[1-20] Deaf Becomes Her

Writer: Sarah Dunn & Kirk J. Rudell
Producers: Jeff Lowell & Walter Barnett
Director: Lee Shallat Chemel

Episode Length: 22:05

Guest Stars:

Marlee Matlin: Sarah Adleman

Victoria Dillard: Janelle

Faith Prince: Claudia

Sam Seder: Bogus Temp

Lewis Mardin: Tim

David Carlson: Reporter

Carole Addobbe: First Dinner Guest

Frank L. Duffolo: Second Dinner Guest

Rating:# million viewers rating share

Rating: TV-PG

First Broadcast: March 18, 1997

Opening sound: Parrot

Storyline #1: The Sound of the Fury
While delivering the State of the City Address, The Mayor is joined by a sign-language interpreter. Unfortunately, the interpreter does not have the first clue about sign language and gives his own dramatic performance. This causes the Deaf community to become upset and call for an apology from the administration. After meeting with Mike, Mayor Winston, & Stuart, Sarah, the deaf advocate, sets up a meeting with Mike and a deaf reporter. This meeting is scheduled right after Mike gets back from the dentist and is still doped up with novocaine, causing a misunderstanding. After another outbreak of ill will, Mike meets with Sarah and her friends over dinner. During dinner, the two strike a chord and come to an agreement that neither is out to get each other.

Storyline #2: Paul's Boutique
Paul beaks his leg in a Big Wheel incedent. Since he is laid up, Claudia decides to help out in Paul's apartment by straightening the place. This causes Paul to complain about the over-organization of his pad. Eventually though, the two work it out, even after Paul breaks his other leg.

Review: Deaf Becomes Her

Overall, a cool episode. Although there were fewer lines that were outstanding, there was a tremendous amount of physical comedy. The interpreter bit during The Mayor's speech was one of the funniest things they have ever done. Paul's pratfalling and all of James's exploits were also big laugh getters. By far, this was the most politicaly charged episode by way of trying to appear PC. And, not suprisingly, the show was one of the funniest of the season. I also like that the show did not wrap up in the normal "last two minute make-up period". The messages of the show appeared about halfway through and let the rest of the events take their course. A little more sex than normal, but not as much as Striptease two weeks ago. I really wish they would do something with Claudia. If she and Paul are going to get together officially, do it. Otherwise, Paul needs to rejoin the staff instead of always having his own subplots with Claudia. It's getting pretty old.

Rating [5 pt. scale]: 4.5

Did you notice ...

Paul, who is 35, has only lived alone for 4 years?

Paul dislocated his shoulder running for an elevator?

The Mayor still points in his press conference, first seen in Meet Tommy Dugan?

The Mayor also takes credit for crime stats, as in Dog Day Afternoon?

Paul is in charge of personnel but Stuart has access to everyone's resumes?

James still needs two gym credits to graduate from college?

Mike made the lap in 18 seconds?

James full name is James Leonard Hobert III?

Carter was a Junior UN Ambassador in Junior High?

Nikki can type 110 wpm?

Stuart can speak conversational Farci and can sign?

Paul ran the reelection campaign for Shay Turanche for the King of Jordan?

Claudia's parrot is named Chester?

Top 10 Lines

10. Stuart: (interpreting) "'Can you believe this?', followed by an expletive referring to cow dung."

9. Paul: "Twenty seconds, a new record."
Stuart: "You don't know how many women have said that to me."

8. Dinner Guest: (signed) "Oh man, I think he's singing."
Sarah: "Thank God we're deaf."

7. Mike: "And if it makes you feel any better, please feel free to slap Stuart in the face."
Stuart: (to Sarah) "No, that's not funny."

6. Stuart: "Who is looking out for white, middle class, heterosexual male?"
Carter: "Congress."

5. Stuart: (interpreting) "She does not however, understand how this administration can get away with a hollow, empty, unsincere apology."
Mayor Winston: "Because it's always worked before?"

4. Paul: (to Claudia) "Now everything I eat tastes like your neck."

3. Mike: "The Mayor should not be singing any song called 'Yo Bitch!'"

2. Paul: "You're just a temp!"
Mike: "And you, where did you find this guy?"
Paul: "Temp agency."

1. Mike: (on Claudia) "She'll lay them in your apartment, but they're going to hatch in a house you can't afford on Long Island."

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