Season Four
Executive Producers: Harry Thomason Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Supervising Producer: Pam Norris
Producers: Tommy Thompson, Douglas Jackson
Co-Producer: David Trainer
PROXY PIG AND GREAT PRETENDERS -September 18, 1989
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: Harry Thomason (Episode Feature available)
Having too much affection to give after her pig runs away, Suzanne showers a pregnant Charlene with gifts and
dotes on an injured Anthony -- who wants desperately to get away. Meanwhile, Mary Jo uses an out-of-town
client's home to make an old rival believe she's wealthy.
Guest cast: Ann Dusenberry (Belva McPherson), Barbara Beckley (Mrs. Hoffman), Edmund L. Shaff (Mr.
Hoffman)
ONE NIGHT WITH YOU -September 25, 1989
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: David Trainer
A terminally ill man has one dying request -- to spend one night with the girl he had a crush on in high school --
Julia. Suzanne finds out that Charlene has wealthy connections when she starts raising money for Project
Literacy.
Guest cast: Ray Buktenica (Donald Stillman), Bruce French (Albert Callaway)
THERE SHE IS -October 9, 1989
Written by: Pam Norris
Directed by: David Trainer (Episode Feature available)
As Charlene's baby shower gets underway, the ladies are concerned over Suzanne's reaction to the news that her
Miss Georgia crown is being revoked due to a voting error fifteen years ago. Suzanne, however, knows in her
heart that it will never actually happen after consulting Consuela and her voodoo dolls.
Guest cast: Alice Ghostley (Bernice Clifton), Zoaunne LeRoy (Audrey Dickers), Marji Martin (Donna Jo Carnes),
Bobbie Ferguson (Monette Marlin), Ritchie Montgomery (Lyle), Russell Anderson (Jim Cline), Erwin Fuller (Mr.
Douglas)
NIGHTMARE FROM HEE HAW -October 16, 1989
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: David Trainer (Episode Feature available)
The Sugarbakers ladies and their beaus have another disastrous vacation -- this time to the mountains where a
family of hillbillies hijacks the ladies for a never-ending dance and sends the boys to the emergency room.
Guest cast: Douglas Barr (Bill Stillfield), M.C. Gainey (Junior Jones), Richard Gilliland (J.D. Shackleford), S.A.
Griffin (Nub Jones), Hal Holbrook (Reese Watson), Dub Taylor (Daddy Jones), Michael Morrison (Rupert Jones),
Casey Sander (Deputy Sheriff)
THE GIRLFRIEND -October 23, 1989
Written by: Pam Norris
Directed by: David Trainer
Not being able to get a reliable contractor for a kitchen remodeling, the ladies agree to allow Anthony and some
of his prison buddies to complete the job -- thrilling Anthony's new girlfriend who sees him as a serious
investment in the future. Suzanne and the other ladies, however, see his girlfriend as pushy and cocky -- a match
for even Julia.
Guest cast: Mariann Aalda (Lita Ford), Charles Levin (Chuck), Robert Ridgely (Allen)
THE ROWDY GIRLS October 30, 1989
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: David Trainer (Episode Feature available)
Charlene's cousin Mavis helps the ladies prepare to play the Supremes in the Decorative Arts Center Talent
Show, but Charlene is devastated to accidentally discover that her beloved childhood companion is the victim of
spousal abuse. Meanwhile, Suzanne stirs up a political debate when she buys dark theatrical makeup to make the
ladies look more authentic in their act.
Guest cast: Kim Zimmer (Mavis Madling), Michael Cutt (Dan Madling), Jami Lynne Grenham (Julie Madling),
David Silverman (man), Douglas Barr (Bill Stillfield, uncredited)
BERNICE'S SANITY HEARING -November 13, 1989
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: David Trainer
When Bernice's niece Phyllis announces that she plans to have her declared incompetent and put in a nursing
home, the ladies jump to her defense -- not realizing that they appear to the judge to be the root of Bernice's
problems.
Guest cast: Alice Ghostley (Bernice Clifton), Leslie Ackerman (Phyllis McGuire), Bill Morey (Judge Kaplan), Mary
Heiss (secretary), George R. Parker (attorney)
JULIA GETS HER HEAD STUCK IN A FENCE -November 20, 1989
Written by: Pam Norris
Directed by: David Trainer (Episode Feature available)
As the ladies decorate the main staircase in the Governor's mansion, Julia gives in and poses for a goofy photo
with her head pushed through the antique banister -- getting it stuck just hours before the Governor's Ball. The
mansion manager, however, is not amused, and tells the ladies that under no circumstances is the banister --
carved in one piece -- to be cut.
Guest cast: Ann Hearn (Amy Betz)
JULIA AND SUZANNE'S BIG ADVENTURE -November 27, 1989
Written by: Pam Norris
Directed by: Dwayne Hickman (Episode Feature available)
Julia and Suzanne's trip to Japan to visit their mother and pick up Suzanne's new car is waylaid when they are
robbed of all their money and luggage and they find that their mother has taken off to Paris to tend to a sick
friend. To make matters worse, Suzanne's car accidentally falls into the ocean while being transported.
Meanwhile, Anthony and Mary Jo must come up with $800 when they unwittingly rack up an enormous phone
bill calling in votes to a television talk show.
Guest cast: Henry Cho (Sam), Rodney Kageyama (Akiyama), Michae Orfanos (stewardess), Ken Butler (European
man), Robert Arthur (American man), Brenda Bolte (hippy woman)
MANHUNT -December 4, 1989
Written by: Pam Norris
Directed by: David Trainer
Mary Jo buys a book on trapping a man and enlists Suzanne's expert advice to help her end her dating dry-spell.
At the suggestion of the book, they find themselves going as far as taking a class in auto mechanics (which turns
out to be a class full of women who read the same book), approaching men at vegetable bins in the supermarket,
and even standing outside of restrooms waiting for men to come out.
Guest cast: Richard Cox (Barringer), Adam Carl (clerk), Scott Jaeck (Jack), Ann Ryerson (teacher), Anastasia
Barzee (student #1), Diane Vincent (student #2), Sylvia Brooks (excited woman), Michael McNab (man #1), Jan
Rabson (man #2), Lisa Long (Felicity)
THEY SHOOT FAT WOMEN, DON'T THEY? -December 11, 1989
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: Harry Thomason
Feeling that she is beautiful for her class reunion, Suzanne is forced to re-evaluate her life when she becomes the
victim of cruel jokes and hurtful comments regarding her weight gain. Julia and Mary Jo join Anthony in a
food-fast to focus attention on world hunger.
Guest cast: Mark Neely (Ken), Richard Molnar (Chad), Mark Voland (Mark), Gene Jackson (Mr. Whitworth),
Kristen Lowman (Nancy), Donny B. Lord (Derek), Taylor Leigh (Diane), Nancy Sheeber (Carol), Christina Rich
(Deborah), Kitty Swink (Sharon), Michelle Buffone (Corrine), David Wells (Davis), Greg Rusin Patterson)
YOU GOT TO HAVE FRIENDS -December 18, 1989
Written by: Pam Norris
Directed by: David Trainer
When Mary Jo's ex-husband gets behind on his child support payments, she takes a second job at a fast food
restaurant --- where Julia, Anthony, and Bernice reluctantly end up filling-in during a crisis.
Guest cast: Alice Ghostley (Bernice Clifton), James Higdon (Mr. Hastings), Suzanne Raines (customer #1),
Virginia Bingham (customer #2), Hartley Silver (customer #3)
THE FIRST DAY OF THE LAST DECADE OF THE ENTIRE TWENTIETH CENTURY -(60 minute episode)
January 1, 1990
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: Harry Thomason (Episode Feature available)
It's New Year's Eve, and a blizzard snows-in Atlanta as Charlene goes into labor with Bill stranded in Mississippi.
Anthony arrives at the hospital with his ditzy "Tina Turner" date Vanessa, and Bernice hijacks an ambulance,
blowing in at the stroke of midnight. Meanwhile, Suzanne cheers Charlene on --- hoping to win a car promised to
the first newborn of the year by the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and Julia becomes fascinated by the tales of a
102 year old "colored" woman.
Guest cast: Douglas Barr (Bill Stillfield), Olivia Brown (Vanessa Hargraves), Alice Ghostley (Bernice Clifton),
Beah Richards (Miss Minnie Bell Ward), Dolly Parton (Guardian Movie Star), Lynne Marta (OB nurse), Diane
Dorsey (nurse #1), Daryle Ann Lindley (nurse #2), George NeJame (attendant #1), Conor O'Farrell (attendant #2),
Bill Shick (orderly)
THE MISTRESS -January 8, 1990
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: Iris Dugow (Episode Feature available)
A wealthy, married Atlanta stockbroker hires Sugarbakers to redecorate his house and condominium, but
Suzanne bets that Julia will not be able to complete the job after they discover that the condominium belongs to
his mistress.
Guest cast: Leann Hunley (Gaby Langford), Constance Towers (Louise Pollard), Lloyd Bochner (Ansel Pollard),
Robin Bach (Jeffrey), Robina Suwol (Frances), Patricia Wilson (Mrs. Philpott)
THE FUR FLIES -January 15, 1990
Written by: Pam Norris
Directed by: Hal Holbrook
Suzanne becomes the victim of overzealous animal rights activists when she models a pull-over mink jacket at the
annual fashion show --- refusing to allow the expensive coat to be cut off when she sprains her arm falling from
the stage. Meanwhile, Charlene brings baby Olivia to work as she interviews for a new baby-nurse.
Guest cast: Douglas Barr (Bill Stillfield), Pat Crawford Brown (Constance Pine), Lois Foraker (Annette Dawes),
Enid Kent (Jane), David Permenter (Bob)
OH, WHAT A FEELING -January 29, 1990
Written by: Paul Clay
Directed by: David Trainer (Episode Feature available)
Sugarbakers' delivery van breaks down on the freeway in a rain storm, stranding Anthony with a nasty client and
a truck-load of furniture --- which Suzanne promised would be delivered by midnight or the job was free. Unable
to borrow a van, the ladies plan to buy a new one but fall victim to a sexist salesman.
Guest cast: Michael Ross (Stan), Mick Regan (patrolman)
ANTHONY AND VANESSA -February 5, 1990
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: David Trainer
Anthony gets airheaded Vanessa a temporary job at Sugarbakers, where Suzanne coaches her on techniques to
win Anthony away from his pushy girlfriend Lita. Meanwhile, Mary Jo and Charlene wonder why Rusty the
electrician wears his pants so low, and Suzanne turns in Charlene's baby-nurse to Unsolved Mysteries as a
con-artist and counterfeiter.
Guest cast: Olivia Brown (Vanessa Hargraves), Mariann Aalda (Lita Ford), Patricia Wilson (Mrs. Philpott), Patrick
Pankhurst (waiter), Michael Goldfinger (Rusty)
PAYNE GROWS UP -February 19, 1990
Written by: Pam Norris
Directed by: David Trainer (Episode Feature available)
Julia is thrilled that her son is getting married, but -- having mixed emotions to the news that she is also going to
be a grandmother -- ties one on at the reception and wakes up in the bed of one of Payne's frat brothers.
Guest cast: George Newbern (Payne), Rex Young (Scott), Larry Cox (Brian), Sally Champlin (Mrs. Turkle), Jocelyn
Seagrave (Sylvie)
TORNADO WATCH -February 26, 1990
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: William Grain (Episode Feature available)
A tornado warning traps several odd people in Sugarbakers, including Bernice, Vanessa, and hillbilly Daddy
Jones --- who tries to win Bernice over and gets a previously-inhibited client drunk on moonshine.
Guest cast: Alice Ghostley (Bernice Clifton), Dub Taylor (Daddy Jones), Richard Sanders (Elmer Peace), Olivia
Brown (Vanessa Hargraves)
TOUGH ENOUGH -March 12, 1990
Written by: Pam Norris
Directed by: David Trainer
After a group of sexist male decorators steals a contract from Sugarbakers, the ladies decide to get even by going
after one of their accounts --- a bowling alley. After feigning that they are avid bowlers, the ladies aren't prepared
when they accept an invitation to try out the facilities and end up bowling next to their macho-pig competitors.
Guest cast: Ritch Shydner (Boyd Allison), Don Amendolia (Ed), Bill Engvall (Bill), Susan Edwards (shoe counter
woman), Tony Lawrence (Jorge), Bob Nickman (Bob)
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE -March 19, 1990
Written by: Thom Bray and Michael Ross
Directed by: David Trainer (Episode Feature available)
Feeling fat and unattractive since giving birth, Charlene fears that Bill is having an affair with his new female
co-pilot.
Guest cast: Douglas Barr (Bill Stillfield)
SUZANNE GOES LOOKING FOR A FRIEND -April 9, 1990
Written by: Dee LaDuke and Mark Alton Brown
Directed by: David Trainer
A lonely Suzanne digs through her old pageant connections for a best girlfriend, not realizing that her
friend's "coming out" meant that she was a lesbian and not just the oldest living debutante.
Guest cast: Karen Kopins (Eugenia Weeks), Jeanine Jackson (Dana), Catherine MacNeil (woman), Dennie Lee
McGowan (older woman)
FOREIGN AFFAIRS -April 30, 1990
Written by: Cheryl Baslom
Directed by: David Trainer
Suzanne bribes Anthony into posing as Consuela for immigration officials when her maid's work permit expires
and she is forced to take a citizenship test. Meanwhile, Sugarbakers gets stuck with an Arabian Knights gel-filled
bed --- custom-ordered for "the most repulsive couple in America", who refuses delivery.
Guest cast: Jason Ross-Azkiwe (Julius Tremain), Mort Sertner (judge)
HAVE FAITH -May 7, 1990
Written by: Paul Clay and Pam Norris
Directed by: David Trainer
Mary Jo feels guilty over being sexually attracted to a minister, even though they are dating.
Guest cast: Bruce Davidson (Reverend Chapman), Stephanie Rascoe-Myers (Sally), Caroline Smith (Deann),
Michael Saad (guard)
THEIR FINEST HOUR -(60 minute episode) May 10, 1990
An episode looking back at the outstanding moments of the first four seasons includes: Suzanne dealing with her
weight and displaying an array of wacky clothes and commentaries, a razor-tongued Julia standing up to Miss
Georgia-World after she insults Suzanne, Mary Jo considering breast implants, Charlene and her ability to be
fascinated by "absolutely nothing", and Anthony being put through a variety of indignities.
ANTHONY'S GRADUATION -May 14, 1990
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: David Trainer
It's Anthony's graduation from junior college, and he must write his commencement speech, study for exams,
handle his deliveries for Sugarbakers, and prepare for his grandmother's visit --- all while collecting funds as
chairman of the new Black History Reading Room at the student library. Meanwhile, after Suzanne and Charlene
lose a home-game of Jeopardy to Julia and Mary Jo, Suzanne sneaks into Julia's house after dark to steal the
answers. Thinking Anthony is a burglar, she shoots him and ends up funding the library to keep Anthony from pressing charges.
Guest cast: Alice Ghostley (Bernice Clifton), Olivia Brown (Vanessa Hargraves), Frances E. Williams (Mrs.
Bouvier), Marilyn Coleman (Aunt Louise), Gilbert Lewis (Clevon)
LA PLACE SANS SOUCI -May 21, 1990
Written by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Directed by: Iris Dugow
Suzanne treats everyone to a weekend at an expensive health spa, but is not prepared when she and a
post-pregnancy Charlene are put on a heavy-duty exercise and weight loss regime --- while Mary Jo and Julia are
pampered.
Guest cast: Edie Adams (Edie), Eileen Barnett (Marla), Deanna McKinstry (instructor), Patricia Wilson (Mrs.
Philpott), Edward T. O'Brien (Kevin), Christopher Ginnaven (attendant)
     
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