Advanced Tv Herstory |women In Tv |television History | Feminism

New Year's Eve storytelling on television is often hit-or-miss, but Designing Womendelivered a timeless masterpiecewith the January 1, 1990, episode "The First Day of the Last Decade of the Entire 20th Century." Written by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and directed by Harry Thomason, this heartfelt episode features the original cast—Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jean Smart, and Annie Potts—gathering in support of Charlene as she welcomes her baby into the world. It also includes Dolly Parton in a dream sequence, delivering a message of hope and wisdom as Charlene’s Guardian Angel. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the cultural and emotional significance of this classic Designing Women moment, highlighting the late-80s sentimentality, strong female friendships, and enduring legacy of the series. The original cast’s performances, featuring Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jean Smart, and Annie Potts. Dolly Parton’s role as Charlene’s dream Guardian Angel and the wisdom she imparts. The warmth and emotion of the episo