Florida returns...

[mjd]

Hi GT Fans,

I have a question for anyone who know the behind-the-scenes type information. In the episode where Thelma is planning to get married, she, Willona and Michael are standing in the kitchen loudly discussing something. The door opens and Florida is standing there. She yells "I'm home" (or something to that effect) and they all race toward her to embrace. Willona is standing there jumping up and down waiting for her turn to hug Florida as well.

Does anyone know if that part was scripted? I suspect it was scripted for them all to be distracted with their own discussion, but all three of them looked genuinely shocked and estatic that Florida was standing there. The studio audience responded loudly as well, but that would have been expected considering Ms. Rolle has been gone the previous Season. Does anyone know if the cast knew she would be returning during that scene?

TIA

[mstewart]

Originally Posted by mjd

Hi GT Fans,

I have a question for anyone who know the behind-the-scenes type information. In the episode where Thelma is planning to get married, she, Willona and Michael are standing in the kitchen loudly discussing something. The door opens and Florida is standing there. She yells "I'm home" (or something to that effect) and they all race toward her to embrace. Willona is standing there jumping up and down waiting for her turn to hug Florida as well.

Does anyone know if that part was scripted? I suspect it was scripted for them all to be distracted with their own discussion, but all three of them looked genuinely shocked and estatic that Florida was standing there. The studio audience responded loudly as well, but that would have been expected considering Ms. Rolle has been gone the previous Season. Does anyone know if the cast knew she would be returning during that scene?

TIA

I do believe there was some sponantiety in that scene because it did not look rehearsed on anyone's part. I believe they genuinely missed Esther and the audience did. Thank about if your mom was gone for a year and she came home in time for the happiest day of your life, Thelma's wedding, and if you look at the wedding scene Esther was in tears. Looking at that scene when Thelma, Michael and Willona ran to Florida to embraced her when she came home and Florida in return looked genuine and it moved me.

[mjd]

Thanks for responding.

I believe Florida would have cried during the wedding regardless if her character was in the previous Season or not. Mothers cry at weddings and she truly loved her daughter.

I think all of them were good actors/actresses. It just seemed more than "acting" how they all responded to seeing her. I just wondered if they purposely kept Ms. Rolle hidden on the set and they truly did not know she was there.

That scene was very moving. I also liked the way they all stood together in defense against Sweet Daddy too.

[TVFactFan]

Everything on a 30 min episode of a Sitcom is scripted. Plus it was already mentioned in Jet Magazine from september of 1978 before the start of season 6 that she was returning to the show so the cast defintely knew she was returning to the show

[Ireneparalegal]

I think what the poster means is it possible that the cast didn't see Esther until the moment they filmed the scene. The poster does mention this in their post. It's possible they put a substitute "actor" (maybe one of the crew) at the door while rehearsing this scene. Then had Esther at the door when they filmed, so that real surprised look on the kids could have been real. I have read abt shows and movies (I wish I could remember which ones) where the director wanted that kind of reaction so a substitute person was put in place until the day of shooting. That's what I think may have occurred here. Of course the cast knew she was returning, but they may not have seen her til the day of filming.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I think what the poster means is it possible that the cast didn't see Esther until the moment they filmed the scene. The poster does mention this in their post. It's possible they put a substitute "actor" (maybe one of the crew) at the door while rehearsing this scene. Then had Esther at the door when they filmed, so that real surprised look on the kids could have been real. I have read abt shows and movies (I wish I could remember which ones) where the director wanted that kind of reaction so a substitute person was put in place until the day of shooting. That's what I think may have occurred here. Of course the cast knew she was returning, but they may not have seen her til the day of filming.

I still think the reaction was scripted-lol

[mjd]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I think what the poster means is it possible that the cast didn't see Esther until the moment they filmed the scene. The poster does mention this in their post. It's possible they put a substitute "actor" (maybe one of the crew) at the door while rehearsing this scene. Then had Esther at the door when they filmed, so that real surprised look on the kids could have been real. I have read abt shows and movies (I wish I could remember which ones) where the director wanted that kind of reaction so a substitute person was put in place until the day of shooting. That's what I think may have occurred here. Of course the cast knew she was returning, but they may not have seen her til the day of filming.

Thanks Ireneparalegal. This is exactly what I was getting at. It seems strange that I would receive a conscending response to a sincere question, but so be it. I can see that you did understand exactly what I was asking and I appreciate that you replied in a kind manner.

Best regards.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by TVResearcher

I still think the reaction was scripted-lol

So, you mean the way the kids ran to the door was just pure acting, no real emotion or happiness? Help me here Solomon...

Just like when Esther cried when the character of Thelma got married. I do believe that was a real emotion, not acting. It was emotional seeing the character of Thelma go from a young lady to a married lady.

[ThomasE]

No. I too think that there was some suprise there as well. That scene was awesome. BTW, hey eveybody. I'm back.

[ThomasE]

Originally Posted by mjd

Thanks Ireneparalegal. This is exactly what I was getting at. It seems strange that I would receive a conscending response to a sincere question, but so be it.

Welcome to the boards and to the world of Solomon aka The TV Researcher.

[Lamont]

i believe the whole cast realized how bad the show had become in SSN 5 and how bad the ratings had fallen and they were THRILLED to see Rolle come back

so even though it was scripted

they were genuinely happy to see her back!

[mjd]

Originally Posted by ThomasE

Welcome to the boards and to the world of Solomon aka The TV Researcher.

Thanks for the welcomes.

[mjd]

Originally Posted by Lamont

i believe the whole cast realized how bad the show had become in SSN 5 and how bad the ratings had fallen and they were THRILLED to see Rolle come back

so even though it was scripted

they were genuinely happy to see her back!

Ah, that makes sense. She certainly added cohesiveness to the show and it was painfully obvious just how much during her absence. I'm glad the cast showed their appreciation. It seemed very sincere.

[Trishalla]

I don't know it seems to me there was some improve

[Brian Damage]

I don't think it was all scripted. I think the cast was genuinely happy to have her back in the cast.