The second episode introduces Chester's secretary Claire (Kathryn Reynolds), who confronts him about his affair with a new girl, Pigeon, blackmailing him into keeping her and her expensive tastes around. We are also introduced to the hilarious Richard Libertini as The Godfather, who refuses to allow Danny to leave the Mob until he does them a favor in return: he must kill the man who killed his own father (he does not yet know that the man in question is his new stepfather Burt). Mary discovers her son Jodie wearing her blouse and wig (and laments that he looks better in them than she does), and he confides to her that he wants to get a sex-change operation. Also, Mary is envious of Jessica's affair with Peter "the Tennis Player" because she can't remember the last time she made love to her husband Burt, who is more excited to introduce his long-lost son (one of two from his first marriage) to the rest of the family-this turns out to be Peter, who recognizes both Corinne and Jessica, two of his many conquests. Mary quickly realizes what's going on, while Jodie enthuses about Peter himself. These first two episodes are the only ones to introduce each scene with the exact time and place.
4 Reviews
The Tates and Campbells come together on this, the second episode of "Soap"
tavm11 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
In the previous first ep of "Soap", we find out Chester Tate (Robert Mandan) has been fooling around but wife Jessica seems none the wiser though she herself has been sleeping with Peter "the tennis player" (Robert Urich). Their daughter Corrine (Diana Canova) has been staying out real late with that same guy which we find out after her mother leaves moments before. Jessica's sister Mary Campbell (Cathryn Damon) has her own problems: second husband Burt (Richard Mulligan) isn't getting along with either of her sons-Jodie Dallas (Billy Crystal) who's gay and Danny (Ted Wass) who's involved with the mob. Also, he and Mary haven't been able to make love for some time and he won't reveal why: he murdered her first husband. With that plot point out of the way, here's what happened in the second ep: Mary and Jessica have lunch where Mary notices her sister glowing which has Jess worried about Chester finding out. Chester himself has his own problems-secretary Claire (Kathryn Reynolds) who he has had a long affair with knows about his recent one and threatens him with blackmail unless he provides for her financially. Back at the Campbells, Jodie tries on his mother's clothes and is wearing a blond wig because he is thinking about having a sex-change operation to his mother's astonishment and stepfather's shock. And Danny meets The Godfather (Richard Libertini) who will let him out of the mob on one condition: he kills his father's murderer. He doesn't reveal it's Burt just yet. Burt himself has received news that one of his long-estranged sons is about to see him again. It all ends with the Campbells and Tates at the latter's mansion with awkward conversation that threatens to get argumentative until the arrival of Burt's son who he hasn't seen in fifteen years-Peter. Well, this should be interesting...These first two eps of "Soap" provided enough laughs and characterization for one to want to spend time with these people no matter how over-the-top some of their antics are. Most of them are well-defined, well, except for Eunice (Jennifer Salt) or Billy Tate (Jimmy Baio) yet. Oh, and Jessica and Mary's father, The Major (Arthur Peterson) is such a hoot as is once again Benson and his priceless reactions. And announcer Rod Roddy is positively deadpan with some of his comments. Looking forward to the third episode of "Soap" when I get around to it...
A riot.
Sleepin_Dragon1 November 2023
Sisters Jessica and Mary meet for lunch, Mary spots a glow about her sister, and learns what's put the sparkle into her cheeks. Chester lands in a bit of trouble with his secretary.
Now that I'm on the second episode, I get where the name Soap comes from, it's essentially sending the soap opera genre up, it's so over the top, so outrageous, but genuinely it is so funny, we've got contract killings, a long lost son and the possibility of a sex change.
Riotously funny, outrageously over the top, this was a bundle of laughs.
Benson continues to steal the show, he is absolutely hilarious, his delivery is incredible, he's definitely getting the best lines.
Wow, this was ahead of its time, I couldn't think of a comedy show from this time where the term transexual was used, would many people have known the term?
9/10.
Now that I'm on the second episode, I get where the name Soap comes from, it's essentially sending the soap opera genre up, it's so over the top, so outrageous, but genuinely it is so funny, we've got contract killings, a long lost son and the possibility of a sex change.
Riotously funny, outrageously over the top, this was a bundle of laughs.
Benson continues to steal the show, he is absolutely hilarious, his delivery is incredible, he's definitely getting the best lines.
Wow, this was ahead of its time, I couldn't think of a comedy show from this time where the term transexual was used, would many people have known the term?
9/10.
Fantastic stuff.
BA_Harrison1 November 2019
Episode two and things are already getting very complicated for the Tates and the Campbells: Jodie wants a sex change, Chester's secretary is blackmailing him, Danny must kill Burt if he wants to leave the mob, and Burt's son Peter turns out to be the tennis player who is schtupping both Jessica and Corinne. The always excellent butler Benson can only look on in amusement.
Brilliantly written with great performances all round, this is classic comedy that never gets old. By now, I'm sure you'll have your favourite characters: for me, it's the hilarious Burt, played by Richard Mulligan (his reactions to gay stepson Jodie are priceless), and Benson, played by Robert Guillaume, whose sarcastic asides are amongst the show's funniest moments.
Brilliantly written with great performances all round, this is classic comedy that never gets old. By now, I'm sure you'll have your favourite characters: for me, it's the hilarious Burt, played by Richard Mulligan (his reactions to gay stepson Jodie are priceless), and Benson, played by Robert Guillaume, whose sarcastic asides are amongst the show's funniest moments.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
