SYNOPSES: 1967

JANUARY 20, 1967 (EP. #678)
Liz encouraged Danny to take Missy and split even though she couldn't get Fred to help her unlock the trust fund. Danny (who took to calling her Duchess) threatened to tell Bill the whole sordid story of her mistreatment of Missy if he lost out on the Grand Slam.

JANUARY 26 and 27, 1967 (EPS. #682 and 683)
To lure Danny away from the hotel so Bill could meet with Missy, Pat and John lured him to their house on the pretext of discussing the details of Missy's trust fund. After many months apart, Bill and Missy finally reunited, and she felt her dreaded motel room had become a wonderland now that he was there. She was appalled to learn Danny had been manipulating her all along, that not only had he known from the start that she was a heiress, but that he'd kept Bill away from her when he came to Chicago in search of her. She finally told Bill she'd run away because she didn't want to shame him with the fact that she had been an abandoned child who'd grown up in orphanages and foster care. When she accepted his declaration that none of that would ever have mattered to him, they vowed to free her from Danny and the marriage and begin their life together. When a suspicious Danny stormed out, Pat phoned the hotel room to warn Bill to get out of there.

Bill: "Missy, my darling, how could this have happened to us? We should never have been apart. Never."
Missy: "I know. Oh, I know that now."
Bill: "Oh, Missy, I love you. I never stopped loving you and I love you now more than ever."
Missy: "I love you, Bill. Oh, I do, I love you so much. [THEY KISS]"

JANUARY 30, 1967 (EP. #684)
Bill arrived at Pat and John's house in a flurry, insisting they needed to save Missy from Danny. John advocated sensibility when Bill warned he's liable to do something pretty wild. Bill agreed they could tell Lee of their plans, and they all decided to keep Lenore in the dark. Fred clued Bill in to the fact that Liz was very interested in his whereabouts that afternoon. Bill was reluctant when Fred suggested he and Lenore join him, Liz, Alice, and Tony at the swank new supper club, the Top of the Tower. At their table, all six toasted Bill and Lenore with champagne. Tony groaned when Alice felt sure Bill wasn't keen on marrying Lenore. As he danced like an automaton, Bill felt his eyes glaze over while Lenore mentioned asking Lee to be her bridesmaid. Lee blasted Pat for fixing things so Lenore will lose Bill, then astounded her by revealing she'd been in the park when Pat kissed Michael and told him she loved him. Lee refused to believe Pat's desperate insistence that nothing happened between her and Mike. Lee made her suffer by saying she hadn't made up her mind whether to tell John.

Pat: "Lee... do you mean.. you can't be saying..."
Lee: "I'm saying just what you think I'm saying. I'm saying that I know about you and Michael. Yes, Pat, I know everything."
Pat: "Oh, Lee, you're mistaken."
Lee: "Oh, no I'm not!"

JANUARY 31, 1967 (EP. #685)
John failed to interest Pat and Lee in his discussion of divorce laws. Mary and Jim admitted they'd been relieved ever since Mike got on a plane and left Bay City. After he made a big speech of his love for her, they decided to stop in on Pat. Lee was venomous in her condemnation of Pat, who explained she and Michael were in love, but he left so nothing would happen. Lee was sure he left because he was too honorable to keep up an affair with a married woman. Dru lamented to Alice he doesn't live the life of the reprobate he imagined he would be, then they speculated if Liz had reason to be agitated about Bill's behavior. Liz's worst fears were realized when Bill decided to tell her he'd seen Missy. She pressed the attack when he said he understood everything now (though not her involvement), but he blew up when she harped on his taking Danny's leavings.

Jim: "They're all right now, aren't they?"
Mary: "You mean the children."
Jim: "Do we ever talk about anybody else?"

Liz: "[BACKING AWAY FROM HIM... FRIGHTENED OF HIM... BUT FRIGHTENED, TOO, BECAUSE EVERYTHING SHE'S WORKED AND LIVED FOR IS COLLAPSING. WHEEDLING:] Oh, Bill, you can't do this to me. [REALIZING THAT'S A MISTAKE, AMENDS IT] To Lenore... [THEN:] Bill, it's been in the papers,...Everybody knows... you're going to... [HER VOICE IS GETTING SMALLER... SHE'S LICKED... SHE'S FRIGHTENED... SHE'S ABANDONED BY HER SON... AND SHE KNOWS IT, THOUGH SHE WHIMPERS THESE WORDS, WHICH DO NOT EVEN CONVINCE HER:] you're... going to marry... Lenore..."
Bill: "No, Mother, I'm not. I am going to marry Missy. [TURNS AND STARTS TOWARD THE STAIRS. TAKE LIZ AND FADE OUT]"

FEBRUARY 1, 1967 (EP. #686)
Liz was relieved when Bill said Danny doesn't know he saw Missy, then frightened her when he crashed his fist into his palm at mention of Danny's name. She tried to convince him it would be dangerous to confront a man like Danny. Danny insisted to Missy that a punk like Sam didn't scare him, then blew up when she balked at the idea of splitting town after she signs papers at the bank tomorrow. Sam phoned to remind Danny he'd snitch to the cops if he didn't pay him off. At the Chicago airport, Charlie worried about Madge, who intended to confront Danny about the money he "borrowed" from Flo. Madge vowed to be reckless and give it to him good. Feeling trapped, a panicky Danny phoned for a taxi on the South Street entrance, then raged at Missy to pack her suitcases. Missy gasped when she came across the gun in the dresser drawer. Liz was satisfied when parroting John's sage advice prevented Bill from running out to check on Missy. Danny took the gun and refused again Missy's request for a divorce. As Missy sobbed in the next room, Danny was tormented by a montage of Liz, Madge, and Sam hounding him mercilessly.

FEBRUARY 2, 1967 (EP. #687)
Pat and Lee were nonplussed when John said the ringing phone must be the call he was expecting from Mike. Lee maliciously turned down John's offer to let her answer in favor of Pat, who also declined. Mike was grateful that John filled him in about Bill and Missy. Lee squirmed when John told Mike he could always come back to work for him if things don't work out. John was so exasperated that Lee refused to say hello that he threw up his hands and muttered, "Women!" Dru visited Mary in the kitchen to praise her Kaffee kuchen, and she was alarmed when he speculated on Lee's bleak mood. Lee warned Pat to toe the line even though she promised not to hurt her father by telling him. Still using kid's gloves with Missy, Danny tried to sweet-talk her when she expressed her desire to be free, but now that she knew what kind of lies were involved, she became repulsed. He was floored to receive a call from Madge, who demanded to meet him in the Bar and Grill across the street. Missy was frightened into obeying when he said she shouldn't use the phone or go out while he was out. Madge laid into Danny for conning Flo with perfumed garbage, and vowed to make him pay for turning Flo into a drunk by getting back all the money he took from her. Missy got up the courage to use the phone after checking the corridor for Danny.

Mike: "Give them... give everybody my regards."
John: "Certainly. Certainly. Maybe some other time-- [THEN:] Well, goodby Mike. And good luck."
Mike: (Exit Line) "Goodbye, John, and thanks very much for calling. [HE HANGS UP, EMTIONS (sic) CHURNING WITHIN HIM]"

FEBRUARY 3, 1967 (EP. #688)
Bill told Missy to hurry and meet him in the park near the hotel when she phoned him that Danny intends to whisk her away tomorrow. Lenore imparted to Helen that although there had never been skyrockets going off with her and Bill, she sensed something had been wrong tonight. Lenore declined to consider it when Helen suggested they wait until June to marry so Bill can get over his butterflies. Liz voiced objections while blocking the doorway until Bill grabbed her by the shoulders and firmly moved her aside. Liz trembled with terror, clapping her hands to her ears, as Danny's threats reverberated in her head. Danny gamely protested his innocence when Madge reminded he'd faked Missy out back in Chicago, then finally admitted his schemes when she threatened to spill the beans to Missy. Madge became fearful when he intimated there was another way besides a payoff to keep her shut up. Missy jumped out of the sere, cold wind into Bill's car and held onto him for dear life. She told him about the gun, and of how Danny had been frightened of a man named Sam. Bill said they'd go back to the hotel and settle the score with Danny once and for all. Liz took some deep breaths before leaving Bill a note (about being asleep upstairs), donned some dark glasses, and leaving.

FEBRUARY 6, 1967 (EP. #689)
Missy tried to talk Bill out of confronting Danny. Madge was almost speechless with rage when Danny, with an insouciant smile, said he could make Missy believe everything Madge said was a lie, then left her to pick up the check. Missy convinced Bill that Danny wouldn't hurt her since he needed her cooperation, and that she could lure him to the bank tomorrow, a safer place for Bill to confront him. Sam broke into Danny's suite, and made a mental note of the revolver he stumbled across in his search for valuables. Danny was frazzled to find Sam in his room still harping on being sent up for the job they pulled. Sam informed him he has a "To whom it may concern" letter in a safety deposit box in case Danny tried to use the gun on him instead of meeting his payoff deadline of ten o'clock tomorrow morning. Sam ran smack into Liz when she darted off the elevator, then was interested when she buzzed Danny's room and he let her in. Danny was astonished when Liz informed him that Missy had been seeing Bill behind his back. Desperate to bargain with him, she offered to try to convince Missy to settle a large sum on him, but he decided he'd only accept $500,000 from Liz.

FEBRUARY 7, 1967 (EP. #690)
Danny laughed and whispered in Liz's ear that his price was half a million dollars, paid tomorrow morning at ten o'clock. Missy convinced Bill her idea was best, and he told her not to worry about Lenore. When Danny speculated about Will's trust fund, Liz insisted she couldn't convert her assets to cash at a moment's notice, but Danny was inflexible. Bill found Liz's note, then poured himself a drink, and ruminated over Danny's machinations. Burning with a quiet, murderous fury, Madge mulled over Danny's words before bolting purposefully from the restaurant with the waitress looking at her agog. Liz returned home stealthily and poured herself a good stiff drink. When Bill caught her red-handed, she lied that she'd come downstairs to give in to a dissolute impulse. He was puzzled by her lack of reaction to his plans for tomorrow. Scared to death of the charade she must play, Missy stepped off the elevator and noticed to her surprise the room door was standing a few inches ajar. Leaving it open, she found the room in disarray. Upon closer inspection, she was traumatized to see Danny lying motionless behind the desk.

Missy: "[TOUCHES HIS CHEEK, SOFTLY] Tomorrow morning, darling?"
Bill: "Tomorrow morning. [HE KISSES HER AGAIN, THEN HUSKILY:] And then... forever. [SHE GOES QUICKLY]"

FEBRUARY 8, 1967 (EP. #691)
At midnight, a worried Alice came downstairs to sink into her father's easy chair. She sat erect, terribly startled, when she heard a noise from the kitchen. Very quietly she stole toward the kitchen and collided in the dark with a figure, who put his hand over her mouth to shut her up. Contrite but amused, Russ took Alice's wrist and pretended to feel her pulse. Russ said that though he wasn't due in until tomorrow, he got a ride from another medic upstate who let him off at the Dog Wagon restaurant downtown. Alice complained that though she felt like a maharani at the fancy restaurant, she was sure Bill had been unhappy because he didn't love Lenore. Liz forbade Bill from phoning and bothering John at this time of night, then denied she wasn't trying to help him. Speaking his name with the beginning of hysteria, Missy lifted Danny's hand, looked at it with horror, then let it drop to the floor, with a stifled scream of horror. Liz became exasperated when Bill commented on Danny's ability to fool Flo but not Madge. Madge darted around the bend in the corridor as the house detective [referred to as Harry here, but later as Thomas J. Simmons] and the night chambermaid [Dorothy L. Watkins] arrived at Danny's door to investigate the noise. The maid screamed "He's dead! He's dead! He's dead!" as they walked in on Missy standing holding the gun looking down at Danny. Madge was thoughtful, then frantic, before bolting down the fire exit door. Russ told Alice that a Dr. Robinson has a new operative procedure for cases like John's, and she agreed to talk to Pat about it. Russ was hesitant to agree to talk to Bill. Missy's teeth chattered and she looked like she might crumple into a heap at any moment as the maid ran for the doctor and Harry phoned for homicide.

FEBRUARY 9, 1967 (EP. #692)
Pat found John working late, and he claimed to have found a way for Missy to get a divorce under favorable conditions. Lee threw a jibe at Pat as over the phone John advised Bill not to call Missy. John described Bill's plan to them. Lee marched out of the room after refusing to listen to Pat. Harry followed Missy as she paced in a wobbly and somnambulistic fashion as the doctor examined Danny's body. Lt. Buckley and Sgt. Crawford questioned Harry. Irving the police photographer almost stumbled over Missy as he took shots of the corpse. Crawford outlined the body with chalk then dusted for prints. The maid became hysterical when Missy came out of her trance long enough to try to calm her self-pitying babbling. The police recognized Missy as the missing heiress they'd tried to find last year. Not feeling she needed a lawyer present, Missy spoke to Buckley, lying to protect Bill that she had been out for a walk alone when Danny was shot. Missy asked them to take her to the Randolphs.

FEBRUARY 10, 1967 (EP. #693)
Surprised to find Alice still awake, Dru told her he now has reason to believe something important was on Bill's mind. Alice felt like waving two American flags when Dru told her that John phoned with details of the plan to confront Danny tomorrow at the bank. Pat and John were on their way to bed when Crawford showed up on their doorstep with a dazed Missy. John dragged Crawford inside to speak with him, then whispered the news to Pat, who had her arm on Missy's shoulder on the couch. John and Pat promised to take care of Missy, who was barely able to recognize them. John asked Missy a few quick questions before Pat took her upstairs. Buckley told Crawford he learned that although the Fargos were newlyweds, they didn't share the same hotel bed. The next morning, John and Dru worried about what would happen to Missy when the police find out she had been planning to leave Danny. Buckley was confident that a guilty Missy had a thing about men and marriage.

Alice: (About Danny) "He's the vilest, creepingest, crawlingest creature I ever saw."
Dru: "[OVER] I endorse every sentiment you have ever had about him, my dear."

Dru: "I've got a lot of questions, naturally. First and foremost, who killed Danny Fargo?"
John: "No one knows yet..."
Dru: "I certainly hope it doesn't remain a mystery."

FEBRUARY 13, 1967 (EP. #694)
Unable to dissuade Bill from leaving, Liz felt the wheels turning in her mind when Lenore showed up for an early morning visit. Buckley tried to convince a doubtful Crawford that everything physical and psychological pointed to Missy's guilt, but Buckley also speculated that Bill would have been happy to have Danny bumped off. A flustered Bill looked a little sick when Lenore cooed about learning how to make breakfast for him. Liz ran out of the kichen after them as Bill tried to hustle Lenore out the door and into his car, then wailed in anguish as Bill said he was going to tell her it was over. Dru and John fumed over a busy signal, as Liz phoned Fred to ask him to come over immediately. John hung up when Liz loosened a flood of bile into his ear. In his parked car, Bill got up the courage to let Lenore know he couldn't marry her. An anguished Bill felt awful when a stoic Lenore thought Bill a fool to believe Missy's lies. A realist, Lenore gave him back his engagement ring though she felt her love for him like a terrible ache. The police speculated that if Liz handpicked Lenore as Missy's replacement, Lenore might have some information for them.

Bill: "[HE TURNS TO HER FOR THE FIRST TIME] Lenore, I hate to say this. I wish I could find a better way of saying it. And I won't blame you for anything you think of me from now on... but Lenore, I'm not going to marry you. [LENORE IS SHOCKED... NUMBED FOR THE MOMENT. FADE OUT]"

Bill: "We're not going to be married, Lenore."
Lenore: "Well. That is a piece of news for a girl on a bright morning before breakfast."

FEBRUARY 14, 1967 (EP. #695)
With an infinitely sad little smile and through welling tears, Lenore broke it to her mother that it was over. Lenore felt she could have made Bill love her if they'd married, and flared up when Helen suggested Missy didn't intend to break them up. Lenore and Helen claimed little knowledge when Buckley showed up and questioned them about Danny. Bill gave the ring back to Liz, since she'd given it to him on the condition that it was for Lenore only. After phoning John, a numb Bill informed Liz that Danny was dead. Buckley was about to enter the office of D.A. Walter Curtin when he was accosted by reporter Hal Nash. Buckley reviewed his findings with Walter, then said he feels Bill and Lenore won't be getting married. Liz covered when Fred showed up as requested by filling him in on Bill/Lenore and Danny. He was surprised when she suggested reuniting Bill with Lenore to protect him from police suspicion. Walter pointed out the holes in Buckley's theory, but was interested to hear Bill had just been reported pulling up at the Randolphs.

Liz: "[AND THOUGH HER HORROR IS GENUINE, THE AUDIENCE WILL UNDOUBTEDLY INTERPRET IT AS THEY WISH] Shot-- [BREAKS OFF] -- oh, no, how terrible."

'DISSOLVE TO STOCK FOOTAGE OR STILL BLOWUP OF A MUNICIPAL-LOOKING BUILDING, THEN TO A DOOR WHICH READS "DISTRICT ATTORNEY," AND UNDERNEATH, IN SMALLER LETTERS, "PRIVATE." AS WE ARE ON THE DOOR, BUCKLEY ARRIVES IN FRAME, KNOCKS, AND FROM WITHIN:]
Walter: (Intro Line, O.C.) "Come in!"

FEBRUARY 15, 1967 (EP. #696)
Alice came down to the kitchen early in her student nurse's uniform as Mary fussed over Russ's breakfast and Jim rustled his paper. Everyone was surprised when Alice revealed the plan to help Missy leave Danny. Mary was shocked Missy was never aware that Bill was looking for her, and Jim felt it shouldn't be taken for granted that Danny would give her a divorce. Mary almost visibly sagged as Dru phoned to relay the news of Danny's death. Dru and John tried to placate Pat's fears about being questioned by the police. The bell rang as Dru told John his fear that Missy will be accused. Bill told them that an unscrupulous man like Danny must have made plenty of enemies along the way, and John warned him not to keep mouthing off about Danny. In a borrowed dressing gown, Missy nestled in Bill's arms while he promised everything would be alright, but John and Dru exchanged looks which indicated they were not so sanguine. Alice wasn't sympathetic when Mary remarked that Liz sounded like she was coming apart at the seams. As Russ and Alice left for Memorial, Mary told Jim she had the feeling Danny was going to reach back from the grave somehow. Missy described coming back to the room and finding Danny's body. John and Dru exchanged an anxious look when she told of picking up the gun. Pat's eyes widened with fear when she looked through the panels alongside the door and saw a policeman outside.

Cover note: "Note: The first half of this episode (up to Bill's arrival at the Randolphs) is actually taking place at the same time as the last half of #695."

FEBRUARY 16, 1967 (EP. #697)
Smiling a moment in satisfaction of Danny's death, Liz took Lenore's ring and left the house determinedly. Walter warned Buckley not to form an opinion before all the facts were in, then offered that Bill had a much more pronounced temperamental inclination than Missy. Liz and Helen held different views on whether Bill knew what he wanted. Horrified to hear Helen was questioned by Buckley, Liz insisted Lenore had to put the ring back on her finger to divert suspicion from Bill. Walter hypothesized that Missy picked the gun up deliberately and held it to shield someone (Bill). Walter was miffed that Buckley had pre-empted his idea to bring Missy down for questioning. He ordered Buckley to question Liz. Flashbulbs went off as Dru and Missy came into Walter's office. Dru and Walter had met last spring when Walter spoke at the University. Missy went over her story, then, as sneak music played, Walter presented her with a clean glass of water (to acquire her fingerprints).

FEBRUARY 17, 1967 (EP. #698)
Pat and John played nursemaid to an upset Bill. John elaborated the reasons why it was better for Dru than Bill to have accompanied Missy. John falsely assured Pat that Missy hadn't done any harm by lying about her whereabouts. Lenore, with consummate dignity, came downstairs, where Helen told her of the murder and Liz implored her to act as if she were still engaged to protect Bill. Walter and Dru were both interested when Missy mentioned Sam. When Walter was called away, Dru advised Missy to mention seeing Bill to substantiate the fact of her whereabouts. Walter joked about Missy's "mysterious stranger" story with his secretary, Ms. Klein. Dru admitted to Walter that Missy had been seeking a divorce and had met Bill last night to discuss it. Lenore put the ring on when Helen noticed a car pulling up.

FEBRUARY 22, 1967 (EP. #699)
Missy was flustered when Walter couldn't find it credible that she had seen Bill last night on a professional basis only. Not to be disloyal, Helen agreed when Liz challenged her assertion to Buckley that they were in the middle of wedding plans. The three women gasped when he asked Liz for Bill's whereabouts last night. Lenore told him about being with Bill at the restaurant. Dru forbade Walter from asking why Missy left town last year, but Missy described meeting and marrying Danny. When Walter wondered why she married Danny if she didn't love him, Dru explained it was a mystery of the misty mid-regions of the human mind and heart. Walter agreed to let Pat explain herself how she found out Danny knew all along of the inheritance. Missy recoiled when Walter showed her the gun. Helen criticized Liz for making Lenore lie. Buckley was at a loss for words, since Liz assured him Bill had been home all evening, when Walter told him Bill had gone to see Missy.

FEBRUARY 23, 1967 (EP. #700)
Madge returned home, wandered stiff-legged about her apartment, and was horrified to see Danny's photo, since Flo had taken it with her. In a voice-over pre-recorded melange with plenty of echo, a superimposed image of Danny laughed threateningly at Madge. Charlie came by with the paper, but Madge was upset not to find in it what she was looking for. He was flabbergasted when Madge blurted out that Danny was dead. Jim comforted Mary, who felt guilty at never liking Danny, saying she'd been the only one to say a kind word about him, that he was pathetic. Mary stared at him in dawning horror when he said that the wife is usually the police's main suspect. Madge told Charlie of meeting Danny, hiding in the corridor, and listening through the fire door to hear that Danny had been murdered. Charlie informed her that a drunk Flo was back in town. She told him her mother just called with news that Flo had taken the $100 seed money. A pie-eyed Flo came home, staggered to the couch, and reminisced about the good times with Danny.

FEBRUARY 24, 1967 (EP. #701)
Lee wondered what news everyone had to tell her about Missy. Madge felt it was a bad time when Charlie urged her to tell Flo, who cuddled his picture, that Danny was dead. Flo burrowed into her handbag with increasing frenzy when she could find only $9 of the seed money. Madge refused to believe it when Flo wailed that she'd been robbed. Flo ranted she was going to phone Danny and make him come back to her. After sensing Bill's worry, Lee asked Pat if Missy killed Danny. Bill noticed the tension between Lee and Pat when Lee told John she'd have no problem playing dumb. After Madge dragged Flo away from the phone, Flo was stupefied to hear Danny was dead. Madge and Charlie were frustrated when Flo laughed and sobbed hysterically, denying it and kissing Danny's picture, until Madge slapped her. Avoiding her eyes, Charlie assured Madge he'd back up her story that she was never in Bay City. Pat was hesitant to worry him when Bill asked her to confide in him, but he revealed that, after a long talk with Mike, he already knew everything. Pat was grateful that Bill still held her in high regard, but felt it wouldn't do any good for him to talk to Lee. Bill was alarmed when a furious John slammed the phone down and said Liz had admitted lying to Buckley about Bill's whereabouts.

Charlie: "I'm here. I'll help you handle her."
Madge: "I know, Charlie, and thanks."

FEBRUARY 27, 1967 (EP. #702)
Bill jumped on Liz's case the minute she walked through the door. He groaned in despair as Liz described her plan to convince the Moores to pretend the engagement was still on, and he and John were appalled when she declared not caring about Missy's guilt or innocence. Walter speculated that both Liz and Missy were lying to protect Bill. Buckley was surprised when Walter considered it more likely that Missy was innocent and Bill the guilty party. Liz kissed Bill on the cheek and left after assuring everyone that she can tell Buckley something that will straighten everything out. John told Bill they needed to move Missy to Mary's house for propriety's sake. Dru made light of the meeting when he returned with Missy, but confided to John that Walter had some definite suspicions. Dru despaired of the fat in the fire upon learning of Liz's lies to the police. With wide-eyed candor, Liz told Buckley and Walter that Bill had left late last night to meet Missy on business, then smiled brightly as she reminded them of Bill and Lenore's engagement. Missy told Bill of her meeting with Walter, of whom she spoke favorably. Walter felt sure they now had a case against Bill or Missy, or both.

Missy: "[A FLUTTER OF FEAR TOUCHES HER, SHE CLOSES HER EYES AGAINST IT, HOLDS HIS HANDS TIGHT] Oh, Bill, kiss me... please... [AND HE LEANS OVER THE TABLE AND KISSES HER... TENDERLY, ALMOST CHASTELY, HIS LIPS GO TO HER CLOSED EYES, TOUCH THEM, AND IN A WHISPER]"
Bill: "I'll never leave you, Missy. I do promise. [AND HER EYES OPEN, TO LOOK ADORINGLY AT HIM]"

FEBRUARY 28, 1967 (EP. #703)
Clutching a straw to turn it into a pillar of stone, Bill rushed to Dru, grabbed him by the shoulders, and said that Sam must be Danny's killer. Missy told the three lawyers that Danny got the gun and made the plans right after seeing Sam. They tried to convince Missy that staying at Mary's would help stop the broadcast that she and Bill are still in love, then after she and Bill said goodbye, Pat offered to drive her over. Sam returned home, lit a cigarette, and read a lot about Danny's murder in the paper. Dru warned Bill that this "Sam" was the proverbial needle in a haystack. Liz felt she would be able to claim ignorance when Dru told her Missy would eventually tell the police the truth about her relationship with Bill. It wasn't at all displeasing to Liz when she gleaned that John and Dru worried Missy was a suspect. At the cafeteria, Russ tried to take Alice's mind off Missy's troubles, then changed the subject when she wanted to know why he was worried about Bill too. An ash tray brimmed with cigarettes as Sam mulled over the paper. Sam's sister Ada returned home, plopped down on the couch, and complained about the rich dames she has to take guff from at work. He recognized the surname from the paper when Ada told him Mrs. William Matthews had canceled her 10 o'clock appointment. He ignored Ada's question about Danny by mentioning her daughter Rachel had called to say she'd be out late modeling. He showed her the paper to explain why he wouldn't be able to give her the money he promised to send Rachel to Hollywood.

Liz: "[SHE EYES THEM BOTH IN THAT IMPERIOUSLY SUSPICIOUS WAY SHE HAS; CATHERINE THE GREAT INSPECTING HER GUARD]"

Sam: "[HE IS UPSET, OF COURSE, BECAUSE HE HAS JUST MISSED CASHING IN ON DANNY. BUT THE AUDIENCE MAY INFER WHAT THEY WISH AT THIS POINT]"

'ACT IV. SCENE THE SAME, CONTINUING, SAM IS STILL PACING. SOUND: (KEY IN THE DOOR) (SAM LOOKS QUICKLY TOWARD THE DOOR. THEN STEPS BACK INTO THE SHADOWS) (THE DOOR OPENS AND ADA ENTERS, A LARGE BAG OF GROCERIES IN HER ARMS) (SHE DOES NOT SEE THE NEWSPAPER)'
Sam: "[STEPPING OUT OF THE SHADOWS] Oh, it's you."
Ada: (Intro Line) "No, it's Princess Grace."
Sam: "[HE GOES OVER CASUALLY AND TURNS THE NEWSPAPER OVER SO SHE CAN'T SEE DANNY'S PICTURE OR THE HEADLINE] I just didn't expect you back so soon."
Ada: "I told you it was my afternoon off."
Sam: "Oh, yeah, that's right, you did."
Ada: "[SHE'S STRUGGLING TO GET HER KEY BACK IN HER PURSE AND THAT SPILLS OR JUST GENERALLY HAVING AN UNWIELDLY TIME WITH THE BAG OF GROCERIES AND PERHAPS A SMALLER PACKAGE] Look, will you stop just standing there, brother dear. Help me."
Sam: "Oh. [TAKES THE BAG] Where do you want this?"
Ada: "In the kitchen. [SAM EXITS TOWARD THE CUBICLE KITCHEN TO DEPOSIT THE BAG AND ADA PLOPS DOWN ON THE COUCH, BONE WEARY] I'll put the groceries away later... [SIGH, SHE RUBS HER BACK]... Boy, was I glad to get out of that place today."
...
Sam: "Oh, hey, I forgot to tell you. Rachel called."
Ada: "[NOW A TRANSFORMATION COMES OVER THIS WOMAN AT EVEN THE MENTION OF HER DAUGHTER'S NAME. WE SEE THAT THIS IS THE ONE THING THAT SUSTAINS HER AND AT THE SAME TIME, THE ALTAR ON WHICH SHE WOULD GLADLY SACRIFICE HERSELF] Rachel! Why didn't you tell me before?"

'PRODUCTION NOTE: IF WE HAVE BY THIS TIME, CAST RACHEL WHICH WE UNDOUBTEDLY WILL HAVE, LET'S PUT A PICTURE OF HER IN A DOMINANT PLACE IN THE ROOM SO THAT THEY, PARTICULARLY ADA, CAN LOOK AT IT FROM TIME TO TIME.'

MARCH 1, 1967 (EP. #704)
Bill slapped his forehead when Liz managed to convince herself she had never lied to the police. Bill refused when Liz begged him to continue the charade with Lenore to protect himself, but John felt he shouldn't go making any public proclamations about the wedding being off. Bill, who worried he'd be forced to marry Lenore to keep up appearances, declared even being charged with murder wouldn't change his mind. Walter informed Buckley he wanted to question Bill, then they learned Pat drove Missy to the Matthews. Ms. Klein entered with the news that the gun was unregistered. Liz protested when Buckley showed up to take Bill for questioning. Liz laid into John for cooking up with Pat that comic opera to reunite Bill and Missy. She was at a loss for words when Dru told her off. Buckley was annoyed that Walter wouldn't let him sit in on the meeting with Bill. After Liz marched to the kitchen with an air of injury, Dru told John that when he was assistant D.A., Walter had been very much in love with his fiancé, Carrie Jordan, but that she'd broken his heart by running off with his best friend, Arnold Lee, assistant superintendent of the Wayland factory. They worried that subconsciously Walter would hold a grudge against Missy for wanting to leave Danny for Bill. Bill was frustrated when Walter implied he didn't believe in Sam's existence.

MARCH 2, 1967 (EP. #705)
Buckley told Walter that Danny had a Pink Panther lipstick smear on his hand, then they laughed about so-called Sam. Liz had a weary expression as Dru and John tried to reassure a glum Bill he couldn't have defended Missy against Walter any more successfully. Bill was dejected when everyone forbade him from going over to see Missy. After Walter learned only Danny and Missy's prints were on the gun, he ordered Buckley to arrest Missy on Murder Two. Missy had tea with Mary and described pretending her own family was like the Matthews. Missy cried gratefully on Mary's shoulder after explaining why she'd run away. They were stunned when Buckley showed up to arrest Missy, who looked back piteously toward Mary, who phoned John. For different reasons, Liz and Dru and John convinced Bill not to accompany Dru to the station. John's face was a study as he violently wheeled himself around so he wouldn't have to see Liz comfort Bill.

Script note: "Mary-- I took the reading time from here -- Audra had to catch a train." Here, a note to or from production assistant Mary Bonner refers to one of the time marks peppering each page (timing was crucial in live shows) in relation to Audra's character, Liz.

MARCH 3, 1967 (EP. #706)
Ada was unconvinced of his innocence when Sam moaned about burning for a murder he didn't commit. Alice was genuinely sympathetic when she ran into Lenore on campus and was told of her break-up, then understood fully when Lenore explained Liz's idea to keep wearing the ring. Liz gave Bill her little tolerant smile and hugged him briefly before leaving. Pat was appalled to return home and learn from John and Bill of Missy's arrest. John assured Bill that Dru would have Missy remind the police of Sam. Sam argued it didn't make sense to have killed a man who has bound to pay him off. Ada fumed when Sam felt he had enough troubles of his own to worry about staking Rachel's fare to spend three months in Hollywood. Ada, sure that Rachel was pretty, bright, and talented enough to succeed, planned to buy a pretty pink stucco house on Sunset Boulevard and send a photo of it to Pierre's. Mary was shocked when Liz smiled and voiced her belief that Missy was entirely capable of killing Danny.

Notes: Though crossed out (for time or content is unknown), Sam's résumé of crooked activities included a payroll job in Toledo, and a heist of furs in St. Louis with Monk Sigler.

MARCH 6, 1967 (EP. #707)
The reporters raised a hubbub as Dru brought Missy into the squad room. Jim returned home to find the entire Matthews larder spread about on the counters as Mary furiously cleaned the shelves. Mary told him of Missy's arrest, her eyes really brimming when she imparted Liz's urge that Missy get what she deserves. A brusque Buckley, by no means a sadistic inquisitor, took down Missy's particulars: 22 last month, 5'2'', 103 lbs., dark brown hair and brown eyes. Feeney, the police property clerk, bagged her belongings so quickly Missy felt like she was caught in a maelstrom of impersonal, deadly procedure. Fingerprint technician Parker chatted with Buckley as he took Missy's prints. She was shepherded next to the photographer, who shoved a plaque in front of her with her name and the date. Buckley explained to her she might very well have to stay over in jail. In the bare, bleak interrogation room, Missy was distracted by the ink stains she couldn't manage to rub off her fingers. Ms. Klein transcribed on a stenotype machine as Walter explained the nature of the charges. Dru realized Walter had obtained Missy's prints off the water glass that morning when Walter stated she'd held the gun in a firing position. Walter made an unbelieving epithet out of Sam's name. Sam angrily knocked the paper out of Ada's hand when she expressed phoney solicitude over his "grief." Ada remembered that it was Liz's son Bill who had been engaged to Missy last year. After Missy volunteered that she didn't kill Danny, Walter informed her that she would be held in custody to be bound over to Magistrate's Court for formal arraignment.

'THE WHOLE PUSHING, MILLING GROUP HAS NOW CROWDED INTO THE SQUADROOM-- WHICH IS NOT UNLIKE THE CITY ROOM OF A SMALL METROPOLITAN NEWSPAPER; BATTERED DESKS, TELEPHONES (ONE OR MORE OF THEM JANGLING WITH SOME FREQUENCY), BEAT-UP FILE CABINETS, A WATER COOLER-- INSTITUTIONAL FURNITURE, WELL-WORN; IT IS NOT AN ANTISEPTIC, WELL-ORDERED PLACE. AND OF COURSE THE DRABNESS, THE IMPERSONAL INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY HAS A DRAMATIC PURPOSE HERE: TO EMPHASIZE MISSY'S DILEMMA, TO POINT UP THE DEHUMANIZING EXPERIENCE SHE MUST NOW ENDURE.'

Photographer: "Mrs. Fargo, please-- [THEN:] Missy! [REFLEXIVELY MISSY TURNS, THE FLASHBULB GOES OFF, BLINDINGLY, IN HER FACE-- SHE IS FROZEN, TERRIFIED-- WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT IF WE HAD A FREEZE-FRAME DEVICE IN LIVE TELEVISION?-- AND WE FADE OUT FAST]"

Jim: "Who? Who could possibly suspect-- "
Mary: "[A LITTLE SHAKY NOW, BUT WITH ANGER RATHER THAN SADNESS:] Who? Really, can't you guess? [A TINGE OF BITTERNESS:] Our esteemed sister-in-law, Jim-- the great lady herself, past president of the Altar Guild, the doer of good works-- "

Cover note: "PRODUCTION NOTE: THE PAGE COUNT [45] OF THIS SCRIPT IS LONG, BECAUSE WE FEEL STRONGLY THAT THE POLICE HQ SCENE SHOULD HAVE A FAST, ALMOST KALEIDOSCOPIC PACE AND DEFINITELY NOT AN ATTENUATED LITERALISM."

Notes: This episode included three pages of additional material that was played in the background during Missy's booking. It ended with the notation: "USE AS LITTLE OR AS MUCH AS YOU NEED." In the scene, a "Mrs. Walters" insisted she'd just been out walking her dog Snowball when she stopped for a cigarette. Since she didn't have a match, she'd gone up and asked a man for a light. She demanded her constitutional rights of the poor put-upon officer booking her. The following is the introduction to the supplement:
'ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR SCRIPT #707.
(Not knowing where this will go exactly and whom you will have talking to the woman, you may break it up as you see fit.)
DIRECTIONS: THE WOMAN IS BEDRAGGLED, A LOWER STRATUM PEDDLER OF HER WARES WHO PROBABLY HAS BEEN ON DOPE FOR QUITE SOME TIME.'

MARCH 7, 1967 (EP. #708)
Madge shuddered with revulsion when she picked up Danny's photo, dropped by a sleeping Flo. Charlie came over to show her the story on Danny's death in the paper. He avoided her gaze as she tried to convince him she hadn't killed Danny, then with elaborate casualness he offered that many people likely had it in for Danny. Ada's suspicion that Sam killed Danny was by no means averted as she threw barbs at him. She remembered how much Liz hated Missy, but Sam hardly listened as she prattled on about remembering Katherine Corning who also used to come into the shop sometimes. Sam sweated as he remembered handling the gun, then recalled another woman had seen Danny after he left. He speculated that she'd worn dark glasses because she'd come to kill Danny. Liz came out of her own private brand of the galloping willies (Danny's voice) to answer the door to Fred, who was distressed to hear she'd lied to the police. Flo noticed when Madge tried to hastily whisk the paper away, then was sure Missy was guilty. Sam discounted Ada's idea that the woman was one of Danny's girlfriends.

MARCH 8, 1967 (EP. #709)
Dru came in with her when the matron led Missy, in a great state of shock, into her cell. Alice came home to find Russ engrossed in either "Archives of Surgery" or "Medical Worlds News," and was annoyed he wasn't interested in her talk with Lenore. As they discussed possible surgery for John, Mary came home to tell them of Missy's arrest. They discussed the reasons why it happened. Dru frightened Missy with mention of a Grand Jury hearing, then disappointed her by not letting Bill visit her in jail. Mary and Alice went off to prepare dinner for Dru, who told Russ they now needed to find the real killer. Ada wanted Sam to calm down since she'd told Rachel he'd been in South America, not wanting her to know he'd been in jail. Sam accused her of making Rachel think she was better than anybody else, to fulfill Ada's own failed dreams. Rachel came home and wondered if Sam received the first dividend from his investment so she could go west. Sam grabbed the paper when Rachel showed him the new edition with Missy's arrest. Missy was fearful that the matron may have heard her whisper Bill's name.

Sam: "What have you told her about her father?"
Ada: "That he's dead."
Sam: "Rachel may be in for a real shock someday."
...
Ada: "Rachel's gonna be a big movie star."
Sam: "Oh, sure..."
...
'THEY ARE INTERRUPTED BY THE OPENING OF THE DOOR AND RACHEL'S ENTRANCE. HER DRESS IS NOT HIGH CAMP YET SHE CERTAINLY LEANS MUCH MORE TOWARD THE OUTRE THAN THE REST OF OUR YOUNG GALS. IN THE POCKET OF HER COAT OR IN THE POCKET OF HER TOTE BAG SHE HAS A FOLDED NEWSPAPER. WE SEE IT BUT IT ISN'T DISPLAYED PROMINENTLY. THERE IS, AT HER ENTRANCE, AN IMMEDIATE SIGN FROM ADA FOR SAM TO KEEP QUIET.'
Rachel: (Intro Line) "Hi."
Ada: "Oh, hello, honey. Did you have a nice day?"
Rachel: "[SHE FALLS DOWN INTO A CHAIR] I had a long day. Modeling dull clothes for dull people."
Ada: "Oh, this was the fashion show for the Hospital Benefit?"
Rachel: "Uh huh... and there were only four of us and we had to change ten times apiece."
Ada: "Oh, you poor baby. I'll get you some coffee."
Rachel: "No, I don't want any. Just tell me when we're getting out of here? Huh, Uncle Sammy? When are Mom and me leaving for Hollywood? [TAKE ADA LOOKING QUICKLY TO SAM AND WE FADE OUT]"

MARCH 9, 1967 (EP. #710)
John advised Bill to let wiser heads prevail, as Missy threw herself onto the cot and sobbed. Lee came home and told Bill she intends to speak to Lenore, then was floored when Pat and John told her of Missy's arrest. Walter told Dru he anticipates no problem convincing a jury that Missy's a liar, and dismissed the amount of time between the shots firing and Missy being found over the body. Dru, who felt they were dancing a minuet, was unnerved when Walter asked him to prove that Bill and Missy didn't love each other. Bill warned Pat not to count on Lee being able to keep quiet to John about her and Mike. Liz showed up to beg Bill to come home, and he agreed once he heard from Dru. Dru requested the matron bring Missy a sleeping pill. Missy nightmared that Liz (in black robes) as Judge Matthews forbade Bill from marrying her: Danny laughed derisively, then clapped his hand over Bill's mouth and dragged him away: Danny dragged Missy away as Liz prevented Bill from saving her. Missy woke up screaming as Danny said he was her jailer, Liz said she had no name, and Bill called her name.

'ACT IV. PRODUCTION NOTE: THIS ACT CALLS FOR TWO PLAYING AREAS-- THE CELL AND A LIMBO AREA. PROBABLY BACKED BY A BLACK DRAPE, WHICH SHOULD BE NEXT TO THE CELL BECAUSE MISSY WILL HAVE TO GET FROM CELL TO LIMBO AREA AND BACK WHEN THE CAMERA IS NOT ON HER. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT ONLY ONE CAMERA WILL BE NEEDED IN THE CELL, BUT TWO WILL CERTAINLY BE NECESSARY IN THE LIMBO AREA. FOR SOME SHOTS YOU MAY WANT TO USE THE CHAPMAN IN THE LIMBO AREA. AND SINCE WHAT WE ARE PLAYING IS A NIGHTMARE, THE DIFFUSION LENS IS SUGGESTED. THE NIGHTMARE SHOULD PLAY AT A FAST CLIP.'

MARCH 10, 1967 (EP. #711)
Helen wouldn't allow Bill into the house, but Lenore came down in her peignoir and said it was all right. Lenore felt it wasn't necessary when Bill apologized for what Liz made her do. She was astonished when he showed her the paper with news of Missy's arrest, but there was also a dawning, very human, normal hope in her face. Madge told Charlie that Flo was really coming off the spool, then felt Missy had been justified when Charlie showed her the paper with Missy's arrest. Bill felt ashamed when Lenore offered her help in any way. Helen stared at her aghast as Lenore mused over the fact that Missy stood accused of a terrible crime. Charlie didn't buy it when Madge felt Danny could have driven Missy to murder. Walter ordered Buckley to check up on Danny's background at the Alley, then reminded him they found Pink Panther lipstick in Missy's belongings. Walter disapproved when Buckley said the matron overheard Missy say Bill's name. Walter relished the thought of Missy on the stand, since that's the only way the defense can introduce the notion of Sam.

Note: To avoid using the big set of the Alley, a little anteroom for the help was used in Madge and Charlie's scene.

ABOUT MARCH 30, 1967 (EP. #726)
Madge remembered arguing with Danny about his callow treatment of Flo.

Former "pen" pal Lefty Burns reminded Sam of the success they had shared in his numbers racket.

MAY-JUNE 1967
Fellow model Lahoma Vane told Rachel that she was off to Hollywood on the advice of a casting agent she'd met.
Dru defended Missy in court with the assistance of Bill and John. On the stand, Missy was forced to describe the ordeal of her true parentage.
Liz was only too happy to supply Walter with any assistance she could provide. Since his case depended on whether Missy was pregnant, Liz vowed to find out. She was able to uncover this after listening in on a phone conversation between Bill and Pat. Armed with this information, Walter was able to successfully convict Missy and she was sent to prison. Bill vowed to search for Danny's true killer until Missy was freed.
Rachel fainted while modeling at Bryant's department store and had to be hospitalized. She fell in love with Russ, and schemed to make herself the next Mrs. Matthews.

JUNE 21, 1965 (EP. #772)
Pat reminded Lee about the dark days they went through last year because of John's paralysis to reinforce her belief that an operation for John is a good idea.

JULY 7, 1967 (EP. #784)
When Lee started telling John about Missy and Bill saying goodbye, Pat was sure she was leading up to telling him about Pat and Michael. John tried to reassure Lee and Pat that his upcoming operation was for the best. Pat insisted to Lee she had never slept with Michael, but Lee didn't believe her.

JULY 17, 1967 (EP. #790)
Flo swore she'd never tell a soul about her suspicion that Madge killed Danny.

JULY 27, 1967 (EP. #798)
Flo boasted to Madge that she had resisted the urge to take a drink. Madge was upset when Flo begged her to tell Bill, Dru, or the D.A. that she killed Danny. Lenore tried to comfort Lee when Lee obsessed that John would die because of his upcoming operation. Lee fretted over whether she should have told John about Michael and Pat, but had feared it would take away his will to live. Lee told Lenore she blames Pat for losing the only two people she's ever loved: Michael and John. Sunk into her black mood, Lee advised Lenore to get over her feelings for Bill. Madge told Flo she didn't kill Danny, even though she admits she went to Bay City and argued with him before he was killed. Flo admitted Bill encouraged her to believe that someone (Madge) could have done the deed then blacked it out of memory. Madge insisted that Bill was just trying to get Missy off the hook by placing the blame on her. Madge resented Flo's continuing accusations, especially since she's been taking care of Flo all these months. Lee told Lenore she had a premonition that John will die. Lenore got flustered when Pat arrived home, but Lee covered for her so that Pat wouldn't know the women had been having a private conversation. Lee fell to pieces when Pat blamed her for John's accident, since John had been hit by a truck trying to protect Lee, who had run off during an argument and jumped in a car. Madge began to wonder if she really did kill Danny and blacked it out. Flo had a nightmare about Danny, and shocked Madge with the violence of her outbursts.

JULY 28, 1967 (EP. #799)
Pat and John shared a tender moment in his hospital room the morning of his operation. Alice reassured Pat that John's hypodermics were only to give him Vitamin K to help coagulate his blood. John and Pat shared a long lingering look before the elevator whisked him away to surgery.
Ada visited Rachel in her hospital room. She told her the Matthews family, to which Rachel aspires, was "society" and tried to get her interested again in going to Hollywood. But Rachel told her as Mrs. Matthews she would command the same respect and power, such as the Mrs. Matthews that frequents Ada's beauty parlor. Ada had wanted to send Rachel to Hollywood after she won a beauty contest at age fifteen and a half, but didn't have the money. When Rachel reminded Ada that it was Ada's brother, Sam, who paid for her private room, Ada kept mum that it had been her money, which she received when Liz paid her for her silence and discretion. Ada was tortured by the voices of Sam and Liz pounding in her head: Sam screaming that Liz had killed Danny Fargo, and Liz murmuring how much she appreciated Ada's silence. Alice came in to tend to Rachel as part of her nursing duties. Alice tried to take Pat's mind off the operation by gossiping about Russ and Rachel. Ada was about to reprimand Rachel for pursuing Russ for his money, but had to clam up when Rachel pointed out that Ada had brought her up that way. Ada had paid for diction, drama, and dancing lessons, as well as charm school, but to help her daughter stand on her own two feet, not so she could aspire to high society. Since it was the day she worked at the hospital thrift shop, Liz came to inquire about John, but only served to make Pat more anxious. Liz was uncomfortable when she ran into Ada in front of others, and worried that people would wonder where Rachel and Ada got the money for Rachel's private hospital room.
Dr. Robinson and his assistant Dr. Heath both freaked out when John's breathing, then his heart, stopped during surgery.

Sam: "You don't care what you do, Ada, just so long as you get money and clothes for Rachel."

Rachel: (Preening before a mirror) "How do I look?"
Ada: "Elizabeth Taylor should look so good."

Alice: "Russ and Rachel strike me as pickles and ice cream."

Liz: "Are you going my way?"
Ada: "For a short piece, I guess. ['PIECE' IS A SOUTHERN COLLOQUIALISM MEANING 'DISTANCE.' PLEASE DON'T CHANGE IT AS THIS IS WHAT ADA, WITH HER BACKGROUND, WOULD USE]"

JULY 31, 1967 (EP. #800)
Mary and Alice patted Pat's hands during John's operation. When Mary noticed Lee snubbing Pat, Pat admitted she confronted Lee over Lee's guilt in John's accident. Lenore helped Liz out at the thrift shop since Helen had a dentist appointment. Liz said she had been surprised to see Lenore out with Walter at the Top of the Tower. Russ broke the news to the family that while the operation was a success, John's heart stopped briefly during surgery. Russ couldn't restrain Lee when she went into hysterics at the news and ran off. Pat broke down and admitted to Mary that she and Michael thought they were in love, but that neither wanted anything to happen between them. Lee had see them kissing goodbye in the park the day before he left town, but it was the only time he had ever touched her. Mary insisted that what happened was understandable because last year John had resigned from life and made a slave out of Pat.

Mary: "You know Dru... he's a real slyboots."

AUGUST 1, 1967 (EP. #801)
In Chicago searching for clues to Danny's real killer, Dru warned Bill not to jump to conclusions about Madge, while Bill fretted their investigation was leading nowhere. Mary told Jim about Pat's guilt over her wavering devotion to John. Mary and Jim flared up at Liz for suggesting John wasn't well enough for his operation because he had exhausted himself conferring with Dru over Missy's case. Bill and Dru considered returning to Bay City when Jim called with news of John's improved condition. Madge was despondent when Charlie discovered that Flo had pried the liquor cabinet open to get a drink. Charlie was morbidly fascinated when he heard Flo mumbling in her sleep about Danny.

AUGUST 2, 1967 (EP. #802)
Ada panicked when Sam threatened to phone the D.A. and spill the beans. Liz tried to find out if Alice suspected who Rachel's rich benefactor was, and was relieved when Alice thought it was Sam. Liz then quizzed Alice about Sam when Alice mentioned he was Ada's brother. Russ was evasive when Rachel brought up the kiss they shared the day before yesterday. Rachel was "implacable and ominous" when Ada tried to explain that she could no longer afford Rachel's private room. Ada pleaded with Rachel to understand that her salary at Pierre's was all they had, but Rachel threatened to leave the hospital despite the health risk if she lost her room. Rachel railed at Ada for lying to her that her father was dead, but Ada wouldn't say anything about it. Liz read over Missy's trial transcripts at the library and seethed to learn that Danny had known a man named Sam, whom Liz realized was Ada's brother.

Rachel: "Everybody lies when they have to. I know I do."

Sam: "Ada, Raitch is a nice kid, but she's spoiled, she's spoiled rotten..."

Old Newspaper Headline: "Defendant On Stand In Fargo Trial"

AUGUST 3, 1967 (EP. #803)
Bill phoned Walter to tell him they were close to finding the real culprit. Bill swore to Dru he wouldn't lay off pressuring Madge. Flo told Madge she believes in Madge's innocence and Missy's guilt. While sharing a pre-dinner cocktail, Walter told Lenore about his father: a poet who taught English Lit. at a small college in Illinois, then died at age 72. Walter told Lenore that Bill was falling victim to wishful thinking, and scoffed at Bill's idea of Madge being Danny's killer. Bill visited Flo, and she told him his suspicions of Madge were tearing her up. Madge made excuses when Charlie suggested Flo had been to see Danny in Bay City the night of the murder, but the awful truth sunk in when they heard Flo nightmaring about an argument with Danny.

Lenore: "You're uncanny."
Walter: "Now, there's a cryptic remark."

AUGUST 4, 1967 (EP. #804)
In the Women's Correctional Institute infirmary where she recovered from a virus, Missy told Dr. Burrows that Pat and John would adopt her baby when it was born. Walter good-naturedly dismissed Lee's premonitions when Lenore described them to him. Walter said he wished Missy had been acquitted so that she and Bill would be married by now, and Lenore would be free of him. Russ said his invitation to the hospital ball still stands when Rachel mentioned that Ada had her doubts about Russ's interest in her. The shadow of Lee's threat to tell John about Pat and Michael manifested when John told Pat they could now start their life over again.

Russ: (To Rachel) "You're kind of a challenge to me, you know that?"

AUGUST 7, 1967 (EP. #805)
Flo's nightmares interrupted Madge and Charlie's argument about her possible guilt. Liz feigned a headache when Fred wanted to know why she was so out-of-sorts during dinner. Madge refused when Charlie suggested she ask Dr. Hansen, a psychiatrist, about whether suppressed memories could resurface in one's dreams. Sam implored Ada to tell the D.A. that "Duchess" Matthews (Liz) was in Danny's room the night he was killed. Sam reminded Ada that she took care of all her brothers and sisters, so she shouldn't say that Rachel has it so rough. Liz confronted Ada about trying to cover up the fact that not only was Sam her brother but that he was at Danny's that fateful night and was probably the one who killed him. She accused Ada of blackmail since it was Sam, not Ada, who saw her at Danny's.

Ada: (To Liz) "No! No! Sam had nothing to do with the murder of Danny Fargo!"

AUGUST 8, 1967 (EP. #806)
Charlie pressured Madge into agreeing to see Dr. Hansen. Sam was relieved when Ada told him everything was out in the open between them and Liz, but had to agree with Liz that Ada was a blackmailer, and therefore might be arrested if they went to the D.A. with their information. Sam was confident Liz would keep her mouth shut about his presence in Danny's room since it would only implicate herself. Russ had to fib a little when Rachel asked him if Pat and Mary liked her when they met her, as they really didn't have any opinion of her. Ada worried that Sam would end up back in jail if they told the truth, but he was willing to take his chances as he couldn't stand the idea of Missy rotting in prison. Dr. Hansen described hysterical amnesia to Madge, who got upset when he mentioned the role of dreams in the condition.

AUGUST 9, 1967 (EP. #807)
Jim told Pat that Missy would understand if Pat forewent a visit in favor of staying by John's side. Jim was fully on Pat's side when she tried to cast guilt on herself over her and Michael's relationship. Mary visited Missy in prison in Pat's place and passed along Bill's "great, great love" to her, but Missy insisted he should forget her and find another girl, like Lenore. Lee left the room when Pat came to visit John. Lenore warned Lee it would be bad for John's health for him to catch on to the bad blood between Lee and Pat. Lee got terribly agitated when Lenore quizzed her about John's accident last spring.

Lee: (To Pat) "I have nothing but hatred and contempt for you."

Lenore: "Bill went out of my life... But not out of my heart."

AUGUST 10, 1967 (EP. #808)
Jim was optimistic when Mary worried about what will happen when Pat has to take on Missy's child and has to face the music when Lee tells John about Pat and Michael. Ada was terribly upset when Rachel ranted and raved that Russ and Alice would think little of her if she lost her private room. Liz relished telling Jim and Mary that Missy should resign herself to staying in prison the rest of her life. Russ wondered why Rachel was so eager to be out of the hospital, not knowing she wanted to leave before she lost her room. Liz and Sam sized each other up when he came over to confront her. Sam said he knew what Liz spoke to Danny about when she saw him: she wanted to make sure he wouldn't tell people it was Liz's fault Missy ran away the night before she was going to marry Bill. Sam picked up the phone and dared Liz to call the D.A. and finger him.

Rachel: (To Ada) "I'd rather be dead than go on living, being poor, poor, poor!"

Sam: (Over the phone to Liz) "This is Sam, Duchess. And I want to see you... right now."

AUGUST 11, 1967 (EP. #809)
Bill felt it was a dead end when Dru told him their private investigator, Carl Vollmer, found out Danny owed $3,500 to a loan shark three months before his murder. Flo visited Dru and Bill in their hotel room to advise them to cross Madge off their suspect list. Madge admitted to Charlie that Flo may have gone to Bay City to see Danny, but not that she killed him. Liz backed down when Sam dared her to phone Walter. Liz was flabbergasted when Sam accused her of killing Danny. Liz lied that Sam was a contractor when Lenore dropped by unexpectedly. Madge felt glum and guilty when Flo showed up at the Alley all smiles looking to resume her waitress job.

AUGUST 14, 1967 (EP. #810)
Russ wasn't sure Rachel was up to it when she said she'd asked her boss Arlene Stanley if she could resume her modeling. Rachel kissed Russ to thank him for being such a good doctor. Rachel taunted Sam about his financial bad luck when he was unsympathetic that she was upset he could no longer afford continuing to pay for her room. Liz warned Ada that Sam would be the only one who got into trouble if he told the D.A. he'd seen Liz at the Barclay Hotel the night Danny was shot. Rachel was so furious with Sam for saying she just wants to get her hooks into Russ, that she threw a vase at him. They both made excuses when Alice came to investigate. Sam quizzed Alice about whether John was well enough to see visitors.

Sam: (To Alice about Rachel) "She's the kookiest kid I ever saw."

Script Note: "[Rachel] THE INSTINCTIVE COQUETTE, KNOWING EXACTLY WHEN TO TEASE HER QUARRY."

AUGUST 15, 1967 (EP. #811)
Madge and Charlie speculated that Flo had used the money she stole from her mother to take a plane to Bay City to confront Danny. While fixing him his sandwich lunch, Ada told Sam outsiders like themselves and Missy don't stand a fair chance in the justice system. Walter confided in Lenore about a girl named Lydia who'd made a fool out of him. He felt better when Lenore said she doesn't agree with the popular opinion that he was a cold, unfeeling man. Madge just about died of shame when Flo told her she'd stick by her through anything, just like they promised their mother. Flo was flustered when Madge confronted her about her incriminating nightmares and about whether she had seen Danny in Bay City. Madge was stunned to find an airline ticket to Bay City in Flo's purse.

Sam: (To Ada) "Haven't I got an honest face?"

AUGUST 16, 1967 (EP. #812)
Walter wouldn't reveal his source when Lenore asked how he'd discovered that Missy was pregnant. Walter told Lenore she was deluded if she thought Liz wasn't trying to push her and Bill together. Madge was tormented by voices of Charlie (saying they couldn't let an innocent girl like Missy stay in jail) and Flo (saying she'd never squeal on her sister). John teased Russ about his interest in Rachel. Lenore thought it was despicable when Walter revealed that Liz had told him about Missy's pregnancy in order to seal Missy's fate.

Madge: (To herself) "No, no, you couldn't have done it, Flo. It can't be. It can't be."

Lenore: (About Liz) "She's a bit of a busybody, you know."
Walter: "So I've gathered. She seems to have opinions about everything."
Lenore: "Oh, she certainly does."

Flo: (Having a nightmare) "Danny, don't come any closer, I... Danny, please stay away from, Danny don't make me... [A CONVULSIVE HEAVING SOB]... Oh Danny what have I done?"

Russ: (To John about Alice) "My sister has a big mouth."

AUGUST 17, 1967 (EP. #813)
Lenore was pleased when she received roses from Walter, but was a little troubled as she didn't reciprocate his feelings. Lenore thought it was nonsense when Lee suggested Walter wants to marry her. Lee was determined to tell her father the truth despite Lenore's concern that she misinterpreted what she saw between Pat and Michael. Mary accompanied Pat on her visit to John, who was in high spirits except for his concern over Lee. Alice told Mary she doesn't think Rachel is the right girl for Russ. Alice was put out when Rachel implied that no Matthews wife worked. Sam berated Rachel for running to Ada about their argument. While Ada manicured her nails, Liz tried her best to get her to dissuade Sam from doing anything foolish.

AUGUST 18, 1967 (EP. #814)
Dru told a disappointed Bill that their evidence against Madge wasn't solid enough to take to Walter. Sam was ill at ease, and John was perplexed, when Sam came in to his room and introduced himself. Liz burst into the room just as Sam had mustered up enough courage to talk about the Fargo case. Madge broke down when she went to see Dru and Bill. Liz dragged Sam out of John's room on a phony pretense. Bill was stunned when Madge showed him Flo's ticket stub to Bay City. Sam didn't believe Liz when she confessed everything that went down between her and Danny.

AUGUST 21, 1967 (EP. #815)
Madge felt like a traitor when she told Dru and Bill the full story of Flo and the money, the ticket, the dreams, and hysterical amnesia. Liz bribed, begged, and flattered Sam into not revealing Danny had been blackmailing her. But he found it easy to believe she could have killed Danny. Rachel was elated when Russ told her she was almost well enough to leave since it meant he'd never have to see her in the ward with everyone else. Sam wasn't helpful when Liz made excuses when Pat saw them together. Rachel's enthusiasm overflowed when Pat introduced her to Liz, but Liz later told Pat she thought Rachel's was a dreadful family. Liz advised Pat not to let Sam near John.

Madge: "God help me, I had to turn in my own sister!"

Pat: "Rachel, do you know my aunt, Mrs. Matthews?"
Rachel: "Mrs. William Matthews?"
Liz: "[SOME DISTASTE SHOWING ON HER FACE ALREADY] Yes."
Rachel: "Oh, I am so glad to meet you, Mrs. Matthews!"
Liz: "Well... thank you. [RACHEL SEIZES HER HAND AND PUMPS IT.]"

Liz: (To Pat) "Oh, Russ. A young boy with his head turned by a pretty face. If you could really call it pretty."

AUGUST 22, 1967 (EP. #816)
During her visit to the prison, Alice told Missy that her disapproval of Russ and Rachel was not the same as the way Liz felt about Bill and Missy. Bill forced Madge into confronting Flo with him and Dru. Flo was upset because she thought the men were there to bully a confession out of Madge. Ada told Sam she no longer believes Liz killed Danny because it was obvious Liz was only afraid Bill would discover what she'd done to Missy. Ada said with the money Liz was offering him, Sam could stop being a grease monkey and become a lawyer. Flo was furious when she realized she had become a suspect in Danny's murder.

AUGUST 23, 1967 (EP. #817)
Alice accused Jim of knowing what the cause of the friction was between Pat and Lee. Flo told Bill about the last time she saw Danny in Chicago. After a run-in in their club's locker room, Walter was defensive when Fred implied that Lenore, an old family friend, was too young for him. Walter insulted Bill when Fred tried to defend his treatment of Lenore. Madge gagged on her words when she had to tell Flo about Flo's dreams of a violent confrontation with Danny. Flo's memory was nudged when Bill repeated the words a hotel waiter testified he'd heard in Danny's room the night of his murder. Flo screamed when Dru showed her police photos of the crime scene.

Script Note: "Production note for following script: Flo's memory is still shaky. However, she can't decide if it happened or is the granddaddy of all nightmares."

AUGUST 24, 1967 (EP. #818)
John revealed to Lee he was able to move his legs a little when he was in the swirl bath. Lee cringed when John said Sam reminded him of Michael Bauer. Flo begged Madge for a drink when she began coming apart at the seams. Bill rushed to save her when Flo tried to throw herself out of the window. Flo's memory started to return when Dru let her drink some whiskey neat. Sam actually wiped his hand before shaking Lee's hand when John introduced them in his hospital room. He thought Lee was the loveliest creature he'd ever seen. Sam revealed to John that he'd spent time in jail because Danny had run out on him during a gas station hold-up in Evansville, and Sam had taken the whole rap. Flo revealed what happened when she flew to Bay City to confront Danny about marrying Missy and not getting in touch with her.

Lee: "How do you do?"
Sam: "Well, hello..."

AUGUST 25, 1967 (EP. #819)
Flo flashbacked to shooting Danny:
Flo showed up at Danny's suite and confronted him. She naively said she'd confront Missy about tricking Danny into marrying her, and was laid low when Danny said he was the one who'd tricked and lied to both women. Danny turned cold and mean when Flo threatened to tell Missy everything. He gave her a shove, knocking his gun out of the desk drawer. Flo grabbed the gun when Danny threatened to beat the living daylights out of her. As Danny approached her, she shot him three times in blind terror.
Sam told John that Danny had jumped out of the getaway car with all the money. Sam had tracked Danny down in Bay City and confronted him about paying him back the money he felt was owed him. Sam insisted that he only threatened to have Danny sent to jail, but John didn't believe him. Then Walter walked in, startling both men, especially Sam. Rachel was stunned when Lahoma popped in for a visit after returning to Bay City when the acting gig was a bust in California. Rachel and Lahoma had a laugh riot over the Miss Cranberry of 1966 beauty contest, and that Lahoma was Miss Citrus Fruit of 1967. Rachel gave Lahoma some cigarettes and revealed she secretly smokes at night. Bill and Dru speculated that Flo might be able to plead self-defense. Sam was relieved that John didn't tell Walter what he'd just learned.

Danny: (To Flo in flashback) "I got news for you, baby. I don't love either of you. But most of all I don't love you. And I never did."

Danny: (Exit Line) (To Flo in flashback) "Gimme that gun, you crazy broad."

AUGUST 28, 1967 (EP. #820)
Liz was happy to hear from Fred that Bill suspects Madge of Danny's murder. John was dumbfounded when Sam told him he'd seen Liz in Danny's room the night of the murder. Walter continued in his campaign to undermine Lenore's feelings for Bill. Fred was amazed that Liz admitted Missy must be innocent by agreeing Madge must be the killer. Sam admitted Liz began paying Ada hush money when Ada hinted to her that she knew about Liz's visit to Danny. John was further shocked when Sam revealed Liz's complicity in Missy's leaving town last summer.

AUGUST 29, 1967 (EP. #821)
Nearly overwhelmed with glee, Liz told Ada she and Sam were both off the hook, but Ada didn't believe Madge killed Danny. Sam told John that last summer Liz had revealed to Missy that she was Katherine's illegitimate daughter. Rachel howled with laughter when Lahoma mimicked Arlene Stanley with an Eleanora Slaughter voice, since she'd fired Lahoma for not wearing a girdle. Russ assured Lahoma he wouldn't make fun of her name, which was the name of her great-grandmother, a Cherokee Indian. Lahoma didn't know what her name meant but joked that it sounded like a certain state with a syllable missing. Russ got uneasy when Lahoma "turned her invisible man-killing sex ray on him." Liz was ashen when Ada said Sam was probably telling all to John that minute. John warned Sam he may be held culpable for knowingly withholding material evidence, but agreed to represent Sam in that eventuality.

Lahoma: (About Russ) "Hey, he's yummy!"
Rachel: "He's taken, is what he is. [SMILES EVER SO SWEETLY] You read me, Lahoma?"

John: "I knew Liz was capable of some low things, but I never thought she'd go this far."

AUGUST 30, 1967 (EP. #822)
Missy "materialize(d) in limbo" to remind Liz that she kept her secret for Bill's sake, not for Liz's. John and Sam arranged to contact Walter the next morning. John and Pat discussed Liz's snobbery. Dr. Burrows admonished Missy for not eating enough, but she thought it would have been better for Bill if she had died. Sam was puzzled by Lee's remark about Pat when they shared a drink at the hospital coffee shop. John toyed with Liz when she dropped by his hospital room before delivering the coup de grace that he knew about her and Danny. Liz admitted everything she said to Missy and to Danny, insisting she believed Missy had known all along that Katherine was her mother. John was relentless in his condemnation of Liz.

John: (To Pat about Liz) "You must know by now, darling, that your aunt is a considerable snob."

AUGUST 31, 1967 (EP. #823)
Sam took a long lingering look around "Ernie's Super Service" and sadly told Ernie that this might be his last night on the job. At a secret overlook while they listened to an orchestra that played in a park half-a-mile away, Lenore passively returned Walter's kisses. Ernie was quick to realize Lee was a looker when Sam talked about meeting her. Liz returned to John's room the following morning to plead her case again. John told her he pitied Bill because he was about to get a rude awakening, and Liz almost fell through the floor when Bill walked in through the door. Bill interrupted John's news with his own news that Danny's real murderer had been found.

Sam: (To Ernie) "Yeah. Guy named Fargo was shot, and his wife was on trial."

SEPTEMBER 1, 1967 (EP. #824)
Alice took Walter to task for his treatment of Missy when he arrived at the hospital to see John. John and Bill had to beat it into Walter's head that Missy was innocent and Flo the guilty party. Walter scoffed at their every attempt and remained steadfastly skeptical throughout. It was a severe blow to him when Bill showed him Flo's notarized confession. Bill was smug when Walter reproached himself for wrongly judging Missy's character. John refused to apologize to Liz for wrongly accusing her of murder, and swore he'd do everything he could to convince Missy to break her promise of silence. Missy and Bill laughed and cried and kissed when he came to tell her she would be free.

Walter: "Melissa Palmer... is a cold-blooded murderer."

Bill: (When Missy was brought into the visiting room) "Oh Missy, my darling.... [HE GOES TO HER AND TAKES HER IN HIS ARMS.]"

SEPTEMBER 5, 1967 (EP. #825)
Ada smoked up a storm waiting for Sam to return home. Lenore told Lee she's enjoying her work as a nurse's aid. Lee made excuses when Lenore suggested a similar job for her. Ada was bitter and totally unsympathetic when Sam said John's daughter Lee looked like she was going through a rough time. Ada was distraught to hear that Sam told John everything, but relished hearing that Liz must be very upset. Lenore came in to offer Rachel a selection from her book cart, and Rachel recognized her from her picture in the paper from the time she got engaged to Bill. In the hospital sun parlor, Lenore was infinitely compassionate when Walter was full of self-loathing and dismay about Missy's trial. He apologized to Lenore for tricking her into testifying.

Ada: (To Rachel about Lenore) "Listen, honey, that girl isn't half as beautiful as you are!"

SEPTEMBER 6, 1967 (EP. #826)
Alice and Pat wondered why Walter came to see John. Lefty showed up on Sam's door after returning to town. Sam was tempted when Lefty offered to bring him back into the "business" since it would get him out of Bay City. Pat and Alice were speechless with joy when John told them that Missy was free. John's phone call came just in time for Sam to turn down Lefty, who vowed Sam would be sorry. Lenore told Pat she doesn't share Lee's suspicions of Pat and Michael.

SEPTEMBER 7, 1967 (EP. #827)
Lahoma wondered what Ada had been smoking when Rachel told her about Ada's Hollywood dreams for Rachel. John told Sam he believed Sam had it in him to turn over a new leaf. Lee and Loma made each other's acquaintance in the hospital cafeteria. Lahoma snatched the sandwich off Lee's plate and put it in her bag when Lee said she wasn't hungry. Mary was relieved when Russ told him Rachel was leaving the hospital today. Lefty spied on Sam and Lee at the cafeteria, then with a "Mephistophelean smile" inquired about Sam's interest in John.

Lahoma: "I've been smoking so much, I'm spittin' cotton."

SEPTEMBER 8, 1967 (EP. #828)
Smoking furiously, Liz recalled how John threatened to advise Missy to tell Bill everything. Walter agonized over grilling Missy on the stand. Charlie was upset with Madge for berating herself over Flo's downfall. Liz visited Walter's office to plant the suggestion that Flo was innocent and Missy was guilty, in hopes that Missy would stay in prison and her secret would remain safe. Walter raked Liz over the coals for running Bill's life and ruining Missy's life. Flo tried to be brave and gracious when Dru arrived to take her to Bay City to face the authorities. Bill and Missy anticipated her release from prison.

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 1967
Flo was pardoned for Danny's death and she went back to Chicago. Madge remained behind in Bay City, staying first with the Matthews then at a boarding house. She found work at Pierre's beauty salon, where she became good friends with Ada.

For Bill's sake, Missy made John promise not to tell Bill what he knew about Liz. Missy gave birth to a son, named Ricky, whom Bill adopted. Pat and John were his godparents. Missy had a brief episode where she refused to marry Bill. Liz was hospitalized after a heart attack, but Russ and Alice kept the seriousness of her condition from Bill so he wouldn't postpone his and Missy's long-awaited wedding, and he in turn softened things even further for Missy. They decided to marry without Liz's knowledge so she wouldn't be placed under too much emotional strain.

John forgave everything real or imagined when Pat finally told him about her feelings for Michael. Sam decided to return to school and study to become an attorney. Ada became close friends with Madge.

Disillusioned with the hypocrisy of Bay City residents, Lee moved to shabby, seedy Bedfordtown, staying first with Lahoma, who'd gotten work as a waitress in The Trip, before taking the place across the hall. John worried about his daughter, especially as a young girl from a middle-class family had been recently found murdered in the area, but Lee threatened to leave town if he came to visit her.

She allowed Sam to visit her, even getting him to agree to pose now that she'd taken up painting. John and Pat were happy that Sam agreed to keep them informed of Lee's activities.

Sensing an easy shake-down of her rich family, lowlife Lefty made it his business to appeal to Lee's desperate yearning for independence. Sam threatened to kill Lefty if he hurt Lee.

Higher-ups Jimmy Carlisle, Sean McGuire, and Lou Fenniman asked Walter to run for Attorney General on their ticket.

NOVEMBER 30, 1967 (EP. #881)
Sam took a swipe at Lefty for accusing him of wanting to cut himself in for a slice of the Randolph money.

DECEMBER 15, 1967 (EP. #892)
Alice informed Dru, back from the university, that the latest slang was "twenty-three skiddoo," "shieks" (men), and "vamps" (women), while he recalled how everybody was saying "So's your old man" when he had left home early in the summer. Dru realized Alice was unhappy over Russ and Rachel. A sick Ada made ineffectual sick gestures, downed some aspirin, and admitted to Madge that Rachel chased her out of the apartment because she wanted to give Russ a private dinner. Alice tearfully admitted that Russ was angry she had implied Rachel thought their family had oodles of bread and will have a cushy life with Russ. While they were doing the dishes, Rachel melted into Russ's arms. Russ admitted to Rachel that his family didn't enthuse over their marriage plans. He was unsure when she proposed eloping. Russ diagnosed Ada with a virus when Madge brought her home. Rachel fumed to Madge that her mother being sick ruined her date with Russ. Madge blasted her for her selfishness, but Rachel insisted she was a perfectly good daughter as she makes her bed. Russ begged Dru to help him change his parents' minds about Rachel.

Dru: "Alice, may an elderly admirer of... well, over twenty-five, if you can believe that... may I tell you that you are boss?"

Notes: Lefty's name was crossed out and replaced with "Jerry" at one point.

DECEMBER 18, 1967 (EP. #893)
Walter was relieved when Lenore said the wedding will go on despite Liz's illness. Madge suggested he warn John about what kind of character his daughter's getting mixed up with, but Sam felt he could handle Lefty. Lenore couldn't decide whether it was fair to let Walter tell her he loved her. Her "uncle" Fred came by, but Walter didn't feel comfortable talking to him in front of Lenore. Fred advised Lenore to play for keeps or let him go as Walter was head over heels in love with her and wanted to marry her. Lenore felt Lee should have more care for her future, and wouldn't accept Lee's offer to move in and live for the moment. Fred encouraged Walter to accept the candidacy, and Walter felt he would have a better chance of winning if he had Lenore as a wife. Lee felt Lenore hypocritical for going out with Walter when she didn't love him. Lee had Sam pose holding a book as if it were his first time. She was fascinated by some of the experiences he's had that she was deprived of. She threw him out when he began ranting that Lefty was poison.

'WE ARE SPEAKING IN THE SCRIPTS ALONG THROUGH HERE OF A WEDDING ON THURSDAY, WE PROPOSE TO HAVE THE WEDDING THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21^ST, BUT IF PRE-EMPTIONS OCCUR BEFORE THEN, WOULD YOU PLEASE CHANGE ALL REFERENCES TO WHATEVER DAY IT THEN BECOMES?'

DECEMBER 19, 1967 (EP. #894)
Pat and Missy came home laughing from a day of shopping. Pat tried to discourage Missy from letting Liz's illness limit her to a weekend honeymoon. Pat realized happily that she can use the wedding as an excuse to visit Lee. Lahoma remarked on the skylight as she inspected Lee's place. Lee denied she was using Sam as a way to stay in contact with home. Missy understood when Bill explained he'd had an irrational emotional reaction when he'd blamed the baby for her episode. Pat met Lahoma, and they discussed the wedding since Lee wasn't interested. Lee felt John had chosen Pat over her since it made it easier for him to hold up his head in that superficial society they all lived in once. Resolved to parade somebody Pat wouldn't approve of, Lee left Lefty in and he ogled Pat in a way that made her flesh crawl. Not really wanting to, Lee accepted Lefty's offer of a ride to shock Pat, but Lefty figured if he can get the Randolph's exercised about the company Lee was keeping, a payoff might come all the sooner.

'NOTE TO PRODUCTION: THIS SHOULD NOT BE A VEIL, BECAUSE THIS IS NOT MISSY'S FIRST MARRIAGE. A LITTLE BAND OF FLOWERS OR TULLE OR SOMETHING OF THAT SORT WILL DO, BUT IT SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT WILL GO WELL WITH THE OLD-FASHIONED WEDDING DRESS WE'RE USING.'

Lahoma: "I'm not company, I'm Lahoma."

DECEMBER 20, 1967 (EP. #895)
Pat debated what to tell John about seeing Lee. Missy filled Alice in on the wedding presents laid out on a couple of folding tables in the living room. Missy was glad to hear Alice and Russ were back on good terms, but lost her aplomb when Lenore arrived with a gift. John, though with the pitiful longing of a father, was pleased to hear Pat describe Lahoma as being protective of Lee. Lee hid her fright as Lefty drove his sports car with an almost sensual pleasure exhibiting his sexual prowess. Lenore assured Missy she did the right thing in changing her mind about not marrying Bill. Lenore declined an invite to the wedding, but (almost furtively, because she is normally not a demonstrative girl) quickly kissed Missy on the cheek before leaving. In a shabby ginmill, Lefty told Lee a long story about drag racing, but she was uncomfortable remembering the night of John's accident. Adroitly playing to Lee's sense of rebellion, Lefty assured her they would get rid of all her hang-ups. Desperate to prove her independence, Lee asked Lefty to take her for the dangerous ride down Camel Back Mountain.

DECEMBER 21, 1967 (EP. #896)
Missy awoke and danced to the tune in her music box. Mary, working herself up to be a nervous wreck, directed beasts of burden Jim and Dru. Alice and Russ tried to keep Bill from worrying about Liz, who took a turn for the worse and needs an oxygen tent. Fred brought a tape recorder to save the occasion for posterity. Bill told the men he would drop in on Liz on the way to the airport. Clarke Morgan, the organist, played background music. Rachel arrived dressed in a little too high a style for this group and was introduced to Fred. Madge brought flowers sent from Flo and Charlie. Dr. Ramsey, the minister, married Bill and Missy.

'NOTE: THE JEWELRY BOX IS ALSO A MUSIC BOX WHICH PLAYS 'HI LILY, HI LO," IF YOU CANNOT FIND ONE OF THESE A NIXON GIRL HAS ONE BUT IT'S IN RATHER A DILAPIDATED STATE.'

'... AND NOW PAT COMES DOWN THE STAIRS [...] AND SINCE IT'S WINTER, LET'S NOT HAVE ANY PEACHY-POO COLORS [...] AND AFTER WE HAVE GIVEN FULL COVERAGE TO PAT'S DESCENT, THE MOMENT MILLIONS OF WOMEN HAVE BEEN WAITING NINETEEN MONTHS ARRIVES WITH MISSY'S APPEARANCE, ON DRU'S ARM.'

Dr. Ramsey: "William Matthews, wilt thou have Melissa to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy State of Matrimony? [...]"
Bill: "I will."
...
Melissa: "I, Melissa, take thee, William for my lawful husband."

'... AND AS THE MUSIC SWELLS AND BILL TAKES MISSY IN HIS ARMS TO KISS HER, WE SIGHFULLY FADE OUT.'

Notes: AW's real-life organist, Clarke Morgan, played himself.

DECEMBER 22, 1967 (EP. #897)
Bill and Missy were immediately engulfed by congratulations, hand-shakes, tearful kisses, and the like. Lahoma brought her percolator to plug into Lee's outlet, then squinted at Lee's latest impressionistic painting. Her mind full of lonely wistful thoughts, Lee found warmth and nourishment only in the cup of coffee Lahoma left behind. Pat tried yet again to convince Melissa to let her take Ricky if he was ready to come home from the hospital. Jim popped the cork on the champagne, then Dru toasted the newest Mrs. Bill Matthews. Lahoma broke it to Sam that Lee would never have anything to do with somebody that's connected to her father. Without any enthusiasm, Lee agreed to let Sam resume posing for her, then, without conviction, maintained the wedding was the last place she wanted to be. Rachel, without making it too obvious, adroitly worked herself into position and intercepted the bouquet Missy tossed at Alice. In a pre-shot film sequence from an exterior POV, the front door opened and Bill and Missy fled joyously down the front walk and into the waiting car followed by showers of rice as guests spilled out onto the porch.

'I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THIS IS ONE OF THOSE RARE OCCASIONS WHEN WE SHOULD NOT LEAD IN TO A SCENE WITH MUSIC BUT RATHER, COMING OUT OF THE OPENING TITLES, SIMPLY SIT IN BLACK FOR A SECOND OR TWO, THEN FADE UP ON THE LAST MOMENTS OF THE WEDDING CEREMONY, IN PROGRESS.'

Bill: "[LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM] To all of you who have made this moment possible for Missy and me -- to you whose faith and trust in us lasted through all these months, who never let us -- [A GLANCE AT MISSY] -- lose faith in each other, or the hope that this day would finally arrive -- [LOOKS DOWN AT HIS GLASS, SWALLOWS HARD, THEN RAISES IT, TAKE HIM IN C.U. LOOKING INTO CAMERA] To all of you, our very dear friends."

'... AND SO THAT OUR LAST SHOT OF THEM IS THROUGH THE BACK WINDOW OF THE CAR AS THEY TURN TO EACH OTHER AND EMBRACE. THEN THE CAR PULLS AWAY. THE MUSIC SWELLS JOYFULLY, AND OUR LAST GLIMPSE IS OF THE HAPPY COUPLE WAVING FROM THE WINDOW, AS THE CAR RECEDES INTO THE DISTANCE. FADE OUT.'

DECEMBER 25, 1967 (EP. #898)
In front of the hospital, Missy decided to visit Ricky while Bill and Fred visited Liz. Madge described the wedding to Ada, then with honesty and compassion told her that Rachel was a taker. Fred smoothly placated Liz, still a very sick woman, who was upset Bill was going out of town on business. Liz pounced on Fred soon after he hustled Bill out the door. Liz suspected Missy had another breakdown. A heavy-lidded Missy requested Bill kiss her during their flight. Rachel closed her eyes as Russ slipped an unostentatious solitaire diamond ring on her finger. As he kissed her, her eyes opened and her left hand went up above his shoulder far enough that she could look at the ring and her eyes narrowed in cold triumph. She smiled that slow feline smile of hers, sauntered insouciantly to the bedroom, and told Ada she's taken the first step toward the real ring she wants, the ringing of wedding bells.

'THEY KISS -- NOT PASSIONATELY IN THE CONVENTIONAL SENSE, BUT FLEETINGLY, TANTALIZINGLY, THEIR LIPS BARELY BRUSHING. THEN, FINALLY FUSED AS THE MUSIC BEGINS TO SWELL, AND AS WE DISSOLVE SOFTLY THROUGH TO A STOCK SHOT OF THE JETLINER FLYING AWAY FROM OUR POV, INTO THE SUNSET. ALL RIGHT, I KNOW YOU CAN'T FLY FROM BAY CITY TO THE CARRIBEAN INTO THE SUNSET, BUT LET'S TAKE DRAMATIC LICENCE. FADE OUT.'

DECEMBER 26, 1967 (EP. #899)
With calculated casualness, Lenore asked Alice about the wedding. Lee refused to accept the gift Sam brought from John. Sam disparaged her "true" friends in Sherman Square who introduce young kids to pot, acid, and speed. Lenore was appalled when Liz asked her to verify that Missy has gone off the deep end again. Walter admired the photos Fred took at the wedding. Fred realized Walter hoped running for high public office would make him more attractive in Lenore's eyes. Lenore fled in tears after Liz told her not to commit herself to Walter until they see which way the wind is blowing with Bill and Missy. Though they yearned for each other, Lee and Sam both agreed he shouldn't see her any longer.

Notes: Douglas & Hume was the name of Fred's law firm.

DECEMBER 27, 1967 (EP. #900)
A slovenly Lee is slowly going to seed in her new digs. John advised Pat not to feel sympathy that Liz is missing out on an extended family. John reproached himself to Dru for failing Lee. Lee refused Lenore's gift but grudgingly accepted her offer of friendship. She relished introducing Lenore to Lefty. John was grateful that Dru, who revealed he knows about the business with Michael, offered to visit Lee. Lenore was too depressed about Lee to enthuse over Walter's political news. Walter felt the real tragedy was that there were thousands of Lee Randolphs all over this country of theirs, in fact, 10,000 young people who have run away from home. Dru marveled at Lee's sketch of her mother. Lee didn't believe John was suffering.

Dru: "Lee... After all the years I've know you -- from the time I used to crawl around the floor and be your horsie while you whipped me with the tassel of your bathrobe."

DECEMBER 28, 1967 (EP. #901)
Abandoned in the hallway after Lee ran off, Dru met Lahoma and quickly appreciated her sound sense. Alice showed Mary the wedding photos and related that the new couple were ecstatically happy. It was a blow to Mary when Russ revealed he gave Rachel a ring. Lahoma wouldn't break Lee's confidences by telling Dru about her invented emotional injuries, but filled him in on Sam and Lefty. When Ada worried about Sam, Rachel was glad she would soon be married and out of this whole business. When Mary worried he was still just an intern, Russ, who said he paid for the ring from the money his grandfather left him, felt Rachel would be reconciled to waiting for a more suitable time to marry now that she had a ring. Alice let Mary know that Rachel wouldn't be content with a marriage similar to hers and Jim's. Ada managed to formally congratulate Russ. Rachel offered to give a miserable Russ his ring back when he wouldn't agree to marry right away. When she tearily begged him to marry her, he agreed.

DECEMBER 29, 1967 (EP. #902)
Dru met Sam, who'd brought hamburgers for Lee. At the opera, Lenore fretted that Lee accused her of slumming when she visited, but Walter felt she was worth a battalion of Lee Randolphs. Sam and Dru impressed each other with their insights into Lee's character. At The Trip, Lefty apologized to Lee for arriving late, saying he was busy earning a little scratch. The camera panned past them and through as bizarre a collection of characters as the budget allowed to Sam and Dru entering the door. Sam and Dru peered at the bulletin board on which parents put photos of their missing children. A man got upset when a girl recognized his daughter's picture but refused to squeal on her. Lefty felt it was a big honor to meet one of the biggest lawyers in town, although Dru joked this was only true when he was standing sideways. Dru made Lefty self-conscious when he tried to impress everyone with what a big shot he was. In a dream sequence: Lenore wore a bridal veil and walked slowly down a surrealistic aisle; Fred officiated; Liz objected to the ceremony; Bill arrived, with a flower in his buttonhole like Walter at the altar, and said he didn't love Missy; Lee railed at her for her hypocrisy; Lenore's eyes shone as Bill told her he loved her; she happily married Bill only to find it was Walter she'd married. Lenore awoke in tears after everyone shouted she was a hypocrite and a liar.