"Jessica"--(S1, Episode #8) Discussion Thread

[BensonFan]

For “Soap” fans, it was refreshing to see the return of Jessica Tate, Benson’s former employer. Jessica is pretty much her old self: rambling on and on about the obvious and being flirty and mischievous. This time the object of her flirtations is the 87-year-old French Baron Jacques Darvineaux (the spelling I probably botched up but it’s something like that!)

The Baron is coming to the mansion because he is thinking of opening a winery in Capitol City and the Governor is playing host to him. Jessica’s mischievous nature comes into play when her seeing the Baron while staying at the mansion finds its way into the newspapers.

The episode centers mainly on the sudden, unexpected death of the Baron in Jessica’s hotel room. Trying to avoid a scandal, Benson and Jessica must get the Baron back to the mansion without anyone finding out he’s dead. (And wouldn’t it have made more sense for them to find a wheelchair than prop him up on a luggage cart?)

My favorite part of this episode is the lobby scene with the man who wants some investing advice from the Baron. Benson and Jessica have him going around and around in circles so he can avoid contact with the Baron. Pay attention to when the Baron falls on the couch—you can easily see him breathing when they’re all looking up at the ceiling. Also at one point in this scene you can see him move his right hand. (Guess the producers didn’t notice these things!)

Favorite quotes:
Investor: I’m thinking of buying a substantial quantity of Chateau Darvineaux, shall we say 300 cases?
Benson: Are you having a party?

Kraus: I said such terrible things to him last night.
Benson: Well, it probably went in one ear and out the other.
(Speaking of that, what was up with the scene when Kraus was talking to the dead Baron in the kitchen? He never even budged—she couldn’t tell something was wrong?)

Jessica: I happen to believe there’s an afterlife.
Governor Gatling: Of course there is. That’s why we have social security.

I did like the end scene when they say goodbye and Benson calls her “Jessica” (he typically calls her Mrs. Tate)…the look of flattery on her face is great. Do you think they had a slight crush on each other?

I know a lot of people really enjoy this episode (in fact, producer Tony Thomas mentioned this as one of his Season 1 favorites in the extras) but I don’t find it to be one of my personal favorites. I think the main reason why is that I love the interaction of the main characters with one another and there’s not a lot of that in this episode compared to a lot of the others. It’s mainly Benson and Jessica. But I guess for “Soap” fanatics that might not be such a bad thing.

[robyrob]

this has always been one of my fav episodes - I'll probably be watching it this weekend (I still haven't caught up to you yet)

[svt65]

8 -- Jessica.

The worrisome thought hit me that Gene might be the brains of the flighty part of the family -- even if he isn't good at chemistry! :-D

The Governor has another hostess; would he be dating so soon (supposedly) after his wife’s death? He doesn’t seemed crushed if so. Maybe a hired hostess?

Mrs. Tate or Miss Tate? I've never watched “Soap”. Cousin Jessica? Wouldn’t she be Katie’s aunt? She last saw Katie at 6 months old. Can someone tell me the family tree connecting them, is she a Gatling or what? I'm very confused!

Out of state? Where does “Soap” take place?

Hints of what they were like as kids in their fight:
Gene: I’d hoped you’d changed, but no, you’re still doing things without thinking, still the same old Messy Jessy!
Jessica: And you’re still the same old Mean Gene!
**
I must admit, it's hard for me to imagine him being mean, since he's so sweet now -- although... he *did* play tricks on his sister, didn't he?

Every time I see the baron fall onto the couch and the others rush to join him, I just crack up. Hilarious!

Fave quote(s):
Marcy: You must be very proud of your cousin.
Jessica: I am. The whole family is. Here you are, the governor, and none of us thought you would amount to anything. Even in school, in chemistry class, Gene was voted the student most likely to dissolve!

Gene: I think Benson’s trying to tell us we’re being childish.
Benson: I was leaning more toward idiotic.

Kraus: You’re just saying that to try and cheer me up.
Benson: Why would I do that?

***

An OK episode, but since I'm not familiar with "Soap" I reckon I missed a lot. Also sounds like Benson's letters contain potential blackmail material on the staff! :-)

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by svt65

The Governor has another hostess; would he be dating so soon (supposedly) after his wife’s death? He doesn’t seemed crushed if so. Maybe a hired hostess?

Out of state? Where does “Soap” take place?

And he also didn't seem too upset that this lady he was seeing "got married in Rio this morning."

"Soap" took place in Connecticut.

[catlover79]

The "baron" propped up as Benson and Jessica went to the function just creeped me out. Hey, do you think this ep gave the creators of Weekend at Bernie's ideas??

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by catlover79

The "baron" propped up as Benson and Jessica went to the function just creeped me out. Hey, do you think this ep gave the creators of Weekend at Bernie's ideas??

Possibly--I never thought of that!

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Possibly--I never thought of that!