A year before this episode aired, the diminutive Brent Collins made daytime history when he became the first little person to be signed to a contract on a daytime soap. As Wallingford on "Another World", he became embroiled in a series of comical adventures with fan favorites Linda Dano, Stephen Schnetzer and Jackee Harry and also dealt with the typical prejudices that little people face in life. For four years, Collins was one of the hearts and souls of the show until his life was suddenly claimed by Marphan Syndrome which causes the bones to suddenly grow at an astronomical rate, creating a tragedy for his co-workers and many fans. But for this episode of "Golden Girls", he plays a variation of Wallingford, a fun-loving man who refuses to let his height stand in the way of him enjoying life to the fullest. "So Rose, you're seeing a psychiatrist!", Blanche declares as Sophia walks in. "It's about time!", Sophia declares as she prepares to head for son Phil's house for her grandson's graduation. Dorothy and Blanche decide to take it upon themselves to invite Collins (playing Dr. Jonathan Newman) to dinner which causes Betty White's lips to purse in anger, even more when Blanche believes that Collins is one of the Donaldson boys from next door trying to sell them a newspaper subscription then accuses Rose of hiring someone to impersonate her boyfriend to get even with them.
"Shrimp?", Blanche offers, running out of the room embarrassed by her choice of words. Even Dorothy, as cool, calm and collected as she normally is makes the mistake of asking, "May I take your height?" then stopping in her tracks to respond "Short ribs" to Jonathan's inquiry as to what is for dinner. "She's awfully uptight. I'm going to have fun teasing her tonight", Newman declares with humor, yet over dinner proves himself to be absolutely charming, funny and smart which makes Dorothy and Blanche adore him from the start. The sudden return of Sophia adds more possible humor, but Sophia makes a gracious exit, although she can't resist getting in one comment in regards to his height before she goes. Collins is sincere, sweet and self-deprecating, and is a welcome guest even though as always happens, it's a one off appearance which means that there has to be a denouncement. I didn't quite buy Jonathan's admission to Rose at the end, but it is handled with care and charm so it almost works. This is probably in the top ten of my favorite "Golden Girls" episodes, and I can watch it over and over and quote it with friends, and never get bored with it.
"Shrimp?", Blanche offers, running out of the room embarrassed by her choice of words. Even Dorothy, as cool, calm and collected as she normally is makes the mistake of asking, "May I take your height?" then stopping in her tracks to respond "Short ribs" to Jonathan's inquiry as to what is for dinner. "She's awfully uptight. I'm going to have fun teasing her tonight", Newman declares with humor, yet over dinner proves himself to be absolutely charming, funny and smart which makes Dorothy and Blanche adore him from the start. The sudden return of Sophia adds more possible humor, but Sophia makes a gracious exit, although she can't resist getting in one comment in regards to his height before she goes. Collins is sincere, sweet and self-deprecating, and is a welcome guest even though as always happens, it's a one off appearance which means that there has to be a denouncement. I didn't quite buy Jonathan's admission to Rose at the end, but it is handled with care and charm so it almost works. This is probably in the top ten of my favorite "Golden Girls" episodes, and I can watch it over and over and quote it with friends, and never get bored with it.