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The Rewatchables ·

Working Girl

year 1988decade 80sdirector Mike Nicholsgenre Comedygenre Romancegenre Drama
host Bill Simmonshost Amanda Dobbinshost Joanna Robinson
All 35 categories

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:27:35

Working Girl deserved Best Picture

Amanda Dobbins: Working Girl should have won Best Picture over Rain Man.

Bill Simmons: I’m So Excited is proposed as the most important pop-culture song of its era.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 2:04:23

Make opportunities happen

Bill Simmons: Do not wait for what you want; make it happen is selected.

The film

Working Girl (1988)

Directed by Mike Nichols · Comedy

113 minutes

IMDb Find on JustWatch Find on Rotten Tomatoes
Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Melanie Griffith Tess McGill
Harrison Ford Jack Trainer
Sigourney Weaver Katharine Parker
Alec Baldwin Mick Dugan
Joan Cusack Cynthia
Philip Bosco Oren Trask
Timothy Carhart Tim Draper
Nora Dunn Ginny
Oliver Platt David Lutz
James Lally Turkel
Kevin Spacey Bob Speck
Robert Easton Armbrister
Amy Aquino Alice Baxter
Olympia Dukakis personnel director
Ricki Lake Bridesmaid
David Duchovny Tess's birthday party friend

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

51:14

Most Rewatchable Scene

End elevators; bar meet-cute; opening; wedding.

End elevators; bar meet-cute; opening; wedding.

In the discussion (16)
Approx. transcript time · 00:51:14Read transcript
  • The opening credits, ferry, Statue of Liberty, and New York skyline are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The Spacey limo encounter and Tess’s typed insult are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Tess’s early office exchange with Katharine is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The bar meet-cute is a final choice. — Joanna Robinson
  • The fight after the party is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The luau wedding, bathroom scene, cameos, and Trask dance are proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Jack changing his shirt in the office is proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The postcoital conversation is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Jack visiting Katharine while Tess hides is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The boardroom and elevator showdowns are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Tess meeting her new assistant is proposed.
  • Jack caring for an unconscious Tess is proposed for its physical comedy despite later objections. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The boss-secretary impersonation farce is proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The elevator ending is a final choice. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The wedding is initially selected and then withdrawn for the elevator. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The bar is another final choice. — Amanda Dobbins
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52:05

Kevin Spacey Limo Scene Award for Craziest Foreshadowing of a Real-Life Event

The podcast proposes Kevin Spacey’s limo scene as foreshadowing of later real-world events.

The podcast proposes Kevin Spacey’s limo scene as foreshadowing of later real-world events.

The panel proposes a new category here.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:05Read transcript
  • The podcast proposes the sexually harassing limo scene as uncanny foreshadowing of later real-world events; this is an opinion, not a verified claim about real events. — Bill Simmons
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1:03:01

The most 1988 thing

Hair, makeup, and eye shadow.

Hair, makeup, and eye shadow.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:01Read transcript
  • Hair, makeup, and eye shadow are the leading answer. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Visible shoulder pads under a translucent blouse are proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The wedding tuxedo, Twin Towers, and women calling themselves secretaries are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Lark cigarettes, print media, and radio are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Katharine’s exercise bike is proposed as the strongest runner-up. — Bill Simmons
  • Computer monitors, printouts, and email are proposed.
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1:06:48

What’s Aged the Best?

Let the River Run and its score; supportive work husband; clothes; underestimated heroine archetype.

Let the River Run and its score; supportive work husband; clothes; underestimated heroine archetype.

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:48Read transcript
  • Let the River Run, the score, and their repeated use are selected. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Jack as a supportive work husband is proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The late-film roundtable is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Jack ordering tequila before it became common is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Harrison Ford’s clothes and the character-defining costume design are proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The underestimated hot-mess but intelligent heroine archetype is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Guessing which scenes followed a late night is proposed as a rewatching game. — Bill Simmons
  • The short-lived Sandra Bullock television adaptation is discussed as an enduring curiosity. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Never burn bridges because today’s junior employee may become tomorrow’s senior partner is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The Officer and a Gentleman homage at the end is proposed. — Bill Simmons
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1:13:38

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

Wedding drink.

Wedding drink.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:38Read transcript
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1:13:52

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Final office pullback; opening; nighttime ferry shot.

Final office pullback; opening; nighttime ferry shot.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:52Read transcript
  • The opening credits are proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The final office pullback is proposed for expressing the movie’s larger idea. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The nighttime ferry and skyline shot after the breakup is proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
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1:14:50

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Lady in Red.

Lady in Red.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:14:50Read transcript
  • Lady in Red is the consensus choice. — Amanda Dobbins
  • I’m So Excited is proposed as the alternative. — Amanda Dobbins
  • An initial cut using Witchy Woman is reported and strongly rejected for this movie. — Amanda Dobbins
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1:15:46

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Doreen DiMucci; Tess as runner-up.

Doreen DiMucci; Tess as runner-up.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:46Read transcript
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1:16:02

The Amanda Dobbins Award for Best Piece of Real Estate

Katharine Parker’s harbor-view corner office.

Katharine Parker’s harbor-view corner office.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:02Read transcript
  • The townhouse is considered but its avenue location is criticized. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Katharine Parker’s corner office and harbor view are selected. — Amanda Dobbins
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1:16:54

The Vincent Chase Award: Are We Sure This Character Is Actually Good at Their Job?

Everyone except Tess.

Everyone except Tess.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:54Read transcript
  • Every character except Tess is proposed as bad at their job. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Jack is criticized for lacking ideas and initially avoiding the meeting. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Katharine is criticized for taking vacation and bringing no visible ideas. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Trask subordinates and Nora are criticized for passivity and poor execution. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The arbitrage group is also judged unsuccessful. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Jack is criticized for failing to ask basic questions about Tess’s background. — Amanda Dobbins
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1:18:52

The Sean Penn “I Brought My Own Pack” Award for Excellence in On-Screen Smoking

Sigourney Weaver in the office.

Sigourney Weaver in the office.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:52Read transcript
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1:19:27

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Doreen’s implausible reaction; the premise’s extreme implausibility.

Doreen’s implausible reaction; the premise’s extreme implausibility.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:27Read transcript
  • Doreen’s fake crying during the affair is proposed as unbelievable. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Tess secretly executing a merger from her absent boss’s office is rated nearly impossible. — Bill Simmons
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1:22:23

What’s Aged the Worst?

Remote work breaks the plot; workplace treatment; hair; Jack undressing Tess; paper trails.

Remote work breaks the plot; workplace treatment; hair; Jack undressing Tess; paper trails.

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:23Read transcript
  • Remote work and LinkedIn would prevent the broken-leg absence from enabling the plot. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Most hairstyles and workplace treatment of women are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Reading Motor Trend in bed and gloomy ferry shots are proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The hot dog crumb on Jack’s mouth is debated and ultimately defended. — Bill Simmons
  • Jack not washing his hands is criticized. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Sleeping together before closing the deal is proposed but disputed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Hard-copy records, dictation, and day planners are proposed as obsolete plot machinery. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Jack removing Tess’s dress is criticized as unnecessary. — Amanda Dobbins
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1:26:28

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Kevin Spacey.

Kevin Spacey.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:28Read transcript
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1:26:28

“OK, Motherfucker” Award for When the Movie Goes Up a Notch

Harrison Ford enters at 36:04.

Harrison Ford enters at 36:04.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:28Read transcript
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1:27:35

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Working Girl deserved Best Picture; I’m So Excited is a defining pop-culture song.

Working Girl deserved Best Picture; I’m So Excited is a defining pop-culture song.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:27:35Read transcript
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1:29:21

Casting What-Ifs

Demi Moore, plus many alternate Tess candidates.

Demi Moore, plus many alternate Tess candidates.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:29:21Read transcript
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1:33:42

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Philadelphia law-firm employee; Trask actor; Caroline Aaron; Oliver Platt.

Philadelphia law-firm employee; Trask actor; Caroline Aaron; Oliver Platt.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:42Read transcript
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1:34:43

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Nora Dunn.

Nora Dunn.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:34:43Read transcript
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1:35:18

Recasting Couch

Young Marisa Tomei or Mira Sorvino as Doreen.

Young Marisa Tomei or Mira Sorvino as Doreen.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:18Read transcript
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1:35:50

Half-Assed Internet Research

Griffith–Baldwin history; Mike Nichols; World Trade Center lobby; White House screening.

Griffith–Baldwin history; Mike Nichols; World Trade Center lobby; White House screening.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:50Read transcript
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1:37:17

Apex Mountain

Melanie Griffith: yes; Sigourney Weaver: near peak; Harrison Ford: no.

Melanie Griffith: yes; Sigourney Weaver: near peak; Harrison Ford: no.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:37:17Read transcript
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1:42:09

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Jack begins as creepy and sleazy.

Jack begins as creepy and sleazy.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:42:09Read transcript
  • Jack is proposed as creepy and sleazy early in the film.
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1:43:41

Cruise or Hanks?

Tom Hanks.

Tom Hanks.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:43:41Read transcript
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1:43:54

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Split: Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

Split: Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:43:54Read transcript
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1:44:20

What role would Philip Seymour Hoffman play?

Oliver Platt role; Kevin Spacey role.

Oliver Platt role; Kevin Spacey role.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:44:20Read transcript
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1:44:31

Picking Nits

White wedding clothes; office secrecy; broken-leg recovery; Katharine’s vacation; Mick’s affair and proposal.

White wedding clothes; office secrecy; broken-leg recovery; Katharine’s vacation; Mick’s affair and proposal.

In the discussion (17)
Approx. transcript time · 01:44:31Read transcript
  • Tess wearing white to the wedding is criticized. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Nobody questioning Tess’s repeated use of Katharine’s office is criticized. — Bill Simmons
  • Katharine’s rapid recovery from a severe broken leg is challenged. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Whether Katharine would be fired for stealing the idea is debated. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Katharine vacationing soon after transfer is challenged. — Amanda Dobbins
  • A previously planned vacation and perhaps ten days or a couple of weeks on the job are offered as explanations. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Katharine expecting a proposal but traveling without Jack is challenged. — Amanda Dobbins
  • She knew many people at the resort, knew the hotel operator, and had enough money to take the trip anyway.
  • Alec Baldwin having sex with Doreen in Tess’s bed is challenged as implausibly brazen. — Bill Simmons
  • His Motor Trend reading and birthday lingerie gift are cited as signs he might cheat; adultery is also framed as more culturally tolerated in the period. — Bill Simmons
  • Mick proposing publicly only days later is challenged. — Bill Simmons
  • Tess answering “maybe” is defended as fair and as a good movie scene. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The friends encouraging Tess to accept despite knowing about the affair is challenged. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Period gender norms and a boys-will-be-boys attitude are offered as explanations for the friends’ response. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Mick’s boat-loan business is questioned.
  • High-school coach is proposed as an alternate job, then rejected because he should not be near students. — Amanda Dobbins
  • Used-car salesman is proposed as a better-fitting job. — Amanda Dobbins
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1:51:14

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

Untouchable.

Untouchable.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:51:14Read transcript
  • The movie is declared untouchable despite the prior television adaptation. — Amanda Dobbins
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1:51:28

Is This Movie Better With…?

Wilford Brimley in The Firm.

Wilford Brimley in The Firm.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:51:28Read transcript
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1:52:02

Just One Oscar

Melanie Griffith; Joan Cusack defended; Carly Simon already won.

Melanie Griffith; Joan Cusack defended; Carly Simon already won.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:52:02Read transcript
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1:53:01

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Meaning of Let the River Run; Jack and Katharine’s relationship; office-party dumplings; Ford sex scenes; whether Tes...

Meaning of Let the River Run; Jack and Katharine’s relationship; office-party dumplings; Ford sex scenes; whether Tess is the villain.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:53:01Read transcript
  • The lyrics and river in Let the River Run are questioned. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The panel asks how Jack and Katharine progressed beyond a casual or strategic relationship. — Joanna Robinson
  • Dim sum dumplings as passed office-party food are questioned and mostly rejected.
  • The panel asks whether Harrison Ford has explicit sex scenes beyond Presumed Innocent.
  • The panel asks whether Tess can be viewed as the villain for taking her boss’s boyfriend and opportunity. — Amanda Dobbins
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2:03:41

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Warhols; dress; bunny; gorilla; novelty wedding glasses.

Warhols; dress; bunny; gorilla; novelty wedding glasses.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 02:03:41Read transcript
  • Katharine’s Warhols and Tess’s expensive dress are proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The bunny and gorilla are proposed. — Amanda Dobbins
  • The novelty wedding glasses with straws are proposed. — Bill Simmons
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2:04:23

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Make opportunities happen; check Valium dosage.

Make opportunities happen; check Valium dosage.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 02:04:23Read transcript
  • Do not wait for what you want; make it happen is selected. — Bill Simmons
  • Check the milligrams for Valium is proposed. — Bill Simmons
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2:04:44

Best Double Feature

Baby Boom

Baby Boom

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 02:04:44Read transcript
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2:06:18

Who Won the Movie?

Melanie Griffith.

Melanie Griffith.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 02:06:18Read transcript
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Melanie Griffith
Speaker not identified
Melanie Griffith
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More from the conversation

The film is treated as both a romantic comedy and a workplace Cinderella story whose final emphasis remains Tess’s professional achievement.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:45Read transcript