On her birthday, Julia tells her partners that, because their request for a bank loan has been denied, the future of Sugarbaker's is in jeopardy. Claiming that the loan officer is typical of the ever-vigilant types who have always stood in her way, Julia concedes that maybe it is time she left Sugarbaker's for a new life. However, when she gets a call about a job involving one of Atlanta's largest homes, Julia marshals the staff for an important meeting.
At the home of Bonnie Jean Poteet, a wealthy widow who has recently moved to town, Julia is surprised by B. J.'s offer to have her butler fix something so they can celebrate Julia's birthday. However, when Stedman arrives with the drinks, Anthony warns Mary Jo to be careful since she doesn't handle alcohol well. Then, after showing them a bondage room installed by the home's sexually adventuresome previous owners, B. J. insists everyone also stay for dinner.
As they are playing poker and smoking cigars with their genial host, Mary Jo and Carlene convince the sober Anthony to take a spin on the bondage wheel, unaware that it is broken and cannot be turned off. Then, upon sobering up, Julia realizes she has lost her business to B. J. and is distraught that she could have risked everything on a card game she knows nothing about. However, after allowing her to win back Sugarbaker's by cutting the highest card, Julia is impressed with B. J.'s generosity and asks her to join them as a new partner.
Additional Comments:
After five successful seasons on Monday night, the series moves to Friday nights as of this episode in an attempt by the network to secure Friday ratings. Instead, it results in a huge drop in viewership for the series.
With this episode marking another major cast change, the producers opted to follow the current industry trend and go forward with no opening introduction -- the cast information and opening credits instead being run over the actual episode.
With Julia Duffy off the show, it is said that Allison pulled her money out of the business abruptly to purchase a Victoria's Secret franchise, leaving the firm financially strapped. This episode's plot then centers around the introduction of Bonnie Jean (B.J.) Poteet, played by Judith Ivey.
No mention is made in this episode of last season's cliffhanger where Anthony became engaged to Vanessa Chamberlain. The producers expressed interest in having Jackee recur in the role, but she ended up committed to another series. As a result, Vanessa is mentioned only briefly when she calls off her engagement to Anthony later in the season, and Sheryl Lee Ralph is brought in to play Anthony's new love interest.
Classic Scenes:
B.J.: ...and evidentally I have three corporate jets sitting out on the runway, and I don't even know where to get them gassed up. Do any of y'all?
CARLENE: Gee, I never thought about it..........maybe Texaco?
MARY JO: (regarding the bondage wheel) This is just incredible. I mean, how is it that people get themselves to this point? I mean, y'know, I personally think that life is very hard, y'know, just by itself, what with the Ted Shivelys, and Mrs. Butricks, and Dr. Hackers beating you down all day long. Who would need to come home at the end of one of those longs days and say, "Oh yes, let me now strap myself to a big ole six foot revolving board and spin around for a couple of hours buck naked and spread-eagle!" I'm sorry, but at the end of one of those days when I come home and I see my fluffy slippers beside my bed and a new copy of Architectural Digest and the TV tuned to Northern Exposure, I just say, "Yes, yes, this will be more than enough."
MARY JO: Hey, Anthony. Whadda ya say we try out this bondage wheel. Go on, get up there on it.
ANTHONY: I don't think so, Mary Jo. Black people aren't too fond of bondage. We think that it's redundant.
ANTHONY: Stedman, I want you to stop giving these women refills.
STEDMAN: That little one pinched me.....in front.
JULIA: I can't believe -- seven years of Sugarbaker's --- down the tubes in one lousy card game.
CARLENE: Mary Jo and Anthony still have their share of the business. Maybe you could work for them.
JULIA: Five Card Stud. I don't even know what that means. I mean, what would possess me to risk everything I own on a game I don't even know how to play?! I mean, have I been crazy for some time now, or did I just go insane after arriving here?! And maybe even most poignantly, where....are my shoes?
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