Amen
Overview
Amen, a sitcom produced by Carson Productions, aired on NBC from September 27, 1986, to May 11, 1991. Set in Philadelphia, the show features Sherman Hemsley as a church deacon navigating the challenges of his community. It emerged during the 1980s when NBC was celebrated for its successful sitcoms showcasing predominantly black casts, joining the ranks of hits like The Cosby Show, A Different World, and 227. With its blend of humor and heart, Amen contributed to the era's rich tapestry of television storytelling.
Episodes
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1
Pilot
In the pilot episode, Ernest Frye, a self-righteous deacon, is on the hunt for a new minister to lead the First Community Church.
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2
The Courtship of Bess Richards
After being captivated by a stunning gospel singer at a wedding, Deacon Frye sets out to charm her into joining the church choir. He showers her with ...
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3
The Morning After
Thelma enchants Reverend Gregory with a dinner enhanced by her special wine, leading to a surprising kiss that leaves her delighted. However, the foll...
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4
The Deacon Delivers
A rebellious teenager wishes to return to the church choir after a significant absence. Pastor Gregory is eager to welcome her back, but his excitemen...
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5
Rolly Falls in Love
Title: Rolly's Unexpected Romance Plot: Rolly has developed a crush on a waitress from the nearby diner but lacks the confidence to talk to her. Inst...
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6
Retreat, Heck!
Title: Retreat, Heck! Plot: Deacon Frye initially finds the upcoming church retreat to be dull, but everything changes when he discovers that a forme...
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7
Sermon From the Cell
Rev. Gregory finds himself behind bars for providing refuge to those in need. Meanwhile, the Deacon is also imprisoned for a day after being held in c...
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8
Maitre D'eacon
A woman leaves her French restaurant to the church members, with the condition that they maintain its thriving business. However, the church soon face...
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9
Reuben's Romance
Title: Reuben's Romance Plot: Rev. Gregory faces an internal struggle as he finds himself drawn to a grieving widow seeking solace. Torn between his ...
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10
After the Fall
Title: After the Fall Plot: Rolly has an accident at the bank, leading to a series of events where the Deacon cleverly negotiates a financial settlem...
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11
Your Christmas Show of Shows
As the church gets ready for their Christmas pageant, they’re excited to learn that a television crew will be broadcasting the event live. The entir...
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12
Frye for the Defense
Title: Frye Stands Up Plot: A church charity event takes a shocking twist when the congregation faces a lawsuit over allegedly serving contaminated...
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13
Thelma's Choice
Title: Thelma's Dilemma Plot: Thelma's latest love interest appears to be the perfect match, winning over everyone, including Deacon Frye, who is com...
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14
Betting on the Boy
Frye forms a friendship with a tech-savvy genius who has an uncanny ability to predict sports outcomes.
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15
Casting the First Stone
Title: The First Stone Plot: During his testimony at church, Lorenzo reveals that he had an affair with a secretive sister, sparking rampant gossip a...
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16
Yes Sir, That's Your Baby
After celebrating the christening of Lynnette and Jerome's baby, the Hetebrinks find themselves overwhelmed with emotion, feeling they may be too old ...
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17
Into the Night
A date with Frye lands Reuben's aunt in jail.
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18
The Divorce Lawyer
A heartbroken woman visits Deacon Frye's office, wanting a divorce from her husband, whom she believes is being unfaithful. Frye enlists his undercove...
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19
The Rival
Title: The Competitor Plot: Deacon Frye recruits a charming new Sunday school instructor for the church, capturing Reuben's attention and affection, ...
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20
The Magician
Frye, an eager young magician, tries out for a spot on a children's television program.
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21
Glen Garry Glen Thelma
Inept Thelma tries her hand at real estate.
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22
What's Up, Deacon?
Title: Deacon's New Journey Plot: In a bid to secure the church's nomination for a humanitarian award, the Deacon embarks on a personal transformatio...
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1
California Dreaming
Reuben finds himself weighing the option of taking a new position in Los Angeles.
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2
Dancing in the Dark
Title: Dance of Shadows Plot: When Deacon Frye finds himself facing off against a former law school peer in a palimony case, old tensions resurface. ...
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3
You Bet Your Life
Amelia's gambling habit resurfaces.
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4
Dueling Ministers
Title: Clergy Clash Plot: Rev. Johnny makes a triumphant return to deliver a sermon at the church, stirring up excitement among the congregation. H...
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5
Thelma's Reunion
Title: Thelma's Reunion Plot: With her high school reunion on the horizon, Thelma feels anxious about attending, haunted by the comparison to her chi...
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6
Deacon on the Line
The Deacon finds himself alone when a caller from a teen hotline expresses intentions to take their own life.
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7
Rolly's Proposal (1)
Romance blooms between Frye's aunt and Rolly.
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8
Rolly's Wedding (2)
On the verge of marriage, Rolly gets cold feet.
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9
Thelma's Birthday
While shoveling snow, Deacon Frye loses his footing and injures his back. The physician attending to his injury develops feelings for Thelma, igniting...
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10
Thelma's Little Girl
Title: Thelma’s New Adventure Plot: Thelma embarks on a new chapter in her life as she opens her heart and home to a spirited nine-year-old girl ...
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11
The Twelve Songs of Christmas
The choir gets into a heated debate about which Christmas carol to perform for the upcoming competition. Tensions rise as each member advocates for th...
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12
Snakes Alive
Title: Snakes Alive Plot: In a fit of sheer terror, the Deacon bolts out of the church, leaving the Reverend puzzled. It turns out, his fright stemme...
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13
Man on a Ledge
Frye tries to erase Thelma's angry phone message.
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14
To Catch a Thief
Title: To Catch a Thief Plot: When money goes missing from the collection plate, the Reverend and the Hetebrinks suspect that Jeanette is the culprit...
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15
The Widow
An attractive church benefactor eyes Reuben.
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16
Stranded
Title: Stranded Plot: During a mountain church retreat, the Deacon experiences a profound spiritual transformation after nearly succumbing to a blizz...
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17
Deacon Dearest
Deacon Frye becomes personally invested in the divorce of a couple from the church after learning that the upset woman’s husband is a wealthy millio...
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18
The Fantasy
Thelma imagines a romantic honeymoon with the Reverend, lost in her daydreams. Meanwhile, the Deacon envisions a different future, one that involves b...
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19
Wedding Bell Blues
Rev. Gregory is devastated when the first couple he united in marriage claims he failed them as a counselor, leading to accusations of malpractice. At...
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20
A Slight Case of Murder (1)
When a stunning and sophisticated woman seeks Deacon Frye's assistance in her husband's murder case, he steps up to defend her in court. As the trial ...
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21
A Slight Case of Murder (2)
Title: A Slight Case of Murder (2) Plot: After successfully defending Roxanne in court, Deacon Frye is thrilled to realize she has been exonerated fr...
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1
Fear of Flying
Title: Skyward Terror Plot: On a budget flight to the Bahamas, Thelma grapples with her intense fear of flying. Unbeknownst to her, the pilot has bec...
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2
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
Frye pushes Thelma to give Reuben an ultimatum.
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3
Look at Me, I'm Running
Frye takes a stand against a state senator who is currently incarcerated, launching a campaign to shed light on the senator's actions and their implic...
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4
Court of Love
Title: Court of Affection Plot: The Deacon struggles to concentrate on church matters when Rev. Gregory introduces a charming legal assistant, Lorett...
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5
Get 'Em Up, Scout
Title: Campfire Endeavors Plot: In his quest to secure a recommendation from the church board, the Deacon finds himself tasked with leading a scout t...
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6
The Minister's Wife
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7
The Housekeeper
Title: The Housekeeper Plot: Thelma takes up residence with Reverend Gregory, igniting a scandal within the church that jeopardizes his position as a...
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8
Thelma's Handyman
At 34, Thelma is faced with the challenge of convincing a 19-year-old admirer to stop pursuing her. With whispers of an affair circulating, she is det...
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9
The Deacon's Donkey
In the live Nativity scene organized by the congregation, a mischievous goat manages to send Rev. Gregory scrambling up a tree, while a sickly donkey ...
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10
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
A wealthy widower is eager to contribute a significant sum to the church, but only if the Deacon can help him find a pious woman to marry. To facilita...
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11
I Remember Mama
Convinced that his time is short, Deacon Frye reflects on his deep affection for Thelma's mother and the care she provided him. He shares memories wit...
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12
The Reverend Ernest Frye
Title: The Reverend Ernest Frye Plot: Thelma takes on the responsibility of nursing Rev. Gregory, who is battling a severe case of measles. Meanwhile...
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13
The Green Card
The Deacon's Swedish housekeeper faces deportation unless she can secure an American citizen to marry her. Just when she thought she had a fiancé, he...
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14
The Psychic (1)
The Deacon and Thelma turn to a client for guidance, who gained their psychic abilities after experiencing a head injury.
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15
The Psychic (2)
Rev. Gregory tries to find a way to prove to Thelma that Tanya's prophecy is nonsense, while Thelma indulges in a eating spree. Meanwhile, Tanya decid...
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16
The Boxer
Title: The Boxer Plot: The church members are baffled by the Deacon's decision to take on the management of boxer Windmill Pearson, believing he must...
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17
Nothing But the Truth
Rev. Gregory's mother arrives for a visit and quickly becomes enchanted by the deacon's allure. Their chemistry leads to an unexpected moment where sh...
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18
Career Girl
Title: Career Girl Plot: Frustrated by the endless delays from Rev. Gregory regarding their wedding plans, Thelma takes charge of her own future by p...
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19
First Community Talent Show
Title: Inaugural Community Talent Showcase Plot: Members of the church come together for a charitable talent show. The lineup features performances o...
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20
The Last Supper
Thelma is determined to prepare an impressive dinner for the head of the church council, but she turns down the Hetebrink sisters' offer to assist her...
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21
Sing, Sister, Sing
Title: Sing, Sister, Sing Plot: A music producer sees potential in Amelia and aims to launch her career, prompting Deacon Frye to take on the role of...
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22
A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste
The Reverend, Dea Frye, and Rollie make an effort to persuade a young man to pursue higher education. They share personal stories, illustrating how th...
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1
The Engagement
Secrets are hard to come by at the First Community Church. When news spreads that Ruben plans to propose to Thelma, the entire congregation abandons t...
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2
Where There's A Will
Title: A Change of Heart Plot: The Deacon's long-estranged father-in-law, who had previously cut ties with the Fryes, is nearing death and seeks to m...
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3
Can't Help Lovin' That Man of Mine
When Maxine Varnay, the Reverend's elegant ex-fiancée, arrives in Philadelphia, everyone believes Thelma needs assistance keeping her partner. Maxine...
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4
Who Am I?
Title: Who Am I? Plot: During a fishing excursion, Thelma tumbles and suffers a memory loss, leaving her unsure of her identity. She fails to recogni...
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5
Witness for the Defense
Frye gets his first big murder case.
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6
TV or Not TV
As the church gets ready for a televised broadcast of their Sunday service, a local gang begins to wreak havoc in the area, putting pressure on Rev. G...
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7
Don't Rain on My Shower
At her bridal shower, Thelma goes all out to showcase her seemingly perfect life, hoping to impress her former high school rival. Determined to outshi...
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8
Thelma Says, I Do
Thelma's wedding day takes a turn for the worse when everything that could possibly go wrong does. To start, the wrong wedding dress arrives at her ho...
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9
You're in the Army Now (Part 1)
Title: Enlistment Adventures (Part 1) Plot: Thelma enlists in the Army, determined to transform into a disciplined and formidable soldier. (Part 1 of...
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10
You're in the Army Now (Part 2)
Rev. Gregory and the Deacon head to the Army base after a stern drill sergeant refuses to grant a weekend pass to the confused private, Thelma.
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11
Sergeant in Arms
Title: Sergeant in Arms Plot: Concerned that Thelma may have developed feelings for Sgt. Burke, Rev. Gregory becomes defensive when she returns home ...
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12
Thelma Frye, Dough Girl
Thelma is spending her weekend pass during the Christmas holiday at home, which gives her the ideal chance to showcase her skills as a gracious hostes...
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13
The Deacon vs. the U.S. Army
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14
The Roast
Deacon Frye is the subject of an honorary roast.
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15
The Deacon and the Mother-in-Law
Frye entertains Reuben's mother in Atlantic City.
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16
The Wedding
Thelma and Reuben are all set to get married, but their plans hit a snag when the minister falls asleep due to a sedative right in the middle of the c...
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17
The Honeymoon
Title: The Honeymoon Plot: What was supposed to be a blissful Hawaiian getaway takes a dark turn when a man attempts to leap from the balcony of Th...
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18
The Talent Show
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19
Moving In
Title: Settling In Plot: Upon returning from their honeymoon, the newlyweds find themselves dealing with a bothersome Deacon, who seems unable to t...
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20
Deacon's Dilemma
After developing feelings for the new assistant minister, the Deacon promises to stop defending morally questionable clients. She sees him as an exemp...
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21
Trouble in Paradise
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22
Who's Sorry Now?
Title: Who's Apologizing Now? Plot: After Amelia stumbles on the Deacon's steps and injures her foot, the two engage in a war of words both inside an...
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23
The Deacon's Confession
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1
Love, Deacon Style
Title: Deacon's Dilemma Plot: As Thelma reaches the six-month mark in her relationship, she finds herself feeling overlooked due to Reuben's commit...
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2
Two Men, One Woman and a Baby
After a woman is car-jacked, the thief abandons her baby on the steps of the First Community Church. Thelma, who has no children of her own, decides t...
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3
Child's Play
Title: Little Adventures Plot: Frye opens a new day care facility named "Deaconland," where children can explore, learn, and play in a nurturing envi...
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4
Yo, Deak
Frye decides to take in a troubled teenager known as "Clarence So Fine," who aspires to be a rapper.
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5
Miracle on 134th Street (1)
Title: Miracle on 134th Street (1) Plot: Frye supports a man who asserts he is the true Santa Claus. (Part 1 of 2)
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6
Miracle on 134th Street (2)
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7
Judge Deacon Frye
Recently appointed Judge Frye, intoxicated by his newfound power, is determined to impose harsh punishments on everyone who appears in his courtroom.
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8
The Gospel Truth
Reuben's niece arrives and surprises everyone by announcing her decision to drop out of seminary school to pursue a career in music as a singer. Excit...
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9
Lights, Camera, Deacon
Title: Spotlight on Deacon Plot: Frye discovers a golden opportunity for publicity when a televised court case features comedian-writer Steve Allen s...
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10
Unforgettable
Title: Unforgettable Plot: Frye embarks on a romance with a stunning and significantly younger advocate for the environment. As their relationship de...
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11
Ernie and the Sublimes
The deacon gathers his doo-wop group from the '50s to perform at a charitable event.
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12
The Deacon's Slam Dunk
Frye and Ruben step in when the Deacon's professional basketball player client expresses his desire to marry Amelia and relocate to Italy. Will love d...
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13
Three Men and a Hammer
Rapper MC Hammer takes on a vibrant dual role as both a lively minister and his own persona, dancing to motivate Clarence to stay in school. The cast ...
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14
Nothin' Says Lovin' ...
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15
My Fair Homeboy
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16
A Star is Burned
Thelma gets her own TV cooking show.
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17
Deak-Scam
Judge Frye encounters an old rival who attempts to ensnare him in a sting operation. He is tempted with a hefty bribe to influence a case he’s overs...
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18
The Wild Deak
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19
Three's a Crowd
Title: Complicated Dynamics Plot: Deacon Frye finds himself in a relationship with a teacher who has caught Clarence's attention, leading to tension ...
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20
Date with an Angel
Title: A Date with Destiny Plot: During a lively auction, a particularly difficult woman manages to secure a date with Frye, much to the surprise of ...
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21
Deliverance (1)
Title: Deliverance (1) Plot: Frye and Clarence devise a plan to boost church finances by courting the affluent Darla and her less-than-charming gra...
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22
Deliverance (2)
During a telethon aimed at saving the church, viewers are in for more than just musical performances by James Brown and Lloyd Price. Thelma, who has b...
