“Tony’s Choice,” the tenth episode of Who’s the Boss? Season 5, directly addresses the simmering romantic tension between Tony Micelli and Angela Bower. The episode ultimately shows Tony rejecting the advances of his former flame, Diana, to prioritize his deepening bond with Angela, subtly hinting at the long-awaited eventual romantic resolution between the two protagonists.
The Central Conflict: Diana’s Return and Tony’s Dilemma
The episode hinges on the unexpected return of Diana, Tony’s ex-girlfriend, a woman he clearly still holds affection for. Diana’s arrival throws a wrench into the comfortable dynamic that has developed between Tony and Angela over the years. He is immediately drawn to her charm and the familiar comfort of their past relationship. However, the core conflict arises from Tony’s realization that his life has fundamentally changed since Diana left. His priorities have shifted, his family is Angela and the children, and his feelings for Angela are far more complex than simple friendship. Diana’s presence forces Tony to confront these realities.
The episode masterfully portrays Tony’s internal struggle. He genuinely enjoys spending time with Diana, reminiscing about the past and reliving old feelings. Yet, he also recognizes that their lives are now on different paths. Diana represents a past that no longer fits into his present. The tension builds as Tony weighs the allure of rekindling a past romance against the security and unspoken connection he shares with Angela.
Ultimately, Tony makes the mature and arguably predictable choice. He acknowledges that while he cares for Diana, he cannot offer her the kind of commitment she desires because his heart is already deeply intertwined with Angela and the family they’ve created. While not explicitly stated, the episode lays the groundwork for the eventual romantic coupling of Tony and Angela, confirming that their relationship has evolved beyond simple employer-employee dynamics.
Analyzing the Subtext: Angela’s Undeniable Influence
While “Tony’s Choice” focuses primarily on Tony’s internal conflict, Angela’s presence is crucial in shaping his decision. Although she doesn’t directly express her feelings, her subtle reactions and concerned glances hint at her own evolving emotions. Angela’s role is to be the steady, supportive presence in Tony’s life, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of nostalgia and excitement that Diana represents.
The episode expertly uses dialogue and body language to convey the unspoken connection between Tony and Angela. Their shared history, the inside jokes, and the comfortable silences all point to a deep understanding and affection that surpasses friendship. Angela’s quiet strength and unwavering support for Tony are key factors in his decision-making process. He values her opinion and trusts her judgment, even if he doesn’t consciously realize the extent of her influence.
Furthermore, the episode subtly emphasizes the importance of family. Tony’s dedication to Jonathan and Samantha is a constant throughout the series. Diana’s sudden re-entry disrupts the family dynamic, further highlighting the bond that Tony, Angela, and the children share. He realizes that choosing Diana would mean disrupting the stability and happiness he has found with his unconventional family. This consideration ultimately outweighs the allure of a past romance.
FAQ: Diving Deeper into “Tony’s Choice”
H3 FAQ 1: Why did Diana return after so many years?
Diana’s return is presented as a chance encounter. She explains that she was in town for work and decided to look Tony up. While this explanation seems plausible, the timing of her return and her expressed desire to rekindle their romance suggests a deeper motivation. Perhaps she regretted their breakup and hoped to give their relationship another chance, only to find that Tony had moved on in unexpected ways.
H3 FAQ 2: Did Angela know about Tony and Diana’s past?
Yes, Angela was aware of Tony’s relationship with Diana. Throughout the series, there are subtle hints and references to Tony’s past relationships, and Diana is often mentioned as a significant figure in his life. This knowledge adds another layer of complexity to Angela’s reaction to Diana’s return, as she is forced to confront her own feelings for Tony.
H3 FAQ 3: How did Jonathan and Samantha react to Diana?
Jonathan and Samantha’s reactions to Diana were largely positive, initially. They were charmed by her and enjoyed her company. However, they also sensed the tension between Tony and Angela and seemed subtly protective of their established family dynamic. Their affection for Angela played a significant role in highlighting the importance of family in Tony’s decision.
H3 FAQ 4: Was Tony ever genuinely tempted to get back with Diana?
Yes, Tony was clearly tempted to rekindle his romance with Diana. The episode showcases his internal struggle and the allure of the past. However, his commitment to Angela and the children ultimately proved to be stronger. The episode effectively portrays the internal conflict, making Tony’s eventual decision feel earned and authentic.
H3 FAQ 5: Did “Tony’s Choice” mark a turning point in Tony and Angela’s relationship?
Absolutely. While the romantic tension between Tony and Angela had been building for seasons, “Tony’s Choice” represented a significant turning point. It solidified the idea that their relationship was destined to be more than just friendship. Tony’s decision to prioritize Angela, even without explicitly declaring his love, signaled a profound shift in their dynamic.
H3 FAQ 6: How does this episode compare to other episodes that explored Tony’s romantic life?
“Tony’s Choice” differs from other episodes exploring Tony’s romantic life because it directly confronts the potential for a significant change in his established relationship with Angela. Previous episodes often featured one-off romantic interests, but Diana’s return carried the weight of their shared history and the potential to disrupt Tony’s current life.
H3 FAQ 7: Was Diana a recurring character in Who’s the Boss?
No, Diana only appeared in this one episode. Her purpose was to serve as a catalyst for Tony to confront his feelings for Angela and ultimately choose the path he was already on. Her brief appearance allowed the writers to explore the complexities of Tony’s emotional landscape without introducing a recurring romantic rival for Angela.
H3 FAQ 8: What were the ratings and reviews for “Tony’s Choice” when it originally aired?
While specific ratings and reviews from the original broadcast are difficult to pinpoint precisely, Who’s the Boss? was consistently a highly-rated show during its fifth season. “Tony’s Choice,” given its exploration of the central relationship, likely garnered significant attention and positive reception from viewers. The episode resonates even today, proving its enduring popularity.
H3 FAQ 9: How did the episode contribute to the overall narrative arc of the series?
“Tony’s Choice” was a crucial step in the series’ overall narrative arc. It moved the romantic subplot between Tony and Angela closer to its eventual conclusion. It provided a clear indication that their relationship was evolving beyond a platonic one, setting the stage for future episodes to further explore their feelings and ultimately bring them together.
H3 FAQ 10: Could Tony and Diana have realistically rekindled their romance in the long term?
Realistically, a long-term relationship between Tony and Diana would have been unlikely. Their lives had diverged significantly, and Tony’s deep connection with Angela and the children would have been difficult to overcome. While nostalgia can be a powerful force, it rarely outweighs the realities of present-day life and the bonds that have been forged over time.
H3 FAQ 11: How did the writers handle the romantic tension without explicitly resolving it?
The writers masterfully handled the romantic tension by using subtle cues, unspoken dialogue, and focused attention on the family dynamic. They allowed the audience to infer the deepening connection between Tony and Angela without resorting to overt declarations of love. This approach built anticipation and kept viewers invested in the eventual romantic resolution.
H3 FAQ 12: What is the legacy of “Tony’s Choice” in the context of the entire Who’s the Boss? series?
“Tony’s Choice” is a landmark episode in the Who’s the Boss? series. It’s remembered as a pivotal moment that solidified the romantic potential between Tony and Angela, moving their relationship beyond friendship and setting the stage for the series’ ultimate conclusion. The episode is a testament to the show’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion, creating a lasting impact on its audience. The choice Tony made was crucial to the evolution of the show.