“Inherit the Wine,” the tenth episode of Who’s the Boss? Season 7, is fundamentally about challenging societal expectations and embracing unconventional paths to happiness. While superficially a comedy about inheritance and wine, the episode subtly explores Angela and Tony’s evolving relationship and the choices they make in defiance of traditional gender roles and career trajectories.
Unpacking “Inherit the Wine”: More Than Just Merlot and Misunderstandings
This episode often gets overlooked, seen as a simple plot device to introduce a wacky relative and add comedic tension. However, a deeper dive reveals a cleverly crafted narrative that reinforces the core themes of the series: family, unconventional relationships, and personal fulfillment. The episode revolves around Angela’s unexpected inheritance of an Italian vineyard from a distant relative. This seemingly positive event triggers a series of anxieties and conflicting desires within the Bower-Bower dynamic. Angela, a successful businesswoman, faces the dilemma of abandoning her career for a potentially fulfilling but drastically different life. Tony, now pursuing his passion for teaching, contemplates supporting Angela’s decision, even if it means disrupting his own burgeoning career.
The humor stems from the culture clash between the pragmatic Bowers and the eccentric Italian relatives, but the underlying message is about the courage to deviate from societal norms and define success on one’s own terms. The episode ultimately resolves with Angela deciding to sell the vineyard, choosing to remain in her established life. This isn’t a failure to embrace opportunity; rather, it’s a reaffirmation of her chosen path and a testament to her unwavering commitment to her family and career, albeit with a renewed appreciation for Tony’s sacrifices and support.
Deconstructing the Characters’ Motivations
To fully grasp the significance of “Inherit the Wine,” understanding the characters’ motivations is crucial.
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Angela Bower: Angela’s initial enthusiasm for the vineyard is quickly tempered by the practical realities of running such an enterprise. She grapples with the allure of a simpler life, but ultimately realizes that her identity is intertwined with her professional achievements and her established life in Connecticut. Her decision is driven by a sense of responsibility towards her family and a recognition that her true passion lies in her career.
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Tony Micelli: Tony’s support for Angela’s potential move is initially presented as selfless, but it also masks his own anxieties about his career aspirations. He is willing to sacrifice his budding teaching career, but there’s an underlying conflict between his desire to support Angela and his own ambitions.
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Samantha Micelli: Samantha’s reaction represents the younger generation’s perspective – a mixture of excitement for a new adventure and apprehension about disrupting the familiar. Her concerns are less about career aspirations and more about the potential impact on her social life and future opportunities.
Thematic Resonance and Lasting Impact
“Inherit the Wine” serves as a reminder that happiness isn’t always found in grand gestures or radical life changes. Sometimes, the most fulfilling path is the one already chosen, albeit with a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the bonds that hold us together. The episode’s enduring appeal lies in its relatability; everyone at some point faces the temptation to abandon their current path for something seemingly more appealing.
The episode subtly reinforces the unconventional dynamic between Angela and Tony. While their relationship remained ambiguous for much of the series, “Inherit the Wine” highlights the respect and understanding they share, suggesting a bond that transcends traditional romantic expectations. It’s a quiet exploration of partnership and compromise, themes that resonated deeply with the audience during the series’ run.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Who’s the Boss?” Season 7, Episode 10
Here are some frequently asked questions about “Inherit the Wine” to provide a deeper understanding of the episode:
FAQ 1: Who was the Italian relative who left Angela the vineyard?
The relative was a distant cousin named Granduncle Aldo. He was portrayed as a jovial, slightly eccentric Italian man who valued tradition and the simple pleasures of life.
FAQ 2: What was the main conflict that Angela faced in this episode?
Angela’s primary conflict was deciding whether to abandon her successful advertising career to move to Italy and run the vineyard, potentially sacrificing her established life for a new and uncertain venture.
FAQ 3: How did Tony react to the possibility of moving to Italy?
Tony initially appeared supportive and willing to relocate, but his underlying anxieties about abandoning his teaching career added a layer of complexity to the situation.
FAQ 4: What role did Mona play in this episode?
Mona provided comic relief and a cynical perspective, questioning the practicality of Angela’s potential move and offering humorous observations on the cultural differences.
FAQ 5: Did the episode address any specific winemaking techniques or cultural traditions?
The episode touched upon some general aspects of winemaking, but its focus was more on the emotional and personal challenges faced by Angela and Tony rather than providing detailed information about Italian culture.
FAQ 6: Why did Angela ultimately decide to sell the vineyard?
Angela chose to sell the vineyard because she realized that her true passion and fulfillment lay in her career and her established life in Connecticut, rather than in pursuing a drastically different path.
FAQ 7: How did this episode contribute to the overall arc of Angela and Tony’s relationship?
The episode further highlighted the deep respect and understanding between Angela and Tony, suggesting a bond that transcended traditional romantic expectations.
FAQ 8: What were some of the comedic elements used in “Inherit the Wine”?
The comedy stemmed from the culture clash between the Bowers and the Italian relatives, as well as from Mona’s witty remarks and observations.
FAQ 9: What year did Season 7 of “Who’s the Boss?” air?
Season 7 of Who’s the Boss? aired during the 1990-1991 television season.
FAQ 10: Was “Inherit the Wine” a critical success when it originally aired?
While not a standout episode in terms of critical acclaim, “Inherit the Wine” was generally well-received by audiences for its lighthearted humor and relatable themes.
FAQ 11: What is the significance of the episode’s title, “Inherit the Wine”?
The title is a play on words, alluding to the phrase “inherit the wind,” but also directly referencing the literal inheritance of the vineyard and the potential for new beginnings.
FAQ 12: Can “Inherit the Wine” be seen as a commentary on career versus family?
Yes, the episode definitely explores the tension between career aspirations and family obligations, particularly for women in the workforce, and the choices individuals make to achieve a sense of balance and fulfillment. It ultimately validates Angela’s choice to prioritize both.