1/7 Season Four Episode Twelve: Any Number Can Play -Scarecrow & Mrs King

Hi Everyone, are we ready to move on to a bright shiny new episode in the walk?
A huge thanks to Learjet, who transcribed this episode and descriptions for Operation Sandstorm. Learjet: We Salute You!!
Like last episode, anything that is Learjet’s description will go in these brackets { }.
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The episode starts with rainy D.C at night.
[Interesting visual as everything is red white and blue! I wonder if that’s on purpose…]
Anyway, the episode opens on an empty street where two men are meeting.. Jumping straight into the plot this time!
It’s…. blackmail time!!! ANCP.avi_000117017

Tux wearing Blackmailer: It’s like this, Senator. You make your payments and I don’t send those pictures of you and that very attractive Congressional page to the papers.
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[Whoa this guy has smug-evil down to a fine art!]  Senator/Wife cheater: I told you, I cannot take any more out of my account. My wife will notice and she will ask questions.
(The baddie offers to change his demand, from cash to a vote on the upcoming handbill gun.
The Senator resists saying it’s been a ‘lifelong dream’ to pass this legislation,and he resists. He’s disgusted, trapped.. what’s he gonna do?! )ANCP.avi_000141841
[You think it’s bad now Senator, wait till the baddie finds out that you, as ‘Harriman’,  died two seasons ago and have come back to life… with way less guyliner.

I wonder if he still has a hidden copy of that manuscript of The Suburban Spy tucked away somewhere. lol. –Episode Double Agent- ]
Sorry I digress…
Blackmailer (shouts): Heeeeeeeey!!!!!!!
(then quietly, but threateningly).
…Let’s stop your name calling. I’m trying to help you out. I mean, the consequences of changing one vote is a lot easier to take than public humiliation. Think about it, Senator. You don’t have to give me your answer now. Take, say, uh, until the vote comes up tomorrow to make up your mind… I’ll be in touch.
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[Where the baddie in Need to Know was really dull, this one straight up makes my skin crawl! This baddie is soooo helpful!!! ugh!!]

(The baddie leaves and the scene ends.
Next thing, we move on to a new location..)
ANCP.avi_000174274
[LOL that it’s number 911. Have we seen this location before? anyone curious to look? Me.. no time..]ANCP.avi_000177077 (The tuxedo wearing baddie enters the location, it’s classy, piano playing in the background.
He’s greeted by name. Ahhh ‘Mr Trent’ it is.
The hallways opens up to another room which is a casino of sorts..
Trent immediately zeros in on one man.)
Trent: Harry, my friend. How’s it going?
Harry: Not very well, I’m afraid. Um…In fact, I’m not sure when I’m going to be able to pay you.
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Trent: I’m not worried about the money; take all the time you need. Harry – hang in there. Your luck’s gonna change.ANCP.avi_000200000 …I can feel it. [you know what I’m feeling? dirty! Like I need a shower!! ughhhhhh]ANCP.avi_000203603
(Given the okay to go even further into debt that he already is, Harry walks off, and – joins Dotty at one one of the crap tables.) ANCP.avi_000214814
[Dotty??!!! Is this Mr Kibbles in his shopping cart?! rofl.]
(Dotty doesn’t seem to be having a good time.)
Harry (to Dotty): Just another half hour.
Dotty: You said that an hour ago.
Harry: My luck is changing now, Dotty. And if I can double up my bets
(Harry counts out some cash to place more bets.
Uh oh.) 
Dotty: You’ve lost an awful lot of money already, Harry…
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(Dotty is silent for a moment, steels her determination, and then speaks up.) … I wanna go home. Now.ANCP.avi_000224024
Harry: Dotty…
Dotty: Now. And I do know how to call a cab.
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[Go Dotty!!!!]
(He finally sees it’s time to quit, she looks very relieved!
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Harry escorts Dotty out.)
[Trent watches on.. devious baddie thoughts clearly going on in that head of his… and the evil laugh. Muahahahahahaha.
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Is that a brown bow tie? Really??
He seems to have some kind of plan in mind for Dotty’s date Harry, and based on his previous helping of the senator, it’s not good.
I hardly remember this episode! gah!!!
This actor playing Harry comes across immediately as a likeable, gentle, nice man – even if he seems to be having a significant gambling problem, and is high risk to not get another date with Dotty! So already, I don’t want evil Trent to get his claws into Harry!]
The scene ends there.

(We cut to the exterior of the King home and dinosaur roars.) [That or Phillip’s been cooking again and it’s indigestion. Not sure. That might explain how all the lights are on. lol.] ANCP.avi_000242042
 {We see the TV with two dinosaurs fighting onscreen.
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Lee and Amanda are cuddled together on a couch in front of the TV, seemingly engrossed in the show and eating popcorn.}ANCP.avi_000247247
Lee: You know, this is the best evening we’ve spent together in weeks.
Amanda: Mh-hmm … Worked out pretty well for everybody.
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Lee: Mmmmm.
[okay okay, is this cute or what?! I love to see them like that.. even if I don’t understand why Amanda is leaning away with her leg crossed over away from Lee when she should be all snuggled up on that. ahem.
And. I’m really sorry to nit-pick (not really) but if you were going to focus on something.. would it be this??
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Or this??
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I think for us on JWWM the correct answer is option 2! whahaaha.. The dinosaurs are never gonna compete with Mr Magic Fingers. That’s all there is to it! Am I right peeps?
Soooo snuggling at Amanda’s place, is Lee no longer a secret? because I’m thinking secret relationship means he’s secret? Watch and pay attention iwsod..]
Amanda: Fellas got to go fishing with their dad; Mother went out with Harry.
Lee: That’s the third time this week. Sounds serious.
[Is it weird what Lee’s left hand is doing? it looks weird to me. but then, I’m weird too! ohhhh whatev.]
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Amanda: Yeah. She likes him and he likes her…ANCP.avi_000269269 … She thinks he’s pretty special.
Lee: Yeah. Well, special does run in the family.
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Amanda: Awh.ANCP.avi_000276376
{They both smile and Lee moves in to kiss her while still watching the TV. We hear the sound of the front door. A note of panic enters Lee’s voice.}
Lee: Your mother!
Amanda: You’re right.
Lee: Ohh!
[I see. Still secret huh.]
{In the rush to leave, Lee and Amanda crash into each other, holding each other.}ANCP.avi_000280680
(They scramble.. Amanda gets his coat for him and shoves it at him on his way out.) ANCP.avi_000282182
[What is that blue sweater?!  I hope I never see it again!!!]
(LOL at the dinosaurs roaring so loudly.)
{Amanda randomly grabs a book from the bookcase and the TV remote, turns off the TV, sticks Lee’s paper napkin under the couch cushion and opens her book, sighing loudly.}

[Gosh, isn’t it terrible Lee and Amanda haven’t been able to snuggle like that for weeks?! I mean, if only one of them lived somewhere that gave them a bit of uninterrupted privacy you know? I mean.. maybe Lee should look into that and do something about his pesky flatmate.. oh wait.. Nevermind. It’s almost like they want to be found out.. haaaaa..]

(Anyway, Amanda looks settled on the couch with her book, and bowl of popcorn Laughing out loud as Dotty walks into the room.)ANCP.avi_000296396
Dotty: Hello, dear.ANCP.avi_000297997
(Dotty sounds a bit down and preoccupied.) ANCP.avi_000308508

Dotty: …I found out something very unsettling about Harry….He gambles….He plays craps in the back room of a private club. I mean, you know: (In a male voice) ” Yo, 11. Come on, Little Joe. Uh, snake eyes. Hard way eight.” ANCP.avi_000313213[ROFL!] (Back to her normal voice)
…That’s how it goes. He loses a lot of money.
Amanda: You had no idea?ANCP.avi_000324057
Dotty: No, I didn’t. I mean, Harry is a very private person. I don’t even know his phone number. Ah, don’t. I know what you’re thinking, that’s strange.ANCP.avi_000331264
Amanda: Mother, do you know where he lives?
Dotty: No.

[Whoa. this just keeps getting better and better. Not.
Oh my gosh!!!!! Anyone else having flashbacks to the Artless Artful Dodger?!
Billy: Nobody’s blaming you, Amanda. The Dodger’s a very sharp operator…
(see the full exchange HERE)

Amanda: No, he didn’t give me a phone number, he always called me.

Lee: And that didn’t tip you off? Oh, come on, Amanda, married guys and weirdos. They don’t give you phone numbers.

Amanda: He is not married! At least, I don’t think he is. And he didn’t seem like a weirdo! He seemed nice, and he had a Rolls-Royce with French license plates on it and impeccable manners! I mean, he had the most impeccable manners-
[Amanda is her mother’s daughter!. Love a reminder of jealous Lee too haaaa.. ]

Back to the current episode. I digress! again!
[So which is Harry? married or  a weirdo?!]
Amanda: You don’t know his phone number and you don’t know where he lives. Mother? What do you know about Harry?ANCP.avi_000344177
Dotty: I, I, I, I… know that he’s…that he’s wonderful-
Amanda: -Oh, Mother.ANCP.avi_000347781
Dotty: That he’s witty, that he’s charming and that he’s adorable and that he uh…that he drives a gorgeous Bentley… ANCP.avi_000353787
… Captain Curt is a million laughs and I have a good time with him. And Mr Johansen is the last of the red-hot lovers.. ANCP.avi_000364597(Amanda looks uncomfortable). ANCP.avi_000366099
[LOL!]
…And Mr Aiken – huh – Mr Aiken, I mean he makes a good fourth at bridge…
[‘Mr Johansen’? Mr Aiken? Dotty you are…Kinky! !]
…But Harry… Harry is… Uh, well I, I feel like maybe I could have a relationship with him…
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…something deeper. Maybe… maybe even something permanent.ANCP.avi_000381114
Amanda: Mother, you’ve got to find out a lot more about this man before you start thinking that way.
[This is really interesting, when we all have our theories for how Amanda approached developing feelings for Lee and keeping them in check? This feels like it fits right with our ideas about it- IMHO]
Dotty: I cannot just go out and ask him a lot of questions. I mean, that would be too embarrassing.
Amanda: Mother, listen to yourself.
Dotty: … if we could just… Well, if we could just make a few discreet inquiries?ANCP.avi_000397630
Amanda: Don’t say we, Mother.
Dotty: Amanda, you work with a lot of government types. Now, if they could just find out just a little bit about Harry.
(Amanda points out that would be bending the rules.. but she agrees to do it for her. She’ll do it but she’s not thrilled about it. lol..Dotty is though – she’s really happy and feels ‘so much better!’)ANCP.avi_000417751
[What do you all think about Dotty here? She really likes this Harry, and seems to know so little about him. I guess love isn’t logical huh..
Much about Harry seems to be unknown by Dotty, but when it comes to Amanda she doesn’t miss much!]
The scene ends with this little exchange..

Dotty: Did you have a nice evening?
Amanda: Oh, yeah, it was pretty quiet. Just me and my popcorn; my book.
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(we see a close up on Amanda’s book)ANCP.avi_000429462
Dotty: Yeah, hmm. You know, you’re a lot like I am. You love to read a good dictionary. ANCP.avi_000432165{With this, Dotty smiles, Amanda’s face drops [Whahahaahahahahahaahahahahahaaaaa!!!!!!!]ANCP.avi_000433366 ANCP.avi_000433967
and Dotty kisses Amanda.} ANCP.avi_000435468
…Good night, love. ANCP.avi_000437270(Dotty picks up her coat giving Amanda a last side look and she leaves)
[Amanda is so busted!] ANCP.avi_000444177
(Amanda looks at the dictionary and picks it up.)
The scene ends here.

While I find Harry instantly sympathetic, there’s a part of me that can’t see why Dotty likes him. Then again, one date got her kidnapped not that long ago so Dotty isn’t exactly.. risk-averse!
Plus, how interesting that Dotty seems to think that Amanda might be able to help get information on Harry and hangs out with government types.. haaaaa..
You know I honestly have no idea who Harry is and what he does! lol. Can’t remember anything!!!! 

Lots to unpack in this post!!!! Who would like to share?! Can’t wait to hear from you!!

21 thoughts on “1/7 Season Four Episode Twelve: Any Number Can Play -Scarecrow & Mrs King

  1. Ok 1. I’m new here, no clue if I’m doing this commenting thing properly. Also very happy that the walk is still going! 2. Here’s what really bugs me about the cuddle on the sofa scene (as much as I love it): in SGANB, Dotty announces Lee as Amanda’s boyfriend when he joins them for Christmas (Eve?) dinner! And I’m pretty certain that episode was after both Nightcrawler and TMWDT, (when they decided upon their secret engagement). So why is Lee being at the house now such a big deal, if he’s spent Christmas with them and Dotty thinks of him as her daughter’s boyfriend? Sometimes the continuity struggles in these scripts drives me nuts!

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    1. You’re not crazy but whoever was in charge if airing order definitely was. This episode should have been shown before the Christmas episode, as you can tell from the tag scene when you can hear Lee introducing himself to Phillip at the door offscreen. We’ve never found a good explanation of why episodes ended up being broadcast out of order; I tend to assume it was due to being pre-empted by football games but who knows?

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      1. Janet, I do remember at least a few episodes getting pre-empted by games. Darned USA TV networks and their ratings-obsession. I’m still confused about the rationale behind the broadcast order. Me thinks some evil baddy broke into the Scarecrow and Mrs King production studio during the night and decided to switch things up (insert evil laugh here).

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  2. It’s been a while since I transcribed this episode (3 or 4 years maybe?) but I chose it because it’s probably my favourite non-epic (eg no proposals etc) S4 episode. I think because it’s so Dotty heavy. Is Harry the governor from the 80s sitcom Benson? He looks the same.
    Also enjoy the ‘normal couple’ moments for Lee and Amanda…

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  3. Haven’t we seen that dinosaur movie in other episodes? I’m really bad at remembering little details of episodes. I remember a young couple house sitting for a baddie and they were watching a movie. I also remember 2 Russian baddies watching a movie on a pay-tv in a hotel when their boss baddie comes in and shuts off the tv. Were they watching this dinosaur movie???

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    1. I also remember 2 Russian baddies watching a movie on a pay-tv in a hotel when their boss baddie comes in and shuts off the tv. Were they watching this dinosaur movie???

      Yes! It was in the Season 1 episode Lost and Found and it’s the same dinosaur movie.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. The movie is called Valley of Gwangi, and it is in several SMK episodes. It’s about dinosaurs battling cowboys, and it is owned by Warner Bros., so they could use it as much as they wanted. In addition to this one and Lost and Found, it’s also in DOA: Dead on Arrival. And I’m nearly certain we see it other times too. Sometimes we see the dinosaurs, sometimes the cowboys, sometimes both. Spotting the dinosaur movie has become an SMK game in my house. That, and pink tablecloths. Seriously, you guys, pay attention to how many restaurants in this series use pink tablecloths. Once you see it, you can’t stop spotting them.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Operation Pink Tablecloth! haaaa…
          Just think of all the different ‘operations’ we could run when we walk through the show all over again!

          I would like to keep better track of all the locations, that’s been eating away at me this whole walk. lol.
          Ummm : Operation Location Recycling?! [environmentally friendly!]

          Anyone got any ideas for an operation they would like to walk on when the walk starts again?!

          Liked by 1 person

          1. It took me a second to realize what you meant by ‘Operation Location Recycling.’ haha… I like that! And how about, ‘Operation: Thrift Shop?’ (or something like that). That’s when Lee or someone else and a baddie exchange clothes some episodes later. Or have we done something like that? I know we’ve done a lot with clothes, but just a thought.

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  4. Dotty has just been through Amanda running off for a few weeks with a government type who was wanted for possibly trading state secrets so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Amanda may know a guy who knows a guy.

    The real question is: does Lee actually leave? Or is he lurking in the bushes™?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The real question is: does Lee actually leave? Or is he lurking in the bushes™?

      How I hope he’s waiting outside for Amanda because only Lee can make lurking romantic!

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  5. Wow, Dotty’s got quite the busy dating life! I’m just… 😳

    Uh huh..yeah… That dinosaur movie is about as good a cover as the dictionary Amanda was reading. Me thinks, Mr. Magic Fingers just wanted a boring movie as an excuse to sit close with Amanda and… 😉

    I agree about the blue sweater. But with any luck, Lee tore it on a thorny bush while trying to escape quickly so none of Amanda’s neighbors would see anything. 😄 Or he planned to ruin it some other way?? 😉

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    1. Wow, Dotty’s got quite the busy dating life!

      So true! Dotty already has a busy social life, juggling THREE men for specific purposes. Now she’s added the charming yet mysterious Harry, who’s becoming her all-purpose squeeze. She keeps Amanda on her toes!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Hieeeeeeee! 👋 Miss you guys and hope everyone is hanging in there. Quick random Amandarambler interjection alert!!

    So the location for the gambling club – is this the same place Private Party was located in Life of the Party? And speaking of location, is the opening scene with Trent and less guyliner now senator also the same location for the opening scene of Unfinished Business where Lee’s parents meet with Blackthorne?

    Also, imo, Trent is the greasiest baddy since greasy bookstore guy in season 1 (was that Fearless Dotty?). He kinda makes my skin crawl and my face make that 😖 face.

    Lastly, I really enjoy parts of this episode- like this fun little scene from the time it starts with Lee & Amanda (not the blue sweater, though, I’m with you, Iwsod) all the way through Dotty busting Amanda with the dictionary. It just has a sweetness to it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Woot Woot!!! Hey Amandarambler – love your rambles!!!

      greasiest baddy

      I think you’ve nailed it!!!
      I.Want.A.Shower!
      Oh yeah. that fearless Dotty baddie with the handkerchief!

      Re location – I don’t know. Anyone?

      FYI all – just drawing your attention the Transcripts post. I just updated the list and I’ve added a new comment with a few announcements.
      SEE HERE

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    2. The Private Parties offices were much more boring and industrial, so no. And for once, this doesn’t even look like the apartment buildings they use for almost everything that are on the WB Ranch lot.

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    3. Oh that bookstore greasy baddie was … hard to watch. This baddie is too.

      And I agree about the Lee and Amanda and Dotty and Amanda scenes. They are great. It’s these kinds of scenes that making the sleazy baddie scenes tolerable.

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So what do you think??? :)

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