge in her side. Russ informed Rachel her intermittent
pains were labor contractions.
Russ: "Mr. Frame... You're new in Bay City, is that right?"
Steve: "Make it Steve, please. No, not new exactly... About a year."
Alice: "He's in construction."
Steve: (SMILING) "Yes. I came here on a job, as a matter of fact... and I liked the place and
decided to stay."
'AND THE MUSIC SEGUES INTO A NEW NUMBER:'
Rachel: "Oh, Russ. That's our song!"
Russ: (WORN OUT BY HER, BUT STILL INTRIGUED BY RACHEL'S ENERGY:) "Which one isn't? Couldn't you dance this one without me, Rachel? That's the way they're doing it these days."
Steve: (POLITELY) "If I may, Dr. Matthews?" (INDICATING A DANCE TO RACHEL) "Mrs. Matthews?"
Rachel: (PERMISSION?) "Russ?"
Alice: (LAUGHING AND WAVING THEM AWAY:) "We say, yes, for heaven's sake."
Steve: "Thank you." AND HE WHISKS RACHEL AWAY).
Rachel: "Everything was rich. Even that Mr. Frame... Steve. I'll bet he's worth a bundle, isn't he, Russ?"
Russ: (LAUGHING:) "For a while at the party, I was afraid you were going to ask him what he
was worth."
Rachel: "Well, I hope Alice hooks him. It'd be really swell having him as a member of the family.
All that money..."
Notes: The original name of the Bay City football team was the Falcons.
JULY 4, 1968 (EP. #1031)
Rachel panicked, feeling raw fear for herself, not for the baby. Dru filled Mary in on the attentive
young man who danced with Alice. Mary told Alice that she'll be able to get her old room back
soon as Russ and Rachel will be moving out once the baby comes. Russ tried to calm Rachel, who
flipped out at the thought of having the baby. Russ had to laugh a little when she wailed she's
never had a baby before. Sam told Ada he felt Lee was hiding something from him. Alice ran
upstairs to nurse Rachel when Russ told the family about her contractions. Mary phoned Ada with
the news. A terrified Rachel clung to Russ and begged him not to let her die.
Rachel: "I'm not worried about the baby! I'm worried about myself!"
Russ: (THROWN BY THIS:) "About... you? What do you mean? I mean, I 'm worried about
you, too, but... but the baby.."
Rachel: "Never mind the baby! I'm scared for myself, Russ! Russ! I'm afraid! I'm afraid!"
JULY 5, 1968 (EP. #1032)
Sam tried to calm Ada down. Alice told Mary not to accompany them to the hospital. Rachel
panicked to see Alice in her uniform, but Alice took charge and assured her everything would be
fine. Mary prayed for the baby to live, but at only six and a half months, she was afraid it didn't
have a chance. Sam and Ernie told Ada she wouldn't do Rachel any good if she didn't have a big
smile plastered on her face. As they got ready for bed, Bill and Missy talked about how everyone
had looked at the wedding. Missy felt Lenore didn't love Walter the way she had loved Bill. Rachel
thought it meant she won't get through it when she got off the elevator with Russ and Alice and
saw Ada, Ernie, and Sam awaiting her. Russ told Ada there was no reason to worry about Rachel's
heart condition. Though she put on a brave face, Ada shared Rachel's fears and every jab of pain.
Ada rocked Rachel like a child when Rachel was certain she was going to die.
Rachel: "Don't leave me! If you're going to take care of me, stay with me. Stay with me every minute!"
Alice: "Rachel, don't worry. Why, I'm your sister-in-law, and this will probably be the last
opportunity I'll ever have to boss you around."
JULY 8, 1968 (EP. #1033)
In fear for her life, Rachel sought and accepted comfort in Ada's arms. Alice shooed Ada out of
the room. Russ, Ernie, and Sam failed to convince Ada to go home. Sam went home but Ernie
stayed with Ada. Dr. Clader gave Russ and Ada his assurances before seeing Rachel. Clader came
back out to say it was real, not fake, labor. Pat subtly tried to find out Lee's plans. Sam came and
told them about Rachel. Alice told Russ that Rachel was running a low-grade fever. Ada
reluctantly let Ernie drag her off for coffee. Clader told Russ that Rachel has uterine inertia and
needs to be sedated so she can rest between contractions. Rachel relaxed as Russ spoke tenderly to
convince her that the injection is to help her, not the baby.
JULY 9, 1968 (EP. #1034)
Rachel panicked, sure the injection will put her into a sleep from which she'll never return. A
worried Sam told Pat and Lee that Rachel had it worse than him because she had no memory of
her father, while he remembered his father though he'd been away a lot. In their hotel room,
Walter promised Lenore one beautiful moment after another. He brought up Bill, but Lenore told
Walter to forget him. Mary came to provide Ada with encouragement. Russ told them that
Rachel's contractions weren't coming often enough to deliver the baby. Rachel, affected by the
demerol into thinking she was a child again, asked Ada when her father was coming home. Back in
the present, Rachel told Ada she took over when her father left off in hurting Ada. She apologized
for not being nice to Ada or Russ.
'AND ADA HOLDS HER HAND AND STARTS TO SING. THE SONG CAN BE "HUSH, LITTLE BABY, DON'T YOU CRY..." OR "BABY'S BOAT" OR ANY SONG CONNIE PREFERS.'
JULY 10, 1968 (EP. #1035)
Ada told Alice that Rachel was flashing back to the time she had her tonsils out. Bill and Missy
moved back into their apartment. When Bill got curious about Liz's acceptance of their move,
Missy made him promise to accept the fact that she's changed and let it go at that. Pat phoned to
tell them about Rachel. Russ made Ada leave Rachel's room. Ada told Mary she got the
impression from listening to Rachel that her father meant more to her than she did. Bill let Lee
hold Ricky as Missy tried to comfort her and Pat. Pat blamed Rachel for not studying up on
childbirth. Alice admonished Ada for worrying over nothing. A haggard Russ kept up a
professional pretense for Ada's sake. Ada broke down in Mary's arms after Rachel told her she
loved her as she was being wheeled off to the delivery room.
Rachel: "And I am sorry for the things I said... every last single one... Please forgive me, Momma." (AND SHE CLOSES HER EYES AND DRIFTS OFF).
Notes: This would be the last time we see Rachel until August 20th, except for some pre-taped scenes of her lying in her hospital bed.
JULY 11, 1968 (EP. #1036)
Alice comforted Russ, who emerged from the labor and delivery room looking exhausted. Sam
and Ernie commiserated about Rachel's lazy birth and uterine inertia, though Sam felt she was
deserving of a good spanking. Ernie felt somebody ought to take care of Ada when Sam said she
couldn't live with Rachel dying not knowing how much her mother loved her. When Russ started
blaming himself, Alice said she always thought Rachel fought the idea of having a baby, that she was
somehow scared of it. Sam embarrassed Ernie, who'd broached the subject of proposing to Ada.
Sam admitted he didn't know why Lee kept putting off setting a wedding date. Pat was alarmed
when Lee violently rejected the idea of making wedding plans. Dr. Clader informed Russ and
Alice that Rachel miscarried. Though upset, Russ was happy that he'd helped by convincing
Rachel to take the Demorol.
JULY 12, 1968 (EP. #1037)
A worried Ada, being comforted by Mary, was galvanized to see Russ, who then told her the baby
was lost. John and Dru came home to hear from Pat there was no news of Rachel, then they
worried about Lee's reluctance to set a wedding date. Ada felt sure Russ and Rachel would have
lots of children yet. Ernie was only too willing to let Ada cry on his shoulder. Pat and Dru tried to
placate John's fears about Lee, then Sam phoned to inquire about Lee's whereabouts since she wasn't
answering the phone. In a park, Lee tried to muster up some courage for what she had to do.
Ernie pampered Ada by sitting her on her couch and taking her shoes off for her. Ada fretted that
Rachel gave herself a hard labor by being so frightened. Ernie was so worried about Ada being
alone once Sam moved out, he proposed.
Ernie: "I'm sorry about the baby, Ada."
Ada: "Yes... The poor little thing that never had a chance..."
Ernie: "Well... I mean, Ada, if you're not dead set against having a man around the house, I was thinking that we each like each other fine. I mean, I think you like me... I know how much I like you.. And I was wondering if maybe it wouldn't be a good idea if you and I got married" (TAKE ADA AND FADE OUT).
JULY 15, 1968 (EP. #1038)
Since they were worried about Lee themselves, John, Pat, and Dru didn't do much to calm an
agitated Sam. Ada was touched that Ernie felt it was time somebody took care of her. Feeling they
were too old for love, Ernie said he really liked her. Ada laughed when he wanted to show her his
savings book, but liked his idea of living in a house since she'd spent the first part of her life living
in a tenement. She accepted once she heard Sam gave his approval. Pat admitted to Sam that Lee
ran out when the topic of the wedding was brought up. Walter and Lenore toasted each other on
their hotel balcony in Hawaii. She mischievously said "nolo contendere" when he asked her
seriously if she'd ever get bored with him. Lenore worried about how Lee refused to catch her
bouquet. Ada worried about termites as Ernie looked through the paper's real estate section. Sam
came out of his funk long enough to be happy for Ada and Ernie. Lee read the article again, then
cried as she tore up Sam's note.
Ernie: "Well, I know I'm not exactly Rudolph Valentino or whoever it is that's making love in the
movies these days."
Ada: (A SMILE:) "How long since you've been to the movies, Ernie? It's Marcello Mastroianni now."
...
Ada: (WE SEE HER SMILE A LITTLE SECRET SATISFIED SMILE, AND THEN SHE
WALKS AROUND THE ROOM A LITTLE UNTIL SHE TURNS AND FACES ERNIE:) "Ada
Downs. Hey, that doesn't sound half bad, does it?" (TAKE ERNIE WHO TAKES A MOMENT
TO REALIZE THAT THIS IS AN ACCEPTANCE, AND THEN STARTS TO SMILE
BROADLY AS HE GOES TOWARD HER OR MAYBE JUST TAKES HER HAND AND
WE FADE OUT).
'IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING, I HOPE, THAT LENORE IS IN A LOVELY GOWN, DRESSED FOR DINNER.'
JULY 16, 1968 (EP. #1039)
Sam told Ada he had a hunch something was very wrong with Lee. Jim and Mary told a
despondent Alice how proud they were of how she reassured Ada about Rachel. Though she
wanted to wait and talk to Russ about a possible flare-up of Rachel's endocarditis, Alice fell asleep
as Jim spoke to her. Sam phoned Lahoma to ask her to go down and ring Lee's doorbell. Lahoma
chastised Lee for letting people worry about her. Dru shared with Mary and Jim his worries of the
effects killing Lefty have on Lee. An anguished Lee begged Lahoma to keep Sam away from her.
With Lee hovering nearby, Lahoma phoned Sam that Lee was sleeping. Lee told Lahoma the only
way to emancipate Sam was to tell him she doesn't love him and doesn't want to marry him.
JULY 17, 1968 (EP. #1040)
Lee insisted to Lahoma she can make her lie to Sam very convincing. John found Pat making
coffee kuchen, the way Mary did when she was upset. John wasn't completely reassured when
Sam phoned to let him know Lee was all right after all, just home sleeping. Lee went on to say the
fact that since people who've taken LSD have been known to have hallucinations a year later if
they're under great stress was another reason to free Sam from her. Lahoma's insistence on how
strong their love was just made Lee more determined to go through with it. The next morning,
John told Pat he intended to pay Lee a surprise visit. Lee wouldn't listen to Lahoma's adoption
suggestion, insisting Sam would come to resent her, and vowed to disappear from the face of the
earth if anyone told Sam the truth. Lee tried to convince John she'd had a simple headache last
night, then Sam arrived with talk of getting married tomorrow, which sounded fine to John.
JULY 18, 1968 (EP. #1041)
A woozy Russ insisted he was all right when Alice came in to work and found him catching a
minute's sleep in a visitor's chair. Missy served breakfast with an extra dash and joy, and Bill was
relieved his mother wouldn't be coming down the stairs. After Bill left for work, Pat arrived to
recruit Missy for a visit to Lee. Russ blamed himself for Rachel's strain when he told Alice her
endocarditis seemed to be kicking up again, and was sure Rachel would become very ill. A cheery
and deprecating Alice wouldn't allow Ada to disturb Rachel, as a breezy Russ tried to mollify Ada's
fears. Alice was delighted to hear of Ada's upcoming marriage. Missy agreed with Pat that Lee's
behavior sounded strange. Lahoma felt inadequate that she was the only one Lee could talk to. Lee
averred she'd somehow find the strength to give Sam up.
JULY 19, 1968 (EP. #1042)
Lee opened the door to Pat and Missy, who put Ricky in her arms, which made her turn away
from them and looked at the baby unhappily and yearningly. Steve ran into Alice when he came to
the hospital to visit a straw boss who fell from a second-story girder. He said he now owned the
Bay City Bengals, the football team. She insisted she wasn't shocked when he said what he really
liked about the construction business wasn't building but outfoxing the competition. Alice
accepted his dinner invite, then was a little flustered he already knew her address. Lee talked her
way out of it when Missy asked her, Pat, and their men to dinner at her place. Bill asked Sam
about Rachel and was told of Ada's wedding plans. After beating about the bush, Alice asked Lee
if she could sublet her apartment after she marries Sam, but Lee asked her to move in with her
since she wasn't going to marry Sam. After Alice described their glorious and inspirational love,
Lee declared that she was enormously and eternally grateful, but not in love, with Sam and only
accepted his proposal out of gratitude, but could no longer continue with this farce.
'ACT I. ALICE IS AT THE DESK IN THE HOSPITAL CORRIDOR, NOT LOOKING
TOWARD THE ELEVATOR, AS THE ELEVATOR DOOR OPENS AND STEVEN FRAME
GETS OUT, HESITATES, THEN GOES TO THE DESK.'
Steve: (TO ALICE'S BACK) "Miss, can you tell me which way seven-o-four is?"
Alice: (SHE TURNS) "It's down..." (THEN THEY RECOGNIZE EACH OTHER) "Well, hello?"
Steve: (SIMULTANEOUSLY) "Well, hello, yourself." (THEN OF COURSE THEY LAUGH,
AND STEVE HOLDS OUT HIS HAND TO HER:) "It's nice to see you again."
Alice: "It's very nice to see you, Steven."
JULY 22, 1968 (EP. #1043)
Lee was defensive when Alice expressed her doubts. At Pierre's, Ada told Lahoma how she felt
Rachel would be a changed woman once she had children, then Lahoma wasn't pleased to hear
Ada didn't plan to marry until after Sam and Lee did. After arguing that Lee didn't know what she
talking about, Alice reached for her purse and gave Lee a pill to make her sleep. John told Pat that
Lee had been evasive, and was happy to hear Pat's news that Lee stated her intention to talk about
her plans with Sam tonight. Dru greeted Alice with flowers Steve had sent, but she admitted being
too glum to enjoy dinner. Dru urged her to hurry and get dressed since she looked like a wilted
daffodil. In a dream, a little boy led Lee by the hand to view a puppet show in the park: Lahoma as
puppeteer made puppet Lee reiterate her vow to break up with Sam: Lee tried to flee from the
park but a bridal procession blocked her way: Dru was the minister as she stood by Sam's side, but
various children stepped forward to parrot the magazine article.
JULY 23, 1968 (EP. #1044)
Sam showed up at Lee's with flowers and groceries. Jim and Mary thought she was concerned
about Rachel when Alice didn't seem excited over dinner with Steve. Mary wasn't happy when
Alice mentioned she still intends to move out into her own place. Lee smiled weakly as Sam
prattled on about the past and the future, then fled into the bedroom when he pulled out a
calendar. As he sat on the porch drinking lemonade with Jim and Mary, Steve remembered how
he'd run five lemonade stands when he was eight, then said he probably bought the sports team to
compensate for never having had time for games. Jim worried about Alice when Mary commented
on Steve's straightforwardness. Missy and Bill felt Sam and Lee were destined to be very happy
and without a care in the world. Lee cried when Sam presented her with a modest ring, then pulled
her hand away and said she couldn't marry him.
JULY 24, 1968 (EP. #1045)
Unbelievably shocked, Sam took it like a blow to the solar plexus when Lee repeated her intent not
to marry him. Russ confided Rachel's troubles to Lahoma, who agreed not to let Ada know. Ada
was worried when Russ wouldn't let Ernie accompany her to see Rachel. Lahoma was unable to
answer the double barrels when an eager Ernie wondered if she knew when Lee planned to get
married. Lee, unable to say anything harsh, was frantic when Sam insisted that putting the past
behind her didn't mean including him. Lee was glad when Walter and Lenore showed up
unexpectedly to drag them all out to dinner. A miserable Lahoma desperately tried to dodge Ernie's
attempts to find out Lee's intentions. When Lenore quizzed Lee about her wedding date, Sam
made excuses, and he and Lee were able to leave the restaurant gracefully. Lee dashed Sam's good
mood by finally saying she not only couldn't marry him, she didn't want to.
JULY 25, 1968 (EP. #1046)
Ada wanted Ernie to tell her what Lahoma knew about Sam and Lee. Eager to talk after the
meal, Steve told Alice he bought the sports team for status and a tax break (since the team was in
last place). When she hinted she'd been disillusioned earlier in the evening, he advised her the way
not to be hurt was not count too much on others. Ernie dissembled when Ada was sure Sam and
Lee were settling things right now. Lee insisted to Sam that she wasn't still bothered by Lefty's
death, or by having taken the LSD, or by the possibility of her re-hallucinating. Lahoma worried
about what Lee was telling Sam. Lee apologized to Sam for ever making him think she loved him,
then clinched it by reaffirming his belief that they were from different classes. She broke down in
sobs after he picked up the ring, said goodbye, and left.
Sam: "We were... so happy. We... we had fun... we laughed together... we looked forward to...
everything that it meant to live together. Kids, family--"
Lee: (THE WORD "KIDS" TRIGGERS A SCREAM:) "Stop it, Sam!" (HE IS TAKEN ABACK
BY THE VEHEMENCE OF THIS. THEN, LEE, MORE QUIETLY:) "I'm sorry. But I told you
we shouldn't talk about it."
Sam: "Lee, you're not going to marry me because you don't love me?"
Lee: "Sam, I was trying to tell it to you without saying it. But you make me say it, don't you? And I
guess it's only fair. That's it, Sam. That's it. I don't love you." (TAKE SAM AND FADE OUT).
JULY 26, 1968 (EP. #1047)
They learned Sam was no longer there when Ada pushed Ernie into phoning Lee's. Alice
apologized to Steve for spending the evening worrying about her friends, and he advised her to
learn how not to worry about others. Ernie tried to diffuse Ada's worry over Sam, but he sighed in
mock exasperation when she professed not being able to sleep until Sam returned. Alice didn't
want to discuss it when Jim asked if Lee had said anything about a wedding date. Russ tried to
explain he loved Rachel for the way good and bad intertwined in her, and Jim reassured him he
likes her. The next morning, as John waited impatiently for a call from Lee, he recalled to Pat how
he hadn't told Lee right away of their own wedding. A worried Ada alarmed John and Pat with
news that Sam hadn't come home last night.
JULY 29, 1968 (EP. #1048)
Fearing it was Sam, Lee wouldn't answer the phone when John called her. Missy kidded with Bill
about his intention to tease Sam about his wedding. They were surprised when Liz showed up on
their doorstep. Bill left for work, and Missy kept mum when Liz asked her if she hated her. John
talked Ada out of phoning the hospital, felt she should accompany him to the office to await Sam,
and shot down her theory that Sam and Lee eloped. Liz vowed to Missy she'd make everything
up to her and win her love back. Liz offered to sit with Ricky when John phoned for Missy to go
over and check on Lee. Ada preferred trying to phone Lee's rather than listen to Pat's optimistic
outlook. Lee quickly gleaned that Missy had been sent over by John. Missy was stunned to hear
what Lee had told Sam, then imparted the news of Sam's disappearance.
Missy: "There was a time when I did feel close to you."
Liz: "And that time will come again, Melissa-- I promise you. Because you see no matter how you
feel about me, I still love you. I love you every bit as much as if you were my own daughter."
JULY 30, 1968 (EP. #1049)
Lee pounded on Lahoma's door to tell her Sam has disappeared. Alice couldn't keep her mind
focused when Lenore was interested to hear about her and Steve, then told Lenore all the news
about Sam and Lee. Sam brooded in a bar about not being good enough for Lee. Lahoma got on
Lee's case for hurting Sam, but backed off when she saw how it had affected her. Lee convinced
Lahoma she needed to go find Sam to make sure he was all right. Ernie stared at him
open-mouthed when Sam walked in requesting his old job back, and offered to sell Ernie his
engagement ring. Sam just walked out when Ernie told him to go back to Mr. Randolph. Sam
phoned Peggy to tell John he won't be coming in anymore. When Lahoma found Sam packing his
bags, she yearned to touch him but dared not to as he stated they were both born losers.
JULY 31, 1968 (EP. #1050)
John and Bill were puzzled when Peggy told them of Sam's call. Missy told Bill what Lee said
she'd told Sam last night. John felt Lee still felt guilty about Lefty, and anticipated that Sam might
be considering leaving town. Lahoma vaguely tried to convince Sam that Lee hadn't meant what
she said, but Sam didn't blame Lee for feeling how she did. Though he thought John the greatest
guy in the world, Sam told Lahoma he couldn't associate any longer with someone who
represented everything he isn't. Missy shared the news with Pat and Ada, who laughed ironically
that Sam, the baby of the family, never got a break. Through her tears, Ada described that though
he never received any luck, he was a good man who was trying to put his life back together. Sam
couldn't promise John he'd think it over before leaving town.
AUGUST 1, 1968 (EP. #1051)
A resentful Lahoma informed Lee she found Sam packing his suitcases, and admonished her for
the hurtful comments people like Rachel and Liz were bound to say about him. Lee was hopeful to
hear John had gone over to talk to Sam, but panicked when Lahoma warned he was likely on his
way to see her next. Though he intended to confront Lee, a despairing John confided to Pat he
doesn't know what to do about his daughter. Liz smiled like a Cheshire cat when she answered the
door to Lee. Ada told Ernie that Lee gave Sam his walking papers, and showed him the note in
which he stated his intent to pack up and light out. A concerned Ernie made Ada sit down while he
made her some tea. Lee couldn't disagree when Liz reassured her that it had been a perfectly
absurd notion to have thought she loved Sam. Unhappy that Lahoma's prediction was coming true,
Lee tried to defend Sam's academic achievements.
AUGUST 2, 1968 (EP. #1052)
Alice was too upset to be excited when Mary and Dru told her Steve called. Missy was sure from
listening to Liz's opinions that Liz hadn't wanted her to marry Bill for the same reason she doesn't
think Sam and Lee are a good match. Missy thought Liz insensitive for not telling her right off that
Lee had been by. Mary and Dru were stunned when Alice spoke of Lee's actions and Sam's
disappearance. Sam sat hunched and miserable in a corner of the garage. Missy and Bill were
incredulous when Liz insisted she'd been sympathetic to Lee. Liz started to cry when Bill accused
her of letting her snobbery run away with her again. Ernie chided Sam for speaking rudely and
sarcastically to a concerned Ada. Sam moaned to Ada about lying in a sagging bed in a tenement
house dreaming about something he had no right to dream about.
AUGUST 5, 1968 (EP. #1053)
John found Lahoma cooking dinner at Lee's and vowed not to leave until Lee returned. Ada didn't
agree when Sam, without rancor, described how he and Lee were the princess and the commoner.
Lee voiced the reason in Lahoma's head as John asked her if she knew why Lee refused to marry
Sam, until a miserable Lahoma fled to her own apartment. Steve gave Walter some financial
contributions to his campaign. Steve was relieved when Lenore assured him that Alice hadn't
returned his call only because she was so upset about Lee. Walter was skeptical when Lenore
mused about playing matchmaker for Steve and Alice. John could hardly recognize Lee as his own
daughter when she spoke of never loving Sam since he wasn't her own kind. She was crushed
when John voiced his utter disappointment in her.
AUGUST 6, 1968 (EP. #1054)
Amid more tears, Liz wailed to Bill and Missy that they'd have been happier if she'd died of her
heart attack. Pat and Dru informed Alice that Lee needed their help and understanding, not
censure, then John drove up to the Matthews and told them that his little girl talked like Liz. Liz
got great satisfaction from Missy's attempts at conciliation. As she explained her position, Liz
triumphed in forcing Bill to admit that if Lee didn't love Sam, she did the right thing in not
marrying him. Ernie advised Ada not to worry so much about the trouble of others since she took
it too hard. Ernie remembered he hadn't liked Lee when Sam first brought her to the garage, but Ada
had liked her. Ernie was sure Ada wanted to get in touch with Lahoma to get something started
between her and Sam. Dru tried to convince John not to feel ashamed of Lee for inflicting hurt on
people like Ada since she couldn't help how she felt. Ada got rid of Ernie, but Lahoma wouldn't let
Ada cross-examine her. Ada begged her to cancel her plans to leave town so she could stick
around and be a friend to Sam.
AUGUST 7, 1968 (EP. #1055)
Sam berated himself for a fool when he came across the same section of the park where he
celebrated his engagement with Lee. Lenore wondered to Walter if there was a particular reason
Steve was interested in his campaign. Lenore was properly impressed when Walter gleaned she
intended to visit Lee. Lahoma told Ada she couldn't take advantage of Sam on the rebound. Ada
jumped on Lahoma's case when Ernie revealed he thought Lahoma might know more than she's
telling, but Lahoma ran out the door. Ernie warned Ada not to push Sam and Lahoma together.
When Lenore was unconvinced that Lee had just changed her mind about loving Sam, Lee said it
was at her wedding that she realized all she felt was gratitude. To keep from crying, Lee got angry
at Lenore for not believing her. Ada and Ernie were both hesitant when Sam asked for his old job
back, then they tried in vain to convince him he belonged at the law firm. Lahoma told Lee that
Ada almost succeeded in badgering the secret out of her, and even Lee felt she'd better leave town
for a while since she felt she might break down and admit to people she loved Sam.
AUGUST 8, 1968 (EP. #1056)
Russ told Alice he was terribly worried about Rachel. John filled Peggy in on Sam and Lee, but
couldn't agree with her that it might be a temporary thing. Dru thought John made a mistake in
expressing his disappointment to Lee like a stern Victorian parent. Alice and Russ covered when
Ada found them discussing Rachel's grave condition. Ada felt there was no telling what she might
do to Lee if she followed Alice's advice about confronting her. Dru explained to John that he may
have made Lee feel deserted and alienated, that she has somehow put herself beyond the pale with
what she did to Sam. Alice told Lee she could move in once Rachel was out of hospital. Lee told
her she needed to get away because people, like her father, think she deliberately wanted to hurt
Sam. Russ asked about Sam to circumvent Ada's worry over Rachel. It took a while, but after John
managed to make Lee believe he still loved her, she threw herself into his arms and sobbed against
his chest.
AUGUST 9, 1968 (EP. #1057)
Liz shared with Mary her theory that Pat and John pushed Lee into the arms of that ex-convict
Sam. Lee turned her down when Lenore wanted her company in picking out some art to brighten
up her dull apartment hotel. But Lee let her know she was touched that Lenore wanted her to
know she was still her friend. Liz boasted that Bill and Missy agreed with her viewpoint, and that
she had an advantage over Mary because Lee came to visit her. Liz suggested they give a party for
Lee and the rest of their set, none of those Lucases or Davises, and pitied Mary who reminded her
her daughter-in-law was a Davis. Russ told Mary he received a letter from Massachusetts General
offering him a lucrative residency. Steve understood when Alice apologized for forgetting to return
his call, and she agreed to dinner with Walter and Lenore. His uncertainty was not lost on Mary
when Russ tried to quell his own doubts with heartiness over whether Rachel would be happy with
a move to Boston. Lee appreciated Dru's opinion that she must have felt badly about hurting Sam's
feelings. When he pressed her on her plans for the rest of her life, Lee realized she wanted a job
that would be helpful to others. Lee was startled to hear Dru admit he didn't believe her and
encourage her to talk to others as her true feelings might subconsciously emerge.
AUGUST 12, 1968 (EP. #1058)
Alice was stunned to hear Russ intended to turn down the Boston offer in favor of the Memorial
one. Walter was too busy thinking about Lenore to listen to Fred's campaign advice. Fred advised
him not to judge all women by Lee's actions when Walter admitted being jealous of Sam because
Lee had been completely in love with him, but Fred realized for the first time Walter's feelings of
self-doubt. Bill failed to convince Sam he personally appreciated his help at the office. Bill pointed
to his own experiences in being run out on by Missy to show Sam that things could work out in the
end if he didn't give up. Mary warned Jim not to expect Russ to be too excited about the
residency. Russ appreciated it when Alice offered to stay with Rachel until she was better and then
travel with her to Boston to meet up with him, but he felt Rachel was frightened at the thought of
new surroundings. Alice could only sigh and nod when he vowed to be both doctor and husband.
Bill scoffed when Sam explained he was an ex-con who had been on the make for a different
world he didn't belong to. Bill promised Ada he wouldn't give up on Sam.
AUGUST 13, 1968 (EP. #1059)
Lenore was surprised that Walter was so depressed at what Lee had done to Sam. Alice changed
the subject when Jim crowed about Russ's residency offer. But Alice revealed Russ's intentions
when Jim wouldn't get off the subject and requested a blow-by-blow description of Russ's
reaction. Jim was stunned to hear Russ was giving up the offer for Rachel's sake. Worried that love
was fleeting, Walter babbled that Lenore didn't love him as much as Lee loved Sam, but quickly
rationalized it by telling her she simply wasn't the effusive type. Walter rushed out the door after
receiving word that Dick had been in a serious accident. Sam complained to Ernie about Bill's
persistence, then offered to move out if his staying at Ada's prevented her from marrying Ernie.
Ernie told Sam that Dick was dead on arrival at the hospital after his squad car overturned while
chasing a criminal. Alice came down to the porch when Steve was talking with Mary and Jim and
told them all of Dick's death. Jim told Mary he was going to start off not being the heavy father by
not letting Russ know that Alice already spoke to him. After Russ told his parents he couldn't
accept the offer for Rachel's sake because he'd be required to leave right away, they held each
other in grief.
Notes: Death of Lt. Dick Nolan, which occurred off-screen.
AUGUST 14, 1968 (EP. #1060)
Lahoma informed Lee she was no longer going to throw herself in Sam's way just so she can come
back and make reports to her. Liz was surprised not to find Jim and Mary bubbling over with
enthusiasm over Russ's residency, then saw it written all over their faces that the foolish little
flibbertigibbet girl that he so stupidly married was making Russ forfeit the offer. Lee couldn't
accept that Sam would throw away his career when Lahoma maintained he was too busy eating his
heart out to pick himself up. Lee ran out after a call about Dick, and Lahoma gazed at Sam's
picture and lamented that it was Sam and Lee, not she and Sam, that had fallen in love. Walter
returned home, shared some memories with Lenore, then drank a toast to Dick. After Alice told of
Russ's turning down the residency for Rachel's sake, Walter described Rachel for Steve. Since
Rachel liked material things, Steve thought they sounded alike, but Walter felt Rachel was
different in that she went after things the wrong way. Liz advised Mary to speak to Ada. In her
apartment, Peggy told Lee that Dick never left her alone in the house except to go see a basketball
game or to go out in line of duty, and that he'd been saving money so they could live in the country
when they retired. Lee opened the door to Sam, who expressed his sympathy to Peggy. Sam told
Peggy he envied what she'd had with Dick.
Lee: "But you were happy, Peggy, for many years, really. You were happy, weren't you, you and
your husband?"
Peggy: "Yes. I thought I was lucky, having him, and for some crazy reason he thought he was
lucky having me. Yes, we were happy."
AUGUST 15, 1968 (EP. #1061)
Ernie informed Ada that Sam or no Sam, they had to get married. Missy clung to Bill while
empathizing with Peggy. Liz told Bill the trouble was that every time she said something sensible, it
shocked the sentimental people around her. Missy and Bill told Liz of Dick's death, and she told
them of Russ giving up a wonderful opportunity because of an empty-headed, bird-brained,
inadequate childlike Rachel. Mary came over and led up in a gingerly fashion to asking Ada if
Rachel had mentioned the Boston offer. Ada gleaned that Russ turned it down on account of
Rachel, and was astounded that Ernie knew Massachusetts General was where ether was
discovered. Lee told Lahoma that she'd run into Sam, whom she felt must have hatred for her
creeping and burning within him. Lahoma was vehemently against winning Sam that way when
Lee said Sam would marry Lahoma once he hated Lee enough. When Missy went into the kitchen
to check on dinner, Bill forced Liz to admit she'd spoken her mind to Jim and Mary about Rachel.
When Ada asserted that Rachel had to go to Boston with Russ, Mary suggested they both help
take care of Rachel while Russ was there. Ernie was secretly doubtful that Ada would be able to
influence Rachel.
Missy: "Mrs. Matthews, Russ loves Rachel."
Liz: "Personally, I think it was pure biology, or chemistry or whatever they call it."
Bill: "One of those sciences. Geology, anyone?"
AUGUST 16, 1968 (EP. #1062)
Peggy hoped Sam would have with Lee what she had had with Dick. Russ put on a cheerful mask
and assured Mary he was very happy to be able to protect Rachel. Mary felt guilty not answering
Russ's query about where she'd been. Peggy told Sam that, growing up, her mother had been like a
general waging war against the dust and the dirt and the landlord of their neighborhood. Since
Peggy now worked in a law office, she felt Sam could too, as people were all alike no matter their
color or education. Russ wasn't sure whether Liz was throwing a barb at him when she asked
about the residency and Rachel in the same breath. Liz was happy to hear Mary had spoken to
Ada, since it was a parent's duty to influence their children whenever it is necessary. Dru told Pat
and John that Lee had seemed to be reciting something by rote when he spoke to her. Pat felt Sam
might be willing to return to the law office if Lee did go away for a while. Sam laughed hysterically
when Ada told him she was going to have Rachel make Russ change his mind.
John: "Dru, it's a blessing to all of us to have you around."
Dru: "Don't be foolish, John."
AUGUST 19, 1968 (EP. #1063)
As they danced at the Top of the Tower, Alice assured Steve she was deliriously happy. While
Lenore judged Steve as charming and gracious but perhaps a bit too calculating in his appreciation
of Alice, Walter considered that might be a disservice to him. Steve opined it would help both their
ventures for Walter to make an appearance at a Bengals game. Jim was uncomfortable because he
agreed with Alice's pronouncement that Russ was irresponsible to give in to Rachel. Alice admitted
she was both interested in and confused by Steve, a man unlike the ketchup-sandwich eaters Jim
was used to. When Walter worried about being in Sam's shoes, Lenore promised him there was no
comparison. Sam experienced a nightmare over Lahoma's commentary as Lee left him. Sam flared up at Ada for
harping on his packed bags. Dru spoke quietly to Sam of those things that must be done, but it just
propelled him into announcing to Ada his intent to clear out to avoid everyone's sympathy and
understanding.
AUGUST 20, 1968 (EP. #1064)
Ada alerted a summoned Ernie that Sam had left. Over breakfast, Russ was withdrawn as Alice
bubbled gaily to Mary. Alice was affronted when Russ forbade her from meddling with Rachel,
but Mary looked sick as she'd set in motion circumstances which will lead to Rachel's being talked
to. After Ada filled him in, Ernie felt that Sam was grown up and the only thing they could do was
go ahead and get married. Ernie was disappointed when Ada substituted worrying about Sam with
worrying about Rachel. Sufficiently recovered to primp herself, Rachel greeted Russ warmly. Russ
assured Rachel he'd mailed a letter of refusal to Boston. Lahoma realized Rachel hadn't been
interested in the baby. Rachel advised Lahoma to let Sam know how sorry she feels for him. Ada
underplayed the news when she told Lahoma and Rachel of Sam's departure. Ada accused Rachel
of making Russ give up the residency he'd wanted since medical school, and Rachel emphatically
turned down her plea to make Russ change his mind. Russ walked in to find Rachel with her back
practically turned to Ada, who fidgeted nervously. Russ glanced puzzled at Ada when Rachel said
Ada believes Rachel was holding Russ back from what he wanted to do.
Lahoma: "It must be awful to lose a baby."
Rachel: "Oh. Oh, well, yes. Yes, it's not nice. I..." (BUT WE CAN SEE THAT THE BABY IS
SOMETHING SHE NEVER THINKS OF, AND DOESN'T CARE ABOUT).
AUGUST 21, 1968 (EP. #1065)
An angry Rachel vented to Russ that Ada wanted him to go away and leave her all alone. Lahoma
told Alice about Sam's departure, and insisted she was okay with the fact that Sam never thought
of her as all he needed in the way of sunshine and blue skies. Ada was able to truthfully tell Russ
that Rachel had just told her about the offer. Rachel held her cheek up and permitted an apologetic
Ada to kiss her goodbye. Russ was tremendously interested when Rachel said Ada knew how
much he always wanted to go to Boston. Russ laid into Alice for telling Ada all about the
residency. Liz bemoaned Missy's cold way of speaking to her, then opined that they had once been
much closer than Mary and Rachel could ever be. When Liz insisted she did a nightly penance for
having told Walter of her pregnancy, Missy consented to call her "mother" again, but broke away
quickly when they hugged. Russ was nonplussed when Alice told him off for prejudging her with
wild accusations. Rachel blinked in surprise to see Liz, but brightened when Liz gifted her with a
new bed jacket. Rachel only acted up to what was expected of her when Liz sympathized about
the baby. Rachel agreed she couldn't see Sam and Lee together for dust, then, when she realized
Liz was hitting at her own background, explained she'd been provided with advantages Sam never
received. Liz gave Rachel an air kiss goodbye, then encountered Russ in the corridor and defended
against his accusations by implying Mary was the one who'd spoken to Ada.
AUGUST 22, 1968 (EP. #1066)
Russ bolted from the hospital after apologizing to Alice for losing his temper. Liz fumed to Fred
that, after having had the goodness of heart to visit Rachel and bring her an expensive gift, Russ
had the gall to accuse her of being the one to talk Rachel's mother into talking to Rachel about the
job offer. Lee didn't mind when Lahoma said Rachel had been going on about how Lee was way
above Sam in station. Lee felt it a good thing when Lahoma revealed Sam had left town, but
Lahoma warned her (partly honestly and partly to light a fire under Lee) she intended to go after
Sam if Lee didn't. Pat quickly realized Mary wasn't interested in talking of whether Lee loved Sam.
Russ came in and, when Mary admitted she'd gone to Ada, berated her for meddling in his life and
behaving like Aunt Liz. Pat tried to convince Mary that Russ had really been lashing out at Rachel
when he was shouting at her. Alice wondered if anyone would ever love her that way when Russ
assured Rachel the most important thing was that they be together all the time.
AUGUST 23, 1968 (EP. #1067)
Lahoma tried to convince Lee that even if she did go after Sam, her heart would get busted again
because Lee and Sam would end up together. Ada sympathized with Mary about Russ, but she
saw red when Pat brought up Lee's feelings for Sam. Lahoma couldn't convince Lee to tell Sam
she broke off with him because of the articles she read. Walter joked that Lenore was under orders
to be nice to all party luminaries when she gave visiting Fred the royal treatment. Fred chastised
Walter's unworthy emotion when Walter was upset Lenore planned to invite Bill, with Missy, to
their dinner party. While waiting for Lahoma, Ada berated Lee (who bore it stoically) for playing
with a person then discarding them like an old toy. Lahoma criticized Ada's harsh opinion of Lee,
but Lee wouldn't let her tell Ada the whole story. Ada told a miserably silent Lahoma she wished
Sam could fall for Lahoma, since she loved him more than anybody.
AUGUST 26, 1968 (EP. #1068)
An upset Ada told Ernie about telling off Lee and Lahoma defending her. She insisted they
couldn't get married until Rachel and Sam's troubles were solved. Jim couldn't answer when Russ
asked if he agreed with Mary's assessment he was making a mistake. Lahoma told Ernie she wants
for Sam whatever he wants for himself. Ernie tried to convince her that she and Sam speak the
same language, the way he and Ada do. Rachel thought it hilarious when Ada revealed she was
proposed to by, in Rachel's words, "the funny little old man who owns the garage where Sam
worked." Rachel had a tough time getting used to it when Ada said she accepted the proposal. Jim
gave Russ, then Mary, a pat on the arm before leaving them alone, where Mary's eyes filled with
tears and they embraced, all forgiven.
AUGUST 27, 1968 (EP. #1069)
Liz dropped by to find Bill playing with Ricky, and was honestly happy that Bill was treating him
as his own son. Missy revealed to her they were hoping for another child. Bill came down on Liz
for mentioning he and Lenore had been engaged. Ada became exasperated when Rachel described
marriage as keeping pretty for your husband. When Ada accused her of not thinking of what Russ
wanted, Rachel blasted her for doing the same to her father and driving him away. Bill reminded
Liz it was she who convinced Mary to ask Ada to talk to Rachel. Rachel's annoyance showed
when Ernie arrived and caught the end of her tirade. A philosophical Alice asked Dru if she could
ever really know who Steve Frame was, but he assured her she was a fortunate young girl with a
lovely life ahead of her.
"RACHEL'S MAIN MOTIVATION: THAT SHE HAS TO CONTROL HER SURROUNDINGS LEST SHE BE CONTROLLED."
AUGUST 28, 1968 (EP. #1070)
Rachel tried to convince Alice, who didn't want to discuss it at all, that it was Russ's decision to
turn down the residency. Alice rushed to get Russ when Rachel said she'd like to be a good wife
and convince Russ to take the job. Liz was taken aback by Walter's presence when she visited
Lenore. Walter upset Lenore by his attitude when Liz talked of Bill. For Russ's benefit, Rachel
regurgitated her mother's views on marriage, then, searching for reasons she couldn't move to
Boston, claimed her mother needed her. By asking leading questions, Rachel got him to admit
staying in Bay City was what he wanted. Alice came in and Rachel lamented that though she tried
her best to get Russ to take the residency, he insisted on staying here. At Pierre's, Liz listened in
when Ada got a call from Sam saying he was back at Evansville, then got all insulted when Ada
asked her not to repeat what she'd heard.
Notes: Crossed-out writer's reference to Lenore realizing that the problem Walter has with Bill may lie in a fault in Walter himself.
AUGUST 29, 1968 (EP. #1071)
John confided to Ernie (who was repairing his flat tire) he feels guilty that Sam ran away from
town. They were both distressed when Ada phoned to say Sam found a job as a helper to a
machine operator. Proud of Lee for giving Sam the heave-ho, Liz imparted the good news to her
that Sam has sought his own level and was gone for good. A caustic Alice fumed to Mary that
Rachel pleaded so effectively with Russ that he's going to do just what Rachel wants. Lee felt
miserable when she was forced to turn them down when John and Pat came over to beg her to go
convince Sam to return to John's law office where he belonged. Ernie told Lahoma she was the
best one to talk Sam out of throwing his life away.
Lahoma: "That poor Sammy. He's just out in the garden eating worms, isn't he?"
AUGUST 30, 1968 (EP. #1072)
Lee's mask of indifference dropped after John and Pat left, and she frantically tried to phone
Lahoma for help. Pat reminded Ada that Sam will miss out on college since classes start soon.
Steve boasted to Walter he could raise for his campaign $500 for every $100 his financial
chairman raised. Walter realized that John had read him when John remarked Walter was bothered
by his and Lenore's age difference. John said he was in the same position with his wife but had got
over being a jealous tyrant. Ada happily agreed to give Lahoma Sam's address, but was
disappointed when Lahoma then bolted out the door before talking to her more of Sam. Lahoma
ran into Lee who was about to leave her a note, and, failing to convince Lee to go to Sam, tried to
make her face the possible consequences if Lahoma went after him.
John: (About Steve) "He's the most dynamic character I've met in quite a while."
Walter: "He is that."
Lahoma: "And loving him, you're willing to send me to him?"
Lee: "You're the one who can help him, Lahoma! Go to him! Bring him back!"
SEPTEMBER 2, 1968 (EP. #1073)
Bill assured Missy they'd give Ricky a little brother or sister someday, and gently scolded her that
worrying about getting pregnant was a sure fire way not to get pregnant. Bill and John were
surprised Peggy was back at work so soon after Dick's death. Lahoma introduced herself to Peggy
and extended her sympathies. Liz tried to interest Missy in joining some women's organizations
and taking her place in Bay City society as William Matthews' wife. John offered Lahoma his
blessings and some financial assistance when she was torn over when she should, or even could,
influence Sam to return. John gave Peggy a warm smile when she wanted to have a good talk with
Lee. John warned Liz to stay away from Lee, but Liz maintained she was the only one who didn't
feed Lee the kind of sentimental pap the rest of the family did. John pulled out the heavy artillery
and reminded Liz of how she pushed Missy into the arms of the despicable Danny Fargo, and,
more importantly, of how Missy made him promise never to tell Bill that she was sent to jail on
account of what Liz told Walter. Then Bill walked in and asked what on earth they were talking
about.
Liz: "Well, I wasn't aware that I was exactly Typhoid Mary."
John: "In a symbolic sense you have well characterized yourself, Liz."
SEPTEMBER 3, 1968 (EP. #1074)
Old friend, Jake Westerly tried to woo Sam into joining the boys in some jobs that weren't too
illegal. Liz squirmed then bolted after thinking up a flimsy excuse, but Bill demanded John tell him
the whole story. Over lunch, Peggy tried to find out why Lee turned a good man away. Sam was
surprised to see Lahoma, who was displeased he was considering running around with his old
crowd again. Lahoma insisted he cut out all this nonsense and come on home where he belonged.
Bill came home, reassured Missy she wasn't obliged to join his mother's clubs, then begged her to
tell him what Liz had done to her.
SEPTEMBER 4, 1968 (EP. #1075)
As Russ helped Rachel take a short walk in the hospital corridor, Steve stepped off the elevator
and told Alice he was there to visit his ballplayer, Big Dan. Alice was called away, and Steve
chatted with Russ and Rachel. Russ was upset but Rachel pleased when she finagled season's
tickets to Steve's football games. Rachel advised Alice to reel Steve in as fast as she could. Insisting
he'd never stop wondering about her secret, Bill pressed for a no-secret marriage, but a distraught
Missy maintained she'd settled "it" with Liz. Bill vowed to get at the truth with or without her help.
Rachel reassured Russ that even though she married him for love, not money, she still thought
Alice would be making a mistake by letting someone like Stephen Frame get away. Alice smiled
weakly when Steve laid a dollar before her and claimed, as the big spender he was, it was to buy
her thoughts. Steve said he knew Rachel was a schemer when she hinted at the season tickets. He
assured her that he and Rachel were two different breeds of cat as Rachel says one thing but
means another, and Steve doesn't. Lahoma tried to lay a guilt trip on Sam based on Ada's hurt
feelings, then, fed up, took down the diner's "Boy wanted" sign, gave it to him, and told him to
wallow in it since he was resigned to licking his wounds like a loser.
Steve: "You're Alice Matthews - different from any girl I've ever gone out with."
Alice: (SMILING) "Is that good?"
Steve: "It's good for me - and I hope it's good for you, too." (FADE OUT).
SEPTEMBER 5, 1968 (EP. #1076)
Ada broke up the argument when Ernie disagreed with Rachel's view that Steve was a great catch
because he was loaded. Rachel thought Lahoma was just plain looney for going after Sam, who
wasn't anybody special like Steve. Fred tried to dissuade Liz from roping Missy into her
organizations. Liz felt panicky when Fred excused himself to leave after Bill came over. After Russ
dropped by to tease Alice about Rachel's grand estimation of Steve, Alice reassured Dru that Steve
was just a date and she didn't share Rachel's values. After Missy had Pat visit Ricky, John
informed her her options have shrunk as she'll now hurt Bill by not telling him. Bill didn't believe
Liz's lies and half-truths when he demanded an explanation from her.
SEPTEMBER 6, 1968: Pre-empted.
SEPTEMBER 9, 1968 (EP. #1077)
Liz insisted to Bill hers wasn't a story but a recital of the precise facts. Lahoma sung Ada's praises
and virtues to Sam, and encouraged him to think of her feelings even at the expense of his own.
She held back the tears while putting forth as an example her own courage in not turning her back
on the whole world because he loved Lee instead of her. Bill's vow to find the truth hung in the air
after he stormed out, and Liz was as much stricken and frantic as when Danny threatened to
expose her. She poured herself a drink with trembling hands, then hid it when Jim dropped by on
business matters, since Liz was a partner. The next morning, as Rachel packed to go home, Alice
tried to chastise her about crowing about Steve and putting Sam down, but Rachel was more
interested in hearing Lenore hadn't invited her to her party. Rachel lamented she was still just
Rachel Davis, but Ada didn't think that was a bad thing to be. Lahoma admitted she had been
rough on Sam after running in to him at the diner, where he pushed coffee and a donut under her
nose by way of breakfast. Before leaving for the bus, Lahoma leaned over and patted his arm,
then, more deliberately, touched her fingers to her lips and then to his cheek. Sam called her back
and told her he wouldn't let her go all the way back to Bay City on a bus all alone.
SEPTEMBER 10, 1968 (EP. #1078)
Missy answered when Liz phoned to arrange a hush-hush meeting, then was flabbergasted when
Bill asked how soon his mother was coming over after he left. Jim told Mary that Liz hadn't been
her usual qui vive self, and that her answers were a whole series of non sequiturs. Bill alleged that
it felt like there was a grinning skeleton in their closet, and distressed Missy when he spoke of
having no secrets from her. Liz jumped in the door as soon as Bill left for the office. Alice
dropped in as Liz was reminding Missy of her promise of silence. Missy opined Rachel should
have another baby right away, but Alice felt Rachel wasn't really upset about losing her baby. At
home at the Matthews, Rachel kicked when Russ insisted she had to stay in bed and convalesce.
Though unenthusiastic, Rachel tried to play up to him when he excitedly told her she can still have
children. She stiffened when he kissed her after she for the first time connected their smooching
and her pregnancy. Rachel was furious when Russ refused to phone Lenore and fish for an invite
to her party.
Russ: "Honey, I know what a terrible shock you've had. How awful it is to lose a baby. It's bad
enough for me, but for you..."
Rachel: "Oh that. Oh well, sure. Yes, of course it is."
SEPTEMBER 11, 1968 (EP. #1079)
When Lenore explained Bill was never in love with her and she "like(d) him a great deal," Walter
solemnly swore to be nice to Bill and totally resist the impulse to spill his drink in Bill's lap. Mary
shot down Rachel's idea of inviting Lenore over for lunch. Rachel didn't enthuse when Ada floated
in to impart the great news of Sam's impending return. Ada advised her to take be-liked lessons
from Lahoma after she realized Rachel disapproved of Sam because of how he reflected on her. In
the bus terminal, Lahoma silently abode it when Sam averred he'll always see Lee in his mind even
if he tried to keep his distance. Liz offered Walter the endorsement of her group, Women for a
Progressive Political Future, if he agreed to tell Bill he had coerced her into giving him info on
Missy. Her shaft hit home when a bitter Liz marveled at how Lenore could love such a cold
heartless man like him after loving a fine boy like Bill.
Walter: (To Lenore) "I love you so much, darling, and all I need is to know you feel the same way."
SEPTEMBER 12, 1968 (EP. #1080)
A seething Walter arrived home as Lenore was setting up for the party. He informed her that Liz,
snooping around like an imperious ferret, was responsible for everything bad that befell Missy.
Lenore was distressed when he weighed which was better revenge: hitting Liz or telling Bill
everything. Liz tried to exercise her social charm against all odds when Fred came by. Liz dropped
her glass when he mentioned Missy's trial, then tapped her cigarette ten or fifteen times before
Fred lit it for her. Needing to spill her guts, Liz told Fred she was tricked by that smooth odious
Walter Curtin. Rachel almost expired from boredom on the Matthews living room couch, and
Mary and Jim's company and conversation didn't help. Steve came by and impressed though
confused Rachel with his talk of a diversification of holdings in real estate. Rachel hid her envy
when Alice came downstairs, and didn't at all get the banter the foursome engaged in, then
consternated Mary and Jim by informing them Alice had better marry him fast. Though Liz
insisted Walter brainwashed her into finding out whether Missy was pregnant (which she did by
eavesdropping on Bill and Pat's phone conversation), Fred felt she'd done a monstrous thing.
SEPTEMBER 13, 1968 (EP. #1081)
Lee surprised and puzzled John and Pat with the news she had a dinner date, but couldn't hide her
happiness upon hearing of Sam's return. Ada fidgeted with impatience waiting for Sam, and Ernie
worried she'd go flying through the door when the bell rang. Even Ernie shed a tear when Ada
hugged and kissed Sam and dragged him into the apartment. After feeding Peggy a hearty dinner,
Lee proclaimed the need to do something meaningful with her life. Peggy advised her to teach art
to the handicapped children at The Haven, where she herself volunteers. At the dinner party in
their hotel apartment, Lenore and Walter told John and Pat after the campaign they'll look for their
own apartment. Steve and Alice showed up with wine and Walter joked they were at the wrong
house. Pat had a Manhattan, Alice a vermouth cassis, and Steve (who showed off his cravat) a
martini. In low tones at the bar, John hoped Walter had thrown Liz out of the office bodily. John
toasted the fact that Sam was coming back to Bay City. Ada made a toast to Lahoma, who
struggled not to cry, when Sam credited her as the cause of his return. Lee begged Lahoma for a
blow-by-blow. Sam told Ada that Lahoma made him want to make something of himself for Ada's
sake. Sam wasn't up to it when Ada encouraged him to look at Lahoma in a new light.
SEPTEMBER 16, 1968 (EP. #1082)
Sam was entirely unsympathetic to Rachel when Ada described Russ's residency offer and
Lenore's party. Rachel complained to Russ about sitting at home doing nothing while everyone else
talked and laughed in their party clothes (which is exactly what they were doing). The joke fell flat
when Alice said Steve took her to a field of turnips because the hospital blood bank was running
low. At the bar, Walter vowed to Lenore he'd have only love and not jealousy for her. She gave
him a light kiss, which Walter extended. Bill detached himself from the throng, came over with
two empty glasses, and coughed discretely, upsetting Walter when he saw it was Bill. Missy got
her "sissy" drink from Bill, and thanked Walter for forgetting the past, but he thought she was
referring to Bill and Lenore's engagement until Lenore stepped in to smooth things over. Pat
recruited Bill and Lenore to disagree with Alice over who was their third grade teacher. A direct
and mature Missy requested Walter never tell Bill about his mother, but John interrupted before
Walter could agree to that promise. Ada thought Sam was hinting at giving Lahoma a chance if she
agreed to set a wedding date. Alice told Lenore not to give it a second thought when she worried
about not having invited Russ and Rachel. Russ blew his top when Rachel complained he was
always at work, and described in detail the trouble he had arranging for time off to come home
and surprise her that night. She was immediately solicitous and he cooled off, trying to convince
her their own family mattered more than any party.
Notes: The lyrics to Walter's campaign song, sung to the tune of "Yankee Doodle":
"Walter Curtin's going to win
"Of this you can be certain
"He'll free this town of... evil and sin
"Hooray for Walter Curtin."
SEPTEMBER 17, 1968 (EP. #1083)
Sitting on the Matthews porch after he drove her home, Steve proved how well he knew Alice by
describing her as a child: a tiny girl with starched dresses and pigtails. Alice admitted he was very
frank when he wondered how she could be so innocent and fresh. Steve explained their very
different backgrounds made him into an un-nice cynical guy. Steve kissed Alice goodnight, then
drove off. When she went to walk inside, Alice was upset when Rachel appeared in the doorway
in her peignoir, but Rachel insisted she came down when she heard Steve drive off. As Bill nagged
at her, the camera dollied in on Missy, torn and unhappy, but she insisted she couldn't have it on
her conscience if she told him. Alice took pity on Rachel and agreed to tell her all about the party,
but told half-truths and improvisations to save Rachel's face. Fred was absolutely astounded when
Liz elaborated on her criminal resume to include driving Missy out of town. As Bill lay wide
awake brooding about Missy's secret, Missy talked in her sleep while dreaming of Liz confronting
her two and a half years ago in a mockup of the apartment she lived in. Liz spit out "lies!" when
Missy told the fabricated tale of her parents. Then Liz handed her paper after paper of the "proof"
that Katherine was her mother, until finally papers started to rain down on her from above. Bill
listened as Missy agreed to Liz's request she leave town and not marry Bill.
Alice: "You get less annoying every minute." (THEN QUICKLY SHE RISES) "Saying which, the
girl glanced at the village clock and said, My, it's late."
Steve: (GETTING UP, LAUGHING) "On which cue, the man rose. How's that?"
Alice: "Very good."
Steve: "I've had a good time, Alice."
Alice: "I have too, Steve."
Steve: (FIRST HE PUTS HIS HANDS ON HER ARMS, LOOKS AT HER. THEN HE
LEANS OVER AND KISSES HER, NOT AN IMPASSIONED KISS, BUT NOT
AVUNCULAR EITHER. THEN:) "Goodnight."
Alice: "Good night, Steve." (HE GOES).
Notes: Steve's crossed-out term of endearment for Alice during their porch scene, including immediately before kissing her: "Tiny Alice." It's very likely this was their first kiss.
SEPTEMBER 18, 1968 (EP. #1084)
Bill was horrified while listening to Missy sleep-talk about agreeing to leave Bay City. Walter
pooh-poohed Lenore's worry over snubbing Rachel, then affirmed her belief that he was angry at
Liz not for what she did to Missy, but for engineering Lenore and Bill's engagement. Fred pointed
out Liz isn't sorry, just worried of the danger of Bill finding out. Liz wept when Fred insisted she
had to tell Bill or sit there day after day, night after night, and die by little quarter inches. Fred
conjectured that people still liked her in spite of the terrible things she did because she was a child.
The next morning, Bill brought juice and coffee to Missy in bed and was relieved she didn't
remember her dreams. Bill kissed her, told her he loved her, apologized for his bad coffee, and
promised to never ask about her secret again. Bill postponed talking to John when Peggy came in
to tell him of Lee's volunteer work. Peggy told him that almost everything Lee said had Sam as a
kind of obbligato. A jittery Liz opened the door to Bill, who informed her he knew what she did to
Missy.
SEPTEMBER 19, 1968 (EP. #1085)
Ada threw her arms around Sam when he told her of his plans to return to John's office and to
school. Alice assured a concerned Jim that she and Steve weren't serious yet. When Jim could only
laugh helplessly and agree with Rachel about money being important, Rachel crowed to Alice that
her father was on her side. Ernie's fatherly advice to Sam was to listen to John. Ernie felt like the
brass ring on a merry-go-round when Ada described their wedding as a nudge to Sam. Lee felt it
would be the best thing if Sam hated her, as he'd be able to forget her and build a life with
Lahoma. Lee took off after Lahoma received a call from Ada about Sam's return to law. John
turned from looking thoughtfully out the window to find Sam in his office, and rushed to him with
outstretched hand. Rachel advised Lahoma to make Sam fall in love with her as she had similarly
encouraged Russ by batting her eyes at him.
SEPTEMBER 20, 1968 (EP. #1086)
John shared the good news about Sam with Pat, but they both worried about Lee. Walter dropped
in for a meeting, and he and John wondered where Bill was. Bill was puzzled when Liz placed the
blame on Walter, as he wasn't thinking of the trial. He decided to dissemble and led Liz into telling
him everything step by step. Treading eggs, he got her to relate how the perfidious Walter
hoodwinked her into getting the proof that Missy was pregnant, which was the cornerstone of his
case. Missy was embarrassed for Pat when Rachel said she suspects it isn't over between Sam and
Lahoma. Rachel informed them it was Russ's opinion she should wait to have another baby due to
her heart condition, but Pat later confided to Missy that was a lie. Bill asked his mother if she had
a whipping boy to blame for driving Missy out of town, and rehashed everything she did with her
little hatchet.
Bill: (OVER, SHOUTING) "Mother!" (THIS STOPS HER. SHE STANDS TREMBLING, AS HE ADVANCES TOWARD HER, STANDS QUITE CLOSE TO HER AND SPEAKS WITH SOMETHING BORDERING ON CONTEMPT) "Didn't you hear what I said? I know what you did to Missy! I know what a contemptible thing you did to my wife!" (TAKE LIZ AND FADE OUT).
[...]
Bill: (To Liz) (HE COMES CLOSER TO HER, PERHAPS LEANS OVER HER, HIS FACE CLOSE TO HERS, AND THEN SAYS IT) "It may interest you to know, Mother, that until you told me this just now, I didn't know a thing about it. But now you've told me, now I do now, and I'll never forget it and I'll never forgive you!" (ON LIZ'S HORROR, FADE OUT).
[...]
Liz: "Bill, don't be harsh to me. Tell me, Bill, how do you know about this? Who told you?"
Bill: "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Liz: "Missy didn't tell you, did she? Oh, no, no, Melissa... She... She gave me her word she wouldn't."
Bill: "Oh, she gave you her word, did she? And how did you extract that promise from her? And why would you expect her to keep it? Has she any reason to keep any promise whatsoever that
she'd make to you?"
Liz: "No. No, you're right." (THEN) "She didn't tell you, though, did she, Bill? I love Melissa..."
Bill: (OVER) "Don't say that! Don't talk about loving her after what you've done to her! I have never heard of anybody doing anything worse than what you've done to Missy... not once, but
twice. Once just before I was going to get married to her, and then again when she was on trial! How can you live with yourself?"
Liz: "Bill... Bill, please, please don't talk that way to me... remember, please, Bill, please remember, I'm your mother."
Bill: (A LONG PAUSE, LOOKING AT LIZ TREMBLING BEFORE HIM, THEN:) "As far as I'm concerned, I have no mother." (HE TURNS AND WALKS TO THE DOOR. AS HE OPENS IT:)
Liz: "Bill! Bill, please!" (HE GOES OUT, SLAMMING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM. TAKE LIZ, WHO IS WILD-EYED WITH A KIND OF TERROR) "Oh, my God!" (AND THEN SHE STARTS TO CRY, HER WHOLE BODY SHAKING. FADE OUT).
SEPTEMBER 23, 1968 (EP. #1087)
Walter was pleased when John assured him he was certain of a big plurality in the area. Walter
warned him if he ever ran for office he'd have to eat blintzes, pizzas, egg rolls, and tortillas. Ada
asked a bored Rachel to help her pick out a wedding dress and revealed Ernie planned to rent them
a house. After telling Ada she tried to put a bee in Lahoma's bonnet about Sam, a crafty look came
over Rachel's face. She elbowed Ada away from the icebox, inspected it, then sent Ada out to buy
some all-important eggs for lunch. Rachel phoned to angle an invite from Lenore, who asked her
over to lunch. Ada returned hot to whisk her up some eggs, but, edging toward the door and
claiming she was tired, Rachel skipped out on lunch. John defended Walter as a public servant
doing his duty and implored Bill to calm down. Bill announced it made him sick to his stomach
that he ever softened toward Walter. When Walter started to protest Bill's verbal abuse, Bill
declared he'll take it and like it. Turning the tables, a defensive Walter blamed Bill for trusting his
mother, despite knowing what she was like, and thus allowing her to send Missy to prison. Walter
accused Bill of letting Liz manipulate him into becoming engaged to his wife. Bill acknowledged
the truth of that, but taunted him that Lenore seemed quite anxious to marry him at the time. At
that, Walter hurled himself at Bill, who braced himself for a fistfight, but John threw himself into
the breach and kept them apart. After admiring Lenore's home, Rachel put to her the question if it
was a "thing" between Alice and Steve, as Alice would be nuts not to latch onto him. Rachel
escaped swiftly when an enraged Walter stormed in. Lenore couldn't believe it and fled the room
when Walter, full of jealous fury and guilty anger, revealed Bill bragged to him that Lenore had
thrown herself at him.
Bill: (Finding Walter in John's office) "Walter Curtin. Public servant. Conniver and schemer. What dirty reason brings you to this office, Walter?"
Ada: "Well, all right, laugh, but I love it. I never had a garden. I never even had a yard, and now I'm going to have both."
SEPTEMBER 24, 1968 (EP. #1088)
A distraught Liz wailed to Missy that her whole world had come to an end. Bill told John he was
horrified at the thought of what Missy had gone through alone, then decided that he couldn't make
excuses for his mother's behavior anymore, despite that he used to see her as an aging child. An
indignant Bill relished Walter's pain when John revealed how absurdly jealous Walter was of him.
Liz filled Missy in when she realized Missy didn't know what she was talking about. Missy then
went to Liz, put her hands on her arms, and told her with great earnestness she hadn't told Bill
anything as she wanted him to love his mother. Missy wondered who Liz suddenly suspected was
her betrayer. Russ scoffed at Rachel's theory that Walter was jealous of Bill. Missy cautioned Liz
not to forget her other crime of pushing Bill and Lenore together. Liz and Missy exchanged a long
series of cloying goodbyes after Bill insisted she leave. Missy was upset when Bill admitted he
heard her story from her sleep-talk, and had an eerie feeling they were going to regret ever finding
out.
SEPTEMBER 25, 1968 (EP. #1089)
John urged Pat to adopt a hands-off policy concerning Lee/Sam/Lahoma. Her eyes blazed with
anger after John revealed Liz's sins. He also told her about Walter's jealousy of Lenore, which Pat
felt he could get over, as she and John did. Ada was annoyed at Ernie harping on her
matchmaking. Ada enjoyed seeing Sam in a happy mood, though a brief shadow once crossed his
expression at mention of the past. Ernie raised his eyebrows and Sam was thrown when Ada
insisted Sam had to go pick Lahoma up to bring her to dinner. Lenore coaxed Walter into
admitting Bill had said only she'd been anxious to marry him, which Lenore fully admitted was the
truth. She realized he was upset because she'd loved someone before him, while he'd never really
loved anyone before meeting her. Walter was deeply chastened when she begged him not to let the
past destroy their future. Ada and Ernie asked Sam and Lahoma to stand up for them in two weeks
in a no-frills ceremony at city hall, and Sam was also tasked with giving Ada away. Lahoma and
Sam had a good laugh about Ada hustling Ernie out to go look at their new house and leave them
alone. Lahoma sighed misty-eyed after Sam thanked her graciously for setting him straight back in
Evansville.
SEPTEMBER 26, 1968 (EP. #1090)
Peggy didn't believe a word Lee said about not loving Sam, especially when she avoided answering
about going out with someone new. Alice told her inquisitive parents she becomes more impressed
with Steve the more he shows her little glimpses of what he's really like. They exchanged a look
when Alice revealed she likes him more than anyone she's ever gone with. Rachel's jaw was on the
floor when a chauffeur arrived to take Alice to the restaurant. Sam put aside his law books to joke
with Lahoma about the illustrious career he would have. Alice tried not to put Lenore in an
unfavorable light when Steve asked for the details on Lenore and Bill. She assured him his talk of
marriage wasn't scaring her off. Rachel once again surprised Alice in the doorway in her peignoir
after Steve drove off. Alice was sympathetic when a vulnerable Rachel begged her not to move out
and leave her without a friend in the house.
Alice: (To her parents about Steve) "He has the habit of coming on like gangbusters and..." (JACKIE: Help! GIVE US A MORE UP TO DATE REWRITE OF THAT PHRASE, PLEASE! MY TEENAGE AUTHORITIES HAVEN'T RETURNED AND I'M STUMPED).
Notes: In the above outtake, the writer is asking the question of the actress who plays Alice. Like gangbusters was crossed out and replaced with strong.
Notes: Crossed-out dialogue, Jim to Rachel: "You are a bona fide member of the Matthews clan."
SEPTEMBER 27, 1968 (EP. #1091)
Desperate for some fun, Rachel implored Alice for a double date with Russ and Steve. Liz
thundered at Fred for telling Bill all, then cried that not only has she lost Bill, she's lost Melissa,
who's come to mean so much to her. Russ's romantic yearnings were dashed when Rachel
returned his kisses with a plea to have as much fun as Alice. She jumped into bed after giving him
a fervorless kiss and claimed she was tired. With disappointment in his whole carriage, he moved
with slow heavy steps to sit in a chair where he just stared off into space. Liz didn't blame Missy
for her sleep-talk and took a certain satisfaction in hearing of Walter's discomfiture. Walter griped
of that whippersnapper Bill to Fred, who warned him against wrecking his marriage to Lenore.
Alice regaled Russ with her insights into poor Rachel's lonely life. Rachel was elated Russ agreed
to the double date, though he smiled ruefully to himself that she was so affectionate right before he
had to leave for the hospital.
SEPTEMBER 30, 1968 (EP. #1092)
Missy visited Walter to ask him to bury the hatchet with Bill, as animosity was fruitless and
self-defeating. She advised him to laugh since it was silly to be jealous of Bill. So he looked at her
for a long moment, then started to laugh. She laughed with him, then he took her arm and walked
her out of his office. Lenore flatly refused when Liz asked her to intercede with Bill on her behalf,
a request subconsciously motivated by Liz's desire to rub salt in Walter's wounds. Sam requested
Peggy not talk to him about Lee. Missy reminded Bill they've survived everything they've gone
through, and tried to jolly him into making up with Walter. She got him to laugh and agree to have
Walter and Lenore over to dinner. Lenore tried to help Walter keep his temper in check when he
arrived home to discover Liz asking Lenore to talk to Bill. Liz insisted she just wanted everyone to
live in amity when Walter accused her of really trying to cause trouble. He realized he went too far
when he accused her of trying to push Lenore and Bill back together, at which Liz kissed Lenore
on the cheek, told her "You poor darling," and left, with Walter and Lenore staring across a gulf at
each other.
Bill: "How would you like to be Secretary of State?"
Missy: (Guffaw at the notion) "With you as president?"
Bill: "Mm hmm"
Missy: (Disagrees) "Mmm mmm. When you're president I want to be First Lady."
OCTOBER 1, 1968 (EP. #1093)
Rachel sat at the kitchen table sullenly pushing back her cuticle. She pounced on Dru, returned
from his fishing trip, managing to kiss him before Mary could. Dru found the going heavy when
he talked to an uncomprehending Rachel of how wonderful it was Ada and Ernie were getting
married. He was dismayed and a little frightened when a deadly serious and very intense Rachel
denied Ernie could ever be her new father. Liz bade Mary not to get all righteous about it when
she revealed having driven Missy off, and described Walter as a truly evil man who hypnotized
her. Bill and Walter made up. Bill vowed to make Liz face up to what she was doing when Walter
told him she'd tried to recruit Lenore's help. Mary hovered uncertainly near the door when Bill
required she stay and hear what he had to say to Liz. At first Liz mewled for Mary when Bill lit
into her about playing the sweet little innocent lamb, but then she retreated into a supercilious
attitude (but with venom beneath it) and accused him of having let Lenore fall in love with him
when he didn't really love her. Bill nearly became apoplectic when she ranted about projecting his
guilt and self-hatred onto her. He shouted it was hopeless to talk to her, and, after Mary touched
him on the shoulder, turned a tormented face to her and said he'd never talk to his mother again.
Liz prevented a concerned Mary from going after Bill, but they both screamed in unison as they
saw his car crash.
Bill: "...be spared the blame because you were a sweet little lamb -- innocent little lamb who wouldn't do a thing..."
Liz: (OVER) "Stop it right now! Mary...Mary!"
Bill: "No! No mother you're not going to get away with this anymore. I know all your tricks now--And I'm not going to stand for it."
Liz: (UNHINGED) "What are you talking about?"
Bill: "Driving Lenore into this is the last straw and I'm not going to put up with it, do you understand?"
OCTOBER 2-3, 1968: Pre-empted due to World Series.
OCTOBER 4, 1968 (EP. #1094)
Pat marveled at Missy's ability to forgive Liz and Walter, and to play the peacemaker between
Walter and Bill, and considered setting her to work on Sam and Lee. At the scene of the accident
with broken glass and car parts lying around, Liz cradled Bill's head in her lap. The helpful truck
driver felt for Bill's pulse and tried to calm Liz. Mary struggled to prevent an overwrought Liz
from dragging Bill to her house. Mary soothed the truck driver's concerns after they tucked a
blanket over Bill. Mary grabbed his arm and assumed a listening attitude as the sounds of sirens
joined the sounds of Liz's sobbing. Dru visited the garage and solemnly offered the two young
people (Ada and Ernie) his congratulations and advice. Ada embarrassed Dru with the knowledge
he had more influence over Rachel than anyone because she felt close to him and he was like a
caring father to her. She was abashed after voicing her feeling that Rachel doesn't think of anyone
but herself, but was deeply touched when he told her not to worry as he'd help and guide Rachel.
Walter thrilled Lenore with the news he and Bill had cleared the air, then by suggesting he buy her
a new dress for Bill and Missy's dinner. Pat and Missy paused to listen to the sirens before leaving
to take Ricky to the zoo, then the phone rang and rang and rang...
OCTOBER 7, 1968: Pre-empted due to World Series.
OCTOBER 8, 1968 (EP. #1095)
Lahoma reacted flatly towards Rachel's impromptu visit. Rachel warned Lahoma that she is begging for heartache by pining for Sam. Lee mused to Alice about feeling ashamed of surrendering to fears and loneliness after teaching art to handicapped children at The Haven, who display tenacity and courage despite their limitations. Alice reassured Lee that she wants the two of them to share an apartment. Lee teased Alice over having several dates with Steve lately. Alice theorized to Lee that some people are incredulous over her uncharacteristically impulsive decision to split with Sam. Lahoma criticized Rachel for equating love with affluence and social classes. Rachel seethed when Lahoma denounced her as a social climber rather than a devoted wife who wants to have a family with Russ. Russ asked Alice to talk to Steve about having a double date with him and Rachel. Alice lamented to Russ that she doesn't believe Lee's reasons for ending her engagement to Sam and feels powerless to remedy the situation. Peggy reminisced with Sam about her marriage to Dick while sadly packing his belongings into boxes. Sam was overwhelmed when Peggy gifted him Dick's watch. Sam awkwardly exchanged pleasantries with Lee at Peggy's apartment. Sam invented excuses to graciously decline Peggy's invitation to have dinner with her and Lee. Lee groused to Peggy about defending her decision to break up with Sam, everyone offering their moral support, and Sam's name being mentioned to her constantly. Peggy advised Lee that she cannot spend her life trying to avoid Sam and urged Lee to be forthright and honest about her feelings.
Lahoma: (about a baby) "Oh, I know you just lost one - and nobody feels any sorrier for you about that than me, but when are you going to have another one?"
Rachel: (STANDING UP) "Lahoma, I don't think that's any of your business!"
Lahoma: "And what about Russ? Is it any of his?"
Rachel: (ANGRILY) "Oh, now look I don't have to take this from you!"
Lahoma: "That's right. You can walk out the door and go back to the man you love."
Rachel: "I do love Russ!"
Lahoma: "Sure - in his place he's just fine. But that place is a big house and a big doctor practice and the right friends, isn't it? And with all that there just isn't any room for children, is there?"
Rachel: "Lahoma, I'm warning you!"
Lahoma: "No, don't warn me - warn your husband. Tell him that you didn't like it when you found out you were pregnant the last time. Tell him you'll never let it happen again." (RACHEL LOOKS AT HER AND THEN RUSHES OUT, SLAMMING THE DOOR. FADE OUT).
Notes: Sam reveals that his father died when he was still a young child.
OCTOBER 9-10, 1968: Pre-empted due to World Series.
OCTOBER 11, 1968 (EP. #1096)
Russ was thrilled by Rachel's feigned enthusiastic reaction to him coming home from work earlier than expected. Rachel was disappointed by the prospect of spending a quiet evening at home with Russ. Ada noted Dru's own incredulity when she expressed fears that Rachel is incapable of truly loving Russ and being a proper wife to him, but Dru maintained that Rachel will learn from Russ's tender, devoted nature. Dru joked to Ernie and Ada that many engaged couples' wedding plans evolve from a simple ceremony to an elaborate gathering with family and friends. Ernie and Ada assured Dru that they would be honored for him to attend their upcoming wedding. Ada and Dru were shocked when Ernie received a request for a tow due to an accident that occurred near Liz's house and involved Bill's car. Alice told Lahoma that she doesn't mind that people know she is dating Steve, but disapproves of Rachel thinking of Steve as a rich celebrity instead of a genuine person. Lahoma promised not to badmouth Rachel since she is Alice's sister-in-law. Mary told Alice and Lahoma that Bill was admitted into the emergency ward after sustaining serious injuries from a car accident. Mary informed Alice and Lahoma that Bill drove away after having a terrible argument with Liz and that she has been unsuccessful in contacting Missy. Missy humbly accepted Pat's praises for acting as a peacemaker between Bill and Walter. Pat shared Missy's optimism that Bill will settle his differences with Liz. Russ acquiesced to Rachel's suggestion that they fulfill their social obligations by inviting friends out to dinner. Missy was completely stunned once Pat cautiously explained to her that Bill has been hospitalized.
Alice: (about Steve) "...He is also a genuine human being, a person, a man who bleeds if you scratch him, you know what I mean?"
Lahoma: "I know just what you mean. But that isn't the way Rachel thinks of him. To her, he's just a celebrity."
Alice: "A rich celebrity."
Lahoma: "Yeah, she did mention money six or eight times."
Alice: "Well, that's what gets me. I was going to say I don't mind your knowing that I go out with Steven Frame, but I don't like the way Rachel talks of him as if he were eight feet tall and made of platinum. Platinum? Isn't that the most expensive metal?"
Lahoma: "I wouldn't know. I'm kind of tinny myself. But you're right: That's the way Rachel talks about him..."
Notes: Bill's accident occurred on the corner of Conesta and Exchange, which was near Liz's house. Bill drove an Impala station wagon.
OCTOBER 14, 1968 (EP. #1097)
Pat called a cab to drive Missy to the hospital. Walter and Lenore relished dining alone while watching the sunset without the burden of meetings and political speeches. Walter ruefully told Lenore that she makes him feel gloriously young and beautifully old as they recited poetry to each other. Lenore was pleased that Walter depends on her to guide him through complicated issues such as his jealousy towards Bill. Walter didn't share Lenore's regrets over telling Bill about Liz's visit. Lenore frowned upon realizing that Walter's somber, poetic mood had dissipated after he declared his hatred towards Liz. John groused to Pat that Liz's tendency to hurt others has inflicted physical harm onto Bill. Pat was disgusted once John revealed that Liz tried to get Lenore to intercede on her behalf with Bill to arouse Walter's ire. John told Pat that Liz shifted the blame onto Walter for providing the evidence that convicted Missy and that Bill angrily confronted her. John advised Pat that Bill is unconscious and may have suffered internal injuries. Rachel badgered Russ into going out to dinner and paying a visit to Bill and Missy. Russ headed for the hospital upon hearing about Bill's accident from Alice, much to Rachel's chagrin. Mary and Alice restrained a frantic Liz from storming into the emergency ward to see Bill. Alice glanced at Liz as Mary briefly described her argument with Bill. Mary and Alice were disturbed when Liz gave graphic details of Bill's accident to Missy and harangued him for foolishly running a red light. Russ advised Missy that the doctors will perform an exploratory operation on Bill once his body is out of shock. Alice tried to comfort a forlorn and teary-eyed Missy.
Lenore: "There's just one thing."
Walter: "Name it."
Lenore: "I wish you hadn't told Bill about his mother's visiting us."
Walter: "Oh now, Lenore, Bill's mother did an unforgivable thing. His mother...well since we're speaking practically on this beautiful evening, I'd like to say Liz Matthews knows nothing about beauty. She knows convenience. She knows self. She is a dreadful woman, and it was exactly right for me to tell Bill."
Lenore: "I hope nothing bad comes of it."
Walter: "Oh, maybe something bad will come of it for Bill's mother. But is that bad really? She deserves it. She deserves whatever happens to her after what she's done. God forgive me, I hate that woman, Lenore."
Notes: Walter quoted "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" by Thomas Gray and Lenore quoted "The Vanity of Human Wishes" by Samuel Johnson during their dinner scene in this episode.
OCTOBER 15, 1968 (EP. #1098)
Mary and Russ chastised Liz for being pessimistic about Bill's condition. Russ warned Missy that Bill is in shock and is speaking incoherently before bringing her to the emergency room to visit Bill. Alice bravely rebuffed Liz's demands to see Bill and dragged her to the cafeteria while they wait to hear news about him. Dru grew despondent upon learning from Mary that Bill may have suffered from internal injuries. Missy fell apart as Bill mumbled about Walter and Liz and was too delirious to acknowledge her presence. Liz admonished Alice for emphasizing that Missy is considered next of kin because she is Bill's wife. Rachel contacted Alice by using Russ's service and griped about being left alone at the Matthews' house. Alice told a petulant Rachel that Russ may have to work overnight to assist with Bill's medical case. Rachel was delighted that Alice requested that she break her date with Steve because she is needed at the hospital. Steve reluctantly agreed to have drinks with Rachel. Rachel put on airs to Steve about being close friends with Alice and insisting that Russ stay at work to take care of Bill. Rachel swooned as Steve explained that he is going on business trips to Cleveland, Detroit, and Washington. Steve mused that Russ wasted an opportunity by declining to take the residency in Boston, but Rachel maintained that Russ couldn't bear to leave her. Mary left to prepare sandwiches for everyone once they return home. Liz dodged giving details on her argument with Bill when Dru failed to grasp the reasons he drove through a red light. Alice bleakly informed Dru that exploratory surgery may be performed should Bill's blood pressure continue to drop.
OCTOBER 16, 1968 (EP. #1099)
Ada dropped subtle hints to Sam about inviting Lahoma to dinner since she made a meat loaf that will serve more than two people. Sam cautioned Ada against playing matchmaker since he does not love Lahoma. Steve thanked Rachel for convincing him to stay with her so that they can wait for updates on Bill's condition. Rachel encouraged Steve to provide his stance on Russ turning down a residency in Boston because she respects his opinion. Steve bluntly told Rachel that she influenced Russ to remain in Bay City by taking advantage of Russ's efforts to please her. Rachel was impressed and fascinated as Steve ascertained that a wife should not get involved in her husband's business decisions or hinder his career advancement. Ada admitted to Sam that she is worried about him because he cannot get over Lee. Lahoma told Sam and Ada that Bill was hospitalized after getting into a horrible accident. Sam ruefully spoke to Ada and Lahoma about Bill's misfortune despite having a loving wife, a beautiful baby, and an altruistic nature. Steve dismissed Rachel's compliments about him being assertive and suggested she seek a marriage counselor should she need help with being a proper wife to Russ. Mary told Steve and Rachel that Bill got into a car wreck after having a quarrel with Liz. Mary was discomfited by Rachel, who effusively sang Steve's praises and reiterated that Alice should marry him quickly. Sam decided to go to the hospital to lend moral support to the Matthews family. Lahoma advised Ada that Sam considers her a friend and theorized that pushing her in Sam's direction will drive him away. Ada predicted to Lahoma that she will marry Sam.
Ada: "...Sammy, I've got a right to worry about you, haven't I?"
Sam: "I couldn't stop you from doing that. You draw a breath every couple of seconds, and your heart pumps blood into your veins, and you worry. With you all three are natural functions, Ada."
Ada: "Don't kid, Sam. Sure I worry...because you won't let yourself get over Lee Randolph. And you've got to, Sam!"
Production Notes: "Save for Playback: Act I," which featured Steve and Rachel and was replayed on October 18, 1968 (EP. #1101).
OCTOBER 17, 1968 (EP. #1100)
Dru implored Alice to have faith that her abilities as a calm medical professional are essential to saving Bill's life. Lenore expressed confidence in Walter winning the Attorney General election, despite Walter's complaints that his political adherents refrain from giving him bad news. Walter and Lenore talked about finding a place they can truly call their own. Lenore conceded that she disapproved of Walter telling Bill that Liz was interfering in their lives since it might cause unnecessary conflict. Walter tried to assure Lenore that it might be beneficial for Bill to have it out with Liz. Dru urged Alice to provide Bill with the best medical care possible. Russ informed Dru and Alice that Dr. Blake must operate on Bill to repair any internal bleeding. Dru resolved to hide the truth about Bill from Liz and persuade her into going home. Russ, Alice, and Missy promised Liz that they will keep her abreast of Bill's condition. Steve informed Walter and Lenore that Bill was hospitalized after getting into a serious auto accident. Walter suppressed his jealousy when Lenore became increasingly despondent over Bill. Lenore adamantly disagreed with Walter's conclusions that he unwittingly caused Bill's accident by telling him about Liz's machinations. Lenore called the hospital to obtain information about Bill. Russ received Missy's consent for Dr. Blake to operate on Bill. Missy kept vigil at Bill's bedside as he mumbled and drifted off to sleep. Lenore informed Walter and Steve that Bill is going into surgery immediately. Steve grew uneasy as Walter and Lenore debated on whether they perpetuated Bill's confrontation with Liz. Missy sobbed as a delirious Bill was wheeled into an operating room.
OCTOBER 18, 1968 (EP. #1101)
Missy placed her hands onto a windowpane in the hospital corridor while she remembered being released from prison, wearing a wedding veil, Bill slipping a wedding ring on her finger, and Bill playing with Ricky on the floor. Lee told Peggy that teaching art to children at The Haven and making plans each day has provided her with much fulfillment. Peggy lamented to Lee that she may be holding onto her grief over Dick's death by staying at the apartment they shared. Lee tried to dispel Peggy's reservations about the two of them living together because they are at different stages in their respective lives. Peggy was stunned by Lee's impulsive reaction to thinking that John arrived to deliver bad news about Sam. John told Lee and Peggy about Bill's accident and hospitalization. Lee tried to console a despondent Peggy, who compared herself to Bill and Missy because she and Dick were happily married and facing a bright future together before he was killed. Mary left Ada to visit with Rachel while she called Jim to tell him about Bill. Ada opined to Rachel that Bill is fortunate to have friends who are praying for his recovery. Rachel told Ada that she has concluded that Russ should have accepted the residency in Massachusetts after giving the matter further consideration. Ada was astonished when Rachel faulted Russ for acquiescing to her wishes and Ada for enabling her to interfere in Russ's career. Ada begged Rachel not to hurt Russ by criticizing his decision to stay in Bay City. Russ informed Missy that Bill survived surgery and that Dr. Blake will consult with her shortly. Missy fretted to Alice that people are not meant to be happy the way she and Bill were.
Production Notes: A portion of the Steve/Rachel scene from Episode #1099 was superimposed over Rachel's face as she stared reflectively into space during the beginning of Act III of this episode.
OCTOBER 21, 1968 (EP. #1102)
Lahoma couldn't provide insight as Sam pondered the reasons Bill is critical despite having a marvelous life with everything going for him. Sam was embarrassed yet happy after confessing to Lahoma that he needs to confide in her. John told Lee and Peggy that Pat hailed a cab to take Missy to the hospital and that she is babysitting Ricky. Peggy told Lee that everyone has been compassionate and kind towards her. Lee tried to dismiss the significance when Peggy pointed out that she assumed that John had bad news to tell her about Sam. Peggy theorized to Lee that she is still in love with Sam. Lee insisted to Peggy that it was natural to think of Sam because he has been the chief topic of conversation since he left town, quit school and his job, and came back with Lahoma. Lee felt slightly envious while singing Lahoma's praises to Peggy for persuading Sam to return to Bay City. Lahoma advised Sam to live each day in the best possible way and try to be happy. Peggy told Lee that they should not live together because she has different needs as a widow. Lee resolved to find Peggy a small apartment nearby. Sam grew tense while telling Peggy and Lee that Lahoma had dinner at Ada's place and Bill survived surgery. Peggy urged Lee not to be ashamed of loving Sam, but cautioned her against thinking he is interested in Lahoma. Ada confessed to Sam that she values Ernie's presence in her life. Sam was disgusted that Rachel blames Ada and Russ because he rejected the residency. Ada was dubious towards Sam's claim that he was unaffected by seeing Lee. Sam told Ada that he is capable of caring for another woman in different ways than he did for Lee.
OCTOBER 22, 1968 (EP. #1103)
Alice updated Pat while Missy waited for Dr. Blake to discuss Bill with her. Walter and Lenore told Fred about Bill's accident to justify their ambivalence towards Fred potentially securing a major political endorsement for him. Fred became distraught as Walter and Lenore revealed that Bill had a quarrel with Liz, drove away in a rage, and hit a truck while running a red light. Walter seethed once Fred confirmed his suspicions that Liz played the victim while confessing her role in getting Missy convicted. Fred reassured Walter that he understands Liz because of their friendship, but cannot condone her schemes. Walter asserted that Liz deserves comeuppance, prompting Fred to question whether it included Bill's hospitalization. Fred apologized to Walter, then proclaimed that seeking revenge and harboring grudges leads to heartbreak. Russ and Alice kept Missy calm as Dr. Blake explained that he repaired the internal damages that Bill's body sustained. Liz badgered the hospital staff in an attempt to receive updates on Bill. Fred tried to reason with Liz, who went into a tirade about Russ and Alice colluding with Dru to spirit her away while Dr. Blake operated on Bill without her knowledge. Liz ranted to Fred that Walter started a chain reaction that resulted in Bill's accident by brainwashing her into confirming Missy's pregnancy. Fred consoled Liz as she sobbed uncontrollably and deplored Walter. Walter ruefully told Lenore that Liz blames him for her woes and will vindictively cause problems for them. Walter reluctantly accepted Lenore's desire to help Missy by babysitting Ricky. Missy cried after gently touching Bill's hand while he was unconscious.
Walter: "Well, I understand her too. She's a malicious troublemaker, and she deserves everything she gets."
Fred: "Including Bill's being in the hospital?"
Walter: "No, that's a rotten thing to say."
Fred: "Yes...Yes, I suppose it was."
Walter: "Then why did you say it?"
Fred: "I guess I was imposing on our friendship, Walter. We've known each other for a good many years and during that time we've always been frank with one another."
Walter: "So?"
Fred: "So I don't think this is a very good time to be worried about whether Liz has had her comeuppance or not. I think the person we should worry about right now is Bill. For all we know he's still in a serious condition."
Walter: "And you don't think I care about that?"
Fred: "Of course you do. But your problem is, Walter - and again I say this as an old friend - you sometimes can't see the forest for the trees. You don't realize there are some things that are better forgotten, or better still, never said at all. They may seem to serve a purpose at the time, but they usually end up just like this. Full of sadness and heartbreak."
Production Note: (during Act IV) "Clarke [Morgan] Piano - for Lenore; Chopin Prelude (sentimental)."
OCTOBER 23, 1968 (EP. #1104)
Missy bemoaned to Pat that she is growing impatient waiting for news about Bill and regrets leaving the hospital because it is unbearable to be in the apartment without him. Sam and Ada agreed that Bill's accident has influenced them to appreciate the things that they have in life. Sam echoed Ada's sentiments that Lahoma is a fine woman and that he values her friendship. Ada persuaded Sam into picking Lahoma up so that she can have dinner with them. Ernie joked with Sam about being Ada's chauffeur. Ada beamed with excitement to Ernie over Sam and Lahoma's developing relationship. Pat reassured Missy that the doctors are being truthful with her over Bill's condition staying the same. Lee and Pat convinced Missy to go to the hospital while they create a schedule to divide the household chores and babysit Ricky. Pat mollified Missy over Bill by fibbing that Russ and Alice believe his prognosis is good. Lee was disturbed once Pat confessed that she is scared over Bill's chances of survival. Ernie suggested that Ada was having a pipe dream by concluding that Sam is falling in love with Lahoma and will marry her soon. Ada assured Ernie that Sam is developing genuine feelings for Lahoma, but Ernie warned against pushing Sam into marriage before he is ready. Ernie informed Ada that they are getting a marriage license. Peggy tried unsuccessfully to get Sam to acknowledge his love for Lee. Sam told Peggy that he cannot think about Lee any longer and must build a new life without her. Lahoma grew uncomfortable while trying to gauge Lenore's opinion on whether Lee is truly over Sam. Lenore opined to Lahoma that she has a right to pursue Sam.
Ernie: "...because I know what you're going to say. You're going to say that Sam loves Lahoma and they're getting married maybe five minutes from now, and --"
Ada: (OVER) "Not that fast, but --"
Ernie: (OVER) "And they're going to live happily ever after in the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. because Sam will be Chief Justice there and Lahoma will sew patches on those black robes they wear."
Ada: (LAUGHS) "Oh, Ernie..."
Ernie: (LAUGHS TOO, BUT) "All right, but that's the way your mind races, Ada. I've seen it too often."
OCTOBER 24, 1968 (EP. #1105)
Russ informed Mary that Bill survived the operation and that his blood pressure has stabilized. Mary chided Russ for worrying about waking Rachel should he go into their bedroom. Mary glanced sadly at Russ upon realizing that he had fallen asleep on the couch. Dru told Mary that Liz exploded at him for maneuvering her out of the hospital so that an operation could be performed on Bill. Mary stifled her annoyance over Russ's choice to have breakfast with Rachel in their room. Dru emphasized to Mary that Russ has a different marriage than she does with Jim and enjoys spoiling his wife in response to Mary's complaint that Russ should not cater to Rachel. Rachel complimented Russ's consideration in allowing her to sleep. Rachel adopted a self-important, serious tone while telling Russ that she fulfilled Alice's request to break her date with Steve. Russ struggled to stay awake while Rachel described Steve as a clever, brilliant man. Rachel begrudgingly postponed telling Russ about her enlightening conversation with Steve so that he could take a nap. Alice was not impressed by Rachel's boasts that she made Steve understand her reasons for breaking their date. Steve teased Alice for exhausting herself by worrying about Bill. Mary casually agreed with Rachel's remark that Alice may not appreciate Steve yet. Steve was miffed over Alice's noncommittal attitude towards accepting his dinner invitation. Rachel told a bewildered Russ that he was wrong to place her needs ahead of his career by declining the residency in Boston. Russ advised a disappointed Rachel that he cannot contact Massachusetts General Hospital because the position has likely been filled.
OCTOBER 25, 1968 (EP. #1106)
Russ admitted to Rachel that he is irked and confused because she now believes that he should have taken the residency in Boston. Rachel caused Russ to become exasperated by suggesting that he reconsider contacting Massachusetts General Hospital while he is at work. Russ advised Alice that doctors must exercise discretion in giving information on patients to loved ones and nurses. Alice swore to Russ that she did not discuss his career with Rachel. Russ and Alice informed an impatient Liz that a hospital room has been prepared for Bill once he is ready to be transferred out of Intensive Care. Ada told Rachel that she and Ernie want their wedding to be a simple affair with a few friends in attendance. Ada was dubious towards Rachel's conviction that Massachusetts General will give Russ the residency once he explains the situation. Missy beseeched Liz to accept her descriptions that Bill murmured incoherently, was barely conscious, and seemed unaware of her presence rather than badger her to explain Bill's behavior. Alice showed decorum while rebuffing Liz's demands to see Bill. Missy professed her love to Bill, who rambled about Missy fleeing town on the eve of their wedding two years ago. Rachel stubbornly adhered to her belief that Russ could accept the residency by calling Massachusetts General, much to Russ's chagrin. Russ was offended by Rachel's insinuations that a strong man makes his own decisions without considering his wife's needs. Rachel aroused Russ's ire once she admitted that she discussed the matter with Steve. Russ sarcastically asked Rachel to warn him against getting her opinions on anything going forward.
Notes: Alice refers to Russ as "big brother" in this episode. This means that the character of Russ was aged to become older than Alice at some point. Originally, Russ was the youngest of the Matthews children.
OCTOBER 28, 1968 (EP. #1107)
Lee pulled herself out of her reverie of Peggy doubting Sam's interest in Lahoma to play with Ricky. Walter squirmed as Steve surmised that Bill and Missy had a stormy romance and mentioned Lenore's previous engagement to Bill. Steve confessed to Walter that Alice has influenced him to reconsider his stance on avoiding romantic entanglements. Walter objected to Steve weighing the pros and cons of marriage in the same way as business deals or investments. Steve told Walter that he can discern whether a woman has genuine feelings for him or not, but does not fault women who are seeking a secure future for themselves through marriage. Alice informed Walter and Steve that Bill is out of Intensive Care and has been assigned a private duty nurse named Miss Conklin. Walter didn't share Steve, Alice, and Lenore's merriment over Bill's condition improving. Ernie had a few affectionate moments with Ada while she cooked dinner. Sam and Lahoma enthused over Ernie and Ada's plans to move into a rental property and obtain a marriage license. Ernie urged Sam to take one of the bedrooms in their house to soothe Ada's concerns about him. Ada admitted to Lahoma that she enjoys making Ernie happy. Lahoma dismissed Ada's compliments for bringing Sam back to Bay City. Lahoma voiced suspicions to Ada that Sam has Lee on his mind. Peggy reiterated her fervent belief to Lee that Sam still loves her. Lee felt yearning as Peggy recalled that she and Dick had a peaceful, tranquil marriage and that children would have supplemented their lives. Lahoma was astonished when Sam invited her to move into Ada's apartment with him and proposed marriage.
Steve: "I'm new around here, you know...all of you have known one another for years but I'm still getting acquainted."
Walter: "Of course, Steve."
Steve: "Also I'm the type to say whatever comes into my head. Sorry if I was out of line."
Walter: "Perfectly all right."
OCTOBER 29, 1968 (EP. #1108)
Sam reassured Lahoma that his marriage proposal was sincere. Liz was in high dudgeon while grousing to John and Pat that the hospital's bureaucracy is impeding her from seeing Bill while Missy can visit him whenever she pleases. John and Pat flatly refused to believe Liz's assertions that Walter took Steve, Alice, and Lenore to a nightclub, despite Bill's life being in danger. Liz maintained to John and Pat that Walter is incapable of kindness and vowed that she will never forgive him for causing trouble. Missy told John, Pat, and Liz that Bill goes in and out of consciousness and mumbles nonsensically. Pat escorted a reluctant Missy to the cafeteria while John gave his condolences to Liz. Liz accused John of blaming her for Bill's ordeals. Peggy admonished Lee for talking in riddles instead of clarifying her remorseful comments about love conquering all and jilting Sam. Lee became flustered as Peggy questioned whether she had lied about her reasons for breaking up with Sam or never truly loved him. Peggy voiced suspicions to Lee that something significant and unknown to everyone else caused her to turn Sam away. Lee lamented to Peggy that she cannot remedy the situation because Sam hates her. Peggy implored Lee to be truthful with Sam before it's too late. Sam tried to soothe Lahoma's fears that he is on the rebound after Lee ended their relationship or that Ada pressured him into proposing to her. Lahoma told Sam that she must take time to consider things carefully. John urged Liz to learn from the events that led to Bill's accident and not sugarcoat the incident. John and Liz were alarmed when a nurse stated that Missy should see Bill right away.
Production Note: "Camera mix-up" during Act I of this episode.
OCTOBER 30, 1968 (EP. #1109)
Liz deemed it monstrous when a nurse insisted that the doctors want Missy to come to Bill's room. John urged Liz to get a grip on herself as she wailed that Bill may be dying. Russ reminded Rachel that she implied that he had displayed weakness by declining the residency to alleviate her unhappiness over moving to Boston. Rachel was somewhat appeased by Russ's promise that they will work out their differences once he gets some rest. Russ accused Rachel of faulting him for not being like Steve. Rachel felt defeated when Russ scolded her for rejecting an urgent hospital call on his behalf. Alice was flattered by Steve's wishes to spend time with her. Steve told Alice that it is a new concept for him to find joy in doings things for another person. Alice ribbed Steve for having a tough reputation in business while trying to build personal relationships by being kind. Steve and Alice admitted that they like each other very much. John and Pat told Liz that she should be grateful that Bill has regained consciousness. Missy pleaded with Bill not to worry about the truck driver or Ricky, but grew disturbed once he began to address her as Liz. Bill vowed to file a lawsuit against Liz and force Walter to confess his mistreatment of Missy, prompting Missy to beat a hasty retreat. Dru advised Rachel that Russ's decision to turn down the residency is irrevocable. Rachel was touched that Dru likes her very much. Steve persuaded Missy into going home. John and Pat interceded against Liz, who tried to guilt Missy into remaining at the hospital by making acerbic remarks. Alice warned Liz to watch her step since she knows that Liz caused Bill to run through a red light in a rage.
Alice: "I don't really need to have anybody make things easier for me, but it's always nice to know that somebody wants to."
Steve: "I want to."
Alice: "There's nothing stupid about that."
Steve: "I don't think so either, but for me it's a whole new thought, finding pleasure in doing something for someone else."
Alice: "A new thought? It's as old as the golden rule. You learned that when you were growing up."
Steve: "No. You learned that when you were growing up. When I was growing up the only rule I learned was look out for number one."
Alice: "Oh yes. We call that the tin rule."
Steve: (LAUGHS) "All right. But it works in business, you know."
Alice: "You mean it doesn't pay to be kind to others?"
Steve: "I've just said I wanted to be kind to you."
Alice: "Thank you, Steve."
Steve: "But not to my competition. To my competition I'm brutal. Does that disappoint you?"
Alice: (LAUGHS) "Well, I must say any girl would have to be disappointed at the turn this conversation has taken. A few moments ago I thought you were starting to woo me..."
Steve: "Oh, I'm trying to woo you."
Alice: "Well, telling a girl that you're brutal is a funny way of going at it."
OCTOBER 31, 1968 (EP. #1110)
Lahoma nervously braced herself for talking to Ernie about Sam's proposal. Rachel pouted to Mary about Russ working long hours at the hospital. Mary became defensive when Rachel asserted that Russ should persuade Massachusetts General into accepting him as a resident. Mary quietly seethed as Rachel criticized Russ for impulsively and foolishly rejecting the residency in Boston. Russ engaged in small talk with Rachel and was unresponsive to her kisses. Rachel stayed in the kitchen with Mary after Russ headed to the bedroom to get some sleep. Lenore hedged on taking Walter's suggestion to perform clerical duties at his campaign headquarters rather than volunteer at the hospital. Walter admitted that he is insecure about Lenore's interactions with Bill because he cannot forget that they were once engaged. Lenore deplored Walter for not having faith in her and doubting that she married him out of love. Ernie assured Lahoma that he and Ada are quite fond of her. Lahoma confided in Ernie about her fears that Sam proposed marriage to her in a concerted effort to forget about his love for Lee. Ernie understood Lahoma's qualms about discussing the situation with Ada because she might get upset over her reservations towards accepting Sam's proposal. Ernie praised Lahoma for having more concern for Ada than Rachel does. Mary noticed when Russ purposely avoided showing Rachel affection as he prepared to leave for the hospital. Missy expressed gratitude to Russ for keeping her abreast of Bill's condition. Lenore comforted Missy by assuring her that Bill will make a full recovery. Ernie was nonplussed that Lahoma arranged to speak with Lee about Sam.
NOVEMBER 1, 1968 (EP. #1111)
Pat came to John's office to visit him and to call the hospital. Peggy was puzzled yet faintly pleased by Lee's eagerness to talk to Sam. Pat informed John and Peggy that Bill is irrational and exhausted, which is causing him to experience an erratic sleep pattern. Peggy told John and Pat that she had an in-depth conversation with Lee and hypothesized that she is moody because she stifled her emotions after breaking up with Sam. John and Pat faced resistance from Peggy, who evaded divulging details to maintain Lee's confidence and privacy. Lahoma was too distracted to listen to Ada happily talk about her upcoming wedding to Ernie. Ada went on a diatribe to Lahoma against Lee for breaking Sam's heart and turning him into a man who hid from life and stopped caring about anything. Lahoma told Ada that she plans to settle matters with Lee. Ada was shocked once Lahoma revealed that Sam proposed marriage to her. Lee went to Peggy's apartment once Pat and Alice relieved her of babysitting Ricky. Pat and Alice agreed that they are both still baffled by Lee jilting Sam so suddenly. Peggy asked Lee to quit playing the consummate host and speak frankly with her. Lee nervously admitted to Peggy that she was remiss for lying to Sam about her true reasons for breaking their engagement. Peggy tried unsuccessfully to decipher Lee's underlying meaning as she spoke of children and couples overcoming obstacles together. Lee thanked Peggy for helping her gain enough courage to finally be honest with Sam. Peggy shared Lee's optimism that she and Sam will reconcile and get married once she levels with him. Lee was stunned by Lahoma's untimely arrival.
Ada: "...And he fell right off that cloud about ninety million feet and broke his head and his heart into a thousand places..."
Lahoma: "Miz Davis, Lee didn't mean..."
Ada: "Don't tell me she didn't mean. She did it. And who picked up the pieces? You did, Lahoma. You picked up the pieces that used to be Sam Lucas, before he knew Lee Randolph and you put them together again. Good as new."
Lahoma: "Miz Davis...Lee isn't all that bad a girl, you know."
Ada: "No, I don't know. I know what she did to Sam, that's all I know and it's all I have to know. Why there was a time there, after Lee got through telling Sam she was through with him, when I hardly recognized my own brother. He didn't care about anything, he didn't feel anything for anybody...he just wanted to crawl off and die...because this girl he'd idolized and thought was a...a Princess...had walked out on him. He walked out on the whole world. You know it as well as I do."
Lahoma: "All I said was that Lee isn't really such a terrible person."
Ada: "Listen, Lahoma, Lee may be very nice to her father...she may help old ladies across the street and buy pencils from beggars...and you can stick up for her if you want to, but I don't want to, I don't have to, and I'm not going to."
NOVEMBER 4, 1968 (EP. #1112)
Lee laughed deprecatingly while telling Lahoma that she tends to talk in riddles instead of being forthright with Peggy. Lahoma became uneasy as Lee prepared to confide in her. Lee credited Lahoma for making her realize that she had been unfair to Sam by not giving him the chance to decide whether they can have a happy marriage without children. Lahoma chose to begrudgingly wish Lee luck in her endeavors to reunite with Sam rather than mention his marriage proposal to her. Fred tried to keep Walter's attention by emphasizing that he has faced some setbacks upstate and that the precinct workers' party is essential to turning his campaign around. Walter groused to Fred about unsuccessfully trying to reach Lenore by calling their home. Fred chastised Walter for dwelling on Lenore's past with Bill and risking his marriage by harboring irrational fears and jealousy. Lenore was intrigued by Lee, who gushed that she wants everyone to share her optimistic outlook without revealing her plans to confront Sam. Lee assured Lenore that she trusts her discretion. Lenore assumed that Walter came to the hospital to inquire about Bill, prompting Walter to stiffly express relief that Bill's condition has improved rather than act brusquely towards Lenore being at the hospital. Walter persuaded an apprehensive Lenore into assisting the volunteers at his campaign's headquarters. Ada asked Sam not to be angry with Lahoma for telling her about his marriage proposal. Sam avoided eye contact with Ada to convince her that he loves Lahoma. Ada confidently told Ernie that Lahoma will marry Sam and promised not to interfere. Ada felt consternation towards Lee upon her arrival.
Fred: "I had some hope that you'd get over this stupid, irrational feeling of yours. Lenore does not love Bill Matthews. Now, honestly, Walter, do you think so?"
Walter: "No, she doesn't." (THEN) "I just can't forget she was once engaged to him..."
Fred: (OVER) "Walter, that was before she had ever met you. And even if it weren't, what of it? She loves you, not Bill, not Rock Hudson, not Rhett Butler. You. But I'll tell you, Walter, if you don't start taking a more mature attitude toward your own marriage, you'll lose her love!" (TAKE WALTER) "Yes, I mean that." (AND FADE OUT).
Script Notes for Act II: (THE NEXT AFTERNOON. CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS. THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A LARGE PLACE. CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS ARE OFTEN STOREFRONTS. PERHAPS WE CAN SEE COLLEGE-AGE KIDS, COMING IN TO GET LITERATURE OR USE THE MIMEOGRAPH MACHINE. THIS IS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY THIS YEAR. WALTER AND FRED ARE AT A BATTERED DESK. FRED IS TALKING, BUT WALTER IS PICKING UP A PHONE AND DIALING A NUMBER).
NOVEMBER 5, 1968 (EP. #1113)
A volunteer named Patty Enwright was embarrassed that she had unwittingly sold one of Walter's bumper stickers to his wife. Lenore deduced that Walter had invented a ruse upon learning from Fred that the jobs that Walter asked her to do had already been completed. Sam accused Rachel of being too self-centered to genuinely care about Bill or Ernie and Ada's wedding. Rachel lambasted Sam for insinuating that she is an inadequate wife to Russ and incapable of grasping that a happy marriage requires being a giving, loving person. Sam warned Rachel not to arrogantly surmise that he will never be a suitable husband to a woman. Fred encouraged Lenore to stay involved in Walter's political campaign and attend the precinct workers' party. Lenore promised to support Walter should he lose the election after Fred remarked on his competitive nature. Fred reminisced on comforting Lenore after she lost a big tennis tournament years ago. Lenore advised Fred to tell Walter that she went to the hospital should he ask for her whereabouts. Russ chastised Rachel for interrupting his work and nagging him about the residency in Boston since it is a closed subject. Sam and Alice spotted Rachel angrily storm out of the hospital. Alice was thrilled that Sam enjoys working for John. Sam advised an inquisitive Alice that he has not talked to Lee recently. Ada smiled smugly once Lee explained that she came to speak to Sam. Lee dissembled as Ada downplayed Sam's feelings for her, sang Lahoma's praises for getting him through a rough time, and asserted that Lahoma will accept Sam's marriage proposal. Sam was grateful when Lee congratulated him on getting engaged.
Sam: "Look, I'm not saying you don't want Bill to get better. It's just that you really don't care if he gets well or not - it's all the same as long as it doesn't upset any of your plans."
Rachel: "That's a rotten thing to say!"
Sam: "Oh, I know it is. Too bad it's true. Rachel, as far as you're concerned, the whole world is a tiny universe spelled R-A-C-H-E-L."
Production Notes: "The action up until the second half of Act Three all takes place shortly before the end of #1112." A campaign slogan of Walter's was "Curtin ends Corruption." Fred mentions playing golf, squash, and various card games with Walter for many years.
NOVEMBER 6, 1968 (EP. #1114)
Missy was jubilant over Bill being lucid and in high spirits. Bill grew contrite upon hearing that Missy had seen him while he was irrational and delirious. Lee informed Peggy that she is going to Bolt's Lake for a while. Peggy pried it out of Lee that she reneged on telling Sam the truth behind her breaking their engagement. Lee swiftly left John's office after revealing to Peggy that Sam is marrying Lahoma. Missy happily bantered with Bill about staying quiet during her visits, limiting their time together, and Ricky faring beautifully during his absence. Bill asked Missy about Liz to gauge whether she is causing trouble. Bill beamed as Missy tenderly professed her love and devotion, proclaimed that her life is meaningless without him, and that she is anxious to help him convalesce once he comes home. Missy was ebullient while telling Lenore that Bill is recovering nicely. Lenore reluctantly agreed to watch Bill while Nurse Conklin tended to another patient. Fred realized that Walter was too concerned about Lenore to discuss the precinct workers' party. Walter ranted about Lenore returning to the hospital instead of remaining at his campaign's headquarters, despite Fred's stance that Lenore's dedication as a volunteer does not involve Bill. Fred unsuccessfully tried to dissuade Walter from confronting Lenore. Lenore quietly sat in a chair while Bill slept. John and Peggy theorized that Lee left to deal with her feelings and recent ordeals. John readily accepted Fred's invitation to give a speech at the precinct workers' party. Fred lamented to John that Walter's jealousy of Bill brings out the worst in him. Walter was quite agitated while asking Alice for Lenore's whereabouts.
Bill: "Did Ricky say he missed me?"
Missy: "Yes, he did. Asked where you were and everything. But everybody said you'd be home soon and he said okay and went back to sleep. He said 'Tell Daddy to take his time and I'll be right here when he gets back.'"
Bill: (LAUGHS) "He's learned to talk pretty well, hasn't he? The last few days."
Missy: "He's very brilliant."
Bill: "Like us..."
Notes: John mentions that he took Lee to Bolt's Lake while she was recovering from whooping cough many years ago.
NOVEMBER 7, 1968 (EP. #1115)
Walter's eyes blazed upon seeing Lenore in Bill's hospital room and beat a hasty retreat. Lenore quickly regained her composure and chased after Walter. Rachel bragged to Steve that she made Russ realize that he should have accepted the appointment in Boston. Steve disbelieved Rachel's claims that Russ is kicking himself for declining the residency and that she is trying to be a helpful and sympathetic wife. Rachel dissembled as Steve hypothesized that Russ is angry because she changed her mind, emphasized that she influenced his decision, and that Rachel is desperate for love and acceptance. Rachel was captivated by Steve's toughness when he asserted that she needs a spanking. Walter accused Lenore of putting her concerns for Bill above everything else. Alice fled after Walter and Lenore noticed that she overheard their argument. Lenore accused Walter of treating her like a sinner for carrying out her hospital duties. Walter left abruptly once Lenore adamantly refused to leave with him. Nurse Conklin couldn't prevent Liz from sneaking into Bill's room, but retreated discreetly once Bill woke up and addressed Liz. Liz spun a heroic tale of tending to Bill after the car accident and keeping her wits while a hysterical Mary called an ambulance. Bill caused Liz to burst into tears by demanding that she stay out of his life. Nurse Conklin agreed to ban Liz from visiting Bill again. Alice covered for Lenore, who assumed a brave facade and tried to minimize her argument with Walter to Fred and Steve. Fred told Steve that Walter was in a jealous rage when he went to the hospital to confront Lenore. Fred and Steve worried about Walter's well-being.
Rachel: (STUDIES HIM FOR A MOMENT:) "You don't like me, do you?"
Steve: "I don't have any illusions about you, Rachel. I didn't say I didn't like you."
Rachel: "You can't think those terrible things about me and still like me."
Steve: "Oh, there are a few terrible things I could tell you about me. In a funny kind of way I do like you."
Rachel: "Do you? Do you really?"
Production Notes: Act I (Walter/Lenore/Alice) & Act II (Steve/Rachel) were switched in this episode. Both took place at Memorial Hospital.
NOVEMBER 8, 1968 (EP. #1116)
John and Fred fretted that the crowd at the precinct workers' rally are upset due to Walter's absence. Fred asked John to talk Lenore out of giving a speech at the party while he goes onstage to raise the spirits of the precinct workers. Ada happily told Sam and Lahoma that Mary has resumed plans to give her and Ernie's wedding reception since Bill is on the mend. Sam and Lahoma toasted to Ernie and Ada's future together. Sam assured Ada that he doesn't expect to be living alone much longer. Lahoma was floored as Ada recounted that Sam declared his love for her while talking to Lee. Ada encouraged Lahoma to overcome her fears that Sam still carries a torch for Lee and to accept his marriage proposal. John and Fred informed Dru and Pat that the party was a fiasco since Walter didn't attend and the precinct workers' were dubious towards their claims that Walter was ill, despite Lenore's speech on Walter's behalf. Fred informed Dru and Pat that Walter went missing after quarreling with Lenore because she was sitting with Bill at the hospital. John opined to Pat that it may have been necessary for Lee to take a vacation. John and Pat admitted to being baffled that Sam's marriage proposal to Lahoma was such a blow to Lee. Sam told Lahoma that Lee congratulated him on their future nuptials. Lahoma asked Sam for more time before making her decision. Walter confessed to Dru that he ran for political office to prove to Lenore that he is successful. Dru lectured Walter on wallowing in self-made misery and for doubting Lenore's love, devotion, and fidelity. Walter yielded to Dru's orders that he contact Lenore to inform her that he is coming home.
NOVEMBER 11, 1968 (EP. #1117)
Lenore wept as she straightened the bedroom. Walter and Lenore stood motionless and silently stared at each other. Lenore asked that Walter not touch her. Alice marveled to Steve on Lenore's conduct at the precinct workers rally. Steve boasted to Alice that he would never skip a function that is essential to his career advancement. Alice disagreed with Steve's contention that a man's professional success holds precedence over all personal matters. Dru informed Steve and Alice that he found Walter at his office and persuaded him into going home to Lenore. Steve bashfully conceded to Alice that Dru proved him wrong by solely focusing on the impact of Walter's actions on Lenore. Lenore reminded a contrite Walter that he continues to break promises he made not to let jealousy cause conflicts for them. Walter commended Lenore for exhibiting strength in matters of the heart. Lenore began to sob uncontrollably. Walter refrained from consoling Lenore, who was unresponsive to his embrace. Mary told Jim that she may invite Steve to Ernie and Ada's wedding reception. Jim grew troubled as Mary explained that Russ has been cold and brusque towards Rachel because she thinks that Russ should have taken the residency in Boston. Alice couldn't bear to talk about the precinct workers' party with Jim and Mary. Lenore told Walter that she needs time to trust that he has conquered his jealousy. Lenore convinced Walter that he is a strong, competent man and that the election will not affect their marriage. Walter resolved to visit the precincts to apologize for his absence at the rally. Lenore regained her composure and dignity as photographers arrived to take publicity pictures.
NOVEMBER 12, 1968 (EP. #1118)
Ada harped on Sam sharing a home with Lahoma. Sam told Ada that Lahoma is apprehensive about marrying him because she fears that he loves Lee, then evaded Ada's inquiry into whether Lahoma's qualms are justified. Peggy told Lahoma that she is getting accustomed to eating alone and is thinking of getting a small apartment with the bare necessities. Lahoma grew pensive as Peggy surmised that her marriage to Sam seems certain. Ernie asked Ada to focus on making plans for their wedding rather than worrying about Sam and Lahoma. Lahoma reassured Peggy that she wants to discuss Sam without betraying a confidence that Peggy has kept with Lee. Peggy told Lahoma that Lee was excited and optimistic as she prepared to level with Sam about breaking their engagement and hoped that they would reconcile. Lahoma listened intently while Peggy admitted that Lee was disappointed over her talk with Sam and hedged on divulging details to her. Peggy asked Lahoma whether she is going to accept Sam's proposal. Lahoma was relieved once Peggy stated that Sam and Lee's romance is finished and that he has found happiness with her. Peggy predicted to Lahoma that she will forge a precious life with Sam as he becomes a successful man. Lahoma and Peggy concluded that Lee left town to deal with her heartbreak. Lahoma received a letter from Lee in which she took full responsibility for losing Sam and encouraged Lahoma to make him happy. John and Peggy deplored being unable to help Sam, Lee, and Lahoma. Sam and Lahoma bantered about switching jobs as a model and a prospective lawyer. Lahoma told Sam that she will marry him.
Lee: (VOICE; READING) "...I did go to see Sam, Lahoma, as I told you I was going to do, but I learned that it's too late for me. Sam loves you, Lahoma, and wants you to be his wife, so I didn't even tell him the reason I had broken my engagement to him because it would have been pointless. I made some mistakes and now I'll have to suffer the consequences of them. I waited too long and I lost. No one is to blame but me. Most of all not you, Lahoma. And perhaps this is the way it was always meant to be because I know how very much you love Sam. So this is just to tell you to forget about me, Lahoma, and to go on with your life with Sam. I always told you that what I wanted most of all was Sam's happiness. That's still the truth, Lahoma, and I know that you mean his happiness now, more than I ever could..."
Production Notes: Lee's voice-over was used as Lahoma read the letter during Act III and was pre-recorded on October 15, 1968. The script indicates that a significant portion of Act I (Peggy/Lahoma) was cut by the producer. Most of the cut dialogue consisted of Peggy describing her new life as a widow and asking Lahoma about subletting her apartment once she marries Sam.
Production Note: During Act III: [LAHOMA] PUTS ON THE RECORD OF "ONCE IN A WHILE." PLEASE GET THIS RECORD AS IT WILL BE NEEDED LATER ON AND WILL BECOME A LEE-SAM-LAHOMA THEME).
NOVEMBER 13, 1968 (EP. #1119)
Alice was noncommittal over Rachel's request for them to have a double date with Russ and Steve. Jim signaled for Mary not to express her annoyance with Rachel. Jim advised Mary to quit worrying about Russ. Ada came to discuss the guest list for her and Ernie's reception with Mary. Rachel admonished Ada for lecturing her about shopping for new dresses without getting Russ's permission. Ada conceded to Mary that Rachel isn't enthusiastic about her wedding since Ernie does not fit Rachel's idea of a father. Mary urged Ada to stop apologizing for Rachel. Ada groused to Mary that Rachel realizes her mistakes after the fact. Mary encouraged Ada to lead her own life and focus on her happiness. Ada tried to convince Mary that Rachel has matured since she married Russ. Rachel boasted to Lahoma that she bought a new dress because she and Russ are going to The Top of the Tower with Steve and Alice and assumes that Steve will treat them. Lahoma fumed that Rachel had Bryant's bill her for the dress since she was low on cash. Rachel congratulated Lahoma on getting her hooks into Sam by accepting his proposal, prompting Lahoma to retort that she doesn't use Rachel's tactics. Lahoma and Rachel disagreed on Alice's interest in Steve being sincere. Russ bought Rachel's lie that she saved money to buy the new dress. Jim told Alice that the election for Attorney General will be close. Mary didn't share Alice's skepticism over Sam and Lahoma's impending nuptials. Alice politely informed Rachel that she is overdressed for the simple restaurant that Steve chose for them. Rachel privately surmised that Alice deliberately tricked her and vowed revenge.
Rachel: "Honestly, Lahoma, why can't we be friends like we used to?"
Lahoma: "It beats me, but you know as well as I do that ten minutes after you come waltzing through that door - all smiles and sugar - the two of us end up fighting like a couple of alley cats."
Rachel: "Oh, we didn't really fight, Lahoma. We may disagree a little..."
Lahoma: "Well, if that's what you call a disagreement, let's not ever have a real fight."
Rachel: "That's fine with me...hehe."
NOVEMBER 14, 1968 (EP. #1120)
Walter appreciated Lenore's optimism towards the election. Walter told Lenore that he blames himself for potentially losing the Attorney General race. Lenore dismissed Walter's gratitude on giving a speech at the rally by humbly insisting that she was supporting her husband. Steve harangued Walter for letting his jealousy ruin his chances of winning the election, prompting Jim, Dru, and Alice to defend him as a modern-day Achilles who must overcome his weaknesses. Dru told Jim that he was upset to find Walter brooding alone, but refused to enable his unreasonable behavior to continue. Jim groused to Dru that Rachel changed her mind about Russ accepting the appointment in Boston because of Steve. Dru and Jim agreed that Steve is outspoken and that Rachel is awed by him. Steve was amused by Rachel's efforts to remember the names of various wines during dinner. Russ grew embarrassed as Steve harped on Walter allowing his emotions to hurt his career advancement. Russ and Rachel tried to change the subject when Alice asked whether Steve had discussed the residency with Rachel. Russ rebuffed Rachel's efforts to accompany Steve and Alice to Walter and Lenore's place to wait for the election results. Walter asked Steve and Alice to take phone messages while he and Lenore prepare a concession speech at his campaign's headquarters. Steve confessed to Alice that he gave his opinion on Russ rejecting the residency to Rachel. Alice lectured Steve on respecting a family member's decisions out of loyalty and for butting into Russ's personal business. Steve proclaimed that he is justified in stating his views, prompting Alice to grow disillusioned by him.
Notes: Steve, Russ, Alice, and Rachel had dinner at a French restaurant named La Petite Hutte.
NOVEMBER 15, 1968 (EP. #1121)
Rachel lambasted Russ for humiliating her in front of Steve and Alice. Bill and Missy reflected on life being difficult for Lenore because of Walter's jealousy. Missy caused Bill to laugh uproariously once she theorized that having a baby will improve Walter and Lenore's marriage. Rachel castigated Russ for mentioning that she changed her mind about the appointment in Boston to Steve and Alice. Russ countered by telling Rachel that it was embarrassing to learn that she considers him a weak man. Rachel got defensive when Russ accused her of valuing Steve's judgement over his and lacking faith in him. Russ astonished Rachel by questioning her capability in truly loving him. Missy chided Bill for ordering Liz to leave his hospital room and for harboring a grudge. Bill pointed out to Missy that Liz would not be charitable to someone who pulled the same machinations onto her that she did against them. Fred was appalled as Liz relished in Walter's chances of winning the election looking dire. Liz went on a tirade about Walter alienating Bill from her. Fred suggested that Liz ask Missy to be her advocate with Bill since he was apprehensive about getting involved himself. Liz told Fred that Missy should be more like Rachel, who knows the ways in which to manage Russ's life and career. Alice opined to Russ that it was wrong of Rachel to talk to Steve about his medical training. Russ grew pensive as Alice hypothesized that Steve indulges Rachel's childish behavior and easily dazzled nature. Alice told Russ that she chastised Steve for criticizing his decisions and that she is re-evaluating her feelings towards him. Rachel feigned being asleep while Russ prepared for bed.
Notes: Another reference to Russ being older than Alice. In this episode, Russ calls Alice his "kid sister." Alice mentions that she and Rachel are close to the same age.
NOVEMBER 18, 1968 (EP. #1122)
Walter thanked his supporters and pledged support to his victorious opponent while Lenore stood at his side. Ada admonished Ernie, Sam, and Lahoma for mourning over Walter's election loss instead of celebrating Sam and Lahoma's engagement. John contended to Pat that Walter is too thin-skinned and lacks the ego necessary to be successful in politics. John grimly advised Pat that they must not get involved in Lee's personal issues. Pat expressed certainty to John that Sam and Lee still love each other. Ernie and Ada toasted to Sam and Lahoma's future happiness. Sam informed Ernie and Ada that he and Lahoma will live in the apartment while Lahoma helps them get settled into their house. Sam declined Ernie and Ada's offer to have a double wedding since he wishes to get married around Christmas time. Ernie tried to assuage Ada's fears that Sam or Lahoma may decide against getting married. Lenore urged Walter not to blame himself for losing the election. Fred theorized to Lenore that Walter's absence at the precinct workers' rally was insignificant in the end. Lenore told Fred that she regrets going to the hospital because of the affect Bill's presence in her life has on Walter. Fred chided Lenore for being conceited for thinking that she could have changed outcomes by modifying her actions. Fred warned Walter not to subject Lenore to his feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Ada tried to persuade Sam into getting married to Lahoma on Thanksgiving. Sam admitted to Ada that he doesn't love Lahoma as deeply as he loved Lee, but asserted that they belong together and will be happy. Sam recalled Lee gushing with love for him after he was sprung from jail.
NOVEMBER 19, 1968 (EP. #1123)
Rachel pretended to be ill while being distant toward Russ. Russ promised to get home early so that he and Rachel could resolve their disagreements. Steve accused Alice of making excuses to decline having dinner with him. Alice upbraided Steve for blurting out callous opinions that are hurtful and talking to Rachel about Russ's career. Steve ranted to Alice that he had an innocent conversation with Rachel and is being made into the instigator in Russ and Rachel's conflicts. Alice was offended by Steve's assertion that Russ should start being the head of his family rather than a convenience to Rachel. Steve sarcastically told Alice to contact him should she change her mind about dating him. Rachel reiterated Steve's opinion while griping about Russ mentioning the appointment in Boston while they had dinner with Steve and Alice. Ada remonstrated Rachel for seeking advice from Steve and urged her to learn from her mistakes. Rachel was stunned to find a picture of her father in Ada's desk and insisted on taking it. Liz tried unsuccessfully to recruit Lenore into joining her committees. Walter played along as Liz claimed that he deserved to win the election. Lenore impulsively told Liz that she and Walter are taking a vacation. Alice told Russ that she is avoiding Steve by her own volition. Russ affirmed for Alice that Rachel is childish and overly impressed by Steve, but resolved to be patient with Rachel and make his marriage work. Lenore appreciated Rachel's sympathies over Walter's election loss. Rachel was fascinated by Walter and Lenore's affectionate banter towards each other. Lenore and Rachel discussed their fathers until Steve arrived for an impromptu visit.
Notes: Ada mentions that Rachel's father left them when she was three months old. Lenore reveals her father died when she was a little girl.
NOVEMBER 20, 1968 (EP. #1124)
Peggy retrieved a folder of Bill's cases and had John sign legal documents. Sam informed John that he is going to marry Lahoma. Lenore joked to Steve and Rachel that she never considered whether she would have enjoyed being the wife of an Attorney General. Steve offered his house in St. Croix to Walter and Lenore while they go on vacation. Steve ignored Rachel's remarks about his romance with Alice while he told Lenore about visiting Bill. Rachel talked Steve into having a luncheon since she was desperate to confide her problems to him. John congratulated Sam on his engagement to Lahoma, but admitted that he wished things had turned out differently for him and Lee. Sam told John that it was fortunate that Lee could get away. Peggy advised John that Lahoma gave Lee the chance to level with Sam and potentially reconcile, despite Lahoma's love for him. John and Peggy reflected on Lee realizing that she made a mistake in breaking her engagement to Sam. Alice gave Bill and Missy a detailed account of Steve's role in Russ and Rachel's conflicts concerning the residency. Missy defended Steve's right to voice an opinion, prompting Alice to insist that Steve should have steered clear of private family matters. Rachel swooned as Steve explained that the Top of the Tower Club becomes private during lunch. Lenore reassured Walter that his election loss didn't change her love for him. Steve accused Rachel of being worried that she will be blamed for his falling out with Alice. Rachel told Steve that she likes his candor and mused that he and Russ are polar opposites. Steve told Rachel that he has built his life on the philosophy that anything is possible.
Notes: Steve mentions that his house in St. Croix is a base for his development work in the Caribbean Islands.
NOVEMBER 21, 1968 (EP. #1125)
John told Pat that Sam is marrying Lahoma and that he must accept Sam's plans despite his own objections. Steve took Rachel to task for comparing him to Russ, who Steve considers a better man and more affable than he is. Steve warned Rachel against disparaging Russ because he is not a member of the Top of the Tower's private club since it is a business necessity that Russ doesn't need. Rachel got offended when Steve opined that she is lucky to be married to Russ, who puts her needs ahead of his own. Rachel felt like she was in a movie while listening to Steve schedule a meeting with the Metropolitan District Commission to potentially secure a lucrative contract. John told Pat that Sam nervously told him about getting married to Lahoma while fearing negative repercussions. John and Pat reflected on Sam asking for Lee's hand in marriage months ago and Lee regretting her decision to break her engagement to Sam. Pat predicted to John that Sam and Lahoma's wedding will not take place. Ada told Lahoma that Russ and Rachel are weighing heavily on her mind. Ada surmised to Lahoma that Rachel's inferiority complex and selfish ways stem from her father abandoning her when she was a baby. Lahoma agreed to Ada's request that she mentor Rachel on marriage and the ways in which to be a proper wife. Rachel questioned whether her father would like her after showing Dru his portrait. Dru gently reminded Rachel that her father has not attempted to locate her and urged Rachel to plan her life around Russ and not vague dreams of paternal love. Ada was discomfited while Rachel raved about having lunch with Steve at the Top of the Tower.
NOVEMBER 22, 1968 (EP. #1126)
Bill told Missy that it is better for Steve and Alice to discover that they are not compatible. Bill feared that Missy was reading too much into his assent to allowing Liz to visit him at the hospital. Alice let Russ know that she doesn't want her argument with Steve to cause problems in his marriage. Russ and Alice agreed that Rachel was wrong for talking to Steve about the appointment in Boston. Alice reminded Russ that he loves Rachel and must accept her virtues and character flaws. Liz bragged to Russ and Alice that Bill had Missy summon her to the hospital. Alice was relieved when Russ impeded Liz from inquiring further into her romance with Steve. Bill assumed a neutral tone as Liz tearfully took responsibility for his car accident and begged for forgiveness. Missy assured Liz that she and Bill do not harbor a grudge against her. Bill and Missy agreed to Liz's idea of throwing them a party to celebrate their first anniversary as a married couple. Liz tried unsuccessfully to probe Bill and Missy on Steve and Alice's issues. Bill predicted to Missy that Liz is most likely rushing over to question Mary on Steve and Alice. Rachel dismissed Ada's protests over her having a private luncheon with Steve. Dru told Ada and Rachel that he is genuinely happy for Sam and Lahoma despite his closeness to Lee. Liz pried it out of Rachel that Alice finds Steve too abrasive and opinionated. Rachel caused Liz to gaze at her shrewdly by reiterating that Alice should not let Steve slip away from her. Russ and Rachel agreed to set aside their differences. Rachel turned bleak when Russ suggested that they have a baby. Russ was floored when Rachel vehemently refused to get pregnant.
Russ: "Aunt Liz, if Bill wanted to see you, you'd better go in and see him now. He has to nap once in a while, you know."
Liz: "Oh. Oh, well, yes. Yes. I'll go. Ta ta." (OFF SHE GOES)
Alice: "Phew! Do you also rescue maidens from burning buildings, Russ?"
Russ: (AS HE EXITS) "'If you're ever down a well, just ring my bell.'"
NOVEMBER 25, 1968 (EP. #1127)
Rachel wailed that she had once been terribly sick in response to Russ's proposition that they have a child. Russ felt dejected when Rachel eluded his embrace and ran into the bathroom. Jim and Mary told Alice that she is being monosyllabic and cryptic towards their inquiry into the reasons she does not have a date with Steve. Alice informed Jim and Mary that she quit seeing Steve because he influenced Rachel into changing her mind about Russ accepting the residency. Jim expressed relief to Mary since he never believed that Steve is suitable for Alice. Mary surmised to Jim that Alice is denying her feelings for Steve. Russ tried to convince Rachel that having a baby would be symbolic of their love and that her fears over the risks are unfounded. Rachel upbraided Russ for putting his desire to have children ahead of her well-being. Russ grew dismayed as Rachel resisted his affection and ignored his presence. Lahoma was pleased by Sam's satisfaction toward the breakfast she cooked for him. Sam was amenable to Lahoma's idea that they sublet the apartment to Peggy so that she can start anew and live close to Lee. Lahoma tried to accept Sam's assurances that his romance with Lee is over. Sam was skeptical that Lahoma would succeed at teaching Rachel the ways in which to be a good wife. Jim, Mary, and Alice were alarmed by Russ's brusque manner as he left for work. Alice politely declined Jim's offer to discuss Steve further. Alice told Rachel that she has standards that have nothing to do with Steve's wealth. Rachel grew thoughtful as Alice proclaimed that women who are attracted to Steve because of his material possessions are free to pursue him.
Rachel: "...but I mean, there aren't many people like Steve Frame."
Alice: "That's for sure."
Rachel: "Do you know something? I know for a fact that he offered Walter and Lenore a house he owns in...in...oh, I don't know, in one of those Caribbean islands."
Alice: "Well, that was nice of him."
Rachel: "But I mean, Alice he owns the house! Doesn't live there, doesn't rent it, just owns it, and it sits there, so he can give it to Walter and Lenore for a vacation. Now, where do you get a guy like that?"
Alice: "Apparently at the business offices of Stephen Frame, Incorporated, construction, Football Teams, and Marriage Counseling."
NOVEMBER 26, 1968 (EP. #1128)
Russ recalled Rachel vehemently objecting to having a child with him. Liz hastily concluded that Missy chose not to ask her to babysit Ricky because she and Bill are still angry with her. Missy tactfully informed Liz that she diplomatically convinced Bill to forgive her to keep peace in the family. Liz swore to Missy that she will not interfere in her and Bill's lives. Missy chastised Liz for talking to Rachel about Steve and Alice, prompting Liz to denounce Rachel for openly discussing their problems. Liz opined to Missy that Alice was foolish to let Steve slip away and Russ was dense for marrying Rachel. Russ told Alice that she can help him get things into prospective. Russ and Alice agreed that Rachel could easily bear a healthy child. Russ berated himself for being insensitive to Rachel's worries over being alone and having a baby. Alice decided against contradicting Russ's assertion that Rachel does not view motherhood as the end of one's life. Russ swore to Alice that he will help Rachel conquer her fears. Alice admitted to Missy that she is uncertain of her feelings for Steve and whether her sense of family loyalty is misplaced. Liz charmed Steve into donating to the hospital Ball by praising his success and altruism. Steve dodged answering Liz's questions on his romance with Alice and subtly guided her out of his office. Lahoma accused Rachel of being too concerned with material possessions and insinuated that it is dishonest to enter into a loveless marriage. Rachel scoffed at Lahoma for romanticizing relationships and stated that things change for a couple once they get married. Lahoma was stunned once Rachel proclaimed that she will not waste her life rearing children.
NOVEMBER 27, 1968 (EP. #1129)
Rachel advised Lahoma that she is a grown woman who is tired of being called immature. Lahoma told Rachel that she will cherish being a housewife to Sam and the mother of his children, despite Rachel's claims that she will have grey hair, flat feet, and nothing to show for it. Bill jokingly instructed Missy to take copious notes of Ernie and Ada's wedding reception. Bill and Missy felt admiration towards Alice's family loyalty, but agreed that she should let Russ handle his issues with Rachel without getting affected by it. Rachel made excuses when Lahoma invited her to a dinner party for Ernie and Ada. Lahoma got Rachel to admit that she doesn't care about Ada's impending nuptials. Sam told Steve that he wishes to merge his personal life and career. Sam was embarrassed for wrongly assuming that Steve was attending Ernie and Ada's reception as Alice's date. Steve ruefully told Sam that Alice may be finished with him, but admitted that he will not allow any woman to run his life. Bill chided Alice for criticizing Steve too harshly for stating his opinion to Rachel. Alice explained to Bill that she dislikes Steve's bossy attitude and condescending manner towards women. Bill emphasized to Alice that Steve is a successful man who has good qualities, despite being abrasive and rough around the edges. Dru told Rachel that Ada's marriage to Ernie will compensate for her many years of unhappiness. Rachel opined to Dru that she was remiss for encouraging Alice to date Steve because they are ill-suited for each other. Ada told Lahoma that she is fortunate to be marrying Ernie and does not need Rachel's approval to validate her feelings. Ernie, Sam, Ada, and Lahoma celebrated their future marriages.
Notes: Steve's off-screen secretary is named Helen in this episode. She would later be renamed Pam Sloane.
NOVEMBER 28, 1968: Pre-empted for American Football League Game.
NOVEMBER 29, 1968 (EP. #1130)
Rachel told Russ that she finds it silly that two people like Ernie and Ada are getting married at their age. Russ ignored Rachel's protests and emphatically demanded that she attend Ernie and Ada's wedding ceremony. Jim agreed with Mary's assertion that things are not going well for Russ and Rachel. Mary implored Jim to talk to Russ by stressing that his future happiness may be at stake. Rachel told Russ that the wedding is not a special occasion because Ada didn't snag a marvelous man and stated that marriage is ridiculous at Ada's age. Russ complimented Rachel on looking beautiful, but Rachel evaded his efforts to become affectionate. Rachel slept industriously as Russ lovingly gazed at her. Russ was guarded as Jim carefully broached the subjects of Rachel talking to Steve about the appointment in Boston and Alice cooling towards Steve. Jim told Russ that he hopes to convince Alice that she should not harbor animosity towards Steve for simply expressing an opinion. Russ told Jim that Rachel made the excuse that she had fallen ill from a miscarriage to justify never wanting to have a child. Mrs. Gilhooley described Ada in her wedding dress as a jonquil in the spring and a lovely cloud on a summer day to Sam and Lahoma. Mrs. Gilhooley, Sam, and Lahoma showered Ada with compliments on looking beautiful. Ada cried with happiness and relief that Russ and Rachel were attending her wedding ceremony after all. Fred and Liz were slightly embarrassed over arriving late for the wedding festivities. Dru and Alice dodged Liz's inquiries into Lee's absence and the status of Alice's romance with Steve. Jim delivered an eloquent toast to an ebullient Ernie and Ada.
Jim: "Well, may I have your attention please? ...A little quiet...Thank you...I would like to propose a toast." (ALL RAISE GLASSES:) "To Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Downs, may they have the long and very happy life they so richly deserve. To our friends, Ernie and Ada."
Notes: Mrs. Birdie Gilhooley was a long-time neighbor and friend of Ada's. She is described as, "Native born American and has no real brogue, just the vestiges of a lilt she picked up from her Irish parents. Her name is Birdie but only Ada so far calls her this. She is tiny, cheerful, really birdlike and walks with a cane. In her late fifties." Ernie and Ada's wedding ceremony took place off-screen.
DECEMBER 2, 1968 (EP. #1131)
Jim, Ada, Ernie, Sam, Lahoma, Dru, Alice, and Russ praised Mary for throwing a terrific wedding reception. Rachel privately disagreed with Ada's assessment that it is fortunate that they have such wonderful husbands. Ernie and Ada embarked on a cross-country road trip as their honeymoon. Russ tried to pressure a defiant Rachel into joining the wedding guests to throw rice at the newlyweds. Lahoma described the wedding for Jim, Mary, Alice, Russ, and Dru as a lovely ceremony in which the judge wore beautiful black robes and Ernie and Ada exchanged loving glances while reciting their vows, but Rachel maintained that it was a simple, ordinary affair. Alice told Jim, Mary, and Dru to relax while she rallied Sam, Lahoma, and Rachel to clean up the house. Sam, Lahoma, and Alice disagreed with Rachel's contention that a kitchen is a place to work. Rachel emphasized the benefits of marrying Steve to Alice. Sam, Lahoma, and Alice were mortified as Rachel went into a reverie about wealth and glamour. Steve told Bill that he is giving Alice the chance to initiate a possible reconciliation. Steve confessed to Bill that he was thinking of proposing to Alice, but insisted that she must accept him for the person that he is. Sam lectured Rachel for pestering Alice about Steve, but apologized per Lahoma and Alice's request. Alice told Lahoma that she may be falling for Steve, but is unsure of whether they are compatible. Lahoma imparted her doubts and insecurities to Alice on being the right woman for Sam. Sam assured Dru that his romance with Lee is over and that he is looking forward to marrying Lahoma. Alice waxed philosophically to Dru about life's many complications.
DECEMBER 3, 1968 (EP. #1132)
Sam groaned when Mrs. Gilhooley arrived at Ada's behest to ensure he has a substantial breakfast. Sam felt reservations despite agreeing with Mrs. Gilhooley's assertion that Lahoma will be the perfect wife for him. Lahoma raved to Peggy about Ernie and Ada's wedding and reception. Peggy was thrilled that Lahoma had made arrangements for her to sublet her old apartment after she marries Sam. Lahoma became uncomfortable when Lee called Peggy to ensure that Sam is not present while she has lunch with John. Peggy was perplexed when Lahoma rushed out of John's office. Liz told Mary that all broken engagements have a touch of sadness and that it is best for Sam to be engaged to Lahoma since they share similar backgrounds. Mary dissembled ignorance when Liz probed her on whether Steve and Alice have reconciled after their disagreement. Liz caught Mary in a fib once Rachel blabbed that Alice overreacted to Steve giving his opinion on Russ declining the residency. Mrs. Gilhooley offered to make new curtains for Sam and Lahoma once they move into Ada's former pad. Lahoma was flattered when Mrs. Gilhooley opined that she is better suited for Sam than Lee is. Lee hid her sorrow upon learning from Peggy that Sam and Lahoma are getting married. John and Peggy urged Lee to relax and maintain a social life rather than work full-time at The Haven. Lee panicked when Sam arrived at John's office early because one of his classes was cancelled. John tried to soothe the tension between Sam and Lee by mentioning Ernie and Ada's wedding. Lee retreated after having an awkward exchange with Sam about his wedding and honeymoon plans.
Notes: In crossed-out dialogue, Mrs. Gilhooley opines to Lahoma that she is Sam's soulmate and partner for life and shouldn't worry about Sam's past engagement to Lee.
DECEMBER 4, 1968 (EP. #1133)
Lee grew forlorn while gazing at a portrait of Sam. Lahoma came to Lee's apartment to have an urgent talk with her. Fred joked to Liz that he takes pleasure in managing her legal matters. Liz warned Fred that Steve will not be forthcoming should he mention his separation from Alice. Fred accused Liz of gossiping after she disparaged Rachel for telling Russ that Steve considered him foolish for rejecting a lucrative residency. Liz was annoyed when Rachel paid her an unexpected visit. Lahoma gently told Lee that her letter convinced her to accept Sam's marriage proposal. Lee admitted to Lahoma that she was wrong to break her engagement to Sam under false pretenses, that telling him the truth will not change anything, and that Sam no longer belongs to her. Lee nobly asked Lahoma to make Sam happy and to take care of him. Steve told Fred that he delegates his legal affairs to multiple lawyers to maintain control of his businesses. Fred suggested that Steve was letting his pride stop him from settling his differences with Alice. Steve reflected to Fred that Alice's close familial relations are foreign to him and that people consider him cold and ruthless. Liz seethed as Rachel laughed at old photographs of Russ and Bill as children. Rachel didn't grasp Liz's acerbic remark that she is an outsider who cannot appreciate family albums. Liz haughtily rebuffed Rachel's offer to perform charity work for her. Steve saw through Rachel's ruse of being a member of Liz's fundraising committee for the hospital. Steve related to Rachel because of their similar backgrounds and drive to prove themselves to other people. Rachel was overjoyed once Steve agreed to help her solicit donations.
Steve: "...I just don't understand people like Alice and her family."
Fred: "And yet you respect them."
Steve: (BEAT:) "I respect them because I find it hard to believe they really exist. They're like right out of some book. All this love and understanding and harmony...well, it may work for them, but I can't submerge who and what I am to their corporate image."
Fred: (LAUGHS) "Steve, do you think of everything in terms of business? Alice is a girl...her family are regular people. There's no such thing as a family's having a 'corporate image.'"
Steve: "Well, maybe if you have a family that's true. But those of us who never had one just don't see it that way. To us, it's a pretty formidable and tough nut to crack."
Steve: "Who's laughing? Look, I know what it's like to want to strike back...to show people." (SMILES) "I told you we were a lot alike." (BEAT) "So you want to show the Matthews' that you're just as good as they are, is that it? That you can crack that great corporate image of theirs."
Rachel: "Corporate --? Why do you say it like that?"
Steve: "It's just an expression." (BEAT) "Okay, suppose you give me a couple of days to think about it."
Rachel: "You mean it! You mean you might really help me?"
Steve: (LAUGHS) "Well, why not? I mean, we outsiders have to stick together, don't we?"
Rachel: "Oh, Steve!" (SHE HUGS HIM AND THEN QUICKLY BREAKS AWAY) "Oh, look, I'm sorry...I'm just so happy. But I won't bother you anymore. I'll leave now and I'll call you in a couple of days and...Oh, I think you're just wonderful. I don't know how to thank you." (AT THE DOOR) "You're very sweet." (SHE EXITS)
Steve: (LOOKING AFTER HER) "Well, as they say. It takes one to know one."
Notes: In crossed-out dialogue, Fred jokes that Liz retains his legal services so that she can play the role of a poor helpless widow. Then, Fred mentions that he played Polonius in a college production of Hamlet and had a terrible performance.
DECEMBER 5, 1968 (EP. #1134)
Bill resisted Missy's efforts to get him to take a nap. Bill groaned upon Liz's arrival to the apartment. Rachel fibbed to Mary that Liz invited her to stop by the house anytime she wishes and that she is helping Liz collect money for the Charity Ball. Mary tactfully asked Rachel not to talk about private family matters to Liz because of her tendency to gossip. Rachel protested to Mary that she assumed that Liz already knew of Steve and Alice's argument and was being polite by giving Liz the details. Mary tried to placate Rachel by insisting that she wasn't accusing her of purposely causing discord. Liz described Rachel as amusing because she is a social climber who wants to get involved in Liz's charity work, prompting Bill to retort that she should recruit Rachel rather than pester Missy over joining her committees. Bill didn't appreciate Liz's assertion that he was comparing Missy to Rachel. Liz told Bill and Missy that Rachel is impressed by Steve. Jim told Mary that Russ believes that Rachel's resistance to getting pregnant stems from psychological fears. Mary told Jim that Russ and Rachel should find their own place because Rachel needs to learn domestic responsibilities. Russ flatly refused when Rachel nagged him about going out to dinner. Alice grew a trifle belligerent when Jim ribbed her for anxiously answering the phone because she was expecting Steve to call. Mary opined to Jim that Alice is loath to admit that she misses Steve. Rachel excitedly told Russ that she is fundraising for Liz. Russ informed Rachel that he scheduled an appointment for her to be examined by Dr. Clader to prove that she can have a child without complications, much to Rachel's dismay.
(MATTHEWS LIVING ROOM. RACHEL ENTERS FROM OUTSIDE, VERY CHIPPER. HANGS UP COAT, HUMMING HAPPILY. STOPS AT MIRROR, LOOKS AT HERSELF APPROVINGLY, TRIES HER HAIR ON TOP OF HER HEAD AS BEFITS A SOCIETY MATRON OF MANY OUTSIDE INTERESTS, MAKES THOSE VERY FEMININE FACES...EXPERIMENTING WITH EXPRESSIONS SHE THINKS SHOW POISE, SOPHISTICATION, GRACIOUSNESS, CONDESCENSIONS, SOCIAL GRACES, ETC., ETC. HOWEVER FAR YOU CAN GO...)
Script-Notes: "Peacock Piano Theme - Prologue Music." Clarke Morgan experimented with a peculiar vibrating element added to the regular themes he played during this episode.
DECEMBER 6, 1968 (EP. #1135)
Russ reminded an unresponsive Rachel that she has an appointment with Dr. Clader, who will confirm that she can safely bear a child. Alice was contrite after Mary apologized for teasing her about hoping that Steve will contact her. Alice told Mary that she must find her own happiness. Russ fretted to Jim that Rachel feigned being asleep to avoid talking to him about seeing Dr. Clader. Jim reflected to Russ that Rachel enjoys not having responsibilities while living at the Matthews' house and envies Alice, who has an active social life and is not tied down by marriage. Russ agreed when Jim theorized that Rachel may change her attitude towards domesticity and family by learning to take care of a household. Rachel unwittingly thwarted Walter's plans to spend the day with Lenore by coming to their apartment. Lenore talked about her and Walter's vacation while Rachel bragged about doing charity work for Liz. Rachel told Lenore that Steve and Alice separated over trivial matters and opined that they are not compatible. Lenore grew desperate to change the subject after Rachel opined that Alice is stubborn and dislikes Steve's strong character. Rachel was appalled when Lenore assumed she is seeing Dr. Clader because is pregnant. Dr. Clader advised Rachel that her worries are normal because she had a miscarriage and became ill afterwards, but insisted that bearing a healthy baby will heal her emotional scars. Lenore told Walter that she is baffled that Rachel now thinks that Steve and Alice are ill-suited for each other after initially advocating their romance. Russ suggested to Rachel that they find their own apartment, leading Rachel to accuse Russ of pressuring her into having a baby.
Notes: Clarke Morgan experimented with a peculiar vibrating element added to the regular themes he played during this episode.
DECEMBER 9, 1968 (EP. #1136)
Russ overheard Alice make plans with Lee to avoid having dinner at home. Alice tried to evade Russ's inquiry into whether she didn't want to go home after work because of Rachel. Russ explained to Alice that his problems with Rachel cause friction within the Matthews' household and that he plans to find an apartment for himself and Rachel. Alice told Russ that she will not compromise herself for Steve's sake. Liz thoughtlessly opined to Lee that she left town to forget her mistake of almost marrying Sam. Bill tried to intercede as Liz gossiped about Sam attending Ernie and Ada's wedding reception with Lahoma, Lee feeling gratitude and not love towards Sam, Alice brooding over Steve, and Rachel talking Russ out of taking the residency. Bill gave Liz a lacerating lecture on thoughtlessly gossiping, insulting, and hurting people. Missy lamely tried to defend Liz, who grew indignant towards Bill's accusations that she embarrassed Lee. Bill warned Liz to keep her opinions to herself or she will no longer be welcome in his household. Alice told Lee that she is relieved to be spared from people questioning her about Steve. Liz told Russ that it was fortunate that he is completing his residency at Memorial Hospital. Missy agreed to help find apartments for Russ and Rachel. Russ denied Liz's assertion that he and Rachel caused Steve and Alice's breakup. Missy criticized Liz for mentioning Steve and Alice to Russ, prompting Liz to complain that her efforts to help are constantly rebuffed. Alice confided her feelings about Steve to Lee. Lee urged Alice not to allow pride to impede her from reconciling with Steve before it's too late and that chances at happiness are limited.
DECEMBER 10, 1968 (EP. #1137)
Russ decided to have dinner in the bedroom with Rachel so that they could discuss family business. Mary told Jim that it is fortunate that John and Pat invited them over since they need to get away from Russ and Rachel. Dru described Rachel to Jim and Mary as a child who needs understanding, patience, and love. Mary and Dru were concerned that Russ and Rachel barely touched dinner. Steve told John and Pat that he has immersed himself in work since he and Alice stopped dating. John and Pat disagreed with Steve's contention that a man's career holds precedence in his life. John told Steve that his marriage comes first, despite the importance of his law practice. Steve confessed to John and Pat that he misses Alice. Jim was startled when Mary told Steve it was a shame that Alice could not accompany them to John and Pat's house because she has a date. Pat lamented to John that she had embarrassed Steve by forgetting to mention that she had invited Jim and Mary over to the house. Jim and Mary agreed that Steve and Alice will settle things on their own. Mary admitted to John, Jim, and Pat that she allowed Steve to assume that Alice's date was with another man instead of Lee. Lee warned Alice that love is precious and that she may regret ruining a potential future with Steve. Alice acknowledged to Lee that she is frightened of discovering that Steve may be her one true love. John opined to Jim, Mary, and Pat that Rachel suffers from low self-esteem. Russ frantically chased after Rachel, who fled in the middle of their conversation about finding their own place to live. Dru promised Russ that he will keep quiet to Jim and Mary about Rachel running away.
DECEMBER 11, 1968 (EP. #1138)
A sullen, smoldering Rachel refused to tell Russ where she had been. Rachel insolently told Russ that she will not listen to any more of his criticisms. Russ refuted Rachel's claims that he wants them to move into their own apartment so that she changes her mind about having children and isn't strong enough to carry a baby to term. Rachel ranted to Russ about being blamed for Steve and Alice's breakup and wailed that she is tired of defending herself. Russ fretted to Rachel about the state of their marriage since they cannot discuss the typical plans of young married couples without fighting. Alice told Pat that Russ is having issues with Rachel because of her refusal to have another baby. Russ tried to assure Rachel that he is not looking for an apartment because the family wants them to move out of the house. Rachel desperately promised Russ that she will help Mary with the household chores, but an undaunted Russ maintained that they must make plans for their future together. Mary tried to instruct Rachel on the best ways to wash the dishes, silverware, frying pan, and mop the floor. Rachel made excuses that she needed to gather contributions for the Charity Ball to get out of finishing her work in the kitchen. Alice told Pat that Lee's musings about the importance of love between two people suggested that she still loves Sam and regrets jilting him. Pat got Alice to admit that she is seeking her advice about Steve. Russ was irritated upon learning from Mary that Rachel went to do canvassing for Liz rather than look at apartment listings. Steve provided Rachel with tips on getting contributions for the Charity Ball. Rachel candidly told Steve that Alice does not appreciate him.
DECEMBER 12, 1968 (EP. #1139)
John told Pat that they should allow Lee to confide in them about her unhappiness, but not interfere because Sam and Lahoma are engaged. Pat called The Haven and invited Lee to have lunch with her at the house. Sam theorized to Peggy that Lahoma will not want to fix up the apartment as much as Ernie and Ada are redecorating their rental house. John asked Sam to drop by the Randolph household to retrieve a file on the Goddard development corporation during his lunch hour. Walter conceded to John that he lost some of his self-respect because his jealousy of Bill caused him to act foolishly and to lose the election. John commended Walter for recognizing that his behavior towards Fred and Lenore was inappropriate, opined that he is quite successful in his profession, and that Lenore loves him unconditionally. Lahoma talked to Peggy about buying material to make new curtains for the apartment while waiting for Sam. John encouraged Sam to take Lahoma out to eat before retrieving the Goddard file for him. Pat confessed to Lee that she invited her to lunch so that they could have a serious chat. Lahoma beamed as Sam proclaimed that she will be a wonderful wife. Sam soothed Lahoma's concerns over visiting Pat because she is Lee's stepmother. Lee told Pat that Alice is being unfair to Steve and should give herself the chance to explore her feelings for him. Lee insisted to Pat that her feelings about Sam are meaningless because he is marrying Lahoma. Sam, Lahoma, and Lee awkwardly exchanged greetings while Pat retrieved the file that Sam needed from John's den. Lahoma stared at Sam as he watched Lee hurriedly leave the Randolph household.
Notes: Steve's house in St. Croix was built about twenty feet from the Caribbean Sea and consisted of two bedrooms, a living room, and a patio. Lenore describes St. Croix as, "the sand is like...talcum powder, it's so fine. And sort of a pinky-beige....there was a moon and a million stars...And it was warm."
DECEMBER 13, 1968 (EP. #1140)
Sam apologized to Lahoma for unwittingly subjecting her to an awkward encounter with Lee by having her accompany him to the Randolph's house. Lahoma correctly surmised that Sam could not take his eyes off Lee. Ernie relished taking time to relax at home with his wife while Ada spoke dreamily about planting a garden. Ada admitted to Ernie that she is trying to contact Rachel without letting Mary know that Rachel has not called since they returned from their honeymoon road trip. Rachel was offended when Liz tersely asked for the reason she urgently needed to meet with her. Mrs. Gilhooley informed Lahoma that she sneaks into Sam's apartment to keep the place clean while he is away. Lahoma complained to Mrs. Gilhooley that Sam and Lee exchanged long, silent glances while they visited with Pat. Mrs. Gilhooley placated Lahoma by emphasizing that men look at women they once loved in a distinct way, which doesn't mean that they harbor lingering feelings towards them. Lahoma expressed gratitude to Mrs. Gilhooley for quelling her fears. Ernie surreptitiously called Dru to ask him to persuade Rachel into seeing Ada. Liz was noncommittal towards Rachel's request that she be introduced to members of her committees. Liz was impressed despite herself as Rachel boasted that she secured donations by memorizing the names of affluent people Steve mentioned and that canvassing is an easy task for her. Rachel piqued Liz's interest as she mused that Steve is far too strong and masculine for Alice. Sam was forthright with Lahoma that he will always care about Lee. Lahoma excitedly threw her arms around Sam once he reiterated his love and devotion to her.
DECEMBER 16, 1968 (EP. #1141)
Rachel proudly told Mary that she is keeping busy by soliciting contributions for Liz. Mary caused Rachel to become flustered by asking whether she will be searching for apartments while doing charity work. Sam and Mrs. Gilhooley fumed as Ernie explained that Rachel has yet to contact or visit Ada since they returned from their honeymoon. Ernie told Sam and Mrs. Gilhooley that he has turned a small gathering of friends into a housewarming party so that Rachel will attend. Rachel fibbed to Mary that she and Russ are not in a hurry to find a place of their own because she has been sick and that apartments are scarce. Rachel frantically searched for excuses when Ernie called to invite her and Russ over to the house for dinner. Pat was nonplussed by Rachel's enthusiasm towards canvassing for Liz and her ambivalence towards Ricky and getting a place for herself and Russ. John gently chided Pat for inviting Lee over to the house to probe Lee on her feelings for Sam. Pat surmised to John and Dru that Rachel is disinterested in babies and sharing an apartment with Russ. Dru hypothesized to John and Pat that Rachel uses bravado and selfishness to hide her low self-esteem because she was deprived of a father throughout her childhood, but she refuses to accept Ernie as a stepfather. Ada told Ernie that Pierre will accept her resignation once he has hired a replacement. Ada fretted to Ernie that Rachel may not come to their housewarming party. Sam demanded that Rachel attend Ernie and Ada's party and criticized her callous treatment of them. Sam seethed with fury when Rachel taunted him over marrying Lahoma on the rebound after being dumped by Lee.
DECEMBER 17, 1968 (EP. #1142)
Walter was surprised by Bill and Missy's delighted greetings. Liz made acerbic remarks to Walter that he is calculating in his planning and that he has free time since losing the election. Bill assured Walter that he is not responsible for causing his quarrel with Liz or his auto accident. Walter told Bill that he returned from St. Croix feeling settled that he has conquered his shortcomings. Bill and Missy interjected as Liz insinuated that Lenore pinned her hopes on Walter's electoral success and mused about Steve and Alice's argument. Bill harangued Liz for gossiping and insulting people, prompting Liz to swear vengeance against Walter for being a troublemaker. Lenore reasoned that Lee's friends and loved ones are concerned when Lee complained that everyone insists on talking to her about Sam. Lee told Lenore that her romance with Sam is finished and that she is not interested in dating. Lenore tried unsuccessfully to convince Lee to join her, Walter, and Steve for drinks and dinner at the Top of The Tower. Lee left abruptly when Lenore asked whether she was perturbed to see Sam and Lahoma together at John and Pat's house. Sam credited Missy and Dr. Blake for convincing John to give Bill some work during his convalescence. Bill and Missy encouraged Sam to make definitive wedding plans. Steve resisted Liz's efforts to probe him on helping Rachel with canvassing and his issues with Alice. Lenore urged Walter to quit dwelling on his election loss and allowing Liz to upset him. Sam and Lee had a strained conversation at the Student Union about school, Ernie and Ada's wedding, and their respective jobs. Lee fled in tears once Sam returned to work.
DECEMBER 18, 1968 (EP. #1143)
Rachel decided against taking a potential contributor to lunch since Russ was low on cash. Rachel's exuberance faded once Russ stated that he is leaving work early so that they can look at apartments. Mary laughed at Alice's self-deprecation towards rushing to the phone in hopes that Steve will call her. Alice told Mary that Lenore wants her to be Steve's date when she and Walter take him to The Top of the Tower. Mary informed Alice that Russ and Rachel are attending Ernie and Ada's housewarming party, though Mary found it odd that neither of them have mentioned it. Russ coolly reminded Rachel that she makes excuses every time he proposes that they get their own place. Rachel assured Russ that she loves him, but wants to ensure that she is ready to be a housewife. Russ agreed to take Rachel out to the Top of the Tower once she became amenable to viewing apartments. Rachel kissed Russ to alleviate guilt over not mentioning the housewarming party to him. Rachel admitted to Dru that she has not seen Ada since the wedding reception. Dru urged Rachel to recognize that Ernie is a fine man who cured Ada's many years of loneliness by marrying her. Rachel begrudgingly promised Dru that she will visit Ada, but maintained that it is best that they lead their own separate lives. Alice was mortified to realize that Russ had no knowledge of Ernie and Ada's invitation to their party. Russ called Mary and requested that she have Rachel call him right away. Steve flirtatiously urged Rachel to promote her strengths to others and be honest with herself. Rachel swooned over the possibility of being at the Top of the Tower with Walter, Lenore, and Steve.
Steve: "...But I don't kid myself or anyone else. You well, you pretend. Go ahead and pretend to others if you want, but don't pretend to yourself." (THEN:) "End of lecture."
Rachel: "End of lecture. That's the kind of thing Alice would say. She did say it to me once. She said something very serious and solemn, and then she said, End of Lecture. You got it from her, didn't you?"
Steve: "You're a minx, know that?"
Rachel: "Am I? And do you like that, Steve?"
Steve: "I like it fine..."
DECEMBER 19, 1968 (EP. #1144)
Russ angrily surmised to Alice that Rachel never told him about Ernie and Ada's housewarming party because she doesn't want to attend it. Ernie tried to placate Lahoma by dismissing her fears that Sam still loves Lee as pre-wedding jitters. Lahoma wailed to Ernie that everything surrounding Sam seems to disappear every time he sees Lee, but Ernie reasoned that their encounters are bound to be distressing. Ernie urged Lahoma to believe that she is the woman that Sam truly wants to marry. Alice felt miserable for being involved in Russ and Rachel's apparent misunderstanding. Russ felt new resolve as Alice suggested that Rachel may have valid reasons for being uncooperative with him and towards accepting Ernie in her life. Mary told Jim that Russ seems worried because he keeps calling to check on whether Rachel has returned home. Jim chided Mary for exaggerating Russ's concern for Rachel. Mary tried to downplay the relationship when Liz hinted that Alice must be unhappy due to her breakup with Steve. Jim and Mary lectured Liz for insinuating that Russ and Rachel's issues caused Steve and Alice's separation and Russ may disapprove of Steve and Rachel's close friendship. Jim and Mary stared daggers at Liz, who doubted Rachel's competency in fundraising and asserted that it is best that Sam is marrying within his social class. Bill and Missy tried to assuage Lahoma's insecurities about being right for Sam. Bill and Missy fretted that Sam and Lahoma's wedding may not take place. Bill and Missy were surprised by Rachel's request to pay them a visit. Russ called Mary and impressed upon her the importance of Rachel contacting him.
Jim: "Liz, please. It's our family you're talking about, and you're not exactly aiming straight. You're scattering buckshot. It's hitting everywhere."
Liz: "Jim, you talk as if you think I'm saying something...Oh, I don't know...malicious."
Mary: "Aren't you?"
Liz: "Good heavens, no, Mary. You should know me better than that."
Mary: "Do I?"
DECEMBER 20, 1968 (EP. #1145)
Russ tried to ease Mary's concerns while stressing the urgency in Rachel returning his call. Rachel was disappointed that Bill had given Liz a donation to the Charity Ball and that Missy assumed that she had been apartment-hunting. Missy gave Rachel apartment listings. Rachel grew defensive as Liz insinuated to Bill and Missy that she and Steve are friends and that she has been successful at canvassing because Steve is her advisor. Rachel accidentally blabbed that she had lunch with Steve at the Top of the Tower to Liz, Bill, and Missy while stating that Steve respects Russ greatly. Bill tried to interject when Liz began questioning Rachel about her luncheon with Steve by stressing that it was likely an unplanned, casual occasion. Lenore was puzzled as Walter recounted that Rachel approached him about contributing to the Charity Ball, but claimed that she was working for Steve and not Liz. Russ told Rachel that she has time to view apartments. Rachel fibbed to Russ that Ernie's invitation to the housewarming party slipped her mind. Russ insisted that Rachel meet him at Ernie and Ada's. Bill desperately tried to counteract the inappropriate spin Liz put on Steve and Rachel's lunch. Liz claimed to a dubious Bill and Missy that she is overjoyed that Russ is not bitter towards Steve and that Rachel is rising above her background. Russ was dismayed that Rachel was not at Ernie and Ada's house yet. Ernie gave Russ a tour of the house while Ada anxiously hoped that Rachel would attend the party. Steve bluntly told Walter and Lenore that he will not beg Alice for a reconciliation. Walter, Lenore, and Steve were stunned when Rachel arrived uninvited.
DECEMBER 23, 1968 (EP. #1146)
Ernie, Ada, and Russ felt ill-at-ease due to Rachel's tardiness. Ernie and Mrs. Gilhooley noticed when Russ and Ada looked out the open doorway before closing it, hoping that Rachel was coming into view. Rachel told Walter, Lenore, and Steve that she came to retrieve Walter's donation to the Charity Ball and acted contrite over crashing their small gathering. Steve relished Rachel's "cat and mouse game" by getting her to confess that she wants Liz to think that she is brilliant at fundraising without needing any help. Walter, Lenore, and Steve didn't believe Rachel's claim that she forgot that Steve would be present. Sam desperately babbled to Lee about taking Lahoma to Ernie and Ada's housewarming party and Mrs. Gilhooley fussing over him while failing to avert Lee's gaze. Lee promised Sam that the tension between them will dissipate once he marries Lahoma. Lahoma fumed as Sam and Lee laughed at their awkwardness towards each other. Ada was appreciative to Ernie and Russ for keeping her occupied to alleviate her worries over Rachel's absence. Steve pressured Rachel into leaving by reminding her that she has a date with Russ. Lenore told Walter and Steve that Lee declined an invitation to join them because she may be brooding over Sam. Steve debated with Walter and Lenore on whether he is being stubborn over refusing to call Alice. Ada defended Rachel, who lied that she was late because Walter and Lenore asked her to collect their donation and stay for a drink and appetizers. Russ proposed a toast to Sam and Lahoma's impending nuptials. Rachel sheepishly sipped her champagne while wilting under everyone's disapproving glares.
DECEMBER 24, 1968: Pre-empted by News Coverage of Apollo 8 Space Program.
DECEMBER 25, 1968 (EP. #1147)
Rachel angrily pursed her lips, flung her bag down, and told Russ that she is going to bed. Russ demanded that Rachel explain herself. Fred recognized Liz's "cat that swallowed the canary" attitude while they had a nightcap. Liz purposefully described Rachel to Fred as a silly, impressionable girl who does absurd and indiscreet things like having a luncheon with Steve. Fred ordered Liz not to concern herself on whether Russ knew about Steve and Rachel's luncheon or to gossip about it. Russ and Rachel argued over her actions throughout the day and resistance towards attending Ernie and Ada's party. Rachel told Russ that she wants them to "make it" before getting an apartment and will not have his baby. Russ felt ashamed of Rachel's shallow ideas of loving him. Rachel countered Liz's assertions that she needed Steve's help with canvassing because of her lack of experience. Liz grew suspicious when Rachel fumbled to confirm her assumptions that Russ and Alice were aware of her luncheon with Steve. Dru told Mary that he hopes to change Rachel's mind about moving into an apartment with Russ. Mary balked at Liz's suggestion that she perform charity work to bond with Rachel and stay abreast of her activities. Liz was delighted that Mary had no knowledge of Steve and Rachel's lunch after casually mentioning it to her. Rachel seethed to find Liz talking to Mary about her. Mary warned Liz that she will not forgive her should she deliberately cause trouble again. Dru suggested to Rachel that she and Russ free themselves from Liz's meddling by sharing an apartment. Rachel wailed to Dru that she is unwanted and disliked by him and everyone else.
DECEMBER 26, 1968 (EP. #1148)
Lee watched Ricky play with a toy she had gifted him. Bill and Missy disbelieved Lee's claim that she is too tired to attend John and Pat's Christmas party. Bill hypothesized to Missy that Lee hopes to avoid seeing Sam at John and Pat's house. Peggy tried to convince Lahoma into giving Lee's Christmas present to her personally. Lahoma mused to Peggy that she wishes she and Sam could hide until their wedding. Liz scoffed at Bill's theory that Lee is avoiding Sam since she freed herself from that entanglement. Missy pulled out one of Bill's past Christmas presents to diffuse his fury towards Liz gossiping about Lee. Bill defended Sam and Lahoma against Liz's disparaging comments about them. Liz acquiesced to Bill and Missy's requests to invite Sam, Lahoma, and Lee to the anniversary party she is throwing for them. Peggy was wary over Lee visiting Lahoma because Sam may be with her. Sam tried to assure Lahoma of his devotion to her and their future. Lee chastised herself for being morose about Sam and Lahoma's wedding. Peggy urged Lee to socialize more and attend John and Pat's party. Lee somberly told Peggy that she must accept being alone. Lee dreamed that she heard Sam calling to her as she frantically searched for him. Sam and Lee re-enacted a combination of jumbled scenes. Lee spotted Ricky in a playpen behind bars, which symbolized motherhood being unattainable for her. She believed that Ricky was hers until Bill and Missy appeared and claimed him as their own. Sam and Lahoma declared their love, took the baby, and disappeared while Liz taunted Lee. Lee pleaded with Ricky to quit crying, then she awakened amidst horrible cries and screams.
Bill: "That's pretty mean. Give a kid a whole bunch of new toys and then pack him off to bed..."
Liz: "I used to do that to you." (THEN) "I had to put you to bed so your father could play with the train."
Bill: (SMILES) "The train! Say, I forgot all about that. Hey! I wonder if Ricky's old enough for a train!"
Liz: (LAUGHS) "Oh, Bill, like father like son."
Notes: Bill Wolff's closing statement, "This is Bill Wolff speaking. We of 'Another World,' would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holiday seasons."
DECEMBER 27, 1968 (EP. #1149)
Jim joked to Mary that he wants to gather his strength before tax season starts. Mary earnestly informed Jim that she needs to discuss something Liz told her about Rachel with him. Alice told Lenore that she is buying a wedding present for Sam and Lahoma because she is too agitated from the emergencies at the hospital to sleep. Lenore gently advised Alice that her choice to stay home has put a damper on her dating life. Alice admitted to Lenore that she is unhappy over her separation with Steve, despite her contentions that their relationship never became serious. Mary persuaded Jim into asking Liz to forget about Steve and Rachel's luncheon because she is prone to exaggeration and embellishment. Pat understood Jim and Mary's concern that Liz may tell Alice about Steve and Rachel's lunch to upset her. Jim, Mary, and Pat hoped that Rachel was forthright with Russ and that Liz is too busy with her committees to cause problems. Steve tried to minimize his role in assisting Rachel with canvassing to Liz, who effusively praised him for his altruism and visiting Bill in the hospital. Liz's interest was piqued once Steve inadvertently exposed Rachel's lie by explaining that they went to the Top of the Tower after leaving Walter and Lenore's place together. Steve was vague with Liz as she tried to gauge his feelings about Alice. John marveled to Pat that Liz is an expert at manufacturing trouble, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings. Liz emphatically told John that she must be tolerant of other people's faults before segueing into Steve and Rachel's lunch. John took Liz to task for spreading gossip and pointed out that her irresponsible tongue caused Bill's accident.
DECEMBER 30, 1968 (EP. #1150)
Ada called Lahoma and went over the food supplies she is packing for her. Rachel was hesitant when Ada insisted that they chat. Lahoma told Mrs. Gilhooley that she is nervous, excited, and happy as she embarks on a future with Sam. Mrs. Gilhooley was sympathetic as Lahoma berated herself for getting rankled by Sam and Lee's encounters and doubting that her wedding will take place. Rachel whined to Ada that she is too busy canvassing for Liz to help Lahoma move. Ada listened intently as Rachel criticized Alice for losing Steve because she cannot handle a worldly, assertive, rich, and self-assured man like him. Rachel dodged having a discussion with Ada about getting an apartment with Russ. John told Sam that he values him as an employee, friend, and wants him to have a full, productive life. Sam was touched when John reiterated his hopes for him and Lahoma to have a long, happy marriage. Lee tried to convince Pat that she is pleased for Sam and Lahoma. Pat followed dubiously once Lee insisted on extending good wishes, luck, and happiness to Lahoma. Mrs. Gilhooley told Ada that she didn't quell Lahoma's fears that Sam still loves Lee. Ada grew worried as Mrs. Gilhooley fretted that Lahoma must openly express her insecurities to conquer them. Lahoma lectured Rachel for viewing married life as a party. Pat mused to Lahoma, Lee, and Rachel on the thrill of newlyweds planning their life together. Lahoma, Lee, and Pat were incredulous when Rachel abruptly left after claiming that she felt weak and dizzy. Pat interpreted Lee spilling her drink symbolic of her inner-turmoil as Lee profusely wished Lahoma much happiness with Sam.
Notes: In crossed-out dialogue, Mrs. Gilhooley mentions that she has been friends and neighbors with Ada for seventeen years and talked to Lahoma about making monogrammed towels for Ernie and Ada as a belated wedding present.
DECEMBER 31, 1968 (EP. #1151)
Bill was annoyed that Liz came unannounced to help him and Missy in their new house. Missy gave Bill an imploring look to persuade him into accepting Liz's help. Liz was offended when Bill cautioned her against playing matchmaker for Steve and Lee. Liz stirred Bill's ire by insulting Sam and Lahoma's lack of social graces, but credited Rachel for snagging Russ and making strides by fundraising for her. Bill saw through Liz's innocent act over telling Mary about Steve and Rachel's luncheon and lambasted her for causing conflicts. Ada was incredulous when Rachel blamed the Matthews for forcing her and Russ to elope because they disapproved of her, but Ada maintained that Jim and Mary wanted Russ to finish his residency first. Rachel swore to Ada that she will not be snubbed by anyone, will not occupy a small, dingy apartment she has to clean, and is rising above her background. Russ took Rachel to go apartment-hunting. Bill told Missy that he prefers that they live alone. Bill didn't share Missy's pity towards Rachel because she takes advantage of Russ's kindness and mistreats Ada. Ada was surprised and grateful to Liz for gifting her an electric server. Liz complimented Ada on her rental house and Rachel's canvassing in a patronizing manner. Ada disappointed Liz by knowing about Steve and Rachel's luncheon and maintained that it was none of their business. Russ accused Rachel of only being tired when she has to do things she deems undesirable. Rachel told Russ that she will not live in a small apartment and have children. Rachel ridiculed Russ for not providing for her properly because she wants to be prominent and affluent in Bay City.
Rachel: "You just don't realize it when people think they're better than you are."
Ada: "The Matthews, for example?"
Rachel: "Yes, the Matthews for example. They still don't think I'm good enough for Russ. They're stuck with me. Well, I'll show them."
Ada: "I think somebody had better show you. Sooner of later you've got to get some sense into your head, you've got to learn to appreciate people who are good and decent, people like the Matthews who have been wonderful to you!"
Rachel: "Oh, wonderful to me! They've done what they had to do, that's all. Do you think Alice would have picked me to marry her brother?"
Ada: "I think Alice would let her brother pick his own wife."
Rachel: "Well, all I know is she thinks she's better than I am, but I'll show her. I'm moving up in the world, and she'll see. They'll see."