During or after every episode of this show, I have commented to my family that it is just a bit (or quite a bit) too earnest, idealistic, wholesome, etc. Although this episode was no exception, we are treated to a moment of realism from talented veteran actor Linda Lavin, playing the character of Joan, Russell's wise assistant. When "Stevie" explains to Joan that she wants to be valued, not for her connection to Russell or her mother, but for "what I've accomplished around here," Joan says very little in words, but speaks volumes with her slight twitch of a smile and her silence as Stevie talks herself into an embarrassing snit. Rarely do guest actors bring the skills Lavin does to this scene. Contrast this with the rather lame scene with Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright, and Hillary Clinton-none of whom can act worth a damn-and Lavin deservea a Emmy.
