The Ropers (TV Series) Baby Talk (1979) User Reviews

Adoption

[JordanThomasHall · 8/10 · 21 September 2020]

Helen and Stanley babysit David to give the Brookes' a needed date night. Helen and Anne later have a heart-to-heart that revels the Ropers couldn't have children. Helen talks to Stanley about adopting, but Stanley feels they're too old to take on that responsibility. Stanley overhears a conversation between Helen and Anne to understand she'd be so busy she'd not have time to nag him, and agrees. Hortense Bell (Beverly Dixon) interviews the Brookes and Ropers about how suitable they are for adopting. They find obstacles in their desires, and a thoughtful Stanley surprises with the right thing to do.

A tender script that still packs in comedy.

'Baby Talk' : The Best Episode Of "The Ropers"

[happipuppi13 · 10/10 · 24 September 2014]

Ealier this year (2014),Antenna TV started following episodes of "Three's Company" with "The Ropers",which made me happy,as I hadn't seen the show since 1980.

I know most have dismissed the series as a big mistake,even calling it worthless. In the case of "Baby Talk" though (10th episode overall and from Season 2),I can honestly state,it is the best written and acted show out of the entire series.

Helen Roper (Audra Lindley) babysits 7 year old David for her neighbors (and landlords) The Brooks. She adores the boy and it leads her and Ann Brooks to a discussion of why her and Stanley never had kids.

Helen starts to feel she & her husband have missed out on something special and decides to talk to him about adopting,as they're too old to have children of their own.

Stanley (Norman Fell) quite seriously tells Helen the pitfalls of adopting at their age. Just the same,he allows her to give it a try and she calls to set up an interview with an agency at home.

**Spoilers** The agent arrives and talks with Helen and Stanley. Still hopeful,Helen asks what their chances are and at first,the agent will not directly tell them what their chances are,in going to the next step.

Stanley's now getting angry and wont let the woman off the hook so easily. He demands she tell his wife the truth. When Helen looks at her and says "There's no chance is there?" She confesses that their age will most likely opt them out of any consideration. Lindley's look of rejection and overall sadness are very real.

Fell comes across as disappointed too & genuinely concerned for Helen as well. As a real husband should be. His loving gift to her at the end of the show demonstrates this.

It is a very touching ending to a well written,well acted episode,from the actors & all behind the scenes of a television series that certainly deserved a better chance than it was given.

Ten Stars for,"Baby Talk". If you watch The Ropers for any reason,this is overall the best one you could have. (END)