Designing Women: A Dive into Seasons 6 and 7

Introduction

The TV series Designing Women has become a beloved staple in American television history, following the lives of four strong women in Atlanta, Georgia. However, the story takes a turn in seasons 6 and 7, which are often deemed subpar compared to the earlier seasons. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges faced in these later seasons, focusing on character development, storylines, and viewer reception.

Character Developments That Frustrated Fans

Seasons 6 and 7 of Designing Women, unfortunately, introduced new cast members that did not resonate with the original fans of the show. The inclusion of J. T. Ward, played by Julia Duffy, as the new partner of the legendary Mary Fran Blackburn was met with mixed reactions.

Despite Julia Duffy's impressive performance on "Newhart," her portrayal of J. T. Ward failed to capture the chemistry the fans had come to admire between Mary Fran and the original design team. Similarly, Jan Hooks, known for her comedic timing on "SNL," brought Carlene Lane to the show, but her character’s portrayal was largely seen as underwhelming and unsavory, especially in the fourth season.

The final addition to the cast, portrayed by the actress with a broad Texas accent, was deemed the worst. Unfortunately, the actress’s identity has been lost to time, but the character's impact was memorable for all the wrong reasons—her angsty, stereotypical southern demeanor made watching subsequent episodes a chore.

Ending of Storyline Ideas

Another issue that plagued the later seasons of Designing Women was the evident dissatisfaction with the storytelling. Creative deficits became apparent as the showwriters struggled to come up with new, engaging storylines. Viewers noticed a decline in the quality and depth of the plot:

1. Mary Jo's Snow Shovel Episode: This episode featured Mary Jo thinking her snow shovel had the face of Elvis. The absurdity of the premise and the limited humor did little to engage viewers.

2. Carlene's Song Writing Episode: In this episode, Carlene wrote an absolutely awful song about Atlanta, which only served to alienate fans and detract from the overall enjoyment of the show.

3. Mary Jo's Unplanned Pregnancy: The storylines that incorporated science fiction elements, such as Mary Jo deciding to have a baby through in vitro fertilization, seemed forced and out of character for the show's overall tone.

These examples highlight how the later seasons of Designing Women suffered from a lack of continuity and creativity.

Positive Aspects of the Early Seasons

In stark contrast to the later seasons, the first five seasons of Designing Women are widely acknowledged as exceptional, with elements that kept audiences hooked:

1. Great Cast: The chemistry between the original cast members was the primary strength of the show. Mary Jo Hunter, augusta, Jodee Crighton, and Dixie Carter delivered performances that stood the test of time.

2. Strong Chemistry: The interpersonal dynamics between the characters were engaging and believable. The show explored personal and professional relationships with depth and authenticity.

3. Blend of Humor and Pathos: The show masterfully balanced moments of levity with more emotional and poignant storylines. This well-rounded approach cemented its place in television history.

Conclusion

The later seasons of Designing Women are indeed not as captivating as the original series. While the show had its strengths in the first five seasons, the introduction of new characters and the subsequent exhaustion of creative ideas led to a marked decline in overall quality. However, for viewers who followed the show from its inception, these later seasons serve as reminders of the passionate storytelling and the eventual decline of a once-great series.

Keywords: Designing Women, TV Series, Season 6 and 7