The script of this episode is actually decent. The idea of Aunt Clara (Marion Lorne's penultimate appearance, alas) having a whirlwind romance with a McMann and Tate client is rather sweet. It could have been a great episode.
Unfortunately, the very white Richard Haydn (whom we all loved in The Sound of Music) was cast as the Japanese Mr. Mishimoto. Had they found an actual Asian actor to play the role, it could have been one of the best episodes. Now, it's just cringe-worthy.
5 Reviews
Could it be any more offensive?
cbouchard-5383729 August 2020
Lol I mean I know it was "what they did back then" but man...it's pretty bad. White, English actor playing an Asian character. Saying "Oriental" and then a girl easily 35 years younger than the guy, hitting on him. Yuck
Shrug Or Whine?
uncatema23 March 2022
Utilizing an Asian actor for the role would've made more sense. However, reviewer's whining about it doesn't have any redeeming qualities either.
One can chose to learn from it, move forward, and forget it or one can stay in the past in misery.
One can chose to learn from it, move forward, and forget it or one can stay in the past in misery.
Controversial episode?
gregorycanfield26 December 2021
When I recognized Richard Haydn as Larry Tate's Japanese client, two things came to mind. First, this was the same actor that played Mr Finchley in a classic Twilight Zone episode. Second, I knew that some politically correct reviewer would take offense at Haydn's casting. Well, we had two politically correct reviewers who took offense. People are so immersed in political correctness, some don't realize that the concept didn't always exist. I also think that it might have been better to have an Asian actor play an Asian character. Haydn's performance contained nothing that made him necessary for the part. However, I also think there are more important things to get upset about. A show must be viewed in the context of its time. For myself, I'm so sick of Aunt Clara, I was more offended by her tiresome presence than anything else. The "controversial" elements here may obscure the fact that the story is not all that great. However, if I can watch Elizabeth Montgomery for a half hour, I can manage to forgive everything else!
Offended?
rbilotta-154372 June 2022
The only thing I find slightly ridiculous is the poor acting skills of Richard Haydn playing an Asian. Doesn't come close to sounding legit. And he's usually a fantastic actor. As for the storyline, pretty much a bore. Just not the same without Darrin. And if your offended, don't watch.
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