Season 7, Episode 5 of “Who’s the Boss?”, titled “The Road to Washington,” focuses on Angela Bower grappling with the complexities of professional and personal ambition. She navigates the challenges of potentially taking on a significant political campaign opportunity while trying to maintain her relationship with Tony Micelli. This episode explores the tension between career aspirations and the commitment of a romantic partnership.
The Central Conflict: Career vs. Love
The core of “The Road to Washington” revolves around a pivotal decision facing Angela. She’s offered the chance to manage the campaign for a political candidate, a prestigious and demanding role that would require her relocating to Washington D.C. for an extended period. This opportunity presents a significant boost to her career, but it simultaneously throws a wrench into her relationship with Tony, who is firmly rooted in Connecticut. The episode meticulously examines the ramifications of this dilemma, showcasing the emotional and logistical hurdles that Angela and Tony must confront. The true boss, in this scenario, is the force of ambition itself, challenging the existing power dynamics within their household and their individual lives.
Unpacking the Key Themes
Ambition and Sacrifice
Angela’s ambition is a recurring theme throughout “Who’s the Boss?”, but this episode intensifies its focus. She’s always been driven and career-oriented, but the Washington opportunity forces her to confront the sacrifices involved in pursuing her professional goals. Does she prioritize her personal happiness with Tony, or does she seize the moment and chase her career dreams, even if it means potentially straining their relationship? The episode doesn’t offer a simple answer, instead, it portrays the messy and often conflicting nature of ambition and sacrifice.
The Evolution of the Relationship
The dynamics between Angela and Tony have always been central to the show’s appeal. Initially, their relationship was built on a professional foundation, with Tony serving as her housekeeper. Over the years, their connection deepened into a close friendship and eventually, a romantic partnership. “The Road to Washington” tests the strength of this bond. The episode highlights the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship and the potential for jealousy and insecurity to creep in. It asks whether their love is strong enough to withstand the pressures of separate lives and competing ambitions.
Role Reversal and Gender Dynamics
“Who’s the Boss?” frequently explores traditional gender roles and societal expectations. While the show initially played with the trope of a female executive and a male housekeeper, “The Road to Washington” further complicates this dynamic. Angela’s ambition is celebrated, but also questioned, while Tony is forced to confront his own feelings of insecurity and displacement. The episode indirectly critiques the societal pressure on women to prioritize relationships over career aspirations, while simultaneously acknowledging the challenges men face when their partners achieve professional success. This episode subtly reminds viewers to evaluate who the real “boss” is: societal expectations or individual choices?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly is the political campaign opportunity offered to Angela?
The campaign involves managing the election efforts for a congressional candidate in Washington D.C. It’s presented as a high-profile opportunity with significant career implications for Angela. The specifics of the candidate and their platform are not deeply explored, but the prestige and importance of the role are clearly emphasized.
Q2: How does Tony react to Angela’s potential move to Washington?
Tony’s initial reaction is a mix of excitement and apprehension. He’s proud of Angela’s accomplishments and recognizes the significance of the opportunity, but he’s also worried about the impact on their relationship. He struggles with the idea of being separated from her for an extended period and fears that the distance will strain their bond.
Q3: Does Samantha support Angela’s decision?
Samantha, Angela’s daughter, is generally supportive of her mother’s career aspirations. However, she also voices concerns about the impact on her family and her relationship with Tony. Samantha represents the perspective of someone who has seen her mother prioritize her career in the past and understands both the rewards and the sacrifices involved.
Q4: What are some of the specific challenges that Angela and Tony face when considering the move?
They face numerous challenges, including the logistical difficulties of maintaining a long-distance relationship, the emotional strain of being apart, the potential for jealousy and insecurity, and the practical considerations of Tony’s job and his son Jonathan’s schooling. The episode explores these challenges in detail, highlighting the complexities of balancing personal and professional lives.
Q5: Does Tony consider moving to Washington with Angela?
The possibility of Tony moving to Washington is briefly discussed, but it quickly becomes apparent that it’s not a viable option. Tony is deeply connected to his community in Connecticut and has a established life there. Moving to Washington would require him to give up his job, his friends, and his family support network.
Q6: How does Mona, Angela’s mother, factor into this situation?
Mona, known for her free-spirited and unconventional views, offers Angela a unique perspective. She encourages Angela to follow her heart and pursue her dreams, but also reminds her to consider the impact on her loved ones. Mona’s advice serves as a reminder that there is no easy answer and that Angela must make a decision that feels right for her.
Q7: What are some of the arguments Angela uses to justify her consideration of the job?
Angela argues that the opportunity is a significant career advancement that could lead to even greater success in the future. She believes that she deserves to pursue her ambitions and that Tony should support her in doing so. She also points out that a long-distance relationship is not insurmountable and that they can make it work if they both put in the effort.
Q8: How does this episode compare to other episodes in the series that focus on Angela’s career?
This episode is more focused and nuanced than some of the earlier episodes that explored Angela’s career. It delves deeper into the emotional and relational consequences of her ambition, rather than simply portraying her as a successful businesswoman. It showcases her vulnerability and her struggle to balance her personal and professional desires.
Q9: Is there a clear “right” or “wrong” answer in the episode’s central conflict?
No, the episode intentionally avoids providing a definitive answer. It presents both sides of the argument fairly and acknowledges the validity of both Angela’s desire to pursue her career and Tony’s desire to maintain their relationship. The episode leaves the audience to consider the complexities of the situation and to draw their own conclusions.
Q10: How does the episode end?
The episode ends without a clear resolution. Angela has not made a final decision about the job, and the future of her relationship with Tony remains uncertain. This ambiguous ending reinforces the theme of the episode: that there are no easy answers when it comes to balancing ambition and love. The unresolved tension leaves viewers anticipating the next episode.
Q11: What is the significance of the episode title, “The Road to Washington?”
The title directly references the opportunity Angela has been offered, physically and metaphorically charting a path towards significant professional advancement and potential change in her life. It signifies a journey filled with choices and uncertain outcomes, setting the stage for the internal and external conflicts depicted in the episode.
Q12: Does this episode offer any broader commentary on the societal expectations of women in the workplace?
Yes, subtly. While not explicitly stated, the episode touches upon the societal expectations placed on women to balance their careers with family life and relationships. Angela’s internal struggle reflects the ongoing debate about how women are often judged differently from men when it comes to career ambition, suggesting that she is grappling with societal pressures alongside her personal desires.