I had to start you on a swerve. This is IT. This is EVERYTHING. Blanche's sequins and silky pants are enough on their own, but BEHOLD DOROTHY'S BOW TIE and shiny patterned velvet. This entire shot -- the eavesdropping, the skepticism, the proportions of Dorothy's jacket, the shine... it is a Series At A Glance.
Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, Betty White, and Estelle Getty
I assume Estelle is standing in front of a potted plant, but it looks amazingly like a pair of angel wings, as if Sophia was merely a spirit visiting them from The Beyond.
I will also say up front that none of these grabs are dated, so we just have to guess at what point in the series they were taken, though Bea's hair is a good tell. And this one is clearly one of the earliest.
What in the heck is happening here? This almost looks like they took it before they cast Estelle Getty, and then just... tried to graft on her face, badly.
Is Blanche's shirt made of bandannas?
Sophia's purse is one of the most iconic props in TV, for me. But also, the blouses and cardigans in this are just so perfectly THEM.
Dorothy's layers are always BEYOND. But what sells this photo is the added diamond sparkle they put on Blanche.
Is Dorothy wearing a poncho here?
This show gave dressing gowns a LOT of screen time. I appreciate it. I, too, like to eat dessert in my robe.
Once again, Zbornak's sweater game is Extra.
Here, it's all about the facial expressions. Also, ladies, that really seems like a patio couch to me.
Rose often looks like she wears Garanimals for Adults. Also, whatever Rue is doing with her mouth here feels like a ploy for trying not to crack up.
So many cardigans. For four gals who lived in Miami, they wore SO MANY heavy layers. I guess it's the air conditioning.
Dorothy, you're in white, friend. Step away from the marinara.
"I hope I didn't wear anything too bananas on this show..."
OH BUT YOU DID, RUE.
Obviously I am including the nuns.
Blanche's satin pajama suit is again her in a nutshell, but Dorothy's cascading shirt-robe once again wins the day.
I guess Sophia married her ex husband's business partner? Or intended to, anyway? I don't remember this episode.
Rose, that apron is entirely too small.
That hand-stitched vest must have cost a FORTUNE at Chico's.
I just wanted us all to enjoy Sophia's face.
So, here, Rose is talking about the origins of the St. Olaf milk diving contest, but all I can see is Blanche's crackers tie-front shirt, which knots somewhere below her genitals.
Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur and Betty White
SO. MUCH. SHINE. Rue's sleeves are here to PLAY.
But this shot takes every cheesecake in the bakery case. I miss these ladies. Long may they live in syndication.