Billie - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

jon123 · 02-04-2003, 12:38 AM

It looks like I'm in the minority on this one, but I actually like the Billie episodes more than Murray ones (nothing against Murray, but there were too many older people on the show). I think that Billie and Roger brought back some of the show's spark that had been missing, and put Archie in a new situation but as Harry said "has seen before" as in Mike and Gloria. I think Roger only appeared in one more episode and then left without explanation, to be replaced by Barry Gordon as Gary Rabinowitz.

Just a few continuity errors:

Billie is spoken of as if she is Fred's only daughter, but Fred has another daughter, Linda, who appeared early on AITF and dated Lionel. Linda was never mentioned again and it might have been interesting to bring her back for a guest appearance (and Lionel also, as we have stated before on these boards).

Archie mentions he hasn't spoken to Fred in two years (which was his last guest appearance on AITF). That means Fred didn't come to Edith's funeral(one year earlier). Archie would have been furious if Fred didn't come, or if he did come, then Archie should've said he hasn't seen Fred since the funeral. What I didn't like about the Billie episodes is that Edith is now hardly ever mentioned.

Murray wouldn't have left for San Fran leaving Archie in charge of the books! He would have made sure someone was in place before he left. As it was, the Archie and Roger scenes together were the funniest Archie had been since the meathead.

To clarify a "blooper" mentioned on tvtome, I think that Abe Rabinowitz is the brother of Sol (who appeared on AITF first season, played by a different actor), and "Sam" could be another one of the sons or nephews, so that is not really a blooper.

Also, it was fun to see a connection with my other favorite sitcom. The woman who sat next to Archie and Billie on the subway was played by Liz Sheridan, who played Jerry's mother on Seinfeld!

KayEn78 · 02-04-2003, 05:04 PM

I'm glad they added Billie to the show too. The upcoming episodes (for the rest of the week) are pretty good.
-Kristi

Nedrta · 02-04-2003, 07:00 PM

I liked Billie too as a character, a lot more than Murray's character. She was cuter for one thing. And, like I said, she too was a strong character and was a good match for O'Connor's Archie. Good thing Denise Miller and not, say, Amy Linker (of Square Pegs) had been cast in the role of Billie. Linker was a pretty good (and pretty) actress but she emotionally wasn't quite as strong a presence as Ms. Miller.

exilemain · 02-04-2003, 10:37 PM

Did anybody notice that when Harry was talking about Billie to Archie, he used her real name Denise? This was "The Date" episode. Hi to everybody

Leroy

DarleneIllyria · 02-04-2003, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by exilemain
Did anybody notice that when Harry was talking about Billie to Archie, he used her real name Denise? This was "The Date" episode. Hi to everybody

Leroy

I didn't notice that. Welcome to the boards, btw.

jon123 · 02-05-2003, 03:03 AM

Welcome to the boards, Leroy, but I played it back and Harry said to Archie "Your niece is doing a great job" not "Denise".

Remember Jason Wingreen had a bit part in "Airplane" playing the the administrator from the Mayo Clinic?

Also, I don't want to sound like a daily blooper column, but when Archie first bought the bar from Kelsey, Harry said he had worked for Kelsey for ten years. This episode was four years later and Harry has still worked there ten years. Also, when Murray bought out Harry, surely Alice would have asked Harry what he was going to do with the money then. Maybe Harry thought he was still in "Airplane" and said "Don't call me Shirley!"

TV Guy · 02-06-2003, 01:10 AM

I think Denise Miller is a very appealing actress -- too bad she had to join ABP at the tail end, when it was really out of gas.

I also thought Harry said "Denise" too, and I did a double-take. It makes sense that it was "your niece", but it sure didn't sound like it at the time (I didn't replay it though, so I trust Jon's judgement).

What happened with the episode where Archie wanted to make Harry his partner again? What did Harry do with the money? And didn't his wife know about Harry selling his share of the bar to Murray?

Also, didn't Harry's wife seem a bit too sophisticated to be married to Harry?

TVJunkie101 · 02-06-2003, 08:28 AM

It also appeared when Denise Miller/Billie came on, Barbara Meek's character was written out, right? I agree, a few two many older people, but that never bothered me. The episode where Archie goes out with Barney's date was a really good episode, to be honest. It was nice actually hearing a mention of Edith and Archie still acted as though he was married. Which was nice. Even though her actual name wasn't used... lol. If you just CAN'T accept she's gone in the series, just assume she's off your screen, like in the 1st season, lol. But, I still don't like how they never had a real onscreen funeral. I know it would probably be impossible, lol, but back then, it probably would've brought closure, but then they'd have to explain why Maude, The Jeffersons, etc. weren't there and that would be too much to handle, lol.

Sorry I got so off-topic. I don't see why people are complaining about ABP. The show isn't that bad. But most of the cast was heavily underused, imo.

exilemain · 02-06-2003, 08:47 AM

Thanks Jon for the correction. I think Denise Miller is great on that show as Billie! She can sure handle Archie.

Leroy

jon123 · 02-06-2003, 12:51 PM

TV Junkie, there is a wonderful fan fic somewhere on the board by Thomas E with the "never produced" episode of Edith's death and gathering after her funeral. Mike, Gloria, Maude, the Jeffersons, and even the Lorenzos are all there. It would have been wonderful if they had actually had this episode and rounded up everyone but I think the producers wanted to keep Edith's death low key and not exploit it (also it would have been expensive to get everyone). But it did leave me feeling like I had gone out of town for a month to return and discover a dear friend or relative had died and I missed the funeral.

TVJunkie101 · 02-06-2003, 01:43 PM

Yeah, I agree. I just feel there wasn't proper closure. It just always seems like she is just off-screen, lol.

DarleneIllyria · 02-06-2003, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jon123
TV Junkie, there is a wonderful fan fic somewhere on the board by Thomas E with the "never produced" episode of Edith's death and gathering after her funeral. Mike, Gloria, Maude, the Jeffersons, and even the Lorenzos are all there. It would have been wonderful if they had actually had this episode and rounded up everyone but I think the producers wanted to keep Edith's death low key and not exploit it (also it would have been expensive to get everyone). But it did leave me feeling like I had gone out of town for a month to return and discover a dear friend or relative had died and I missed the funeral.

Yeah, I read Thomas E's fan fic. It was terrific. If you haven't read it, go read it.

sm95fan · 01-23-2024, 07:15 PM

When Stephanie offered to give up her room to Billie, you could see the influence of Aunt Edith rubbed off. Edith could never turn anybody in need away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnY4-55gt08

Will Dockery · 02-24-2024, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exilemain

Thanks Jon for the correction. I think Denise Miller is great on that show as Billie! She can sure handle Archie.

Leroy

Agreed, good to have younger characters who are written well, as the writers on Archie Bunker's Place managed.

BestTVever · 03-20-2024, 06:19 AM

Didn't Billie sort of replace Archie's maid? I read that Barbara Meek left the show. But was she purposely written out? No doubt the first 2 seasons were the best. I think Billie was a great addition because she was like a mentor to Stephanie. Stephanie was grown up and a teenager. Their dynamic together worked.

02-04-2003, 12:38 AM	#1
jon123 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 04, 2002 Location: Temecula Valley, CA Posts: 395	Billie It looks like I'm in the minority on this one, but I actually like the Billie episodes more than Murray ones (nothing against Murray, but there were too many older people on the show). I think that Billie and Roger brought back some of the show's spark that had been missing, and put Archie in a new situation but as Harry said "has seen before" as in Mike and Gloria. I think Roger only appeared in one more episode and then left without explanation, to be replaced by Barry Gordon as Gary Rabinowitz. Just a few continuity errors: Billie is spoken of as if she is Fred's only daughter, but Fred has another daughter, Linda, who appeared early on AITF and dated Lionel. Linda was never mentioned again and it might have been interesting to bring her back for a guest appearance (and Lionel also, as we have stated before on these boards). Archie mentions he hasn't spoken to Fred in two years (which was his last guest appearance on AITF). That means Fred didn't come to Edith's funeral(one year earlier). Archie would have been furious if Fred didn't come, or if he did come, then Archie should've said he hasn't seen Fred since the funeral. What I didn't like about the Billie episodes is that Edith is now hardly ever mentioned. Murray wouldn't have left for San Fran leaving Archie in charge of the books! He would have made sure someone was in place before he left. As it was, the Archie and Roger scenes together were the funniest Archie had been since the meathead. To clarify a "blooper" mentioned on tvtome, I think that Abe Rabinowitz is the brother of Sol (who appeared on AITF first season, played by a different actor), and "Sam" could be another one of the sons or nephews, so that is not really a blooper. Also, it was fun to see a connection with my other favorite sitcom. The woman who sat next to Archie and Billie on the subway was played by Liz Sheridan, who played Jerry's mother on Seinfeld!
	Last edited by jon123; 02-04-2003 at 04:36 PM.

02-04-2003, 05:04 PM	#2
KayEn78 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 23, 2002 Location: Rolling Meadows, Illinois Posts: 201	Re: Billie I'm glad they added Billie to the show too. The upcoming episodes (for the rest of the week) are pretty good. -Kristi
	__________________ View my TV Show fan fiction. Have recently completed my Dragnet 1948 story, The Big Witness. Visit me on Facebook! View my blog Kristi's Writing Desk!

02-06-2003, 08:28 AM	#8
TVJunkie101 Member...you 'member? Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,838	It also appeared when Denise Miller/Billie came on, Barbara Meek's character was written out, right? I agree, a few two many older people, but that never bothered me. The episode where Archie goes out with Barney's date was a really good episode, to be honest. It was nice actually hearing a mention of Edith and Archie still acted as though he was married. Which was nice. Even though her actual name wasn't used... lol. If you just CAN'T accept she's gone in the series, just assume she's off your screen, like in the 1st season, lol. But, I still don't like how they never had a real onscreen funeral. I know it would probably be impossible, lol, but back then, it probably would've brought closure, but then they'd have to explain why Maude, The Jeffersons, etc. weren't there and that would be too much to handle, lol. Sorry I got so off-topic. I don't see why people are complaining about ABP. The show isn't that bad. But most of the cast was heavily underused, imo.
	__________________ Shawn DVD Reviews \| My TV on DVD List \| Sitcoms Online NewsBlog

02-06-2003, 12:51 PM	#10
jon123 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 04, 2002 Location: Temecula Valley, CA Posts: 395	TV Junkie, there is a wonderful fan fic somewhere on the board by Thomas E with the "never produced" episode of Edith's death and gathering after her funeral. Mike, Gloria, Maude, the Jeffersons, and even the Lorenzos are all there. It would have been wonderful if they had actually had this episode and rounded up everyone but I think the producers wanted to keep Edith's death low key and not exploit it (also it would have been expensive to get everyone). But it did leave me feeling like I had gone out of town for a month to return and discover a dear friend or relative had died and I missed the funeral.
	Last edited by jon123; 02-06-2003 at 02:34 PM.

02-04-2003, 07:00 PM	#3
Nedrta Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 14, 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 151	I liked Billie too as a character, a lot more than Murray's character. She was cuter for one thing. And, like I said, she too was a strong character and was a good match for O'Connor's Archie. Good thing Denise Miller and not, say, Amy Linker (of Square Pegs) had been cast in the role of Billie. Linker was a pretty good (and pretty) actress but she emotionally wasn't quite as strong a presence as Ms. Miller.

02-04-2003, 10:37 PM	#4
exilemain Member Forum Hawk Join Date: Sep 10, 2002 Location: georgia Posts: 4	Did anybody notice that when Harry was talking about Billie to Archie, he used her real name Denise? This was "The Date" episode. Hi to everybody Leroy

02-05-2003, 03:03 AM	#6
jon123 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 04, 2002 Location: Temecula Valley, CA Posts: 395	Welcome to the boards, Leroy, but I played it back and Harry said to Archie "Your niece is doing a great job" not "Denise". Remember Jason Wingreen had a bit part in "Airplane" playing the the administrator from the Mayo Clinic? Also, I don't want to sound like a daily blooper column, but when Archie first bought the bar from Kelsey, Harry said he had worked for Kelsey for ten years. This episode was four years later and Harry has still worked there ten years. Also, when Murray bought out Harry, surely Alice would have asked Harry what he was going to do with the money then. Maybe Harry thought he was still in "Airplane" and said "Don't call me Shirley!"

02-06-2003, 01:10 AM	#7
TV Guy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2001 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3,419	I think Denise Miller is a very appealing actress -- too bad she had to join ABP at the tail end, when it was really out of gas. I also thought Harry said "Denise" too, and I did a double-take. It makes sense that it was "your niece", but it sure didn't sound like it at the time (I didn't replay it though, so I trust Jon's judgement). What happened with the episode where Archie wanted to make Harry his partner again? What did Harry do with the money? And didn't his wife know about Harry selling his share of the bar to Murray? Also, didn't Harry's wife seem a bit too sophisticated to be married to Harry?

02-06-2003, 08:47 AM	#9
exilemain Member Forum Hawk Join Date: Sep 10, 2002 Location: georgia Posts: 4	Thanks Jon for the correction. I think Denise Miller is great on that show as Billie! She can sure handle Archie. Leroy

02-06-2003, 01:43 PM	#11
TVJunkie101 Member...you 'member? Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,838	Yeah, I agree. I just feel there wasn't proper closure. It just always seems like she is just off-screen, lol.

01-23-2024, 07:15 PM	#13
sm95fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 07, 2021 Location: Las Lunas Posts: 1,880	When Stephanie offered to give up her room to Billie, you could see the influence of Aunt Edith rubbed off. Edith could never turn anybody in need away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnY4-55gt08

03-20-2024, 06:19 AM	#15
BestTVever Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 29, 2021 Location: Miami Posts: 1,874	Didn't Billie sort of replace Archie's maid? I read that Barbara Meek left the show. But was she purposely written out? No doubt the first 2 seasons were the best. I think Billie was a great addition because she was like a mentor to Stephanie. Stephanie was grown up and a teenager. Their dynamic together worked.