A fitting tribute to Estelle — Lifetime will be airing a ten-episode mini-marathon of Sophia-centric episodes tomorrow afternoon. The first nine episodes are Lifetime’s top picks and remain a surprise. The tenth will be chosen by fans out of the following five (probably the ones Lifetime couldn’t choose between):
“It’s a Miserable Life”
The girls make a petition to save a 200-year-old oak tree. Everyone agrees on saving the tree, except for Frieda Claxton, the meanest lady in the neighborhood. Rose tells her that if she doesn’t like the plans to save the tree, she should just drop dead. Coincidentally, Mrs. Claxton drops dead.
One of my favorites but not not necessarily an episode that screams Sophia. The highlight is seeing Rose check her smiling sweetness for some true belligerence — and ultimately sending Mrs. Claxon to her grave [Not the only time Rose killed a person during the run of the show.].
“Sisters”
For Sophia’s birthday, Dorothy flies in her sister, Angela, from Sicily as a surprise. The trick soon becomes how to keep Sophia’s surprise a surprise as she pulls out every trick in the book to find out. However, Dorothy’s the one who’s surprised when Sophia’s reaction is that of disgust.
Meh, it has its moments but isn’t amongst my favorites. However, Sophia and Angela do sling a series of pretty incredible one-liners, and Nancy Walker is totally believable as Sophia’s sister.
“Old Friends”
Sophia meets an old black man on the boardwalk and becomes quick friends with him. However, his strange behavior signals that he has a medical condition, Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile, Blanche accidentally gives away Rose’s teddy bear at a garage sale.
This one is amazing. It’s hilarious and heart-breaking. Humans might be brought to tears. I wasn’t. Bonus: Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley plays the Sunshine Cadet that ends up with Rose’s teddy bear and attempts holding it for ransom.
“My Brother, My Father”
Sophia’s brother, Angelo, a priest, is coming to Miami for a visit and he doesn’t know Dorothy and Stan are divorced. So in order to spare his feelings, Sophia convinces Dorothy and Stan to pretend to be married. Meanwhile, Rose and Blanche prepare to star in a play, “The Sound of Music.”
A total classic — and the source of many of my favorite lines: Dorothy likening her honeymoon to “August in Calcutta” and Blanche collecting lingerie for “needy, sexy people.” Sophia’s brother is a riot. Amazing. My pick [Although, let’s be honest, I voted for “Old Friends” and “It’s a Miserable Life,” too.]
“Old Boyfriends”
Sophia goes out with Marvin, a man she met through the personals, who likes moonlit nights and romantic Italian dinners and remembers when Sinatra was skinny. Marvin arrives for their date with his sister, Sarah, in tow. Due to his poor eyesight, his sibling drives him about. Wanting to be alone with Marvin after several dates, Sophia invites him to the house, where she instigates some hanky-panky. Uncomfortable, Marvin blurts out that Sarah isn’t his sister, she’s his wife! Meanwhile, Rose gets a visit from Thor Anderson of St. Olaf, who has been smitten with her since high school, but she doesn’t remember him at all.
This one has never really sat that well with me.
