I'LL FLY AWAY: RULER OF MY HEART (TV)
Summary
One in this series of dramas about Lilly Harper, a black domestic worker; Forrest Bedford, a white district attorney; and their respective families at the inception of the black civil rights movement in the South. In this episode, Colonel Landers leaves for duty, driving north from Florida, and being a bit wary as a black man alone in the South. Lilly tells how she reacted on the day Clarence left, and why she has felt empty since that time. The next day, F.B.I. agents Holt and Sharperson arrive at her door, wanting to question Lilly about Forrest's bid for the district's U.S. attorney. Lilly is surprised that Forrest made a bid for the job without telling her. Meanwhile, Forrest questions if Gwen's frail mental health warrants her release from the hospital. At the same time, Francie's friends at school try to get her to throw a party. Francie returns home to see her father leaving the house, questioning him as to whether she can host "a real party, with boys." Troublemaking locals Gil and Kyle, both feeling bored, go looking for some action on the road. Forrest pays a visit to Christina to tell her that Gwen is soon to come home. Christina says she understands his predicament, but that their affair must end. That night, Marguerite tries to hawk some cosmetics to Lilly, who reacts a little too vehemently to the tactics. The next day at school, Francie tries to get heartthrob Donnie Shackleford to come to her party. That afternoon, Forrest and the kids meet with Gwen, who reveals that she is soon to come back home. Later, Lilly is upset that Forrest didn't tell her about Gwen's progress. Then, the FBI again meets with Lilly to ask her "routine" questions. Lilly's answers to some of the queries give the agents pause, and causes her father to chastise her for potentially causing Forrest the position. Meanwhile, Forrest meets Nick at a fine restaurant for a celebratory dinner. However, Nick tells Forrest that there's a "snag" and he might not clear the nomination process. Forrest is shocked by Nick's inference that he must have a political enemy. At the same time, Colonel Landers continues his drive through the rural South. The next morning, Lilly feels sick and says she can't go to work that day. Francie is concerned that she won't be able to throw her party without either her mother or Lilly's help. Forrest tells Francie that Gwen used to throw parties that were the talk of the town, and assures his daughter that he will make sure her shindig is outstanding. Later, Forrest meets with Lake to discuss his in-limbo status as he tries to find out if his brother-in-law is the problem, or knows who is behind the "snag." That night at Francie's party, the boys and girls take a while to mingle, and Sally and Miranda await Donnie's arrival. Meanwhile, the FBI agents go to speak with Christina about Forrest, asking about their affair. Francie's party remain's problematic, particularly when Donnie doesn't show and Francie doesn't get asked to dance. She angrily declares the party over at 10 p.m. The next day, Lilly comes in for work and apologizes to an upset Francie for missing the party. At school, Francie confronts Donnie about his absence and he admits that he actually likes her, and didn't want to be matched up with Miranda. Meanwhile, Lilly takes John Morgan to see Gwen and he questions his mother about her "disease." At the same time, Colonel Landers finds himself lost on his drive. That evening, Forrest returns home to see Lake waiting for him. Lake informs Forrest that there should be no more problems for him in getting the attorney post. Later, Lilly goes to speak with Marguerite and purchases some cosmetics to make up for her earlier truculence She discusses how Clarence "opened" her up. At the same time, on a dark road, Gil's car passes Colonel Landers' auto and they give him chase. Gil's buddy begins to taunt the colonel before Kyle shoots him dead from the back seat. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: October 2, 1992 Friday 10:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:49:46
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:27989
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1991-1993
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- David Chase … Executive Producer
- Jan Sander … Executive Producer
- Joshua Brand … Executive Producer, Created by
- John Falsey … Executive Producer, Created by
- Barbara Hall … Co-Executive Producer
- Henry Bromell … Co-Producer
- John Forrest Niss … Co-Producer
- Jim Davis … Associate Producer
- Michael Fresco … Director
- Kevin Arkadie … Writer
- Stephen James Taylor … Music by
- W.G. Snuffy Walden … Theme Music by
- Sam Waterson … Cast, Forrest Bedford
- Regina Taylor … Cast, Lilly Harper
- Jeremy London … Cast, Nathaniel "Nate" Bedford
- Ashlee Levitch … Cast, Francie Bedford
- John Aaron Bennett … Cast, John Morgan Bedford
- Peter Simmons … Cast, Paul Slocum
- Kathryn Harrold … Cast, Christina Lekatzis
- Mary Alice … Cast, Marguerite Peck
- Bill Cobbs … Cast, Lewis Coleman
- Deborah Hedwall … Cast, Gwen Bedford
- Ed Grady … Cast, Lake Stevens
- Rae'ven Kelly … Cast, Adlaine
- Joe Inscoe … Cast, Kyle Cooper
- Geoff McKnight … Cast, Gilford Plaquemines
- Terry Beaver … Cast, Nick Larkin
- Gordon Danniels … Cast, Colonel Landers
- Nick Searcy … Cast, Agent Holt
- Roy Tatum … Cast, Agent Sharperson
- Scott Oliver … Cast, Dr. Hughes
- Lily Yancey … Cast, Sally
- Christie Dennis … Cast, Miranda
- Frank Taylor … Cast, Jerry Blount
- Chris Blackwelder … Cast, Donnie Shackleford
- Michael Hogan … Cast, Eddie
- Ryan Marshall … Cast, Brian
- Zakiya Mayfield … Cast, Girl