Ep 18. The Operation

In the season 1 episode 18 of The Golden Girls, titled "The Operation," the ladies are gathered around the kitchen table discussing Sophia's need for surgery. Sophia has been putting off having a hernia operation, but her condition has worsened, and the doctor has insisted she needs to have the surgery. The girls are all concerned for Sophia's well-being, even though she insists she's not scared of the operation.

Dorothy tries to take charge of the situation and arranges for Sophia to have the operation the next day. However, Blanche and Rose confront Dorothy about her approach and demand she allows Sophia to make her own decisions about the surgery. Eventually, Sophia herself decides to go ahead with the operation.

The girls offer to stay with Sophia at the hospital, but Sophia insists they go home, knowing they won't get any rest at the hospital. However, once the girls leave, Sophia's fears catch up to her, and she becomes convinced she's going to die on the operating table. A young patient, who is also at the hospital for surgery, tries to comfort Sophia and dispels her fears by sharing his own story.

Meanwhile, Rose becomes obsessed with the hospital room's intricate intercom system and ends up antagonizing the other patients on the floor. Blanche tries to set her straight, but Rose refuses to listen and continues to play with the intercom.

As Sophia's surgery draws near, the girls all gather in the waiting room, each coping with their own anxieties. When the nurse finally arrives with news, they all hold their breaths, hoping for the best. Without giving away any spoilers, the surgery's results have a significant impact on the girls' relationships and future.

The Golden Girls is a sitcom that aired from 1985 to 1992, featuring four retired women sharing a home in Miami, Florida. With age-inclusive humor, the show tackles issues related to aging, friendship, and family. The popular series starred Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Estelle Getty, and won numerous awards for its outstanding writing, acting, and directing. Overall, The Golden Girls is a charming series that brings laughs and heartwarming moments to its audiences.