Angela’s romantic future hangs precariously in the balance in “The Kid,” Who’s the Boss? Season 6, Episode 17. While Tony grapples with jealousy and feelings of inadequacy regarding Angela’s new, younger boyfriend, the episode ultimately underscores the depth of their unspoken connection, subtly hinting that their relationship is destined to transcend their employer-employee dynamic.
Unraveling the Plot: A Deep Dive into “The Kid”
“The Kid” revolves around Angela’s budding romance with Evan, a bright, attractive college student considerably younger than her. Tony, usually unfazed by Angela’s dating life, finds himself strangely affected by Evan’s presence. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy, particularly as he witnesses Angela’s enthusiasm for her new boyfriend’s youthful energy and ambition. The episode skillfully portrays Tony’s inner turmoil through comedic scenarios and heartfelt conversations with Mona. Meanwhile, Angela attempts to navigate the complexities of dating someone significantly younger while simultaneously downplaying her feelings for Tony. The episode culminates in a subtle yet significant realization on both their parts – a recognition that the bond they share is unique and cannot be easily replicated, regardless of age or external circumstances.
The Genesis of Tony’s Jealousy
Tony’s jealousy isn’t merely about romantic interest; it’s rooted in a fear of being replaced. He sees Evan as representing a life he believes he can no longer offer Angela – a life filled with academic pursuits, youthful adventures, and limitless potential. This highlights the underlying insecurities Tony harbors regarding his own educational background and career path. The humor derives from his awkward attempts to subtly sabotage Angela’s relationship and his increasingly transparent displays of protectiveness.
Angela’s Perspective: A Search for Something More
Angela, while genuinely enjoying Evan’s company, appears to be subtly using the relationship as a buffer against confronting her true feelings for Tony. Evan embodies intellectual stimulation and a different perspective, a temporary escape from the familiarity and comfort of her life with Tony and the family. However, the episode carefully avoids portraying Evan as a serious contender, instead positioning him as a catalyst for Angela’s self-reflection.
The Unspoken Truth: The Core of Their Relationship
The most significant aspect of the episode lies in the unspoken connection between Angela and Tony. Through subtle glances, shared laughter, and their unwavering support for each other, the episode reinforces the deep-seated affection and mutual respect that forms the foundation of their relationship. The script delicately hints that this bond is far more profound than either of them is willing to admit, suggesting that their eventual romantic union is inevitable.
FAQs: Decoding the Nuances of “The Kid”
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the themes and underlying dynamics within “The Kid”:
FAQ 1: Why is Tony so bothered by Evan?
Tony’s reaction stems from a combination of factors. He’s genuinely concerned for Angela’s well-being, suspecting Evan’s intentions might not be entirely genuine. More importantly, Evan represents a perceived threat to Tony’s position in Angela’s life, both as her caretaker and as someone who understands her deeply. He fears losing the unique bond they share.
FAQ 2: Does Angela actually have genuine feelings for Evan?
While Angela enjoys Evan’s company and the novelty of dating someone younger, her feelings appear superficial. Evan serves as a temporary distraction and a means of avoiding confronting her deeper emotions related to Tony. The episode emphasizes that their connection lacks the depth and familiarity present in Angela’s relationship with Tony.
FAQ 3: How does Mona contribute to the episode’s narrative?
Mona acts as Tony’s confidante and sounding board, offering comedic relief and insightful observations. She recognizes Tony’s jealousy and provides him with (often questionable) advice on how to handle his feelings. Mona’s character serves as a bridge between Tony’s inner turmoil and the audience’s understanding of his motivations.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of the age difference between Angela and Evan?
The age difference highlights the contrasting life stages and perspectives of Angela and Evan. It underscores the challenges of building a meaningful relationship when individuals are at different points in their personal and professional development. It also serves as a contrast to Angela’s relationship with Tony, where the differences are less pronounced and more complementary.
FAQ 5: Is this the first time Tony has shown jealousy regarding Angela’s dating life?
While Tony has exhibited protectiveness in previous episodes, “The Kid” marks a significant escalation in his jealousy. This episode explicitly portrays Tony’s feelings of inadequacy and the realization that he desires something more than just a platonic relationship with Angela. Earlier instances were more subtle and focused on external threats to Angela’s safety or well-being.
FAQ 6: Does Angela recognize Tony’s jealousy in this episode?
While not explicitly stated, Angela is likely aware of Tony’s discomfort. She observes his behavior and subtle attempts to undermine her relationship with Evan. However, she strategically avoids directly addressing his feelings, perhaps fearing the implications of acknowledging the underlying romantic tension.
FAQ 7: How does this episode contribute to the overall arc of Tony and Angela’s relationship?
“The Kid” is a pivotal episode in the development of Tony and Angela’s relationship. It further solidifies the audience’s understanding of their deep connection and foreshadows their eventual romantic entanglement. It also allows both characters to confront their insecurities and recognize the unique value they bring to each other’s lives.
FAQ 8: Why doesn’t Angela just admit her feelings for Tony?
Angela’s hesitation stems from a combination of factors, including her fear of jeopardizing their existing relationship, her concerns about societal expectations, and the complexities of their employer-employee dynamic. She fears that confessing her feelings could disrupt the comfort and stability she has found with Tony and the family.
FAQ 9: Does Evan ever reappear in subsequent episodes?
Evan’s character is primarily used as a plot device in this particular episode and does not make any further appearances in Who’s the Boss? This reinforces the notion that he was a fleeting romantic interest, not a genuine contender for Angela’s affection.
FAQ 10: What are the comedic elements in “The Kid” and how do they enhance the story?
The comedic elements primarily stem from Tony’s awkward attempts to sabotage Angela’s relationship, Mona’s outlandish advice, and the general absurdity of the age difference between Angela and Evan. The humor serves to lighten the tone of the episode while simultaneously highlighting the underlying tensions and insecurities.
FAQ 11: How does the episode portray societal expectations regarding age and dating?
The episode subtly challenges societal norms surrounding age and dating. While the age difference between Angela and Evan is initially presented as a source of comedic tension, the episode ultimately suggests that age is less important than genuine connection and shared values.
FAQ 12: What is the overall message or takeaway from “The Kid”?
The central takeaway from “The Kid” is that genuine connection and unspoken understanding often outweigh superficial attractions and societal expectations. The episode reinforces the idea that Tony and Angela’s relationship is destined for something more profound, hinting at their inevitable romantic future. The episode emphasizes that the unconventional nature of their bond is its greatest strength.