“The Apartment” (Season 6, Episode 7) of “Who’s the Boss?” presents a pivotal moment in Angela and Tony’s evolving relationship. The episode definitively challenges traditional gender roles and workplace dynamics when Angela rents an apartment to facilitate a new, male employee’s relocation, prompting Tony to question her motives and, ultimately, confront his own insecurities about gender equity and his place within the Bower household.
The Core Conflict: A Clash of Expectations
This episode hinges on Angela’s decision to rent an apartment for Jerry (played by Ray Buktenica), a promising new addition to her advertising agency. While Angela views this as a straightforward business decision aimed at attracting talent, Tony interprets it through the lens of personal loyalty and unspoken expectations. He feels slighted and marginalized, believing Angela should have considered him – a trusted member of the household and someone with handyman skills – before resorting to a rental agreement.
The underlying conflict isn’t simply about an apartment; it’s about shifting power dynamics and Tony’s struggle to reconcile his traditional Italian-American masculinity with Angela’s independent, professional success. He perceives Angela’s action as undermining his role as the “man of the house,” even though their living arrangement is far from conventional. Jerry’s presence exacerbates Tony’s discomfort, as he represents a type of professional man that Tony is not, triggering latent anxieties about his value and contribution to the family unit.
Understanding Tony’s Perspective
It’s crucial to remember Tony’s background. He grew up in a culture where men were the primary breadwinners and protectors, and women primarily managed the home. He’s proud of his blue-collar skills and his ability to provide for his family, even if that “family” is now unconventional. Angela’s decision, in his mind, challenges this deeply ingrained sense of self.
Furthermore, Tony is fiercely protective of Angela and deeply values their friendship. He struggles to separate his professional loyalty to her (as her housekeeper) from his personal feelings. Jerry’s presence potentially disrupts this balance, introducing another male figure into Angela’s life and challenging the unique bond Tony shares with her.
Angela’s Perspective: Business and Boundaries
Angela, on the other hand, sees her decision purely from a business standpoint. She needs to attract top talent to her agency, and providing housing is a common incentive. She doesn’t perceive her action as a personal slight to Tony; rather, she believes she’s acting in the best interests of her company.
This episode highlights the importance of boundaries in both personal and professional relationships. Angela’s focus remains on her business, while Tony’s feelings are intertwined with their unusual living arrangement. Her difficulty lies in navigating these blurred lines, ensuring Tony feels valued while maintaining her professional independence.
The Resolution: A Step Towards Understanding
The episode culminates in Tony directly confronting Angela about his feelings. This open communication is the key to resolving the conflict. Angela explains her reasoning, emphasizing that her decision was purely business-related and that she deeply values Tony’s contributions to her life and the household.
While Tony doesn’t immediately shed all his insecurities, the conversation allows him to better understand Angela’s perspective and recognize the importance of open communication. He realizes that Angela’s success doesn’t diminish his value; rather, it allows him to be part of a vibrant and dynamic household. The episode serves as a reminder that healthy relationships require mutual understanding and a willingness to challenge preconceived notions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to “Who’s the Boss?” Season 6, Episode 7, “The Apartment”:
H2: Episode Specifics
H3: What is the main plot of “The Apartment?”
The central plot revolves around Angela renting an apartment for a new male employee, Jerry, which triggers Tony’s insecurities and challenges his understanding of his role within the Bower household.
H3: Who is Jerry in this episode?
Jerry is a promising advertising professional that Angela hires for her agency. His relocation is facilitated by the apartment that Angela rents, acting as a key component for securing his employment.
H3: What is Tony’s initial reaction to Angela renting the apartment?
Tony is initially hurt and feels overlooked, believing Angela should have considered him, with his handyman skills and long-standing presence in the house, before renting an apartment for Jerry.
H3: How does Angela explain her decision to Tony?
Angela explains that her decision was purely business-related, aimed at attracting top talent to her agency, and not a reflection of her feelings towards Tony or his contributions.
H2: Themes and Context
H3: What are the main themes explored in this episode?
The episode explores themes of gender roles, workplace dynamics, communication, and the evolving definition of family in a modern context.
H3: How does this episode reflect the changing societal views of the late 1980s?
The episode mirrors the increasing visibility of women in the workforce and the challenges men faced in adapting to these changing power dynamics, highlighting the ongoing negotiations within households and relationships.
H3: Is this episode considered a pivotal moment in Angela and Tony’s relationship? Why?
Yes, it’s considered a pivotal moment because it forces them to confront their unspoken expectations and insecurities, leading to a deeper understanding of each other and their individual needs within the unconventional dynamic.
H2: Broader Series Implications
H3: How does this episode contribute to the overall narrative arc of “Who’s the Boss?”
This episode reinforces the ongoing theme of challenging traditional gender roles and highlights the complex, ever-evolving relationship between Angela and Tony, leaving room for the romantic tension that underlies the series.
H3: Does this episode foreshadow any future conflicts or developments in the series?
While not explicitly foreshadowing specific events, the episode establishes the pattern of Tony struggling with changes and the necessity of open communication between him and Angela, which recurs throughout the series.
H3: What is the significance of the setting (the apartment) in this episode?
The apartment symbolizes the external pressures and changes that Angela’s professional life brings into their shared domestic sphere, challenging the established equilibrium and forcing Tony to confront his anxieties.
H2: Character Analysis
H3: How does this episode portray Angela’s character?
The episode portrays Angela as a strong, independent businesswoman who is sometimes oblivious to the emotional needs of those around her, particularly Tony. It highlights her commitment to her career and her struggle to balance professional success with personal relationships.
H3: What does this episode reveal about Tony’s insecurities?
The episode reveals Tony’s underlying insecurities about his masculinity, his value, and his place within the Bower household, particularly in relation to Angela’s professional success and his evolving role as a male figure in a non-traditional family structure.