MovieChat Forums > Thirtysomething (1987) Discussion > Favorite guest appearances?????

Favorite guest appearances?????

posted 9 years ago by Kimrubymoon
4 replies | jump to latest

The first season's Thanksgiving episode "We Gatger Together" is one of my favorites. I laugh out loud no matter how many times I watch it for many reasons it is a great episode, but I just crack up at the actor Jack Blessing who plays Melissa's date, Jeff... Or as Gary condescendingly calls him "the psychology experiment". Anyway, I just wonder how Mr. Blessing got through filming some of his lines without cracking up? I don't think there has ever been a bad guest performance on this show, but I was just so embarrassed for him through the whole episode. So I ask you fellow fans ---- Who were some of your favorite guest appearances on Thirtysomething???

[–] cbest4 8 years ago

It has been around 25 years or more since I last watched Thirtysomething, so my memories are faint. I'd like to rewatch some of the episodes at some point. I didn't care much for the lead couple (Ken Olin, who was at least very handsome, and, especially, Mel Harris were very annoying to me), but I watched it regularly and, other than those characters, I liked it very much.

From memory, what I liked the most was the acting and the intense storyline of the phenomenal Patricia Wettig and Timothy Busfield; when the series focused on them it was television at its best. I also enjoyed the episodes that focused on Polly Draper and Melanie Mayron, who are both very charming comic actors. But what I recall most (and to answer your question from above) was my very favorite episode, a real beauty that guest starred Phyllis Newman and Sylvia Sidney as Melissa's mother and grandmother, respectively. It was gorgeously written and acted, and very moving. Do you remember seeing that one? That one was a keeper!

[–] Kimrubymoon 8 years ago

Cbest4: yes! I loved that episode I think from season 2 titled "Be a Good Girl". In the extras on one of the DVDS, Melanie Mayron (Melissa) says that Phyllis Newman is a lot like her own Mother and she really enjoyed filming that episode.

As far as Hope and Michael, I agree about Hope in many ways being annoying, but disagree about Michael. What I mean is--I thought way back when watching original airing - and still think now - that he his exactly what I'd like in a husband. I thought he was good looking (obviously) but also extremely thoughtful and devoted towards Hope. I thought he had integrity. As I get older, and unfortunately still single, I've longed to find that perfect mix in a man. Maybe I've just had the bad luck of knowing a lot of jerks but for me, honestly---out of any male character on TV ever, I think he would be MY ideal.

Having said that, yes, there were many times I wanted to shake Hope and tell her to wake up! No one is perfect, but he was a good provider (didn't care if she worked outside the home) but was supportive of she wanted to; he was a loving Father and friend, and not hard on the eyes! In the good ways---he was like my Grandfather's generation, yet he was fun and hip but not irresponsible (say, like Elliott). I fear that - that generation of baby boomers was the last like that. Men now are so confused (I feel in part due to extreme feminist crap- but don't get me started).

Mind you, feminism has its good points. I grew up in the 70's/80's so having the advantages that the feminist movement fought for is my reality---but like anything else--it has its downsides. I think that's REALLY starting to become clear now with those younger than me in their 20's and 30's. But that's a whole other discussion!?

I also agree with you about Melanie Mayron and Polly Draper. Peter Horton, Tim Busfield, and Patricia Wettig were all excellent as well. Along with the many, many guest stars over the years, as was my original post! I'm surprised no one else has chimed in yet on this. I'm so glad you did. It is my all-time favorite show and I love discussing it. I have a psych-sociology background soooo it makes sense!

[–] Holloway_Harris 8 years ago

I liked the episode with Eddie Arnold (I think that's his name) formerly of Green Acres.

[–] Kimrubymoon 8 years ago

Yes it was called "Elliot's Dad" from season 2. I had to look up Eddie Arnold and realized he was also in Roman Holiday with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. All those years later and I thought he looked familiar.