The Golden Girls Season 5 Episode 22 Cheaters

In the fifth season of The Golden Girls, the show's four main characters, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia, continue to navigate the ups and downs of life as older women living together in Miami. Throughout the season, they tackle a variety of topics, from health issues to romantic entanglements and everything in between.

In episode 22, titled "Cheaters," the ladies find themselves dealing with a particularly tricky situation when a married man starts making advances towards both Blanche and Dorothy. The man, played by guest star Gerald S. O'Loughlin, is a distinguished professor and well-respected member of the community, but the women soon discover that he may not be as virtuous as he seems.

As the episode progresses, Blanche and Dorothy each find themselves drawn to the professor in their own way. Blanche is flattered by his attention and enjoys the excitement of being seen as desirable by a man, while Dorothy is intrigued by his intellect and appreciates the stimulating conversation they share. However, it quickly becomes clear that the professor is not what he appears to be.

Sophia is the first to catch on to the professor's true intentions, warning the other women that he is a cheater and a liar. However, her warnings fall on deaf ears as Blanche and Dorothy continue to see the professor, despite Sophia's protests. Eventually, Blanche and Dorothy are forced to confront the reality of the professor's behavior when they both discover that he has been pursuing other women at the same time.

The episode deals with the issue of infidelity in a way that is both humorous and poignant, as the women try to reconcile their feelings of attraction with their sense of morality and loyalty to one another. As always, the performances of the four actresses are sharp and witty, with Betty White's Rose stealing the show with her trademark naivete and simple-minded charm.

Overall, the episode is a classic example of the show's ability to tackle difficult topics with grace and humor, while still maintaining the heart and compassion that made The Golden Girls such a beloved series. With its relatable characters, sharp writing, and timeless humor, it's no wonder that the show continues to be a cultural touchstone more than 30 years after it first premiered.