Picket Fences (TV Series) When in Rome (1995) User Reviews

A Most Important Episode

[grnwltr-11212 · 10/10 · 9 March 2023]

The three reviewers of this episode, all of whom have stated that they believe this to be one of the worst (if not THE worst) episodes of the series, misunderstand the importance of what Kelley has articulated, and have missed the point that this is a signature episode explicating the primary point of Picket Fences. David Kelley, in many of his creations, has attempted to expose the hypocrisy of people and communities that pride themselves on their tolerance and liberalism. It amplifies previous episodes that dealt with school desegregation and non-conformists. And it lampoons the casual liberalism of people whose liberalism is seldom challenged. When challenged, they routinely revert to an ugly intolerance.

Bad Taste Hits a New Low

[barlowralph · 3/10 · 31 May 2015]

I recently was able to purchase the complete series of Picket Fences, and have been enjoying (most of the time) re-acquainting myself with this unusual, quirky, yet well-done program. I must admit that I was somewhat surprised upon seeing these episodes again after many years. I remembered it as mostly off-beat and unconventional, but some of the episodes are really quite dark! This was the case with the episode "When In Rome."

Ned Bellamy, a wonderful multi-faceted actor, guest stars as the convicted child molester who moves into town, having been released from prison after 16 years. My hopes that at least the Brock family would receive this new resident with open minds were quickly dashed, but Wambaugh's reaction really hit a new low in bad taste. Singing "He Touched Me" in a bar was bad enough, but to do it again at the man's funeral, complete with church choir and organist, was absolutely disgusting. The producers should be ashamed of themselves.

This episode did have a few redeeming qualities, so I gave it a 3, but really, it's one you could skip.

Worst Episode of the Series

[ab-140 · 2/10 · 17 February 2022]

I've been watching the series on Hulu. It is for the most part excellent. This episode includes a musical about child molesters. I found it unbearably awful.

The Worst Episode

[Hitchcoc · 2/10 · 17 May 2022]

I've been down on a couple episodes but that's because they were poorly plotted and often the actions were stupid. This one, however, is one of the most tasteless I've ever seen (including any network show). A convicted child sex offender comes to town to start a new life after 16 years. Granted, this is frightening to the populace. But the extent they go through to drive him away is beyond the pale. But the portrayal of Wambaugh is what makes this double disgusting. He gets up and sings "He touched me.l" Which writer put that in. Also the scene at the meeting where the crowd does what it does to penalized players at a hockey game is horrifying. And that protestant minister. Once again, the clergy are shown to be buffoons. Awful!