End of the Curse (Season 2 Episode 1)
The Golden Girls Deep Dive Podcast
Deep Dive
What significant event occurred in the Golden Girls universe during the week this episode aired?
At the 38th Emmy Awards, 'The Golden Girls' won Outstanding Comedy Series for Season 1, Outstanding Lead Actress (Betty White), and Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for 'A Little Romance' by Mort Nathan and Barry Fennaro. The show received nine total nominations.
Why was the movie 'Mannequin' chosen for the deep dive in this episode?
'Mannequin' was chosen because it was Estelle Getty's first major film role, which she took between seasons one and two of 'The Golden Girls.' The movie is a classic from the 1980s and holds nostalgic value for the hosts.
What was Blanche's reaction to discovering she was starting menopause?
Blanche was devastated and felt it was the end of her life. She expressed fear of losing her attractiveness and womanhood, despite reassurances from her friends. Her emotional distress led her to stay in bed, refusing to eat or sleep.
What was the metaphor behind the mink breeding storyline in this episode?
The mink breeding storyline served as a metaphor for Blanche's fear of becoming 'useless' due to menopause. Just as the minks were too old to breed, Blanche feared she was no longer valuable or attractive as she aged.
How did the Golden Girls handle Blanche's emotional crisis over menopause?
The Golden Girls took Blanche to a psychiatrist to help her cope with her feelings about menopause. They also reassured her that she was still attractive and valuable, ultimately helping her regain her confidence.
What was the significance of the movie 'Mannequin' in Hollywood history?
'Mannequin' was one of the first films to use extensive market research to shape its production. Executive producer Joseph Farrell applied techniques like test screenings and audience feedback to ensure the film's commercial success, making it a pioneer in Hollywood marketing strategies.
How did the Golden Girls' house layout change throughout the series?
The house layout changed frequently due to shifting scriptwriters and lack of an official blueprint. The garage, for example, was inconsistently placed, sometimes extending into the rear hallway and bedrooms, which didn't match the exterior shots of the house.
What was Blanche's primary concern about menopause?
Blanche's primary concern was losing her attractiveness and womanhood. She feared that menopause would make her 'useless' and unattractive, which deeply affected her self-esteem and emotional well-being.
How did the Golden Girls' friendship help Blanche through her menopause crisis?
The Golden Girls provided emotional support and reassurance to Blanche, helping her regain her confidence. They reminded her that she was still attractive and valuable, which ultimately helped her overcome her fears about menopause.
What was the critical reception of the movie 'Mannequin'?
Critics largely panned 'Mannequin,' with reviews calling it 'dead,' 'racist,' and 'homophobic.' Despite its commercial success, it holds a 20% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was criticized for its lack of artistic merit.
- Blanche's pregnancy scare
- Dorothy and Rose's mink-breeding operation
- The confusing layout of the Golden Girls' house