MovieChat Forums > Mr. Belvedere (1985) Discussion > Most episodes have two stories, some epi...

Most episodes have two stories, some episodes have more

posted 10 years ago by jarrodmcdonald-1
5 replies | jump to latest

Anyone notice this? Usually, as was customary of sitcoms at the time, Mr. Belvedere has a main plot (the "A" story) and a secondary plot (the "B" story or subplot).

But a few episodes have more than two storylines occurring. I noticed this in several season 4 offerings. The one called 'Kevin Nightingale' has Kevin deciding to become a nurse (the main plot); with one subplot having Heather afraid of dissecting a frog; and another subplot with Wesley over-working Mr. Belvedere into the hospital.

There is also a two-parter during season 4 called 'The Trip' that has four stories running at the same time. The main plot involves Heather and Angela taking the elderly man to Atlantic City. But there are three subplots: one has George & Marsha celebrating their 20th anniversary; another one has Mr. Belvedere and Kevin hitching a ride with Robert Goulet; and then there's Wesley teaching the black woman how to gamble.

[–] taopolis 10 years ago

Wow, you're right about that 'The Trip" episode. I didn't realize that there was so much was going on in just one episode. They really packed in a lot of stuff and it still worked. I love this show !!

[–] jarrodmcdonald-1 10 years ago

Yes. I love this show too. Not every story works perfectly but it's such a good cast that they are usually able to pull it all off without any big problems

Another thing that makes the show and its storylines work is that they take turns pairing up. Like we might get Belvedere and Kevin rooming together, or George trying to win a competition with Heather, or Wesley thinking his mother didn't want him as a baby. So they vary the formula with the main plot and the subplots, having the cast taking turns pairing off and working with each other. Though usually to some degree Belvedere works his way across all the stories to provide much needed advice.

[–] bleech2 10 years ago

The creators/producers of Mr. Belvedere came from the series Barney Miller, which often had multiple plots in each episode as well. Also, the majority of the older guest stars cast on Mr. Belvedere also appeared on Barney Miller. It's funny having watched both series and seeing so many similarities, even though the premises of the two series couldn't be farther apart.

[–] jarrodmcdonald-1 10 years ago

Thanks for pointing that out. The show's humor is somewhat reminiscent of 'Barney Miller,' though the premise as you said is completely different.

In another thread about Robert Goulet, I mentioned how 'Night Court' used Mel Torme in a similar way. And key creative folks at that show (like Reinhold Weege) also worked on 'Barney Miller.' So that is why there are similarities in the irreverent types of comedy used on these shows, and the various guest stars.

[–] taopolis 10 years ago

I have also noticed that many of the of the guest actors can also be seen on the Golden Girls.