Probably the most dramatic episode in the series, do you think Norman Lear took the easy way out, by having Barbara's friend live? Would it have been more of a statement to kill her off?

Probably the most dramatic episode in the series, do you think Norman Lear took the easy way out, by having Barbara's friend live? Would it have been more of a statement to kill her off?


That's a tough call. Unfortunately maybe that's what it might have taken for the girls mother to take her suicide attempts seriously and not be so worried about appearances.

I was eleven when I saw that. I was unsettled. I did not to see the rest of part two in its entirety. I think I saw it in later years, though, I assumed that she lived and I am relieved now that I know Melanie did live.

Well, considering the fact that we never saw or heard another peep about Melanie after that two-parter [no "Melanie's Christmas card says she's now happily married and having the career of her dreams"- line was ever dropped]. All that the viewers know is that Melanie was saved after THAT attempt but whether she made it in the long run is left hanging. So, no, I don't think they let the viewers off easy. :(