Perhaps if Dorothy had thought to consult her son-in-law Dennis over her need for a foot operation she might have not been so scared. But even brave people have fears about something, and even the removal of a small tumor in one's foot has Dorothy in the extremes of panic. She's part of a trio of the dancing group with Blanche and Rose, attempting to learn tap, and it is a shame that Bea Arthur really didn't get to dance here. She's excellent however as she reveals her fears about hospitals, and the encounter with hospital roommate Bonnie (the always delightful Anne Haney) is very moving. Meanwhile, Blanche and Rose continue the act without her, giving Sophia of course the last word in a very funny way. The dance they do both on the living room floor and later in the hospital isn't really all that memorable, but Rose's insistence on tap dancing every chance she gets does create some humorous moments. Dorothy's revenge on Rose in the final scene is also a great way to end the episode, especially after she is showered with peddles by the two women.
While a very funny episode, this makes some important points in regards to hospital care and the issues of doctor neglect and bad paperwork and hospital organization. The doctor assigned to performed Dorothy's case is unavailable because he has to be in court for a malpractice case, and the replacement doctor keeps putting his foot in his mouth at every opportunity. Then a priest shows up (in the wrong room) and prepares to give a man (who of course isn't there) in Dorothy's bed the last rites. Bill Quinn, as the priest, is perfectly droll in his cameo, and his declaration of "Oh what a day" brings on laughs for a simple throw-away line. Anne Haney is also quite good in her single scene, giving Dorothy (and patient viewers like her) some very well thought out advice. After a few not so well written first season episodes, the show comes back with one that is top notch and filled with real human wisdom.
While a very funny episode, this makes some important points in regards to hospital care and the issues of doctor neglect and bad paperwork and hospital organization. The doctor assigned to performed Dorothy's case is unavailable because he has to be in court for a malpractice case, and the replacement doctor keeps putting his foot in his mouth at every opportunity. Then a priest shows up (in the wrong room) and prepares to give a man (who of course isn't there) in Dorothy's bed the last rites. Bill Quinn, as the priest, is perfectly droll in his cameo, and his declaration of "Oh what a day" brings on laughs for a simple throw-away line. Anne Haney is also quite good in her single scene, giving Dorothy (and patient viewers like her) some very well thought out advice. After a few not so well written first season episodes, the show comes back with one that is top notch and filled with real human wisdom.