"The Tracey Ullman Show"
Episode Guide
Compiled by Roger Reini (contact info)
Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4
This is a brief guide to THE TRACEY ULLMAN SHOW, the 1987-1990 Fox (U.S) series
starring Tracey Ullman. The guide covers all four seasons of the series.
The guide is also available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
OTHER EPISODE GUIDES
Episode guides to "Tracey Takes On..." (1996-present, HBO) can be found at
http://www.rreini.org/tracey/.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Episodes are listed in the order of their original airdate on Fox. The 4-character word
accompanying each episode is the Fox production code. The summaries for each sketch were
made at the time it originally aired (they derive from the notes I made on the video tape
boxes), except for the first season; those notes were written in 1990. As a result, these
summaries may be rather idiosyncratic.
1. Apr 05 1987 (4W01 -- some sources report 4W02)
This is the first episode, with appropriate introduction.
"The Makeover": a woman gets a $9100 makeover for her man
behind bars -- but was it wasted?
Cartoon -- "Dr. N!godatu": we meet Dr. N!godatu, a
psychologist. This cartoon series would ultimately vanish into obscurity, unlike the other
cartoon series which got its start here (THE SIMPSONS)
Juggler Daniel Rosen (one of the occasional variety acts to appear. There weren't many of
them, fortunately)
"High Hopes": A couple has big dreams, but they reconsider
("Shootin' down a dream", to paraphrase Tom Petty, or "Dreambusters!",
to paraphrase Ray Parker Jr.)
"The Audition": A young woman auditions for a role and gets it
-- or does she? "We'll let you know"
Closing monologue: How to close the show -- and a catchphrase is born! (this
refers to "Go Home!")
NOTE: This episode aired three times that evening, along with the premiere episode of
"Married . . . With Children", as part of Fox's prime-time debut. Each airing
was preceded by a different introductory bit.
2. Apr 12 1987 (4W02 -- some sources report 4W03)
"The Letter": Following up on a letter from an old flame
(wasn't in his kiss);
Cartoon - "Blind Date": Dr. N!godatu's date;
Jamey Turner, glass player;
"Quality Time": family quality time (but Max knows better)
[first appearance of Downeys, though not identified as such];
"David Meets the Folks": meeting the folks (oh boy);
"British Men": we're all one big Brady Bunch here in America
(oh really?)
NOTE (May 26, 1999): It is possible that inaccurate production codes appeared
on the original broadcast of the first two episodes, which were then corrected in repeats.
3. Apr 19 1987 (4W04)
"Lottery": How to handle lottery winnings (this isn't a good
way);
Cartoon "Good Night": putting the kids to bed [first
Simpsons short -- crude but recognizable; Homer's voice not quite there];
"Ambulance Pickup": the ambulance run;
"Girl on a Ledge": out on the ledge (if she only knew what she
wanted);
"Golf": complaining about Palm Springs and tacky golf trousers
("they live forever")
4. Apr 26 1987 (4W01 again? -- other sources confirm this)
Opening - gettin' the queasies beforehand;
"Like Mother": what if you become your own mother?;
Cartoon "Freeway": Dr. N!godatu and freeway-phobe;
"Spontaneity": gettin' spontaneous -- or maybe not;
"Answering Machine": what an answering machine message!;
"Inhale Pink": "inhale pink -- exhale blue" (in
L.A.?!?) [I don't think 4W01 is the correct code for this episode, but that's what
appeared on the screen. And it may actually be correct.]
5. May 3 1987 (4W06)
Opening - format change!;
"Comedian": she is in love --! (with a comic similar to the
Diceman);
Cartoon "Watching Television": Bart & Lisa
fighting over the TV;
"Kay and the Co-Worker": Kay meets her new co- worker [first
Kay bit];
"The Right Guy": the right girl?;
"Mabel": about Mabel & Mother
6. May 10 1987 (4W07)
Opening - "Derek": this one's for you, Derek!;
"Kay on Vacation": Kay goes on vacation;
Cartoon "Bart Jumps": Homer tries to get Bart to leap
into his arms (not much success);
"The Session": therapy [first Dr. Gibson bit];
"Close to You": lounge singer doesn't want to be close to Steve
(her husband's glad to hear that);
"Houses" househunting -- or remodeling? (the latter)
7. May 17 1987 (4W26)
Opening - everything's going great (spoke too soon);
"Francesca - A Girl's Life": Francesca's first date [first bit,
too];
Cartoon "Fishtank": Dr. N!godatu has fish problems;
"Happy Lady": one VERY happy person;
"Vive La Different": she's different, all right (note to
Michael Cerveris fans: this is the sketch which features him)
Closing - gotta go to a wedding
8. May 31 1987 (4W08)
Opening - fulfilling a childhood dream;
"Trapeze": the Russian trapeze artist;
cartoon "Babysitting Maggie": what's Maggie doing?;
"Smalls' Talk": talk-radio psychology;
"Last Chance Commercial": Sandra Decker does a commercial [her
first appearance];
Closing - comparing US and UK weddings [in credits, there is a reference to
"Mrs. Simpson"]
9. June 14 1987 (no code shown -- presumed to be 4W09)
Opening - "sexy femme fatale"?;
new credits, Joe [Malone] & Sam [McMurray] are officially on board;
"Meg and Tina in August": Meg & Tina go out on the town;
Cartoon "The Dream": Dr. N!godatu's strange dream;
"Pre- school": Max can't get into the preschool of Mommy &
Daddy's choice [first time identified as Downeys];
"Kiki Howard-Smith Sings": she certainly does, about golf (what
else?);
Closing (original) -- not enough time to talk about that Jacuzzi in Ojai.[aired
on June 14 1987 and on reruns on Lifetime]
Closing (alternate) -- Her best friend meets her great aunt, who used to be a
unicyclist in the circus [aired in reruns on Fox and Comedy Central -- cartoon did not air
in these broadcasts]
10. June 21 1987 (4W10)
Opening -- "Special musical comedy show";
"Ariel's Comeback": the old folkie returns (should have stayed
away);
Cartoon "The Pacifier": tormenting Maggie & her
pacifier;
"Dance Challenge": caught with her pant(ie)s down;
"Sir": this is to Sir, with love;
Closing -- a VERY elaborate "Good night".
11. June 28 1987 (4W25)
Opening -- who does a better Julie K.?
"Breakfast": a breakfast heart-to-heart;
cartoon "Burp Contest": the 1st annual Simpson burping
contest;
"Crisis on Elm Drive": Max is staying home for the weekend;
"Meg & Tina Get Pizza": Meg & Tina go out for a pizza,
but Tina gets something else;
Closing -- how to nag your hubby via car phone (and how he gets revenge)
12. July 12 1987 (4W11)
Opening -- the joys of being a teen (or maybe not);
"Francesca's Choice": Francesca writes about her folks;
cartoon "Eating Dinner": dinnertime at the Simpsons';
"Gotta Dance": the patient who couldn't talk but could dance;
"Scandal": the sex scandal;
Closing - Lucky the cat, part 1
13. July 19 1987 (4W12)
Opening -- "Jerks!";
"Kay's Happy Hour": Kay gets it once too often and quits;
cartoon "Scanner": scanning thoughts [last Dr.
N!godatu cartoon];
"Click": the video zombie clicker;
"What I Did for Love" [only in the car!];
Closing -- Lucky the cat part 2, with all the gory details
14. Sept. 22 1987 (4W16)
Opening -- a little playful banter with Steve Martin;
"Meg's Lucky Night": Meg finds true love;
cartoon "Making Faces": making ugly faces;
"Skin the Duck": Steve Martin as a crazy choreographer in an
even crazier audition;
Closing -- a royal time at the Prince's Trust concert
15. Oct. 4 1997 (4W17)
Opening -- Just what are the words to the theme, anyway? (no help here);
"Kay's Old Love": Kay gets a blast from her past;
cartoon "The Funeral": Uncle Hubert's dead;
"Drugs and Guns": bad day at the pharmacy;
Closing -- a reluctant Julie K.
16. Oct. 11 1987 (4W14)
Opening -- sharing your dressing room with a werewolf;
"Francesca's First Job" at Viva Taco [good -- the sketch, not
the tacos];
cartoon "Maggie's Brain": from Maggie's point of view;
"The Little Neurotic From Down Under": Kiki the golfer sees Dr.
Gibson;
"City of Strangers": fun at an NYC bus stop;
Closing -- Mabel's not tone-deaf (didn't take after Daddy)
17. Oct. 18 1987 (4W24)
Opening -- the dressing room tour (ok . . .);
"The Affair": the Downeys have a marital dispute;
cartoon "Football": wide receiver Bart;
"When In Rome": an informer's new life;
"Weather or Not": a USO show for one;
Closing -- getaways which aren't
18. Oct. 25 1987 (4W15)
Opening -- "a simple and honest illusion" (of course it is);
"The Gardener on the Floor": the old playwright tries one more
time;
cartoon "House of Cards" -- Bart tries to build one;
"Calendar Girl": money is this model's last chance;
"Decoration Day": "Paint It Black" -- the kitchen,
that is;
Closing -- my husband, the zombie (duh-rool, duh-rool!)
19. Nov. 01 1987 (4W05)
Opening -- she can identify with this role;
"Monkey Wench": the orangutan;
cartoon "Bart and Dad Eat Dinner": man's night in at
the Simpsons;
"The Concert": the organist;
"Birthday Boy": the wrong way singing telegram;
Closing -- going home -- in the new Range Rover
20. Nov. 08 1987 (4W18)
Opening -- meeting the guys;
"Max's Birthday Party": Fuzzy Bear is not cooperative;
cartoon "Space Patrol" with the evil Bartron;
"Two Too Good People": the do-gooders;
"Beverly Hills Proc": the proctologist's ex [first Ginny
Tillman bit];
Closing -- can't understand a thing you're saying
21. Nov. 15 1987 (4W13)
Opening -- "stupid and uncooperative dogs!";
"Romantic Mommy": Francesca's mother comes for a visit;
cartoon "Bart's Haircut": Bart needs a haircut;
"K-AIR": the ol' DJ with one last fling [first Summer Storm
bit];
Closing -- phone call to Mum: Joan in #4 needs help!
21. Nov. 22 1987 (4W22)
Opening -- It's Cheech! (hey wow man);
"Meg's Shower": Meg's bridal shower, and she and Tina fight
again;
cartoon "World War III": Simpson's WW III drills;
"Foreign Exchange": Cheech Marin as a convenience store owner
who gets the (delivery) girl;
Closing -- "How I spent my earthquake" [the earth moved -- in more ways
than one!]
22. Dec. 13 1987 (4W19)
Opening -- a fight over the dressing room amenities;
"Kay's Adventure": Kay in Atlantic City [first time we see
Gulliver Dark];
cartoon "The Perfect Crime": Bart is tempted by
cookies, the "perfect crime";
Tom Noddy, bubble artist;
"Customs": getting throught customs;
Closing -- meeting the doggies
23. Dec. 20 1987 (4W21)
Opening -- can't find the dressing room;
"Rock Bottom": Summer Storm on the comeback trail (good!);
cartoon "Scary Stories": a scary story;
"The Cryonic Man": the man who froze himself (also good);
Closing -- a challenge/threat to Bruce & Cybill
24. Jan. 10 1988 (4W23)
Opening -- at the mercy of the audience;
"Kay's Last Stand": Kay takes it to the top;
cartoon "Grandpa and the Kids": talking with Grandpa
Simpson;
"Auto Erotica": a new way to meet guys -- have them arrested;
"Waiting": waiting for the washer repairman (obviously not a
Maytag man) [it must be him];
Closing -- upset at the kid at 3:30 in the morning
25. Jan. 24 1988 (4W20)
Opening -- gifts;
"On Her Toes": a ballerina's big break;
cartoon "Gone Fishin": the fishing trip;
"Tina and the Professor": she's getting desperate;
"The High and the Not So Mighty": USO troupe in trouble - their
plane's going down ("Rescue Me");
Closing -- meeting the crew?
26. Feb. 07 1988 (5W01)
Opening -- we meet George Clinton;
"Valet": a memorable first night on the job;
cartoon "Skateboarding": the kids ride their boards;
"Gold Diggers of 1988": the wedding reception, or how to get
what you really want;
Closing -- about Hawaii and wicki-wicki buses
27. Feb. 14 1988 (5W02)
Opening -- we meet Mr. "Life In Hell" [Matt Groening, the original
Bart Simpson];
"Chained Melodies": Show Biz Couple In Prison [first Marty
& Angel Tish bit];
Cartoon "The Pagans": "I'm a pagan, wouldn't you
like to be a pagan too?";
"The Test": is Max going to be a brother? No--;
Closing -- caroling for the old folks
28. Feb. 21 1988 (5W03)
Opening -- Payday;
"Storm at Sea": Summer Storm -- the floating version of a
Classic Rock station;
cartoon "The Closet": Bart locks himself in the
closet;
"A Little Stream of Consciousness from Down Under": Kiki sinks
a putt;
"The Pits": "Shout" it out in the pits;
Closing -- one somewhat confused kid -- and I don't blame her
29. Feb. 28 1988 (5W04)
Opening -- cut-off in mid-story;
"Changing Lanes": life and love in the suburbs;
cartoon "The Aquarium": a visit to the aquarium;
"Treasure": greed kills;
"Wings of Love": a day at the travel agency;
Closing -- "painted lady"
30. Mar. 06 1988 (5W05)
Opening -- tips on watching the show;
"Francesca Alone": Francesca (alone) has a guest (GOOD);
cartoon "Family Portrait": the Family portrait;
"People At Work": a highway worker is a "Natural
Woman";
Closing -- the infamous Golden Globe dress
31. Mar. 13 1988 (5W06)
Opening -- spy games (best opening so far);
"Ginny Redux": starting over after the divorce [2nd time out
for Ginny T.];
cartoon "Bart's Hiccups": playing doctor;
"Fear": a fearful patient;
"Real Lace": a hotel with phenomenal service;
Closing -- advice to the royals
32. Mar. 20 1988 (5W07)
Opening -- do it the BBC way;
"Kay: R.E.S.P.E.C.T.": Kay gets out;
cartoon "The Money Jar": cash problems;
"Late Night Checkout": at the all-night market;
Closing -- misdirected mail
33. May 01 1988 (5W09)
Opening -- passing the physical;
"The Sleepover": Francesca's slumber party;
cartoon "The Art Museum": at the museum (whoa, mama!);
"Dr. Gibson's Mentor": she has a crisis;
Closing -- "Angels" casting hijinks
34. May 08 1988 (5W08)
Opening -- Close Encounters?;
"Dinner Time": rough time at the dinner theater;
cartoon "Zoo Story": at the zoo;
"Cinema Verite": the rathole;
"The Medley": the teen-death medley;
Closing -- "Mommy, stay home!"
Special -- Oct.10-30-88 (no code)
BACKSTAGE SPECIAL (1 hour long), with best bits, behind-the scenes stuff, and a preview
of what is to come in the new season (as well as glimpses of a sketch that may never have
aired)
35. Nov. 06 1988 (5W10)
3rd season premiere: new opening credits, no more opening bit;
"9 Minutes and 52 Seconds Over Tokyo": Marty & Angel Tish
in Japan -- a reunion of sorts, AKA one big CYA job;
cartoon "Shut Up Simpsons" -- the Simpson
reunion/bicker;
"Our Dinner at Troy's": the Downeys discover the true meaning
of trendy food;
Closing -- special TV offer: appear on the show 3 times, get an official cap!
(what about the Ginsu knives?)
36. Nov. 13 1988 (5W11)
"Tell and Kiss": juiced-up memoirs [what DID happen between
Sandra Decker and Roland Diego?] (GOOD ONE!);
cartoon "The Shell Game" -- 3-card cookie;
"The Big Wheel": Lotto mania;
Closing -- we meet the Joker [Cesar Romero]
37. Nov. 20 1988 (5W12)
"To Masseur With Love": Kay visits a massage parlor;
cartoon "The Bart Simpson Show": It's Bart Simpson's
Show;
"Conjugal Visit": role reversals (and romance) in prison;
Closing -- how to train your dogs not to jump
38. Nov. 27 1988 (5W13)
(back to old-style intros)
"Ginny vs. Roz": Does Ginny get Mother?;
"Stars are Ours": The Downeys buy a star (better not try and
serve title on it);
cartoon "Punching Bag" -- the punching bag;
"Dance Studio": the dancin' thief;
Closing -- Mabel's nanny almost runs down Arnie Becker [Corbin Bernsen]
39. Dec. 18 1988 (5W14)
"Santa Baby": Tina almost makes it with "Santa";
cartoon "Simpson Xmas": Night Before Christmas at the
Simpsons';
"New Year's Eve": 3 lonely, desperate women on New Year's Eve;
Closing -- Happy Krimble, everyone
40. Jan. 08 1989 (5W16)
"Francesca's Autobiography (The Final Chapter)": Francesca
writes her autobiography; this is a filler -- a shell written around clips from old
sketches. Still good, though. No closing bit -- I feel cheated!
41. Jan. 15 1989 (5W17)
"Kay Babysits": Kay babysits & turns the kid's life
around;
cartoon "The Krusty the Clown Show" -- Krusty the
Clown is exposed;
"Check, Please": the man who wouldn't pick up the check;
Closing -- no more kids! (on the show)
42. Jan. 29 1989 (5W18)
"Francesca's Task": Francesca does a term paper, William
makes the save (and gets a double minor in the process);
cartoon "Bart the Hero": Workout with Bart and be a
hero;
"The Nuclear Family": "Backstabbin'" -- Mom gets the
boot, but what a save!!;
Closing -- Solid Gold calling for Doris
43. Feb. 05 1989 (5W19)
"Special Skills": the executive trainee test (taps &
caps);
cartoon "Bart's Little Fantasy" -- Bart gets it (so
what else is new?);
"Flesh and Desire": William's gotta have that meat;
"Heaven": glasnost up your a**-nost, or taking international
relations to new heights;
Closing -- we meet the saw player from the first sketch -- and how's your sex
life?
44. Feb. 12 1989 (5W20)
"Francesca: A Physical Education": Francesca vs. the gym
teacher;
cartoon "Scary Movie": Elves vs. Space Mutants;
"Someone to Watch Over Me": Kay, but NOT vs. the shrink;
Closing -- saying goodbye to Betty Thomas (the gym teacher)
45. Feb. 19 1989 (5W21)
"The Subway": stuck on the subway (Hallelujah!);
cartoon "Home Hypnotism": hypnotized zombies?;
"I Do, I Will": the morning after the wedding [first time out
for Gary and Joanie];
Closing -- we go out singing (ooh my soul)
46. Feb. 26 1989 (5W22)
"Rock On the Block": getting rid of it all, or "it's
lonely at the top" [with Tim Curry];
cartoon "Shoplifting": Bart the crook;
"The Orange Badge of Courage": war games with the Downeys;
Closing -- we again go out singing, this time with Tim
47. Mar. 12 1989 (5W23)
"Goodbye, Butchie": Summer Storm takes it hard when Butchie
the dog dies;
cartoon "Echo Canyon": Simpsons on vacation;
"The Handout": looking for a handout;
"Teamies": who's gonna "Walk On By"?;
Closing -- next week's guests -- from "America's Most Wanted"?!?
48. Mar. 19 1989 (5W24)
"Occupied": Eight Miles High with Kiki Howard-Smith and the
lavatory Lothario (and on Eastern, too);
cartoon "Bathtime": Bart takes a bath;
"Mr. Right": Is Mr. Right a dummy?! That's "Crazy"!;
Closing -- you dominator, you! [this involves the dummy]
49. Mar. 26 1989 (5W25)
"Stress Management": Downeys get stressed out;
cartoon "Bart's Nightmare": Bart does the cookie jar
and regrets it;
"Rudy Visits Omi": visiting grandma;
"Brick House": desparation at the lingerie shop;
Closing -- falsies!
50. Apr. 9 1989 (5W26)
"Kay: Trapped": stuck in the elevator with Kay (a shell for
Kay's best bits)
51. Apr. 16 1989 (5W27)
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Kay": Kay spies on the boss, who
gets it;
cartoon "Bart of the Jungle": Simpson kids in the
"jungle", and Homer gets it;
"Sweet Dreams": newlyweds Gary and Joanie go without for 2
nights, and they get it;
"Pumping Irony": Downeys in training, and the trainer gets it;
Closing -- "why I can't go home" [I don't get it]
52. Apr. 23 1989 (5W28)
"Maid Service": maid to order;
cartoon "Family Therapy": Simpsons in therapy;
"Code of Silence": her ex, the Guard;
"Clowns D'Amore": a couple of clowns;
Closing -- Sam Mac's a daddy (and see it all for 19.95!)
53. Apr. 30 1989 (5W29)
"The Wave Girls": cheerleader wants another go-round;
cartoon "Maggie in Peril: Chapter One": Maggie's big
adventure, part 1;
"The Cure": the patient is cured;
"D.U.I.": the sobriety test (police brutality);
Closing -- "Go Home" with Paula Abdul
54. May 07 1989 (5W30)
"All About Tammy Lee": this here's the story 'bout D.D.
& Tammy Lee;
Cartoon "Maggie in Peril: The Thrilling Conclusion":
Maggie's big adventure, part 2 (and nobody noticed);
Closing -- will the real violinist please stand up?
55. May 14 1989 (5W15)
"Psychiatric Hour": who's the shrink? (with Andrea Martin);
cartoon "T.V. Simpsons": bad reception;
"Summer Goes Shopping": Summer Storm, you're busted!;
"Who Now, Brown Cow": have a cow!;
Closing -- Andrea, the quick study (yeah, right)
56. May 21 1989 (1 hour)
Season ender, with some best bits:
At home (this is the way we bake the pie, do the windows, wipe the lens) [this was new];
"D.U.I." the sobriety test;
"Mr. Right": the dummy;
cartoon "Family Therapy": Simpsons in therapy;
"9 Minutes and 52 Seconds Over Tokyo": Marty & Angel in
Tokyo;
"Conjugal Visit": the first time (in jail);
"Special Skills": the executive trainee test (taps & caps)
57. Sept. 10 1989 (7W01) (season premiere)
new credits and titles [and no more Simpsons];
"...And God Created Tillman": Ginny T. meets her ex's new
squeeze (Isabella Rosellini), and Ginny gets it;
"A Rare Talent": she [Jinx Haber] was born to play Peter Pan
(but she doesn't get it);
Closing -- What to think about while suspended in mid-air (a lot)
58. Oct. 01 1989 (7W02)
"My Date With Il Duce": My date with Mussolini (Isabella
again);
"The Wrong Message": the messages some people will leave on
your answering machine;
"The Thrill Is Gone": is the thrill gone? (boing!);
Closing -- comparing green cards (this was a GOOD show)
59. Oct. 08 1989 (7W03)
"Da Me La Mano": The truth about Richie (the scum);
"Needle in a Haystack": the Doc is an Elvis freak, OR what if
life were like an Elvis movie;
Closing -- "zippy" Martin Short
60. Oct. 22 1989 (7W04)
"The Final Polka": Talk about your second thoughts!
("Do You Love Me?");
"Sermon on the Mound": Talk about your weird pitcher's mound
conferences!;
"My Baby": Talk about your overdue pregnancies! ("Be My,
Be My Baby . . .");
Closing -- Talk about researching your part! (Marilu Henner -- she loved it)
61. Oct. 29 1989 (7W05)
"The Co-op": Dave & William go looking for a co-op (and
pass the Cat Lady's muster) (this wasn't bad);
"The Man Who Got Away": a Donald Trump-type sees Dr. Gibson;
"Parallel Existence (My Better Whole)": meeting your
"other self" from beyond the ozone (this was good, too);
Closing -- "don't put me in those bumpers (in-between bits)"
62. Nov. 05 1989 (7W06)
"Two Time Losers": Gulliver Dark sues his manager, "The
man that got away";
"The Gate": Steven Spielburg gets a visitor ("Small
World" it is);
Closing -- following in illustrious footsteps (yeah, right)
63. Nov. 12 1989 (7W07)
"The Crisis": Newlyweds Gary & Joanie have a crisis
(over dyed hair) -- the reverend freaks out;
"The Baltimore Stoops": daughter moves out of the house;
Closing -- preparing for the Emmy results (with Michael Tucker) -- we know how
that turned out (she won, he didn't)
64. Nov. 19 1989 (7W08)
"By Stuff Possessed": Shopaholics Anonymous (featuring
a pre-Nanny Fran Drescher);
"The Holland Tunnel of Love": meeting the folks;
Closing -- jammin' with Carole King, Billy Preston & Clarence Clemons (all
right!)
65. Nov. 26 1989 (7W09)
"Power Play": Biting the hand that feeds you;
"Break Up": things aren't well with the Downeys;
"Something Cool": real cool
66. Dec. 10 1989 (7W10)
"Look Back In Anxiety": Our favorite shrink [Dr. Gibson] is
pitching his book, with case histories (compilation of some old bits plus new wraparound)
67. Dec. 17 1989 (7W11)
"Kay's Gift": Kay, the boss, and Xmas gifts -- and he gets
it (the spirit, that is);
"Merry Catnip": Xmas with the cat lady;
"Two Lost Souls": talk about your bad situations -- the artist
is married to her client's son;
Closing -- Jingle Bells, anyone?
68. Jan. 07 1990 (7W12)
"Ginny's Second Chance": Is Ginny marrying the plastic
surgeon? (no);
"Maria and the Mister": the lonely man and the maid (with
Kelsey Grammer) with an "Eternal Flame";
Closing -- Kelsey sings! [trivia note: this was the final show aired on Fox in
Sept. 1990]
69. Jan. 14 1990 (7W13)
"I'm Dating a Corporate Lawyer": how the Downeys met
["I'm marrying a corporate lawyer"];
"Ginny Nocturne": Ginny bares her soul (and more) to the pool
man;
"Dawg Day Afternoon": gone to the Dawgs (featuring Martin
Short);
Closing -- the 70's, hideous hairstyles and panty lines
70. Feb. 04 1990 (7W14)
"Due Diligence": the old director wants to do another movie
(with Mel Brooks);
"You Call That a Dress?": the FINAL father- daughter talk (and
I do mean final!);
Closing -- it's Mr. Ron Harding, the headmaster who started her off on the long
road to today
71. Feb. 11 1990 (7W15)
"The Word": Is Francesca plain? (persistent, yes) [good];
"The Fee": doctor-patient contract talks (no lockout here);
"The Sell": one hell of a way to make the sale;
Closing -- Bill Pullman is "Brain Dead"
72. Feb. 18 1990 (7W16)
"Creative Differences": Sandra Decker vs. Virginia Winslow
(puts Tyson-Douglas to shame) [not bad];
"Jinx Haber Revisited" (she can fly, you know);
"Tea": it's just tea, isn't it?;
Closing -- with Glenn Close, comparing audition experiences (Glenn sings! -
showoff)
73. Feb. 25 1990 (7W17)
"Ginny Eats Escrow": Ginny's ex is looking for a house;
"I Hate Paris": Dave's in Paris, William's upset 'cause he's
not, Francesca tells him to stand by his man [good];
Closing -- Isabella Rosselini at the Korean spa
74. Mar. 04 1990 (7W18)
"The Dream Is Over": redoing the kitchen at the Downey's
(shell for a Downey retrospective) -- there may yet be hope
75. Apr. 07 1990 (7W19)
"High School Sweethearts": Reunion of sweethearts from '29
(and daddy, too!) [GOOD];
"Dear Taxpayer": my mom's an IRS auditor, and she's auditing
me! (not bad);
"Me, Myself & I": about "two incredibly self-involved
people" (good);
Closing -- now at New York's Stage Deli: the "Tracey Ullman Triple
Decker" (but she's a vegetarian . . . .) [Show moved to Saturday nights this week]
76. Apr. 21 1990 (7W21)
"The Hormonal Conversion": Our shrink's [Dr. Gibson's]
mentor had a sex change!;
"Who Is He?" a neighborly encounter;
"Face the Music": quitting the business (tribute to Fred
Astaire);
Closing -- we've been had, Trace is really Karl! (sure . . . .)
77. Apr. 28 1990 (7W22)
"Her First Grownup": Francesca's got it bad for the stereo
installer (good);
"Daisy's Decline": power struggle at Daisy's bistro;
Closing -- we meet Ken Daly, who "ain't too proud to beg"
78. May 05 1990 (7W23)
"Under the Bounding Main": Marty & Angel at sea --
Gulliver Dark to the rescue! [ok];
"Arms Control": an argument for gun control;
Closing -- Dan C. doing "The King and I" at age 12
79. May 12 1990 (7W20)
"Modern Maturity": 38 years of aches and pains (physical and
mental);
"Spies": spy vs. spy (not bad);
"Baseball Wives": the Baseball Wives' Rap (not bad either);
Closing -- can't do a thing with her hair [last half-hour show]
80. May 26 1990 -- 90 minute "Best of 89-90"
"Tea": the tea-tasting bit;
"Power Play": the power play bit (from November);
"Two Time Losers": Gulliver Dark sues for earnings;
"...And God Created Tillman": Ginny meets May ("I'll be
the shrew" -- oddly prophetic, as Tracey was soon to play in "The Taming of the
Shrew in New York);
"Something Cool";
"Creative Differences": Sandra Decker & Virginia Winslow
have "creative differences";
"I Hate Paris": Francesca tells William to stand by his man;
"Due Diligence": Mel Brooks as a director trying to get back
into it;
Closing -- one final "Go Home!" -- "but I don't want to!" (I
don't want you to, either!)
78 half-hours, 2 best-of specials, and one behind-the-scenes special.
Thanks to Don Del Grande and Fred Hinnegan for pointing out some production code
discrepancies.
THE TRACEY ULLMAN SHOW... is Copyright 1987-1990 Twentieth Century Fox Film
Corporation.
Guide written by Roger
Reini
©1998, 1999 R. W. Reini
Last modified: April 20, 2008 |