RHODA S03E22 The Second Time Around

[@iluvpepi]

I wish they had continued this storyline in future episodes. Cute couple.

[@MsSwwood]

Frank Converse reminds me of Robert Redford.

[@emilyedwards9809]

I can see that. Not nearly as cute though!

[@playkma]

I said the same thing.

[@Vejur9000]

That must’ve been his appeal in the 70s, the fact that he looked like him. The poor man’s Redford

[@gwenwachsman3739]

@@emilyedwards9809 just as

[@gwenwachsman3739]

Taller and very similar in appeal

[@katiemartell6520]

This was one of her best episodes, EVER! And, what a gentleman Frank Converse played!

[@stuartwise5709]

I agree!

[@marieteresa3963]

Love watching for the '70's fashions.

[@colibri1]

Like those denim gauchos and Fry boots Brenda had on in the first scene at the bank. I hadn't seen those since seventh grade.

[@janetduncan87]

​@colibri1 i got my first pair of Gauchos when I was 14. From K-mart. It was was a 3 piece set. Blouse, vest and Gauchos. I don't remember what mom paid, but it was my favorite outfit.

[@revolutionaryviews9702]

Continuing this character and story line would have saved the show. It’s the first time Rhoda’s been happy since Joe left. It’s like the writers didn’t want her to be happy.

[@sueb6662]

it would have been a good story line to continue

[@eduardo_corrochio]

Maybe the writers didn't want Rhoda to be married or happy-- happily married or in love isn't funny. Was Mary Richards very happy, relationship wise? She rarely had a serious boyfriend. Comedy isn't about happiness, or success. It's about failure, tragedy, and flaws.

[@eloiseockert6561]

It would be rebound.

[@annajacob7981]

@@eduardo_corrochio IMHO good comedy writing weaves the failures, tragedies and flaws into their characters' life fabric - which also includes happiness and success. I believe the MTM show, the Dick Van Dyke show, MASH, Cheers, and Frasier all successfully achieved this comedic / real life balancing act.

[@eduardo_corrochio]

​@@annajacob7981 While success and happiness cannot be left out of sitcom writing and story arcs (they're a part of life as we know it), they are not the meat of humor. Frasier and those other wonderful shows included happiness and upbeat things sporadically but the majority of scripts dealt with conflict, setbacks, obstacles, and negative things spiraling out of control. Consider Frasier as an example. We remember some of the best episodes and they involve, among other things, a dreadful debut of a new restaurant, a problematic broadcast of an old time radio murder mystery, and (this plot was used a handful of times) an important dinner party that sinks rapidly into a fiasco. Also, each season of Frasier often had its own adverse issue that affected a main character, be it Frasier getting his entire staff fired and having to do damage control over it, or Niles having to move into a cheesy bachelor apartment complex because his divorce from Maris left him on a tight budget for the first time in his life. Granted, there are good things now and again-- Niles and Daphne finally falling in love and getting married, etc. But comedy thrives much more when someone is down on her/his luck or recovering from a broken leg.

[@ixamxmsright]

They should have kept him . A actor , good looking and the opposite of Joe , a blue collar worker, would have been a good contrast. The potential laughs from the difference between Rhoda’s corkiness and his straight style would have been great.

[@maidenmarian1]

This connection with Sam Ellus played by Frank Converse could have saved the show or at least taken it very far along! The two of them made a lovely couple and they had lots of chemistry together. Because Joe basically walked out on Rhoda, this could have become a very positive storyline. I think the audience would have liked it.

[@maidenmarian1]

Sam Ellis spelling correction.

[@lorraineb.4698]

Agree

[@kellyyork3898]

Gotta love all that 1970s decor--avocado, orange, funky old artwork, macrame, and baskets. ; )

[@mthivier]

Frank Converse, who played Mr. Ellis was cute! He and Rhoda would have made an interesting couple. They should have him as a recurring character as a romantic partner for Rhoda.

[@sueb6662]

I agree.

[@sharontrimble7577]

I remember him in those Excedrin commercials.

[@milagrosreed7725]

I watch this episode to watch him. I hate that she let him get away.

[@jmcmurrah]

Agreed!

[@conniecrawford5231]

I forgot how handsome Frank Converse was.

[@wutta-do5zy]

This was only a year after Movin On' the trucker show where he had longer hair and a mustache.

[@melaniehamilton6550]

A bank without a break room for employees. What a cruddy place to work. I agree that Sam is ten times more appealing than Joe and that it would've been fun to see them continue for a while. Love it when Rhoda feeds Brenda the spoonful of instant coffee to shut her up.

[@angelacarleton9575]

Who would have thought that the future of jobs would not have a break room for employees? It got worse!

[@eloiseockert6561]

@@deidremontrose4379 most jobs DO NOT have a yoga class...

[@dianamarie4351]

Did you see how he grabbed her wrists at the bank? No he was worse than Joe

[@mzarry]

@@dianamarie4351 I agree and he's dry as toast

[@dianamarie4351]

@@mzarry and looks aggressive to boot

[@StevenJBosch]

I do wish they could have done more with this line.

[@StrongnBeautiful]

It was really nice that Brenda's boss took her out to get drunk for her birthday. Love that she enjoyed her birthday.

[@kevinashwood2146]

Rhoda & Brenda did slap stick comedy in this episode - just like Lucy & Ethel!

[@janinem5196]

One of my favorite episodes. Scene at Hibachi was priceless.

[@king-qo8fi]

Wow, they have chemistry ! kool. I’ve never seen this episode before! they make a super great couple!

[@nubiancutey2530]

I loved Sam and Rhoda together ❤

[@lorraineb.4698]

Me too.❤ he was the best

[@MariaWelsh-lu6fg]

Rhoda's nervous overly talking energy was always the highlight for me😊

[@kprieto2655]

Frank Converse ( Sam Ellis) is gorgeous! A Robert Redford type.

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

And totally inappropriate for a nice Jewish girl like Rhoda.

[@dolenzmcqueen8316]

@@nonenoneonenonenone none...that's why you have none.

[@sueb6662]

Frank Converse very cute definitely a Robert Redford type they should have kept him in the show

[@TLTthatsME]

Love this show

[@caroleastmond9064]

He was great on that police show, this was a good episode, thanks!!🎉🎉

[@alondralabute2310]

I can't blame him for being ticked about the cake mess on his desk. Surely they have a room for employees to take their breaks? Why didn't they have the little party there? But he sure did a switch didn't he? One minute hard nosed and the next charming. It's a shame if he was only in this one episode, I liked him.

[@janetrogers5429]

Great actor

[@KatieLL]

What a nice man.

[@SusieQ-64]

The bank manager and Rhoda would have made a cute couple on the show.

[@BenjiOrthopedic]

Teppanyaki chefs have not changed in all these years...LOL They still pull the same tricks.

[@mamaloves8995]

She needs to move on. Joe doesn't want to be married anymore. He don't want her and he don't want anyone else to neither. He just wants his cake and eat it too. Sound familiar? Thanks for sharing.

[@eloiseockert6561]

I felt when Joe met Rhoda it was a rebound relationship. This is why this did NOT work.

[@matthewgardner2144]

Well, it's been 44 years. I think we've had enough time to process this loss.

[@mamaloves8995]

@@ladyrose7793 LOL Yup,. you're Right hun,.

[@jeannebrassil9288]

@@matthewgardner2144 😂

[@charlesamitchem3487]

I love how they grab the letter opener when they can't find a knife!

[@back2s0ul]

Rhoda went out with her marriage counselor right away and was willing to meet the mystery man. Now all of a sudden she's neurotic about dating.

[@kyriejohnson4711]

back2s0ul I know . You can tell the writers are all over the place with the show.

[@kprieto2655]

Maybe with her counselor it was more shallow and impulsive and not a challenge. She didn't really give much thought, because it had no chance to mean anything imortant. I think her ego needed it at the time, like a rebound. With Sam, she has to acknowledge herself and admit that a real man who is not trying to use her is really interested and could possibly be the real deal.

[@minx2528]

Horrific writing.

[@eloiseockert6561]

It is a sitcom...anything goes...very rarly is there consistency...

[@jackies1729]

Because she actually had feelings for him and it freaked her out It's good writing Very realistic

[@williamminshall1218]

Sam Ellis would have given Rhoda some stability in her life..... I wonder how much of this Valerie Harper was going through because she would soon be divorcing Richard Schaal.....

[@alteredillusions100]

lol, the Bank Manager says has only $47 in his wallet and he is at the Bank....Well, get money out. plot hole

[@tomadeek]

I came here for this comment. I thought the same thing.

[@eloiseockert6561]

Stupid line/never mind cash someone like that had to have credit cards from here to kingdom come

[@prettyhamburger6462]

That whole thing makes him look cheap, too!

[@Nyzackon]

I think he was trying to be charming, showing off. That's about $226 USD today.

[@faithfulforever6331]

This guy, Sam Ellis, which much nicer, more gentlemanly and much more handsome than Joe Gerard. This is who Rhoda should have gotten serious with in the first place.

[@eloiseockert6561]

How? She just met him...

[@colettekleinman6514]

No man could be with such an argumentative, complaining, insecure, needy person if they are normal.

[@nola06]

I love this show! My 1st job in Manhattan was as a teller for Citibank. On Varick st. We called it shittybank 🤣 there was this bar we tellers went for lunch or drinks where a scene from the movie After Hours was shot.

[@rochellesmith1916]

Mr. Ellis looked like Robert Redford 😳

[@ericminch]

Wow. After Hours. What a unique film! I had to see it twice in its first month, and twice more afterwards.

[@thesilentdiva]

LMAO shittybank

[@eddieodom2361]

HAPPY 2021 EVERYONE, TODAY IS JANUARY 20, 2021 AND I'M STILL PRAISING G-D AND I STILL ENJOY WATCHING ONE OF MY ALL TIMES FAVORITES "RHODA".

[@redrooster1908]

Same...now January 2022!

[@emmanuelwhitmore584]

They never keep up with scripts. Brenda said never had pets. The episode When Ida returned, Brenda said they had identical ducks and one died.

[@jeanmiller1142]

Brenda said Ida would not allow pets in the house. I don't think you kept ducks in the house

[@claudeslagenhop4301]

1. Proof that the writers were perfectly capable of writing a strong male character who did not come off as a selfish whining duplicitous jerk (Joe). 2. In Season 3 it is very obvious that the writers were desperately testing new characters to populate Rhoda's world post-Joe. As much as Anne Meara annoyed me, I think that her character should have been kept. She worked well as a likeable bitter woman. Ray Buktenica's character, which they inexplicably did keep in the next season, was a waste of any viewer's time. A can of soup is more interesting. 3. The writers destroyed Rhoda's character on this show. On Mary Tyler Moore, the Mary Richards character clearly matured over seven seasons. She became more strong, confident, assertive, and even a bit jaded, all while maintaining a radiant core of innocent and likeable charm. On Rhoda, however, the Rhoda character imploded into a mess of insecurity and nebbishness that became more unlikeable over time. Not an angry character, just one unworthy of respect. Too bad.

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

You didn't like Ray's super-tight jeans? He and Ron Silver are typical single Jewish-type guys of the time, insecure and uncomfortable in a swinging world. Rhoda's insecurity is appropriate, considering she screwed up her marriage, she is single and old-fashioned, sometimes, in a swinging world, that also contains her overbearing mother. Look at Brenda. These are the products of such a mother. The show has just gotten much more authentic. If she had stayed in Minneapolis, she would have remained a caricature, only more and more bland.

[@cocokai9661]

@@nonenoneonenonenone Rhoda didn't 'screw up' her marriage. Her husband screwed up their marriage (his second). And that was due to the fact that the ratings had started to drop after they were married. Focus groups found Joe boring (they were right), unlikable and hated the relationship. So they broke the two of them up. Problem was they, the writers, didn't seem to have any idea what to do with Rhoda after the break up. They seemed to be afraid of letting her actually move on, as if that would make her appear sluttish and shallow. It's a shame, but that is what the world was like then. Though many people were getting divorced, Hollywood was still very cautious as to how to deal with it, especially from the woman's point of view. This wasn't so long after the studio had rejected the idea of Mary Richards being a divorced woman on the MTM show. They just thought it made women seem cheap somehow. So Rhoda had to become nun like and mourn her failed marriage from that point on. It was tedious and boring. Especially considering that she and Joe were only married a very short time, after a very short engagement and had no children. It was frustrating they wouldn't drop the old poor, pitiful me line.

[@stephemmick1496]

They should havr brought him back in the last season. Thry had a lot of chemistry

[@lorraineb.4698]

Agree.They were perfect!!❤ their chemistry was out of the park.

[@butidreaminleather]

Sam is hot!

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

Not nice at all, just eager to get laid.

[@dolenzmcqueen8316]

@@nonenoneonenonenone Sam was cool, a gentleman and HOT!!!!!!!

[@carolhill8917]

Sam would have been an interesting boyfriend for Rhoda. How could it be "6 months" when her and Joe had been together weekly during their after separation 'dating' period?

[@sueb6662]

lol

[@michellepost2986]

Rhoda is an idiot in this ep. I'd be glad Joe left. He was cold and grouchy. The banker was grouchy at the bank, but he was cute and he acted nice later. He looks like a young Doc Baker of Little House. Rhoda acts so keyed up so much, and she analyzes every moment.Can't she ever do anything just for fun?

[@mariawelsh3190]

He played Hutch's old high school buddy on Starsky and Hutch. I like him better here. He did less yapping😊 and I like the way he would listen to Rhoda just talk. Good ep!🤗

[@YankeeJet24]

An executive's work desk with no computer. Nowadays, that information would be on a flash drive. Ten years ago, a CD-ROM. Twenty years ago, a floppy disk. But this was 1977.

[@kduideo]

YankeeJet24 Dude You are not correct.

[@demanda3814]

Ken M because this was 1976.

[@gwenwachsman3739]

Frank Converse was a good looking man!!!

[@nmc5858]

Loved Gary

[@Ali-gb7mf]

Brenda has used the same hand bag for all five seasons.

[@jaimepardo4023]

It looks like Richard Masur (Nick Lobo) is playing one of the bank employees in the birthday party.

[@eduardo_corrochio]

I don't see him in that group. And he's recognizable.

[@sonyasew2]

I love this episode

[@leesas_classics1722]

He was cute. ❤️😍

[@Will-qs3ql]

I liked the show better when she and Joe were married but I have to say I'm enjoying this season more than I recall. The acting is always great and shows from the 70s even at their worse are better than most sitcoms today. And to me even commercials back then are better than any reality crap today

[@kennethlindsey8357]

FRANK CONVERSE Started out on the program CORONET BLUE

[@RepentfollowJesus]

I wonder if Rhoda and Brenda wore their personal clothes like the g I rls on three's company did. I see them wear some outfits more than once like the colorful shirt Brenda has on at her birthday cake surprise.

[@iluvpepi]

I love Rhoda, warts and all. Women like her are true friends. A woman like Mary Richards thought she was good enough to be her best friend.

[@jeanmiller1142]

anyone remember that TV series Longstreet? I believe Sam was the lead character who was a lawyer and disabled in some way

[@ericminch]

blind

[@randilevson9547]

I think Longstreet was played by James Franciscus. His character was blind.

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

How could they leave that cake just sitting there??? Did you notice that Brenda and Rhoda both have brown hair now instead of black? Will they end up blonde?

[@joriehenrickson]

Actually, yes! In the next episode ("Pajama Party Bingo") Brenda has blonde hair.

[@dawnheistand912]

thanks

[@pamhoward5102]

I think that the only guy who played Alex on Taxi. He is the person that Ronda was wanting a long weekend. He plays a guy who owns 3 restaurant.

[@janetrogers5429]

He was on Anne of green gables

[@randilevson9547]

Are you sure?

[@sabineprennig1585]

Bank boss doesnt have enough cash. Werent credit cards not yet common?

[@dynodish]

Joe was a creep. This dude resembles Redford.

[@eloiseockert6561]

Joe was NOT a creep...I think Rhoda for Joe was a rebound...

[@wookinooki9023]

every bank has a cafeteria.

[@dianamarie4351]

I don't know why so many comments say Sam was such a great prospect for Rhoda. Just the way he grabbed her wrists at his desk is frightening

[@naturegirl372]

I know, eh..tv shows have been great in showing people, so willing to accept major boundary breaks and abuse. They desensitize us and make it look acceptable and normal. (Course Rhoda always has to push her viewpoint. She couldn't just back off, when he asked)

[@neenaserrao7130]

Rhoda is beginning to get on my nerves!

[@JimSkye]

Too ethnic for you 😅

[@neenaserrao7130]

@@JimSkye what's ethnic about Annoying Females, you can find them everywhere

[@wutta-do5zy]

She tends not to know when to "turn it off"

[@SaxonC]

Rhoda is never happy

[@MoonlightNothing]

Oh, so he's the blonde guy from Movin On story about Truckers.

[@thesilentdiva]

Could they not print that out again is the information gone forever... Jesus😆

[@pamhoward5102]

Did you notice Rhoda after she got her divorced. She never started going out. It's like she never got over him. The last season Brenda was engaged to her boyfriend Benny Goodwin. They never show the wedding.

[@holden76]

We can all agree that Joe did a number on her. She never really recovered after the divorce. She may have dated, but the guy she truly fell for was Mike, the guy who owned the restaurants, and he didn't want a commitment either. I think by 36, Rhoda craved some stability that she thought she had during her marriage. When that was gone, she was confused.

[@jenniferholzman119]

he was such a better a better getlman then joe

[@shaharazon2449]

Oh come on Rhoda... This guy is hot hot.

[@randilevson9547]

It is inappropriate for Brenda's boss, Sam Ellis, to ask her out. Maybe not so serious, back in the mid-1970's, but incredibly serious over the last few years, with the rise of the 'Me Too' movement.

[@randilevson9547]

Sam said he only had 47 dollars on him, when he invited Rhoda and Brenda out to dinner. A bank manager without a credit card? Unseemly. Discover Card, Diner's Club Card, something. Financially irresponsible for a grown man, especially a bank manager, not to have a credit card. But Sam Ellis was handsome, funny, and charming. Too bad he was a "one and done."

[@randilevson9547]

Rhoda keeps talking about how she can't stay at the Japanese restaurant with Sam Ellis, until sfter the restaurant closes.

[@Risktaker21]

Mr. What's his name looks delicious 🤩🤭

[@cartermcafee568]

That Det. Johnny Corso NYPD '67 '68

[@justsayin3390]

ITS THE TRUCKER FROM CONVOY

[@stormy8427]

She makes a big deal out of it, but they would have made a wonderful couple.

[@BeckyWolfe-lg8fh]

He does look like Robert Redford.

[@meirwise1107]

How can you be a bank manager and have only $47 dollars available? Rhoda .....run a mile.

[@Tracymmo]

That is about $200 in today's money. Not so bad.

[@lizking385]

This show had Rhoda in black bell bottom pants tepeatedly.

[@eileenkung5839]

She still love joe.

[@KatieLL]

I still like the show, but once again, this time with the whole cake mess, Rhoda is on my last nerve.

[@beedee778]

KatieLL I love your comment! Who cuts the cake, then looks for a place to put it? Also, coming to the restaurant and constantly whining about NOT staying! Cring worthy....

[@conniecrawford5231]

Onelia Lopez Etc" stands for " et cetera" meaning " and so forth".

[@annasantostefano6826]

@@beedee778 I know, right ? why would any guy want a second date with someone so frantic, dysfunctional and uptight ? It's exhausting. I love the character of Rhoda but were this real life, the way she is with men she would have a hard time holding on to one.

[@nathelondon3719]

If Frank Converse has converted she should have married him! Lol.

[@janetduncan87]

Yikes I thought Brenda was going to be fired.

[@Pandabaire3540]

ive been watching episodes lately that i haven't seen since I was a small child - i guess i'm the odd person out since everyone seems to just love this show on all the comments left - but this episode is the pinnacle of how much the Rhoda character just frustrates me.

[@patricketienne2579]

Isn't television so realistic? You fall in love with your enemies, whereas, in life you can't even fall in love with people whom you fall in love with.

[@jenniferholzman3729]

They should had stayed together

[@sandraperrigio1822]

I liked Sam wish they could have had some kind of relationship than he got transfered or something. Never liked the other guys she dated.

[@jenniferholzman119]

Rhoda need to move on joe didn’t want to be married a better guy like her

[@traceyaz125]

Sometimes Rhoda is so obnoxious

[@Norfolk250]

Y’know som’n... Rhoda was my favourite MTM Show character and performer. I was happy to find this show and start watching it (especially for FREEEEE). But, tonight, I’m gettin’ kinda put off ..... first Joe, now this other guy - WHERE DID THEY FIND THESE GORGEOUS GUYS? AND WHERE’S MINE?!?!!!!!!!!?! Yup.... I’mmmmmmm not so sure she’s my favourite anymore! Golly!!

[@michellepost3098]

Frank Converse was cute on Moving On. I still have an 8x10 glossy he supposedly sent me in 1974, when he was that trucker with Claude Akins. He had longer hair and a mustache then. Converse has been on several shows. The writers should have kept him on this show for Rhoda. He was alot cuter and nicer than Joe. If she is divorced by this ep, she could freely date him...even separated, she could. Joe dated. Rhoda acts like Joe died and she was a widow. She refused Converse because she still clung to Joe, wanting him instead, but Joe had no intention of returning to her, HE wanted the separation and divorce. Rhoda just kept wishing he'd return, only fooling herself. I'd think she'd have been pissed at him, instead of longing for him. Rhoda was funny when she said it was only a spaghetti-o, while looking for her ring. Brenda was embarrassing while drunk, in this ep, and the scene shouldn't have been written-in.

[@m1k3ywestley7]

$47 in 1977 is worth $1,158.66 today, WOW!

[@justsayin3390]

Even with inflation, and the housing bubble burst in 2008?

[@whopiddledonyourposttoasti175]

$47.00 1977 to 2020 is $200.95. Take 3 people out to eat on $47.00 in 1977 could be done or not depending on where you ate.

[@markxxx21]

Gary's clothes are painted on him.

[@MonaMonatte]

Brenda dressed for a weekend at the corral