#buffalobill

Buffalo Bill 2x08 "The Big Freeze"

★★★★★★★★★☆

Laughs are thin on the ground but this is a very clever script. For the second episode in a row (in production order) Wendy is the focus. And Geena Davis gets to play several characters in a dream sequence. The story is that Bill and Jo Jo are fighting and Wendy uses their feud to play them off one another and get a show she wants to do - about nuclear weapons stockpiling - on the air. The episode manages to discuss nuclear war several times while pointing out that such debates aren’t welcome on entertainment television. It’s deftly done, and I loved it. Jan-Feb 1984: NBC aired Buffalo Bill as a replacement for We Got It Made in the middle hour of Thursday prime time after Cheers and before Hill Street Blues. Against it, ABC has Masquerade while CBS aired Simon & Simon. 9/10

Buffalo Bill 2x07 "The Search High and Low for Miss WBFL"

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Written by Geena Davis, who plays Wendy. It’s a smart script - about a beauty contest - with some funny moments. It shows us Bill at his reprehensible best (worst?). It’s also the first episode in a while to give Pippa Pearthree (as Melanie) a lot to do. The comedy highlight is probably the first scene, the interview with the airheaded baton twirler. Her daft on-camera answers are superbly written. The way she mangles the English language is a joy to behold. There’s a nice contrast between Wendy and Jo Jo and how each one feels about the beauty contest. The heart of the story is Bill’s daughter, and her desire to win the contest, and that only becomes apparent the closer we get to the end. Jan-Feb 1984: NBC aired Buffalo Bill as a replacement for We Got It Made in the middle hour of Thursday prime time after Cheers and before Hill Street Blues. Against it, ABC has Masquerade while CBS aired Simon & Simon. 8/10

Buffalo Bill 2x03 "The Interview"

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Gail Edwards. Story doesn’t really go anywhere, but the journey is wonderful. Edwards, who is super-cute, is excellent as a shrewd TV reporter who gets the gang to spill the beans on what a jerk Bill is. On camera! Other than his feelings being hurt - when he sees the show at the end - there really isn’t much in the way of repercussions. It’s certainly an original story idea. And, once again I am reminded that Max Wright and Dabney Coleman are at the top of their game on this show. Jan-Feb 1984: NBC aired Buffalo Bill as a replacement for We Got It Made in the middle hour of Thursday prime time after Cheers and before Hill Street Blues. Against it, ABC has Masquerade while CBS aired Simon & Simon. 8/10