I think contractually (then and now) 13 episodes was considered a full season, with 13 being guaranteed and up to 22 for a full order. This happened with 'Reba' and 'Becker' in later years. Their respective networks dumped them after 13, and would not have even brought them back for the short final season if they had not been contractually bound to do so. When shows are doing very well in the ratings, then the full order is sometimes extended with extra episodes and/or specials. This happened with 'Dallas' which in its heyday would make more than 22 per season, and with 'Desperate Housewives,' which in its earlier years made more than 22 episodes each year and usually had a one-hour special sandwiched in somewhere.
In the case of 'Rhoda,' it's a shame these last episodes did not get to air on the network. And I am surprised that the network did not burn them off the following summer (which is a common practice with cancelled series). I agree that the one in the locomotive-themed restaurant was charming. I also sort of liked the one where Jack gets a make-over, because he gets to be a bit more versatile in that one and he's seen in Rhoda's apartment, so it is not all work-related scenes for him.
I was glad the final episode had the two sisters and their mother. I thought the last scene at the movie theatre with Rhoda, Brenda and Ida was a good ending for the three characters. We knew that Brenda would soon be married and probably Rhoda would wind up with Jack; Martin & Ida were for the most part back together, and though it is not full closure, we are assured of the characters' fates. There is no tag at the end of the last episode, which makes me wonder if they didn't film one (which would be unusual, since the show always had one)-- or if they dropped it, so that the show would end with Valerie Harper (Rhoda may not have been featured in the original tag-- it might have been Brenda going back to make-up with Benny). I'd like to see the original script for this last episode to see if I am right about this.
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happipuppi13
11 years ago
It's okay that they weren't the "unaired" ones last Thurdsday.
I missed the first one,got home late and during the second one,I couldn't manage good reception 100% of the time. (Saw most of it though.)
I have one of those HD boxes on top of the TV w/an HD antenna. I live
in an apt. So when my neighbor walks near the wall,it screws up the reception.
At least I'll see them this Thursday.
Love rules & hate's for fools.
(MR.) happipuppi13 *arf,man!*
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