Ep 1. Yes, We Have No Havanas

The Golden Girls Season 4 Episode 1, titled "Yes, We Have No Havanas," follows the four friends, Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Rose (Betty White), and Sophia (Estelle Getty), as they navigate the ups and downs of life in their golden years.

The episode begins with the ladies gathered at the kitchen table, discussing their plans for the day. Dorothy announces that she has an audition for a local play and is nervous about her performance. Blanche and Sophia try to boost her confidence, but Rose interrupts with news about a letter she received from a relative in Cuba. The letter mentions that they can no longer send Cuban cigars to the United States, which upsets Sophia, who is a regular smoker.

Later, the ladies run into a man named Fernando (Bill Dana) at their local convenience store. Fernando is Cuban and announces that he knows where to get the best cigars. Blanche and Sophia are ecstatic and insist on accompanying him to purchase the cigars. However, things take a turn for the worse when Fernando leads them to a sketchy alleyway where they are robbed at gunpoint.

The experience shakes the ladies up, and they return home feeling vulnerable and violated. Dorothy reveals that she did not get the part in the play, adding insult to injury. Blanche suggests they take a self-defense class to make them feel empowered and safe. They all agree and attend the class taught by a handsome instructor named Brent (Ted McGinley).

At the end of the class, Brent invites the ladies out for a drink. Blanche and Sophia are instantly smitten with him, but Dorothy is suspicious of his intentions. They all agree to meet up at a local bar later that evening, where Brent flirts with Blanche and Sophia but ignores Dorothy.

Dorothy confronts Brent about his intentions and accuses him of only being interested in Blanche and Sophia. Brent admits that he is, but only because he is attracted to them. Dorothy is offended by his superficiality and storms out of the bar. Blanche and Sophia follow, leaving Brent alone to pay the bill.

The episode ends with the four ladies walking home, discussing the events of the evening. They all agree that they have each other to rely on and that they don't need a man to feel secure. As they enter their home, they spot a box of cigars on the kitchen table, given to Sophia by Fernando as an apology for their robbery. They all laugh as Sophia lights one up, pleased to have her Cuban cigars after all.

Overall, "Yes, We Have No Havanas" is a lighthearted and relatable episode that deals with issues of vulnerability and safety in old age. The theme of female empowerment is also prevalent throughout, as the ladies come together to defend themselves and each other. As with all episodes of The Golden Girls, it is a witty and entertaining watch that will leave audiences feeling warm and fuzzy inside.