Candice Bergen Movies
American actress Candice Bergen was a celebrity even before she was born. As the first child of popular radio ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his young wife Frances, Candice was a hot news item months before her birth, and headline material upon that blessed event (her coming into the world even prompted magazine cartoons which suggested that Edgar would try to confound the nurses by "giving" his new daughter a voice). Candice made her first public appearance as an infant, featured with her parents in a magazine advertisement. Before she was ten, Candice was appearing sporadically on dad's radio program, demonstrating a precocious ability to throw her own voice (a skill she hasn't been called upon to repeat in recent years); at 11 she and Groucho Marx's daughter Melinda were guest contestants on Groucho's TV quiz show You Bet Your Life. Candice loved her parents and luxuriated in her posh lifestyle, though she was set apart from other children in that her "brothers" were the wooden dummies Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd - and Charlie had a bigger bedroom than she did! Like most 1960s teens, however, she rebelled against the conservatism of her parents and adopted a well-publicized, freewheeling lifestyle - and a movie career. In her first film, The Group (1965), Candice played a wealthy young lesbian - a character light years away from the sensibilities of her old-guard father. She next appeared with Steve McQueen in the big budget The Sand Pebbles (1966), simultaneously running smack dab into the unkind cuts of critics, who made the expected (given her parentage) comments concerning her "wooden" performance. Truth to tell, Candice did look far better than she acted, and this status quo remained throughout most of her film appearances of the late 1960s; even Candice admitted she wasn't much of an actress, though she allowed (in another moment that must have given papa Edgar pause) that she was terrific when required in a film to simulate an orgasm. Several films later, Candice decided to take her career more seriously than did her critics, and began emerging into a talented and reliable actress in such films as Carnal Knowledge (1971) and The Wind and the Lion (1975). Most observers agree that Candice's true turnaround was her touching but hilarious performance as a divorced woman pursuing a singing career - with little in the way of talent - in the Burt Reynolds comedy Starting Over (1979). Candice's roller-coaster offscreen life settled into relative normality when she married French film director Louis Malle; meanwhile, her acting career gained momentum as she sought out and received ever-improving movie and TV roles. In 1988, Candice began a run in the title role of the television sitcom Murphy Brown, in which she was brilliant as a mercurial, high-strung TV newsmagazine reporter, a role that won Ms. Bergen several Emmy Awards. While Murphy Brown capped Candice Bergen's full acceptance by audiences and critics as an actress of stature, it also restored her to "headline" status in 1992 - when, in direct response to the fictional Murphy Brown's decision to become a single mother, Vice President Dan Quayle delivered his notorious "family values" speech. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A clerical error tests the lifelong friendship of two brides-to-be by scheduling their respective weddings at the famed Plaza Hotel on the exact same date in this romantic comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. Ever since they were little girls, Liv (Hudson) and Emma (Hathaway) have bonded over planning their weddings down to the very last detail. Now, both in their mid-twenties, Liv and Emma have each found the men they want to spend the rest of their lives with. But while most of the details regarding their respective weddings don't overlap, the one thing that both Liv and Emma have always dreamt of is holding their ceremony at the legendary Plaza Hotel -- New Your City's ultimate bridal destination. Unfortunately, a simple clerical error has scheduled both of their weddings on the exact same date, at the exact same place. As a high-powered lawyer who's used to getting her way, Liv simply isn't willing to settle for anything less than perfection. And though simple schoolteacher Emma has always placed the needs of others above her own, the prospect of making any sacrifices on her big day brings out her inner bridezilla in ways that shock her unsuspecting friends and family. There was a time when Liv and Emma would have done anything for each other, but now that the two best friends are at odds over who will get their dream wedding and who will have to settle for second best, the lacy gloves are off and it's all-out war. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, (more)
The hit cable series Sex and the City catwalks its way onto the big screen in this feature-film continuation that fans all over have been clamoring for. Sarah Jessica Parker returns once again as Carrie Bradshaw, the style-maven journalist whose romantic exploits were the key focus of the show. Also reprising their roles are Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon, with the series' executive producer Michael Patrick King taking on writing and directing duties. Several years have passed since viewers last saw Carrie and company, though she's still involved with Mr. Big (Chris Noth) and completely consumed by her obsession for name-brand accessories. Meanwhile, Miranda is adjusting to married life and motherhood, Charlotte is still clinging to her dreams, and Samantha and handsome, steely eyed TV star Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis) are now living together out in L.A. Of course, when the girls all come together, it's just like old times. Dreamgirls' Jennifer Hudson co-stars as Carrie's assistant. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, (more)
Veteran producer/director Diane English (The Lathe of Heaven, Murphy Brown) helms this contemporized remake of George Cukor's beloved proto-feminist comedy drama The Women (1939), an adaptation of Clare Boothe Luce's play. The English version follows the gossip, bitchy wisecracking, and overall disillusionment that erupt among a group of socialite friends when their dearest and most envied learns of her husband's marital infidelity at the hands of a backstabbing shopgirl. The all-female cast is fronted by Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Candice Bergen, with supporting roles inhabited by Bette Midler, Cloris Leachman, and Carrie Fisher. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, (more)
The quirky characters at Crane, Poole and Schmidt are at it again, bringing the most outrageous and often times improbable cases to court.
- Starring:
- William Shatner, James Spader, (more)
Led by an Emmy Award-winning cast (James Spader, Denny Crane and Candice Bergen), "Boston Legal" tells the professional and personal stories of a group of brilliant but often emotionally challenged attorneys. Fast-paced and darkly comedic, the series confronts social and moral issues, while its characters continually stretch the boundaries of the law.
- Starring:
- James Spader, William Shatner, (more)
Adapted from an unproduced play by Ira Levin (Rosemary's Baby, et al.), the made-for-TV Footsteps stars Candice Bergen as Daisy Lowenthal, a best-selling suspense novelist who has recently "killed off" her most popular fictional character -- and who is recovering from a nervous breakdown. Determined to confront and conquer one of her most dreaded phobias, Daisy elects to spend a weekend alone at her isolated beach house, not even permitting her husband Robbie (Michael Murphy) to keep her company. As Daisy sweats out the weekend -- and an ominous storm -- she finds that she is not quite as alone as she thinks. For one, there's that curious young man named Spencer (Bug Hall), Daisy's self-proclaimed number one fan who possesses a disturbingly thorough knowledge of the writer's professional and personal life; for another, there's lawman Eddie Bruno (Bryan Brown), who has apparently been hired to keep tabs on Daisy. There's yet another player in this taut little melodrama...but to give any more away would be unthinkable. Footsteps debuted October 12, 2003, on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen, Bryan Brown, (more)
- 2003
Organized by New York's Museum of Television and Radio, this impressively assembled tribute to the funny women boasts a stellar all-female cast, drawn from half a century's worth of video entertainment. Hosted by Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), the special uses rare film clips and interviews to pay homage to such iconic figures as Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett, Bea Arthur, and especially the woman who started it all, Lucille Ball. A number of veteran comediennes are in attendance, along with the newer crop of "girls." Amidst the hilarity, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (Seinfeld) offers a poignant paean to the late Gilda Radner. Great Women of Television and Comedy was originally broadcast by NBC -- which may explain the preponderance of guest stars from that network's then-current sitcom manifest. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Lots of people have misgiving about their in-laws, but in this offbeat comedy, a man discovers that his new son-in-law's father is significantly stranger than he's able to deal with. Jerry Peyser (Albert Brooks) is a well-meaning but slightly anal-retentive podiatrist who doesn't much care for surprises in his life. When his daughter Melissa (Lindsay Sloane) announces she's going to marry her boyfriend, Mark Tobias (Ryan Reynolds), Jerry figures that helping his wife plan the wedding and getting through the ceremony is as much excitement as he needs or wants. However, when Jerry and his wife, Katherine (Maria Ricossa), meet Mark's father for the first time, Steve Tobias (Michael Douglas) ends up taking Jerry on the ride of his life. Both Mark and Steve's ex-wife, Judy (Candice Bergen), seem to have a decidedly ambivalent attitude about Steve, and Jerry finds out why -- Steve is actually an undercover agent for the CIA. In the guise of doing Steve a favor, Jerry gets dragged into a strange and dangerous episode involving international arms dealers, French super-villains, heavily armed men's room attendants, and a stolen private jet belonging to Barbra Streisand, as well as several less-than-pleasant encounters with Angela (Robin Tunney), Steve's colleague in espionage who doesn't trust Jerry. The In-Laws was adapted from the memorable 1979 comedy of the same name, in which Alan Arkin and Peter Falk played the mismatched fathers. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Douglas, Albert Brooks, (more)
After establishing herself as a bankable star with the fish out of water comedy Legally Blonde, Reese Witherspoon returns in what could be described as a "fish back in water" comedy. Melanie Carmichael (Witherspoon) is a successful New York fashion designer who is dating Andrew Hennings (Patrick Dempsey), a wealthy socialite whose mother, Katherine Hennings (Candice Bergen), is the Big Apple's mayor. One day, Andrew pops the big question and asks Melanie to marry him; Melanie is overjoyed, but unknown to Andrew, Melanie has some unfinished business to take care of first. Despite her polished uptown image, Melanie grew up poor in the deep South, and as a teenager she married her high school sweetheart Jake Perry (Josh Lucas). Things went sour and Melanie moved East, reinventing herself along the way, but Jake never bothered to legally end their marriage. Now Melanie has to return to her hometown of Pigeon Creek, AL, to tell her parents (Fred Ward and Mary Kay Place) the news and convince Jake to grant her a divorce; however, the more time she spends with her old flame, the more she feels sparks flying between them again, while she also learns her Eastern affectations don't fly with everyone back home. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, (more)
Brazilian filmmaker Bruno Barreto directs this comic look at the world of flight attendants starring Gwyneth Paltrow as Donna, a small town Nevada woman who dreams of seeing the world by becoming a first class international stewardess. Lacking the requisite poise and class, Donna finds a mentor in retired trade veteran Sally (Candice Bergen), a wealthy, best-selling author who assists with advice and her considerable influence. Despite Sally's help, Donna finds the process of fulfilling her career ambitions more difficult than she imagined when she’s betrayed by a trusted friend (Christina Applegate) during flight training, a daunting course taught by the bitter John Whitney (Mike Myers), a once-aspiring steward whose eye condition kept him forever out of the friendly skies. Donna also faces a romantic crisis when she falls for a handsome law student (Mark Ruffalo) whose education consigns him to Ohio, far away from the major urban hubs Donna dreams of working. A View from the Top (2002) costars Rob Lowe, Josh Malina, Kelly Preston and Jon Polito. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Ruffalo, (more)
- 2002
Unlike her previous cable-TV interview series, Exhale With Candice Bergen, actress Bergen wasted little time with the standard, sedate couch-and-desk format on Candice Checks It Out. Instead, the host emulated both Charles Kuralt and George Plimpton, going on the road in search of courageous women who lived "on the edge," and as often as possible participated in her guests' adventurous activities. Among the professionals profiled on the series were female astronauts, wild-animal trainers, "ladies who luge," bungie-jumpers, street performers, and even dominatrixes. In other words, it was Murphy Brown for real. Candice Checks It Out debuted August 18, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen
Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) is an FBI agent with a reputation for being aggressive and hard-nosed, who has long wanted to duplicate the career of her deceased mother, also an FBI agent, who died in the line of duty. Her cantankerous nature, though, has made her few friends, excepting her trusting, sensitive partner Eric Matthews (Benjamin Bratt). However, her true abilities are put to the test when she is called upon to infiltrate a Miss United States pageant after a terrorist threatens to bomb it. Gracie, who prides herself on her toughness, must now feminize her behavior to effectively participate in the pageant with the aid of Victor Melling (Michael Caine), a pompous consultant who dreams of whisking away Gracie's past self and creating "Gracie Lou Freebush" for an appreciative, all-American audience. After her arduous conversion, Gracie must play the role of beauty queen and FBI agent, and try not to blow her undercover outfit. Miss Congeniality, which was produced by star Bullock, features television stalwarts William Shatner and Candice Bergen in supporting roles. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, (more)
- 1998
Hosted by Candice Bergen, The Thunderbirds: Thunder Over the Pacific is a History Channel documentary that provides an in-depth look at the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron known as the "Thunderbirds." In addition to flight demonstrations and aerial shots, the film chronicles the background, evolution, and history of the world-famous institution, providing a close-up look at topics ranging from team spirit and dedication to practicing and planning for air shows. Footage obtained from a cockpit-mounted camera is a highlight of the 100-minute film. ~ Kathleen Wildasin, All Movie Guide
- 1997
The tenth and final season of Murphy Brown resolves the previous season's cliffhanger finale, as TV reporter Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) bids farewell to her co-workers on the Washington-based newsmagazine "FYI," in preparation of starting her new job as a White House correspondent. Not surprisingly, the tactlessly outspoken Murphy loses her White House gig in a record 45 minutes, forcing her to beg for her old job back. But these intrigues pale in significance compared to the central crisis of season ten, wherein Murphy is diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the seriousness of the situation and the gloominess of its ramifications -- notably Murphy's efforts to break the news to her son, Avery (played this season by a pre-Sixth Sense Haley Joel Osment) -- the series still manages to deliver plenty of laughs amidst the tears. The humor level remains constant even during a potentially depressing subplot, as the second marriage of Murphy's co-worker Corky (Faith Ford) proves to be no more successful than the first. As the series winds down, Murphy is reunited with her former lover (and journalistic rival) Jerry Gold (Jay Thomas) for what would be their last romantic rendezvous. The series concludes with a surrealistic two-parter, in which Murphy has a pointed conversation with God (played by Alan King) while she is anesthetized for an exploratory operation. Without giving away the ending, it can be noted that the final tally of secretaries hired and fired by Murphy Brown throughout the series' ten-year run is an astronomical 93 (and you'll never guess who the last one is!). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen, Charles Kimbrough, (more)
- 1996
With the defection of series regular Grant Shaud at the end of Murphy Brown's eighth season, it was necessary to eliminate the actor's character Miles Silverberg, executive producer of "FYI," the Washington-based TV newsmagazine on which Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) is star reporter. Miles' immediately replacement is snotty Andrew Lansing (Paul Reubens), nephew of the network's president -- a promotion that prompts the entire "FYI" staff to resign in protest. As it turns out, Andrew was a saint compared to his replacement, a contentious former game-show producer named Kay Carter-Shepley (new series regular Lily Tomlin). Clearly in over her head on "FYI," Kay hides her ineptitude with her overbearing behavior and her fondness for playing nasty mind games with the staff. Clearly, Murphy and Kay are going to be at each other's throats for the remainder of the season...and only one of them may come out alive. In other developments, Murphy and her co-workers purchase their favorite neighborhood bar when its owner, Phil (Pat Corley), who has functioned as a sort of house philosopher and father confessor for the past eight seasons, suddenly dies (or does he?). And in the series' most outrageously self-referential episode, Murphy discovers that the dozens of secretaries whom she has fired in seasons past have formed their own support group -- with branches on both the East and West coasts! The season-ending cliffhanger finds Kay being fired for an on-the-air gaffe perpetrated by Murphy -- who, as it happens, may be on her way out as well. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen, Charles Kimbrough, (more)
- 1996
This provocative made-for-television drama centers on a community's reaction when an aging widow becomes emotionally attached to a slightly retarded young man. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen, Thomas McCarthy, (more)
- 1995
As Murphy Brown begins its eighth season, the titular heroine (played by Candice Bergen) has decided not to marry her current amour (and journalistic rival), Peter Hunt (Scott Bakula). Even so, wedding bells do ring at the outset for season eight -- but they're ringing for Murphy's fellow TV reporter Corky Sherwood (Faith Ford), who in a surprise move has wed Murph's producer, Miles Silverberg (Grant Shaud), in an episode featuring John F. Kennedy Jr. as "himself." Meanwhile, Andrew Lansing (Paul Reubens), Murphy's obnoxious secretary and the nephew of network head Stan Lansing (Gary Marshall), wreaks havoc when he is promoted to an executive post -- and even more so when he decides that he's in love with Murphy. Elsewhere, anchorman Jim Dial (Charles Kimbrough) magnanimously grooms the vacuous Miller Redfield (Christopher Rich) as his potential replacement, then catches everyone unawares by accepting another job with rival network ICN. Also, former Cheers regular Shelley Long makes her first series appearance as Dottie Wilcox, a syrupy morning-TV host clearly patterned after Kathie Lee Gifford. Other guest stars this season include Dom DeLuise, Katie Couric, and Elizabeth Taylor. As in previous years, season eight of Murphy Brown ends on a cliffhanger, with the entire staff of Murphy's TV newsmagazine "FYI" facing unemployment -- and Miles Silverberg preparing to take a job in New York, forcing him to leave wife Corky behind. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen, Charles Kimbrough, (more)
Henry Jaglom is a filmmaker who was a pioneer of the independent film movement long before it had a name. Jaglom began his Hollywood career in the mid-Sixties as an actor, but in 1971 he wrote and directed his first feature film, A Safe Place, which starred his friends Orson Welles and Jack Nicholson; it was an offbeat, personal work which received mixed reviews, setting a standard that many of Jaglom's future works would follow. After A Safe Place bombed at the box office, Jaglom began making films on tiny budgets which he often released himself, allowing his actors plenty of room to improvise and often dealing with women's issues in an intense and emotionally compelling manner. Jaglom has a significant cult of admirers, and a number of notable actors work with him at a fraction of their usual salaries, but his eccentricity and knack for self-promotion has rubbed a few people in the movie business the wrong way, and while some critics regard him as a singular talent, others consider him an overbearing con artist. Both Jaglom's supporters and detractors get a chance to air their opinions in Who Is Henry Jaglom?, a documentary about the filmmaker which offers a look at his movies, his life before and behind the camera, and the actors and craftspeople who've worked with him and have their own stories to tell. Jaglom himself is also extensively interviewed, and contributes a wealth of footage from his archives. Who Is Henry Jaglom? includes interviews with Candice Bergen, Karen Black, Dennis Hopper, Andrea Marcovici, Sally Kellerman, Martha Plimpton and many more. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Few other TV sitcoms could boast Murphy Brown's distinction of opening its seventh season with an episode guest-starring both Senator Barbara Boxer and TV's "Captain Kangaroo." This initial episode also introduces Dyllan Christopher in the role of Avery, the son of TV reporter Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) -- and considering that Avery was "born" only three years earlier, how that boy has grown! New to the series this season is actor-producer Gary Marshall as Stan Lansing, the new head of the network carrying Murphy's TV newsmagazine show "FYI." It is clear from the get-go that Lansing and Murphy will never see eye to eye, especially since he is far more interested in staging wild ratings-grabbing publicity stunts than in straight journalism. The limit comes when, upset that Murphy has hired and fired 76 secretaries in the past seven years, Lansing forces our heroine to engage the services of his own nephew Andrew, played by Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman). Obnoxious though he is, Andrew does too good a job to get himself canned -- and it is obvious that he will remain a thorn in Murphy's side for several episodes to come. In other developments, Murphy's house painter, Eldin Bernecky (Robert Pastorelli), who still hasn't finished decorating her living room after all these years, leaves the series to accept an opportunity to pursue a stellar art career in Europe. Also, Murphy's co-worker Corky (Faith Ford) has divested herself of her husband Will, and has begun dating vacuous anchorman Miller Redfield (Christopher Rich). And in another affair of the heart, swaggering international reporter Peter Hunt (Scott Bakula) finally proposes to Murphy -- but will she accept? This season, Murphy Brown won the second of two Emmy awards for Outstanding Comedy Series. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen, Charles Kimbrough, (more)
- 1993
Season six of Murphy Brown gets under way with the first appearance of Scott Bakula as Peter Hunt, a dashing and rather arrogant international reporter who is hired to pep up the ratings of the TV newsmagazine "FYI." Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen), heretofore the series' star reporter, resents Peter's presence, especially since she is forced to give up some of her own air time to accommodate his ego, but despite this rocky start the two rival reporters end up having an affair -- while the rest of the "FYI" staff begins placing bets as to how long it will be before the romance crashes and burns. In other episodes, future West Wing star Martin Sheen appears as a reclusive Salingeresque novelist whom Murphy is determined to nail for a TV interview; and real-life broadcast journalist Joan Lunden shows up in the episode wherein Murphy, long barred from covering the White House beat, does her darnedest to ingratiate herself with the new Clinton administration -- only to end up accidentally kidnapping Socks the cat! In other season highlights, Wallace Shawn makes the first of several appearances as "FYI"'s obnoxious and self-destructive former anchorman; and the number of secretaries hired and fired by Murphy reaches 66 when The Bob Newhart Show's Carol Kester Bondurant (played, as always, by Marcia Wallace), fails to make the final cut. Season six concludes with Murphy landing a role in a film directed by the great Louis Malle -- who happened to be the real-life husband of series star Candice Bergen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen, Charles Kimbrough, (more)
- 1992
In the weeks just prior to the opening episode of Murphy Brown's fifth season, the series, and its star Candice Bergen, were at the center of a controversy largely stirred up by then Vice President Dan Quayle. Commenting on the fact that season four had ended with an unmarried Murphy giving birth to a baby, Mr. Quayle decried the series' lack of "family values." In response -- or rather, in protest -- series producer Diane English saw to it that the fifth-season opener made several pointed satirical references to the vice president's verbal attack, capping this skewering by titling the episode "You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato" (a swipe at Mr. Quayle's questionable spelling skills). Once that's over with, Murphy returns home with her new son, Avery, in her arms, quickly going through a series of nannies whom she finds unsuitable. Eventually, Murphy's live-in house painter, Eldin (Robert Pastorelli), proves to be the perfect choice to care for little Avery, a job which, of course, distances Eldin even farther from ever finishing the decorating job for which he was originally hired...five years ago. Back on the set of "FYI," anchorman Jim Dial (Charles Kimbrough) is in for his share of headaches when his wife launches her own showbiz career, while executive producer Miles Silverberg (Grant Shaud) dreads the arrival of his '60s-activist parents for a demonstration on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Also, author Will Forest's (Scott Bryce) childish reaction to a series of financial setbacks drives the final nail in the coffin so far as his marriage to Murphy's co-worker Corky (Faith Ford) is concerned. And in the episode "Bump in the Night," otherwise fearless investigative reporter Frank Fontana (Joe Regalbuto) is a bundle of nerves while preparing for an appearance on David Letterman's talk show. Season five ends with Murphy seriously considering giving up her career for the sake of her son; and at last count, the number of secretaries hired and summarily fired by our heroine has reached 58. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen, Charles Kimbrough, (more)
- 1991
What TV reporter Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) suspected at the end of season three of her eponymously titled sitcom has turned out to be true: Murphy is pregnant. Thus, season four of Murphy Brown begins with our heroine figuring out that her ex-husband, Jake (Robin Thomas), with whom she had a one-night "reunion," is the father, and also worrying if her condition will allow her to continue appearing on the Washington-based newsmagazine "FYI." As if this isn't enough to keep Murphy awake nights, she must also cope with the death of her mother (a plot twist necessitated when the actress who played Avery Brown, Colleen Dewhurst, herself passed away). In other episodes, future Frasier co-star Jane Leeves appears as Audrey Cohen, the first of Murphy's many secretaries who actually keeps her job for more than a single episode; an interview with Aretha Franklin may prove to be disastrous thanks to a confused limo driver; "FYI"'s investigative reporter Frank Fontana (Joe Regalbuto) finally wins a coveted local TV award, whereupon his head swells to ten times its normal size; Murphy's co-worker Corky (Faith Ford), realizing that her marriage is in tatters, drifts into a relationship with anchorman Miller Redfield (Christopher Rich), the only person in Washington more vacuous than she; Murphy tries to get around her lifetime ban from covering the White House; and Kate Mulgrew, still a few years away from Star Trek: Voyager, plays Murphy's temporary replacement, who like our heroine turns out to have a not-so-little problem with booze. The season concludes with the celebrated, Emmy-winning episode in which Murphy goes into labor -- a segment that would famously incur the outrage of a certain American vice president. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Candice Bergen, Charles Kimbrough, (more)
