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Enough Wicker: Intellectualizing the Golden Girls

Enough Wicker: Intellectualizing the Golden Girls

By Lauren Kelly and Sarah Royal

Longtime Golden Girls superfans Sarah Royal and Lauren Kelly rewatch the series from beginning to end from a "scholarly" perspective, analyzing cultural themes, storylines, and why so many people still love the show decades after its finale originally aired.
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Episode 29: RIP Pfreida Claxton

Enough Wicker: Intellectualizing the Golden Girls Oct 18, 2020

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29:46
A Very Special Episode: The Scholarly Process

A Very Special Episode: The Scholarly Process

Before we get to the final episode of the greatest television of all time, we chat about our process and pull highlights from our copious notes.

Mar 24, 202402:03:11
Episode 177 & 178: WE'RE HEADS!!

Episode 177 & 178: WE'RE HEADS!!

The Girls crash a local high school reunion with assumed identities such as the ever-popular prom queen Cindy Lou Peeples and the class B Susan Armstrong. While it seems like a load of fun, things quickly take a turn when Rose is rushed to the hospital with a cardiac emergency. Kierstan, who apparently lives in Miami now (?) comes by, Blanche finds Jesus while entertaining her daughter and granddaughter, and Sophia does the best Scandinavian accent we've heard yet. A wild ride fitting for the penultimate two-parter of the greatest television show of all time.

Feb 25, 202457:49
Episode 176: Rose is Exposed and Dorothy Gives Up a Big Pile of Money

Episode 176: Rose is Exposed and Dorothy Gives Up a Big Pile of Money

Blanche convinces Rose that Miles has the wandering eye, and that the only way to quell it is with a nudie photoshoot. Dorothy bumps into a former student who offers her a cushy job with a big salary, but she simply cannot part with the driver's ed cones.

Feb 18, 202442:21
Episodes 174 & 175: Moonlight Madness!

Episodes 174 & 175: Moonlight Madness!

In the final cross over with Empty Nest and Nurses, officially called Full Moon over Miami, all hell has broken loose at Blanche's moonlight madness party. Men are totally ignoring her, except for Derek ah...sumpin, they're all over Dorothy, Miles and Rose might get married, and Sophia is out here trippin rabbis. A wild romp that ends with everyone just accepting that the moon makes people crazy sometimes.

Feb 04, 202440:15
Episode 173: Off to the Rusty Anchor

Episode 173: Off to the Rusty Anchor

Dorothy is perfectly content watching Amazing Discoveries (it just shucks it off!) but Blanche insists she come down to The Rusty Anchor and meet some men. Dorothy ends up bringing the house down with a 'little ditty' that sends Blanche into a green with envy (or maybe magenta with envy?) tailspin. Meanwhile, Sophia, Blanche and Rose plan Sophia's live wake.

Jan 21, 202451:10
Episode 172: The Big Mean Bug Lady

Episode 172: The Big Mean Bug Lady

Angelo and Rose accidentally get Dorothy and Stan into some hot water regarding their rental property. Meanwhile, Mama needs a new pair of shoes!

Jan 14, 202431:32
Episode 171: What Is Juicy Fruit?

Episode 171: What Is Juicy Fruit?

Dorothy and Blanche audition for Jeopardy, but Blanche doesn't know where the Ural Mountains are and Dorothy has studied everything under the sun, including the St. Olaf High Yearbook. Meanwhile, in one of the teariest tearjerkers of all time, the girls get Rose a dog to raise her spirits, which she gifts to a widower who lost his wife not hours before.

Jan 07, 202421:52
Episode 170: Now That Was Music

Episode 170: Now That Was Music

Dorothy finally beds a Beatle. Or, at least an incredible simulation. Meanwhile, Blanche aggressively pursues a very very tall gentleman.

Dec 31, 202338:11
Episode 169: Four Image Consultants, Harold Goldstein, and a Plagiarist Walk into a Bar

Episode 169: Four Image Consultants, Harold Goldstein, and a Plagiarist Walk into a Bar

Hello, Mr. Gordon! In an all-time fav, Dorothy's high school teacher, whom she had a massive crush on, is in Miami. She hopes to impress him by sharing her views on women's issues on a local TV Show booked by A+ TV producer Rose, aka Harold Goldstein.

Dec 03, 202348:14
Episode 168: No Lemonade for Thor Anderson

Episode 168: No Lemonade for Thor Anderson

Creepy Thor Anderson is here from St. Olaf after saving up for the bus fare and maybe low-key stalking Rose. Meanwhile, Sophia answers a personal ad, thinks she's caught up in sex games, but is actually witnessing the heartbreaking reality of a wife trying to prepare her husband for her imminent death. What a load of fun!

Nov 26, 202338:06
Episode 167: Bikini Bottoms & Foam Fingers

Episode 167: Bikini Bottoms & Foam Fingers

The Pope is in Miami and Sophia is hellbent on getting a papal blessing for her sick friend, Agnes. So hellbent, in fact, that she steals a jewel-encrusted ring steeped in history to make her point. Meanwhile, Blanche gives Roes the gift of suspicion with a detective in the bushes.

Nov 19, 202340:34
Episode 165: Welcome Home, Solider

Episode 165: Welcome Home, Solider

B̶e̶n̶,̶ ̶B̶o̶b̶,̶ Bill! Bill is back from the war and really looking to get back on track with his serious relationship. The problem is, Blanche, whom he's been pining for the whole time he's deployed, doesn't remember him. Meanwhile, Sophia uses Rose as an estate attorney and is hoarding more than just gold teeth.

Nov 12, 202334:41
Episode 164: Two Bottles of Beer on the Wall, featuring very special guest Sarah Armstrong

Episode 164: Two Bottles of Beer on the Wall, featuring very special guest Sarah Armstrong

It's spooky season and what better way to celebrate than some Grammy-haunted windchimes! The girls help Blanche say goodbye to her [definitely racist] Grammy's plantation outside Atlanta. Meanwhile, Sophia dies for a minute and comes back with a life wish.

Oct 29, 202341:46
Episode 163: Recorded Live at the Uncle Cluck's Outpost in Palermo

Episode 163: Recorded Live at the Uncle Cluck's Outpost in Palermo

We're back on track and discussing Mile$ and his frickin frugality! Meanwhile, Dorothy leaves Sophia in Blanche's care as she goes on a romantic cruise for 3 days--just enough time to make it to a remote village in Sicily and get back to Miami.

Oct 22, 202324:52
Hey, Maybe This is Our Shot at Getting into The Bible: A Very Special Episode with Jim Colucci

Hey, Maybe This is Our Shot at Getting into The Bible: A Very Special Episode with Jim Colucci

What better way to celebrate the anniversary of the Golden Girls Premier than a conversation with pop culture author, TV expert, and all-around pal & confidante, Jim Colucci! We talk to Jim about his own connection to the show, the process of writing Golden Girls Forever, which has become a must-have for any fan of the show, and his appreciation for the art of sitcom. Plus, we hear about Jim's new book that focuses on another classic TV show, The Love Boat, and a conversation he and Sarah have planned in LA to discuss Sarah's book, AKA Lucy. It is truly a load of fun!

Oct 15, 202301:20:60
I Like Lucy: Sarah's New Book and a Chat with Two Superfans

I Like Lucy: Sarah's New Book and a Chat with Two Superfans

If you've been a Scandinavian knit-wit living in a closet and haven't heard, Sarah wrote a book! A.K.A. Lucy: The Dynamic and Determined Life of Lucille Ball is out on October 10. We discuss the tie-ins of I Love Lucy and Lucille Ball & The Golden Girls with Jim Negri, a Lucy & GG expert, and Charlie Cizek, better known as the genius behind the hilarious Instagram account, ShadyPinesMa85.

Oct 08, 202301:21:58
Episode 162: We're Out of M-O-N-E-Y

Episode 162: We're Out of M-O-N-E-Y

There's a hurricane a-coming! Specifically, Hurricane Saturday, NBC's epic crossover event. This episode features the McKinley Lighthouse (RIP), poor Gloria (literally), Stan and FiFi, Bea Arthur's real-life son, and so much more. You'll love it, or our names aren't Dan and Morothy.

Sep 10, 202357:53
Episode 161: We Just Swing the Wind Blows

Episode 161: We Just Swing the Wind Blows

We're back!! In this one, Rose goes out with a jerk who dates men and women, Blanche tries to deflower a priest, and we see young Dorothy, young Stan, and a red-headed Sophia! Not a top-tier episode, but lots to discuss! 

Aug 06, 202334:60
Episode 160: Wherever There's News, We'll be Here

Episode 160: Wherever There's News, We'll be Here

In the last episode before our summer hiatus, we explore a clown-fearing mama's boy and Stan's transference of his mother's love and rejection to Sophia. Enjoy it with a cake that's sweetened with natural fruit juices & some moist tea!

Jun 18, 202327:13
Episode 159: This Plot Is Full Of...Fruit Salad

Episode 159: This Plot Is Full Of...Fruit Salad

Sophia eats some cantaloupe and pretends to be possessed by Charlie in a mean joke that really damages Rose's relationship with Miles (who, btw, is back from Amish Country and still going by Miles). Meanwhile, Blanche coaches Stevie, a baseball player with some unconventional methods, and Dorothy writes a letter to her dead father. PS. It's pride month! Support your local drag queen (and their baseball team)!

Jun 11, 202340:56
Episode 158: It's Not in Yet, Don

Episode 158: It's Not in Yet, Don

Dorothy is putting together a family history for her grandkids and learns, despite Sophia's best efforts, that her mother was betrothed to a man named Guido! Huge reveal! Meanwhile, good two shoes Rose calls the City on Blanche when she plans to install a hot tub. 

Jun 04, 202333:02
Episode 157: NurseyNurseNurse

Episode 157: NurseyNurseNurse

Sophia sneezed and blew herself off a stool, resulting in two sprained ankles! Dorothy hires a nurse, and while she resists at first, Sophia becomes quite fond of her (not in that way). Meanwhile, Blanche parades her grandaughter around at a child beauty pageant where not a one kid seems to be having fun and one might actually set herself on fire.


May 28, 202337:06
Episode 156: The Case of The Wildly Popular Episode

Episode 156: The Case of The Wildly Popular Episode

The Girls head to the Maltese Falcon Club to participate in a Murder Mystery Weekend. Blanche is competing against Posey McGlinn for a promotion, and also maybe a romantic relationship with her boss? Sophia cops an entire place set, Dorothy solves the mystery, and Rose not only figures out what a maître d' is, but also gets back at Blanche for stealing her earrings! What a load of fun! 

May 21, 202331:24
Episode 155: Skips a Generation, yahoooo!

Episode 155: Skips a Generation, yahoooo!

We're back and we're entering the final season! Dorothy needs a hearing aid, Sophia might be a Jew for Jesus, and Charlie may have slept with Blanche Elizabeth Devereaux while he was visiting Miami.

May 14, 202344:14
Episode 154: 🎶 We Must Try & Try To Warn the King...that the 6th season is over! 🎶

Episode 154: 🎶 We Must Try & Try To Warn the King...that the 6th season is over! 🎶

The sky is falling and we're closing out Season 6 on top! Rose, Dorothy, and Blanche, 68 (and dead!) star in an elementary school production of Henny Penny narrated by a Robin Hood-clad Sophia. Meanwhile, Blanche tries to get Chugger Dietz to print a retraction on an obituary that does not result in the outpouring of grief one would expect. 

Apr 30, 202331:31
Episode 152 & 153: Anyone for S'mores?

Episode 152 & 153: Anyone for S'mores?

Nyquill shooters & a hotplate, a recipe for disaster! Sophia is under arrest when a deathbed confession implicates her in the Shady Pines fire. The rest of the girls reminisce while trying to work through an impossible situation.

Apr 23, 202329:18
Episode 151: Thank You For Listening to This Episode on a Night When our Hang Gliders are in the Shop, Congress is in Recess, and the Lepers are on Geraldo.

Episode 151: Thank You For Listening to This Episode on a Night When our Hang Gliders are in the Shop, Congress is in Recess, and the Lepers are on Geraldo.

Blanche Devereaux's going on a diet....again. The girls participate in a bachelorette auction, the crown jewel of 90s sitcom plots. Uncle Angelo is back in town, and thanks to the timely death of Stan's own uncle, Dorothy is able to offer him an apartment in his hour of need. The place leaves something to be desired on the hide-and-seek front, but is apparently large enough for a formal party with a long guest list that doesn't include the Big Mean Bug Lady. 

Apr 16, 202322:04
Episode 150: Somebody Here Doesn't Remember Prom Night, 1946

Episode 150: Somebody Here Doesn't Remember Prom Night, 1946

Hi Dorothy, Bye Dorothy. Blanche Devereaxu's goin on a diet. Blanche purges the kitchen of all sweet and salty treats as she tries to fit back into her wedding dress. Rose and Sophia, in different ways, make this all the more difficult. Meanwhile, Certified Golden Girls Hunk™, John Noretti is in Miami and he and Dorothy share an enchanted evening and rehash old memories.

Apr 09, 202345:42
Episode 149: Our Highest Rate EVAH--EVAH!

Episode 149: Our Highest Rate EVAH--EVAH!

A rabbi, a mobster, and a copy in a dress walk into a house...


In this one, Rose is dating the Cheeseman! Miles comes back as an Amish windmill maker, and Blanche tries her yankee-doodle-dandiest to get into a club full of racist old white ladies. It's a hilarious, whacky ride.

Apr 02, 202340:34
Episode 148: We're the Brightest Kids In Brooklyn™!

Episode 148: We're the Brightest Kids In Brooklyn™!

When Dorothy struggles to connect with the kids in her honors progrum, Sophia tells her she was the brightest kid in Brooklyn™ growing up and it goes straight to her head. Speaking of State Fairs, Blanche's ego inflates until its bursts when a young actor mistakes her for Aurora's mother. It's grand..just grand. 

Mar 19, 202338:34
Episode 147: Bushmania & Sensationalist News

Episode 147: Bushmania & Sensationalist News

Cat show? Dog show.

Rose pursues a new career as a news reporter, but she's better with a hairbrush. Meanwhile, Blanche's perfect arrangement with Mel Bushman gets shaken up when she fears the Zipper King has died, finds out he hasn’t, and then seeks to complicate their “relationship.”
Mar 12, 202334:43
Episode 146: Enough Wicker Would Be Fine, Enough Wicker Doesn't Lie

Episode 146: Enough Wicker Would Be Fine, Enough Wicker Doesn't Lie

Dorothy is in cahoots with the manager of Cyrpus Grove to trick Sophia into believing she's there to be something between an employee and a volunteer when really, she's a guest! Meanwhile, Rose and Blanche get a modeling gig for a penny saver that turns out to be less glamorous than they expected. We'd sue! 

Mar 05, 202341:07
Episode 143: Guess We Have To Get Used to Calling Her 'Dorothy Zbornak!'

Episode 143: Guess We Have To Get Used to Calling Her 'Dorothy Zbornak!'

Dorothy and Stan have been sneaking around and no one bothered to ask Sophia aka the Godfather. The old flames decide to get married, again, not in the presence of their children or grandchildren, but under the instruction of a no-nonsense wedding planner and famed attorney Marvin Mitchelson. Surprise, it doesn't work out! Meanwhile, Rose is stalked and harassed by Myra, whose weapon of choice is a crustacean! 

Feb 26, 202358:19
Episode 142: Oh Boy, A Totally Wacky Plotline that Goes Nowhere, Sign Me Up, Sign Me Up!

Episode 142: Oh Boy, A Totally Wacky Plotline that Goes Nowhere, Sign Me Up, Sign Me Up!

What was supposed to be an enjoyable evening of Miles reading poetry to celebrate that nose-nipper, Robert Frost, goes totally awry when news breaks that The Cheeseman, a mob boss, has been killed. Through a series of small reveals that don't make a ton of sense, Miles comes clean as Nicholas Carbone, shrimp lover and snitch in a tie. 

Feb 19, 202334:55
Episode 141: We Bend Over Backwards for Clayton's Engagement! (laughter from the crowd)

Episode 141: We Bend Over Backwards for Clayton's Engagement! (laughter from the crowd)

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with Clayton and Doug's engagement! Blanche struggles with accepting her brother as gay...again, but with the help of the rest of the girls, comes around eventually. Meanwhile, Rose loses an award to a dead woman.


Our interview with Elliot Powell: https://www.enoughwicker.com/post/okie-dokie-daddio-sex-gender-jazz-in-the-golden-girls

Alok: https://www.alokvmenon.com/ 

Feb 12, 202350:52
Episode 140: We Run Towards You Saying "Mooooo"

Episode 140: We Run Towards You Saying "Mooooo"

Rose wants Miles to jump out of an air-a-plane to prove he loves her. Blanche is dating Rex Huntington, an abusive dirtbag who treats her terribly, and Dorothy decides to intervene. It takes Blanche a minute to come around, but luckily she sees the light. Meanwhile, Dorothy and Sophia work on the famous lunar landing puzzle. 


All of The Golden Girls Villains, Ranked, with illustrations from Wicker Good Memes is here: https://www.enoughwicker.com/post/all-of-the-golden-girls-villains-ranked 
Feb 05, 202340:59
Episode 139: You're the Old One, This is the Sad One

Episode 139: You're the Old One, This is the Sad One

In what is arguably the saddest episode of the entire series, we mourn Phil Petrillo. Family man, poker player, and style icon. Sophia confronts Phil's wife Angela aka Big Sally about a decades-long feud and the rest of the girls try and cope with the loss. 

Jan 29, 202333:07
Episode 138: It's Show BUSINESS for God's Sake

Episode 138: It's Show BUSINESS for God's Sake

Blanche is checkin' out everything but the books at the library and comes across Mr. Ted Tanner, who turns out to be a jerk in a wheelchair. Meanwhile, Rose tries to convince the fam to let her keep Bingo, an absolutely adorable puppy, but as Dorothy puts it, no one lucid is home during the day to care for him. 

Jan 22, 202329:33
Episode 137: We Care For You

Episode 137: We Care For You

St. Olaf is going through a drought and wants all of its one-time citizens, even those who live elsewhere, to join in the misery. Rose decides to commit to celibacy, but on the advice of Blanche, tries to use it as an opportunity to make Miles jealous, rather than tell the truth. Meanwhile, Blanche also inserts herself into Sophia's dating life, creating the infamous 65-year-old drag queen visual we know and love. 

Jan 15, 202331:52
Episode 136: Sonny Bono, Get Off My Lanai

Episode 136: Sonny Bono, Get Off My Lanai

Mrs. Blanche Devereaux considers whether or not to stay Mrs. Blanche Devereaux when George's ghost shows up in Miami! Using one of the favorite tactics of TV at the time, Blanche dreams Geroge stained his desk and has been alive this whole time. Meanwhile, Sonny Bono and Lyle Waggoner compete for Dorthy's affection.

Jan 08, 202338:26
Episode 135: The Word Says It--Nun.

Episode 135: The Word Says It--Nun.

A nun has died and a dork in a Duster rams into Rose's car. Amid the grief of losing a friend, Sophia decides to join the convent. Meanwhile, Blanche uses Rose's car in a reckless attempt to meet rich men. None of it works out—what a load of fun! 

Dec 18, 202228:32
Episode 134: THE NAMESAKE

Episode 134: THE NAMESAKE

Dorothy and Stan are back at it again! As though they're right back at prom night 1946, everybody's favorite divorced couple is sneaking around and carrying on like teenagers. Rose is having a problem at work with an overeager colleague that only Sophia can solve (sans dart gun). 

Dec 11, 202230:08
Episode 133: HE Wants You to Listen to this Episode

Episode 133: HE Wants You to Listen to this Episode

Rose confronts her scumbag of a dentist who has been groping her while she's knocked out on laughing gas. Meanwhile, Dorothy aka Atila the Sub is filling in for a long-term job at a local Catholic high school. She has to decide whether or not to fail Kevin, a charming but lazy football star who refuses to apply himself academically, amid pressure from a priest, a dumb (but also charming in his own right!) coach, an active—and potentially threatening—alumni. Tunnels, he loved to drive through tunnels...

Dec 04, 202245:39
Episode 132: Outsourcing Child Care and Matchmaking, but We Can't Get Anybody to Do Our Windows!

Episode 132: Outsourcing Child Care and Matchmaking, but We Can't Get Anybody to Do Our Windows!

Big Daddy created a lot of problems for his family, even in death! Viola Watkins, Blanche's beloved "Mammy" shows up in Miami (after calling!) to ask for a music box she gave to Blanche's father, who we learned she loved. Blanche has to reconcile with the affair, while Sophia covertly signs Dorothy up for a matchmaker. Rose reveals her nanny was a goat and learns how to pronounce the first name of Mrs. Eisenhower. 

Nov 27, 202236:42
Episode 131: Is Mrs. Taylor the Original Q-Anon? It's Been Deleted By Authority of the Governor!

Episode 131: Is Mrs. Taylor the Original Q-Anon? It's Been Deleted By Authority of the Governor!

In this one, Dorothy Zbornak (Miracle Worker) tries to help Jimmy, played by the incomparable Martin Mull, confront decades of life as a shut-in. Is she qualified, you ask? Not at all! Meanwhile, Rose decides she must throw Blanche a birthday party, even as Blanche's preferred method of coping with aging comes in the form of young men and living with women who look a lot older than she does!

Nov 20, 202242:55
Episode 130: Stan and St. Olaf Come Into Some M-O-N-E-Y

Episode 130: Stan and St. Olaf Come Into Some M-O-N-E-Y

With his invention, the Zbornee, Stanley is helping thousands of people open baked potatoes without burning their fingers and raking in the cash. He wants to share with his very best used-to-be (and her mother, who willfully accepts) but Dorothy is hesitant at first. Meanwhile, Rose makes sure to hold onto her I Lost My Ass in Vegas cup but somehow lets Blanche take thousands of dollars in St. Olaf war bonds. Blanche has to decide if keeping her newfound fortune is worth bankrupting the Cradle of Idiocy. 

Nov 13, 202234:49
Episode 129: We Don't Have Any, We Never Did.

Episode 129: We Don't Have Any, We Never Did.

We lost Sophia, but we found Rose's father (he's an earthling!). The Girls are back at the hospital because Sophia has a hernia that we're led to believe is from moving furniture at Dorothy's request, but is actually a consequence of a hilarious prank. While there, Rose, an expert candy stripper and purveyor of Traditional St. Olaf Funpacks runs into her natural father, who turns out to be a dancing monk.

Nov 06, 202238:32
Episode 128: Becky Squats in a Laura Ashley Showroom

Episode 128: Becky Squats in a Laura Ashley Showroom

We're officially in Season 6 and Becky is back! After visiting a birthing center where it sounds like a mommy is on fire, she decides to instead deliver her baby at a Miami hospital, without regard for what that will to do Blanche's reputation. Eventually, Blanche accepts that Becky is pursuing single motherhood and has a moment of reflection where she realizes that is actually incredibly brave. Meanwhile, hyper-competitive Rose tries to satisfy her dead parents by pursuing an ice skating career.

Oct 30, 202241:32
Episode 127: Where Can We Get a Point of Light on a Stick?

Episode 127: Where Can We Get a Point of Light on a Stick?

Another two-part, clip show, season finale! Only this time, President Bush is stopping by to visit. Dorothy plans to share all of her gripes (most of which we share!) with the Prez, but freezes up in a classic "..Bush..." scene. Meanwhile, a charming Secret Service agent grills the girls to make sure it's safe for Mr. No New Taxes to stop by. Stanley brings over his greatest novelty to date, and it's a great end to Season 5! 

Oct 23, 202244:50
Episode 126: Old Brisker, Ma's Mouth, and A Gambling Problem

Episode 126: Old Brisker, Ma's Mouth, and A Gambling Problem

Rose takes up painting and obviously, she can't paint a horse from memory, so asks someone to accompany her to the racetrack. Blanche, despite having a pass to the jockey's lounge, can't make it--largely because she's working her new boss Donald for 12 hours a week at the museum--so Dorothy hesitantly agrees to go. Unfortunately, one good day of picking winners reignites a vicious gambling problem that almost cost Dorothy everything years earlier. 

Oct 16, 202232:27