“Room for Romance,” Who’s the Boss? Season 7, Episode 16, sees Tony Micelli grappling with rekindled feelings for his college sweetheart, Elyse, presenting him with a poignant dilemma: embrace a past love with potentially lasting consequences, or maintain the status quo with Angela Bower, the woman who has become central to his life. Ultimately, the episode argues for embracing the present, highlighting the deep and undeniable connection between Tony and Angela, suggesting that their unconventional family dynamic is the truest form of love he has found.
Rediscovering the Past: Elyse’s Arrival
The arrival of Elyse, played by Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, throws Tony’s life into disarray. Her presence forces him to confront a past he had largely left behind, a past filled with youthful passion and unfulfilled potential. Angela, observing Tony’s clear attraction to Elyse, finds herself wrestling with her own unspoken feelings and the potential disruption to their established, albeit platonic, relationship. The episode masterfully navigates the awkwardness and vulnerability of rekindled romance, while simultaneously underscoring the complexities of the Tony/Angela dynamic.
The Allure of “What If?”
Elyse represents the enticing “what if?” scenario. What if Tony hadn’t left Pittsburgh? What if he had pursued a different path, one more closely aligned with his initial aspirations? The episode cleverly uses Elyse to showcase the evolution Tony has undergone since leaving his hometown. While he clearly cherishes the memories, he is no longer the same person, and his priorities have shifted.
The Present Reality: Angela and the Bower Household
The core of the episode lies in its exploration of the deep-seated connection between Tony and Angela. Their banter, their shared responsibilities, and their unwavering support for each other paint a portrait of a bond that transcends mere friendship or employment. The episode subtly reminds us that the “family” they have created – comprising Samantha, Jonathan, Mona, and even Mrs. Rossini – is built on mutual respect, unwavering loyalty, and a genuine love that is often expressed through humor and everyday acts of kindness.
A Love Beyond Definition
Who’s the Boss? has always toyed with the “will they, won’t they” trope between Tony and Angela. “Room for Romance” cleverly uses Elyse as a catalyst to force both characters (and the audience) to question the nature of their relationship. Ultimately, the episode implies that their bond is something more profound than romantic love, although it hints at that possibility, too. It’s a love built on shared experiences, mutual growth, and a deep understanding that surpasses conventional definitions.
The Resolution: Choosing the Family You Make
In the end, Tony chooses Angela and the life he has built with her and her family. While he acknowledges the undeniable connection he still feels with Elyse, he recognizes that his life is richer and more fulfilling with the Bower household. He understands that the family he has created, the family he has chosen, is the truest and most meaningful aspect of his life. Elyse departs, understanding and accepting Tony’s decision, leaving the audience with a sense of closure and a reaffirmation of the show’s core values. The episode resolves without explicitly defining the Tony/Angela relationship romantically, opting instead to emphasize its enduring strength and importance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the central conflict in “Room for Romance”?
The central conflict revolves around Tony’s rekindled feelings for his former girlfriend, Elyse, forcing him to confront his past and reassess his present relationship with Angela.
2. Who plays Elyse in Who’s the Boss? Season 7, Episode 16?
Elyse is played by actress Dana Wheeler-Nicholson.
3. How does Angela react to Elyse’s presence in Tony’s life?
Angela is initially supportive but becomes increasingly uncomfortable as she witnesses Tony’s obvious attraction to Elyse. She grapples with her own unspoken feelings for Tony and the potential disruption to their established dynamic. Jealousy is a subtle undercurrent to her actions.
4. Does Tony and Elyse’s relationship reignite into a serious romance?
While there’s a clear attraction and nostalgia, their relationship does not fully reignite. Tony ultimately realizes that his life with Angela and her family is more fulfilling.
5. What is the significance of Elyse representing Tony’s past?
Elyse embodies the “what if” scenario, representing the life Tony might have had if he had stayed in Pittsburgh and pursued a different path. She serves as a reminder of his roots and the choices he has made. Her presence highlights Tony’s personal growth since leaving his hometown.
6. Does the episode explicitly define the relationship between Tony and Angela?
No, the episode avoids explicitly defining their relationship as romantic. Instead, it emphasizes the depth of their bond, which transcends conventional definitions and is built on mutual respect, unwavering loyalty, and shared experiences. Ambiguity remains key to their connection.
7. What is the overall message or theme of “Room for Romance”?
The episode reinforces the idea that family is not always defined by blood, but by the connections and bonds we create with the people who support and love us. It highlights the importance of choosing the family you make and embracing the present over dwelling on the past.
8. How does the episode contribute to the overall narrative of Who’s the Boss?
“Room for Romance” contributes to the ongoing will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Tony and Angela, further complicating their relationship and forcing them (and the audience) to confront their feelings. It also underscores the importance of family and the enduring power of unconventional bonds. It deepens the emotional complexities of the show.
9. Are there any notable comedic moments in this episode?
While the episode has a serious tone, there are still comedic moments, primarily stemming from Mona’s outlandish behavior and the awkwardness of the situation. Humor is interwoven into the more serious themes.
10. What is the name of Tony’s college in Pittsburgh?
While the specific name of Tony’s college in Pittsburgh is not explicitly mentioned in the episode, it is implied that it was a local university that drew students from the Pittsburgh area. Specifics about his college are left vague.
11. Why is “Room for Romance” considered a significant episode in Season 7?
It’s considered significant because it directly addresses the underlying tension and unspoken feelings between Tony and Angela, forcing them to confront their relationship in a more explicit way than previous episodes. It’s a pivotal moment in their relationship arc.
12. Where can I watch “Room for Romance” and other episodes of Who’s the Boss?
Who’s the Boss? and the “Room for Romance” episode can often be found on streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or available for purchase through platforms like Apple TV. Check your local listings for availability.