In “Working Girls,” the 19th episode of Who’s the Boss? season 5, Angela Robinson’s decision to fire Tony Micelli is presented as a calculated, albeit somewhat harsh, business move, driven by the need to maintain objectivity and prevent preferential treatment within her rapidly expanding company, Robinson Advertising. However, the episode cleverly explores the complexities of their personal relationship and its inevitable impact on their professional lives, leaving the audience questioning whether her actions were truly justified or an overreaction fueled by personal insecurity.
The Central Conflict: Professionalism vs. Personal Bonds
The episode hinges on the inherent tension between Angela and Tony’s growing romantic relationship and their established professional dynamic. With Robinson Advertising experiencing significant growth, Angela hires Tony as a consultant, a decision that almost immediately creates friction. Tony, accustomed to their more casual work environment, struggles to adapt to the demands of corporate structure.
Understanding Angela’s Perspective
Angela, having worked tirelessly to build her company, is acutely aware of the potential for nepotism and favoritism. Bringing Tony into the fold, even in a consulting role, raises concerns about how her employees might perceive their relationship. Would they view Tony as having an unfair advantage? Would Angela’s decisions be questioned or attributed to romantic bias? These are legitimate concerns for any business owner striving for a meritocratic environment. Her actions, therefore, can be interpreted as a preemptive strike against any potential accusations of impropriety.
Examining Tony’s Role and Reactions
Tony, on the other hand, views his hiring as a natural progression of their partnership. He possesses valuable skills and experience that could genuinely benefit the company. However, his laid-back approach and resistance to adapting to the corporate structure lead to conflict with other employees, particularly Lisa, Angela’s executive assistant. Tony’s frustration stems from his feeling that he’s being judged on his relationship with Angela rather than his professional contributions.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Episode’s Themes
Q1: What specific events lead to Angela’s decision to fire Tony?
The pivotal events include Tony’s failure to properly manage a major client presentation, his ongoing conflicts with Lisa regarding office procedures, and the general perception among employees that he’s receiving special treatment due to his relationship with Angela. These incidents, when viewed collectively, paint a picture of Tony struggling to adapt to the professional demands of Robinson Advertising.
Q2: Did Angela discuss her concerns with Tony before firing him?
Yes, Angela attempts to address her concerns with Tony on multiple occasions. She initially tries to gently guide him and provide constructive criticism. However, Tony resists her feedback, often dismissing her concerns as trivial or viewing them as a personal attack.
Q3: Was Tony’s performance genuinely poor, or was Angela overly critical?
The episode portrays a nuanced situation. While Tony has moments of brilliance and offers valuable insights, his overall performance is subpar. His resistance to adapting to the corporate environment and his frequent clashes with other employees significantly detract from his contributions. Angela’s criticism, while perhaps delivered with a degree of frustration, is ultimately grounded in legitimate performance issues.
Q4: How did the other characters react to Tony’s firing?
The other characters, particularly Mona and Jonathan, express sympathy for both Angela and Tony. They understand the complexities of their situation and recognize that Angela’s decision was likely a difficult one. They offer support to both individuals, encouraging them to communicate openly and find a resolution.
Q5: Does the episode offer any evidence of favoritism towards Tony before his firing?
Yes, subtle hints suggest that other employees perceive Tony as receiving preferential treatment. Lisa’s frustration with Tony’s disregard for office procedures, coupled with her feeling that Angela is turning a blind eye to his shortcomings, illustrates this perception.
Q6: What are the ethical considerations involved in hiring a romantic partner in a professional setting?
Hiring a romantic partner raises a multitude of ethical considerations, including the potential for bias, conflicts of interest, and a compromised work environment. Companies must implement clear policies regarding personal relationships to ensure fairness, transparency, and a level playing field for all employees.
Q7: Could Angela have handled the situation differently?
Yes, arguably Angela could have implemented a more structured approach to onboarding Tony, providing him with specific performance goals and expectations. She could have also held more formal performance reviews to address his shortcomings in a professional and objective manner. Furthermore, a candid conversation about the potential challenges of their relationship in the workplace could have preempted some of the conflicts.
Q8: What is the ultimate resolution of the conflict between Angela and Tony in the episode?
While Tony is initially hurt and resentful, he eventually understands Angela’s perspective and acknowledges that his performance was not up to par. They reconcile at the end of the episode, reaffirming their commitment to their relationship but recognizing the need for professional boundaries.
Q9: Does this episode explore the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in the late 1980s?
While not explicitly stated, the episode subtly touches upon the pressures faced by female entrepreneurs like Angela. She constantly strives to prove herself in a male-dominated business world, and any hint of impropriety could undermine her credibility. This context adds another layer of complexity to her decision-making.
Q10: How does this episode compare to other episodes that deal with the dynamics of their relationship?
This episode is a more mature and nuanced exploration of Angela and Tony’s relationship compared to earlier, more comedic episodes. It delves into the real-world challenges of blending personal and professional lives, highlighting the potential for conflict and the importance of communication.
Q11: What is the enduring message of “Working Girls” in the context of the series as a whole?
“Working Girls” reinforces the overarching theme of Who’s the Boss?: the importance of communication, compromise, and mutual respect in any relationship, whether personal or professional. It also highlights the evolving roles of women in the workplace and the challenges they face in balancing career and family.
Q12: Was the resolution in the episode realistic, or did it feel contrived?
The resolution, while somewhat predictable, feels largely realistic. Tony’s eventual understanding and acceptance of Angela’s decision are believable, given his character’s inherent goodness and his genuine love for her. The episode avoids a overly sentimental or contrived ending, instead opting for a more grounded and relatable conclusion.
The Verdict: Justified, but Not Without Flaws
Ultimately, Angela’s decision to fire Tony, while painful, was justifiable from a purely business standpoint. His performance issues and the potential for perceived favoritism created a situation that could have negatively impacted the company’s morale and reputation. However, her handling of the situation could have been more sensitive and proactive. A more structured approach to onboarding and more open communication about their respective roles and expectations might have prevented the conflict from escalating to the point of termination. “Working Girls” serves as a compelling reminder that even the strongest personal relationships can be strained by the demands of the professional world, and that clear boundaries and open communication are essential for navigating these complexities.