Season 2, Episode 10 of Who’s the Boss?, titled “Parent’s Day,” firmly establishes the budding romantic tension between Angela Bower and Tony Micelli, highlighting their growing dependence on each other beyond their employer-employee dynamic. The episode masterfully uses misunderstandings and assumptions surrounding dating to push their relationship into a territory of undeniable, if unacknowledged, romantic interest, laying a foundation for future storylines and the eventual resolution of their “will-they-won’t-they” arc.
The Romantic Undercurrents of a School Function
The episode revolves around a seemingly simple premise: a school “Parent’s Day” event at Jonathan’s school. However, the comedic and dramatic heart of the episode lies in the assumption that Angela and Tony are a couple. This assumption, fueled by Jonathan and other parents, forces both Angela and Tony to confront the possibility of their relationship being perceived as something more than professional.
The Setup: A Misunderstanding Blossoms
The initial comedic element stems from Jonathan’s innocent misunderstanding. He believes Angela and Tony are a couple and signs them up for “Parent’s Day” activities as such. This creates an awkward situation for both, particularly Angela, who is highly image-conscious and concerned about the perception of her professional life being intertwined with her personal one. Tony, while slightly more relaxed, is also aware of the implications of being seen as Angela’s romantic partner.
The Confrontation: Denial and Underlying Truths
As the episode progresses, Angela and Tony engage in increasingly strained conversations, desperately trying to maintain the façade of a strictly professional relationship. However, their attempts at denial only serve to highlight the undeniable chemistry and genuine affection that exists between them. The humor arises from their blatant discomfort and exaggerated reactions to the situation, while the dramatic tension builds as they subtly betray their true feelings through veiled comments and longing glances.
The Resolution: A Hint of What’s to Come
Ultimately, the episode doesn’t definitively declare any romantic intentions. However, it cleverly plants the seeds. Angela and Tony both navigate the situation, ultimately finding humor in the misunderstanding and reaffirming their close bond. Yet, the audience is left with a lingering feeling that their relationship is evolving, moving beyond the boundaries of employer and employee. The shared experience of “Parent’s Day,” and the assumptions that came with it, irrevocably alters the dynamic between them, setting the stage for future romantic developments throughout the series.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into “Parent’s Day”
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on the significance of “Parent’s Day” within the broader context of Who’s the Boss?
FAQ 1: What is the main conflict in “Parent’s Day”?
The central conflict arises from the misinterpretation that Angela and Tony are romantically involved. This misunderstanding is propagated by Jonathan and other parents at the school, forcing Angela and Tony to address the possibility, however uncomfortably, of their relationship being perceived as more than professional.
FAQ 2: How does “Parent’s Day” contribute to the overall arc of Angela and Tony’s relationship?
“Parent’s Day” is a crucial episode in the development of Angela and Tony’s relationship. It introduces the idea, both to the characters and the audience, that their connection is not solely based on their professional arrangement. It subtly hints at the potential for romance, which will become a central theme throughout the series.
FAQ 3: What are some of the comedic moments in the episode?
The comedic moments primarily stem from Angela and Tony’s awkwardness and desperate attempts to deny any romantic involvement. Examples include their over-the-top reactions to being referred to as a couple, their clumsy attempts to avoid physical contact, and their flustered explanations to other parents.
FAQ 4: How does Jonathan’s character contribute to the plot of this episode?
Jonathan’s innocent assumption that Angela and Tony are a couple is the catalyst for the entire episode. His actions, driven by a child’s perception of their closeness, force Angela and Tony to confront the underlying complexities of their relationship.
FAQ 5: How does Mona’s character react to the situation?
Mona, known for her liberal and unconventional views, is largely amused by the misunderstanding. She encourages Angela to explore the possibility of a relationship with Tony, adding a layer of playful commentary and pushing Angela slightly outside her comfort zone.
FAQ 6: What does “Parent’s Day” reveal about Angela’s personality?
The episode highlights Angela’s professionalism, her concern for appearances, and her initial reluctance to deviate from societal norms. She is clearly worried about the impact a romantic relationship with Tony might have on her career and her image as a successful businesswoman.
FAQ 7: What does “Parent’s Day” reveal about Tony’s personality?
“Parent’s Day” showcases Tony’s easygoing nature, his ability to adapt to awkward situations, and his genuine affection for Angela and the Bower family. He is more comfortable with the idea of a relationship with Angela than she is, although he also respects her boundaries and concerns.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of the episode’s title, “Parent’s Day”?
The title is ironic. While the episode is set around a “Parent’s Day” event, the true focus is on the evolving dynamics between Angela and Tony, who are forced to confront the possibility of becoming something more than just employer and employee. The event serves as a backdrop for their personal development.
FAQ 9: Are there any specific scenes that stand out in “Parent’s Day”?
One particularly memorable scene is when Angela and Tony are forced to participate in a “couples” relay race at the school. Their clumsy attempts to cooperate and their obvious discomfort highlight the comedic tension and the underlying romantic potential. Another significant scene is the final conversation between Angela and Tony, where they acknowledge the awkwardness of the day but also reaffirm their friendship and professional relationship, leaving the door open for future developments.
FAQ 10: How does “Parent’s Day” compare to other episodes in Season 2?
“Parent’s Day” is a pivotal episode in Season 2 because it significantly advances the romantic subplot between Angela and Tony. While other episodes explore their individual lives and challenges, “Parent’s Day” directly addresses the growing attraction and affection between them, setting the stage for future conflicts and resolutions.
FAQ 11: Did the writers deliberately try to mislead the audience about Angela and Tony’s feelings?
Yes, the writers deliberately employed the technique of “will-they-won’t-they” to create suspense and intrigue. By subtly hinting at their feelings while simultaneously denying them, they kept the audience guessing and invested in the outcome of their relationship. This storytelling strategy contributed significantly to the show’s popularity and longevity.
FAQ 12: How does “Parent’s Day” reflect the social norms and expectations of the 1980s?
The episode reflects the societal expectations of the 1980s by portraying Angela’s concerns about maintaining her professional image and the potential stigma of a relationship with her male housekeeper. The episode touches upon the changing roles of women in the workplace and the challenges they faced in balancing their personal and professional lives.