List of Amen episodes

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The following is a list of episodes of the American sitcom Amen, which aired from September 27, 1986, until May 11, 1991, on NBC. 110 episodes have aired over five seasons.

Series overview[edit]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
122September 27, 1986 (1986-09-27)April 4, 1987 (1987-04-04)
221October 3, 1987 (1987-10-03)May 7, 1988 (1988-05-07)
322October 8, 1988 (1988-10-08)April 22, 1989 (1989-04-22)
423September 23, 1989 (1989-09-23)April 7, 1990 (1990-04-07)
522November 17, 1990 (1990-11-17)May 11, 1991 (1991-05-11)

Episodes[edit]

Season 1 (1986–87)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateRating/share
(households)
11"Pilot"Stan LathanEd. WeinbergerSeptember 27, 1986 (1986-09-27)20.3/36[1]

Deacon Ernest Frye (Sherman Hemsley) hires a new minister, Reverend Reuben Gregory (Clifton Davis), for the First Community Church of Philadelphia, and the two argue over a young basketball player's future.

Note: Maria McDonald, E'Lon, and Franklyn Seales are credited as cast members in this episode only.
22"The Courtship of Bess Richards"Herbert KenwithBob EllisonOctober 4, 1986 (1986-10-04)21.7/38[2]
Deacon Frye tries to woo a talented singer (Nell Carter) to sing for the church, but she misunderstands his intentions and thinks he's interested in marriage - and does not take it well when she finds out the truth.
33"The Morning After"Lee ShallatPeter NoahOctober 11, 1986 (1986-10-11)20.7/35[3]
After getting drunk during dinner, Reverend Gregory kisses Deacon Frye's daughter Thelma (Anna Maria Horsford), and has to explain himself to her once he recovers.
44"The Deacon Delivers"Lee ShallatPeter NoahNovember 1, 1986 (1986-11-01)19.6/34[4]
Reverend Gregory has to tell an unwed mother-to-be that she can't sing in the choir, and she ends up delivering her baby with the help of a squeamish Deacon Frye.
55"Rolly Falls in Love"Jules LichtmanBob EllisonNovember 8, 1986 (1986-11-08)21.6/36[5]
Deacon Frye tries to help church elder Rolly Forbes (Jester Hairston) find out if a waitress (Paula Kelly) likes him or not, but Frye decides to make a date with her himself, and gets trapped in her house when her husband comes home.
66"Retreat, Heck!"John RobinsDavid LloydNovember 15, 1986 (1986-11-15)20.4/34[6]
Deacon Frye decides to go to a church retreat so that he can avoid an angry former client, who is now getting out of jail.
77"Sermon From the Cell"Bill FosterScott Spencer GordenNovember 22, 1986 (1986-11-22)19.5/33[7]
The Reverend is jailed for a week after giving sanctuary to refugees and uses his time to minister to a convict.
88"Maitre D'eacon"John RobinsDavid LloydNovember 29, 1986 (1986-11-29)19.0/30[8]
A church member leaves bequeaths her restaurant to them with the stipulation that they cannot sell it as long as it is successful.
99"Reuben's Romance"Lee ShallatJace RichdaleDecember 6, 1986 (1986-12-06)19.5/33[9]
Reverend Gregory has a guilty conscience after a widow he is consoling becomes a little more to him. Lynne Moody, who co-starred with Clifton Davis and Jester Hairston in That's My Mama guest-stars.
1010"After the Fall"John RobinsBob EllisonDecember 13, 1986 (1986-12-13)18.9/32[10]
After Rolly falls at the bank, the Deacon makes sure Rolly is awarded a settlement, but Rolly refuses it.
1111"Your Christmas Show of Shows"Lee ShallatMaiya WilliamsDecember 20, 1986 (1986-12-20)19.5/35[11]
Church members work hard to try and finish the preparations for the Christmas pageant which could end up on TV, but snow dampens the festive mood.
1212"Frye for the Defense"Bill Duke & Herbert KenwithDavid LloydJanuary 10, 1987 (1987-01-10)20.3/32[12]
A fund-raiser replete with rigged games, tainted salad and a lawsuit against the church brings more trouble than reward for the good Reverend.
1313"Thelma's Choice"Bill FosterPeter NoahJanuary 17, 1987 (1987-01-17)20.5/33[13]
The new man in Thelma's life seems like Mr. Right to everyone, even the Deacon.
1414"Betting on the Boy"Lee ShallatDavid LloydJanuary 24, 1987 (1987-01-24)20.9/33[14]
The Deacon is glad to be a Big Brother when he realizes his charge may help him win bets.
1515"Casting the First Stone"John RobinsDavid LloydFebruary 7, 1987 (1987-02-07)18.5/31[15]
The church is in conflict when Lorenzo testifies to a dalliance with a church member, just before the church hosts an interfaith dinner of brotherhood.
1616"Yes Sir, That's Your Baby"Lee ShallatBob EllisonFebruary 14, 1987 (1987-02-14)18.7/31[16]
The Hetebrink sisters adopt a baby, but an 18-year-old shows up.
1717"Into the Night"Lee ShallatJace RichdaleFebruary 21, 1987 (1987-02-21)19.5/33[17]
Deacon Frye is stuck escorting Reverend Gregory's aunt out on the town, but winds up loosening her up too much so that she ends up in jail.
1818"The Divorce Lawyer"Lee ShallatDavid LloydFebruary 28, 1987 (1987-02-28)20.3/34[18]
The Deacon devotes himself to his law practice when the board appoints Rolly as its new chairman.
1919"The Rival"Lee ShallatPeter NoahMarch 7, 1987 (1987-03-07)18.1/31[19]
Reverend Gregory falls in love with the new Sunday-school teacher, leaving Thelma heartbroken.
2020"The Magician"Lee ShallatDavid LloydMarch 14, 1987 (1987-03-14)18.9/32[20]
The Deacon's magic act flops before the church board, which is selecting entertainment for a charity bash, but it impresses a burglar out to rob the choir hall.
2121"Glen Garry Glen Thelma"Lee ShallatJace RichdaleMarch 21, 1987 (1987-03-21)16.8/29[21]
Thelma may lose a big commission as a real-estate agent thanks to the Deacon.
2222"What's Up, Deacon?"Lee ShallatGary Dontzig & Steven PetermanApril 4, 1987 (1987-04-04)18.2/31[22]
The Deacon turns over a new leaf in an effort to be the church's nominee for a humanitarian award, which could win him and Thelma a trip to the Holy Land.

Season 2 (1987–88)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateRating/share
(households)
231"California Dreaming"Bill FosterGeoff Gordon & Gordon LewisOctober 3, 1987 (1987-10-03)18.7/34[23]
Reverend Gregory takes a new pastorship in California with perks not available at First Community Church, but he quickly realizes his heart is in Philadelphia.
242"Dancing in the Dark"Bill FosterStory by : Paul Chitlik & Jeremy Bertrand Finch
Teleplay by : Eric Cohen
October 17, 1987 (1987-10-17)15.8/28[24]
The Deacon accepts an offer to work for his old law school rival and finds the man as competitive as ever.
253"You Bet Your Life"Bill FosterRichard MarcusOctober 24, 1987 (1987-10-24)20.2/36[25]
After winning a new car in the church raffle, Amelia's gambling addiction returns and it takes the Reverend and Frye to save her from it.
264"Dueling Ministers"Bill FosterBob EllisonOctober 31, 1987 (1987-10-31)15.9/29[26]
Reverend Gregory finds himself in competition when a twelve-year old minister joins the church and is instantly loved by the congregation.
275"Thelma's Reunion"Bill FosterStory by : Darice Rollins
Teleplay by : Arthur Julian, Bill Davenport & Eric Cohen
November 7, 1987 (1987-11-07)19.1/35[27]

Thelma is reluctant to attend her high school reunion, until Frye convinces the Reverend to be her escort; meanwhile, Frye helps Amelia with an IRS audit.

Note: Berlinda Tolbert, who portrayed Sherman Hemsley's daughter-in-law Jenny on The Jeffersons, portrays Thelma's high school friend.
286"Deacon on the Line"Bill FosterWilliam C. KennyNovember 14, 1987 (1987-11-14)17.8/32[28]
The Deacon counsels a troubled teen (Robert MacNaughton) who phones in.
297"Rolly's Proposal"Bill FosterArthur Julian & Bill DavenportNovember 21, 1987 (1987-11-21)18.0/31[29]
Rolly falls in love with Thelma's Aunt Leola (Rosetta Lenoire) but if she marries him, she will lose her trust fund due to a clause in her husband's will.
308"Rolly's Wedding"Bill FosterBob EllisonNovember 28, 1987 (1987-11-28)18.3/32[30]
Frye reluctantly agrees to pay for Rolly and Leola's wedding, but a misunderstanding may keep Rolly from walking down the aisle. Continues from "Rolly's Proposal'.
319"Thelma's Birthday"Bill FosterWilliam C. KennyDecember 5, 1987 (1987-12-05)19.0/33[31]
Thelma laments another lonely birthday, but ends up with two dates, including the Reverend, whose efforts to make Thelma's birthday happy pale compared to those of her other suitor.
3210"Thelma's Little Girl"Bill FosterArthur Julian & Bill DavenportDecember 12, 1987 (1987-12-12)16.7/26[32]
Thelma is excited when she learns she will be a foster mother -- until her foster daughter tests her desire and resolve to parent.
3311"The Twelve Songs of Christmas"Bill FosterEric CohenDecember 19, 1987 (1987-12-19)18.0/34[33]
The Church Choir brings joy to the Christmas festivities as well as Leola and Rolly.
3412"Snakes Alive"Bill FosterStory by : Lisa Rosenthal
Teleplay by : Arthur Julian & Bill Davenport
January 2, 1988 (1988-01-02)19.6/34[34]
Deacon Frye tries to help Reverend Gregory overcome his fear of snakes.
3513"Man on a Ledge"Bill FosterArthur Julian & Bill DavenportJanuary 16, 1988 (1988-01-16)19.0/32[35]
Thelma regrets leaving an amorous message on Reverend Gregory's answering machine.
3614"To Catch a Thief"Bill FosterArthur Julian, Bill Davenport & Eric CohenJanuary 23, 1988 (1988-01-23)17.4/30[36]
Thelma's foster daughter, Jeanette, is suspected of being a thief after her collection box for a fundraiser comes up empty.
3715"The Widow"Bill Foster & Phil RamunoBarbara DavilmanFebruary 6, 1988 (1988-02-06)20.7/34[37]
Reuben becomes the object of affection from a very lonely widow.
3816"Stranded"Steve ZuckermanEric CohenFebruary 20, 1988 (1988-02-20)14.0/22[38]
Frye is overly appreciative after Amelia saves his life during a snowstorm.
3917"Deacon Dearest"Bill FosterEric CohenFebruary 27, 1988 (1988-02-27)14.2/22[39]
The Deacon becomes interested in one of the parishes couples which are talking divorce after he learns that the husband is a millionaire.
4018"The Fantasy"Phil RamunoStory by : James Tomkins
Teleplay by : Arthur Julian, Bill Davenport & Eric Cohen
March 5, 1988 (1988-03-05)17.8/31[40]
Thelma and Reverend Gregory imagine what life would be like if they were married.
4119"Wedding Bell Blues"Bill FosterJim WellsMarch 12, 1988 (1988-03-12)18.2/32[41]
The first couple Reverend Gregory married visit him for counseling, but when they decide to divorce, he is sued for malpractice.
4220"A Slight Case of Murder: Part 1"Bill FosterArthur Julian & Eric CohenApril 30, 1988 (1988-04-30)17.7/32[42]
Deacon Frye defends a woman (Jackée) accused of murdering her husband and much to everyone's surprise, falls in love with her.
4321"A Slight Case of Murder: Part 2"Bill FosterArthur Julian & Eric CohenMay 7, 1988 (1988-05-07)19.4/36[43]
Roxanne (Jackée) makes a surprising revelation after her wedding to Deacon Frye.

Season 3 (1988–89)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date Viewers
(millions)
441"Fear of Flying"Bill FosterArthur Julian & Terry HartOctober 8, 1988 (1988-10-08)25.6[44]
To get to a conference, the church board takes a private plane flown by a lone pilot, who loses consciousness in flight, unbeknownst to Thelma, who has temporarily conquered her fear of flying.
452"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?"Bill FosterLawrence LevyOctober 22, 1988 (1988-10-22)20.7[45]
The Reverend calls Thelma's bluff when she says she will start seeing other men unless he commits to her -- so she decides to go on a date with the Reverend's good friend (guest star Fred Williamson).
463"Look at Me, I'm Running"Bill FosterBob EllisonOctober 29, 1988 (1988-10-29)21.7[46]
The Deacon decides to run for State Senator and enlists the help of the church board as support staff.
474"Court of Love"Bill FosterBill DaleyNovember 5, 1988 (1988-11-05)25.5[47]
The Deacon can't keep his mind on the church business when a comely legal assistant (Loretta Devine) is working by his side on an insurance case.
485"Get 'Em Up, Scout"Bill FosterMarshall KarpNovember 12, 1988 (1988-11-12)24.4[48]
A prestigious law firm offers Deacon Frye a job.
496"The Minister's Wife"Bill FosterEric CohenNovember 19, 1988 (1988-11-19)25.3[49]
Thelma coordinates the Interfaith Brotherhood dinner to show the Reverend that she can be as accomplished as a fellow minister's wife, but a plumbing mishap sinks the success of the dinner.
507"The Housekeeper"Bill FosterArthur Julian & Terry HartNovember 26, 1988 (1988-11-26)27.6[50]
Thelma tired of being treated like a domestic by her father moves out and goes to Gregory. And when people learn of this, they start to talk which could be touchy for Gregory. And Frye hires a housekeeper (Elsa Raven) who likes him.
518"Thelma's Handyman"Bill FosterBill DaleyDecember 3, 1988 (1988-12-03)26.3[51]
A 19-year-old handyman (Cuba Gooding Jr.) asks Thelma on a date, and it's not long before the congregation gets the wrong idea about their relationship.
529"The Deacon's Donkey"Bill FosterKathleen McGhee-AndersonDecember 10, 1988 (1988-12-10)25.6[52]
Frye goes all out for the church's nativity scene by renting live animals, including a donkey that ends up deathly ill, almost ruining Frye's holiday spirit.
5310"Matchmaker, Matchmaker"Shelley JensenMarshall KarpJanuary 7, 1989 (1989-01-07)27.5[53]
Deacon Frye agrees to help a wealthy widower find a wife in exchange for a large donation to the church.
5411"I Remember Mama"Bill FosterPeter NoahJanuary 14, 1989 (1989-01-14)25.5[54]
Deacon Frye recalls how he met Thelma's mother during the Korean War.
5512"The Reverend Ernest Frye"Shelley JensenBill DaleyJanuary 28, 1989 (1989-01-28)24.5[55]
Reverend Gregory becomes ill with the measles and has Thelma waiting on him hand and foot.
5613"The Green Card"Bill FosterStory by : Bill Daley, Kathleen McGhee-Anderson & Terry Hart
Teleplay by : Arthur Julian & Marshall Karp
February 4, 1989 (1989-02-04)28.9[56]
Inga's fiancé flees on the day of their wedding.
5714"The Psychic: Part 1"Bill FosterMarshall KarpFebruary 11, 1989 (1989-02-11)26.7[57]
Thelma consults a psychic about her future with Reverend Gregory (guest star Lonette McKee).
5815"The Psychic: Part 2"Bill FosterMarhsall KarpFebruary 18, 1989 (1989-02-18)27.5[58]
The truth about Tanya DuBois' prediction is revealed, much to Thelma's relief.
5916"The Boxer"Bill FosterArthur Julian & Terry HartFebruary 25, 1989 (1989-02-25)26.5[59]
The congregation thinks the Deacon must be punch-drunk for agreeing to manage boxer Windmill Pearson, until Windmill gets into the ring with a contender.
6017"Nothing But the Truth"Bill FosterStory by : J. Darlene Hayes
Teleplay by : Wayne Terwilliger
March 4, 1989 (1989-03-04)28.1[60]
Reverend Gregory's mother (Jane White) arrives for a visit and romantically pursues the Deacon.
6118"Career Girl"J.D. LobueBill DaleyMarch 18, 1989 (1989-03-18)25.1[61]
Thelma takes a job as a receptionist and earns a big promotion during her first week on the job.
6219"First Community Talent Show"Bill FosterKathleen McGhee-AndersonApril 1, 1989 (1989-04-01)24.9[62]
The church holds a talent show to raise money for charity.
6320"The Last Supper"Bill FosterArthur Julian & Terry HartApril 8, 1989 (1989-04-08)21.4[63]
Deacon Frye schemes to have Reverend Gregory installed in a prestigious position on the Minister's council.
6421"Sing, Sister, Sing"Bill FosterMarshall KarpApril 15, 1989 (1989-04-15)21.2[64]
When a record executive shows interest in Amelia, Frye assumes the role as her manager and promptly gets her a booking at the Stardust Club -- where the other live entertainers include female mud wrestlers.
6522"A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste"Bill FosterStory by : Bill Daley, Kathleen McGhee-Anderson & Paris Qualles
Teleplay by : Arthur Julian, Marshall Karp & Terry Hart
April 22, 1989 (1989-04-22)17.4[65]
Reverend Gregory and Deacon Frye try to help a wayward high-school student by showing him the importance of pursuing a college education.

Season 4 (1989–90)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date Viewers
(millions)
661"The Engagement"Shelley JensenArthur Julian & Eric CohenSeptember 23, 1989 (1989-09-23)23.7[66]
Prompted by Frye, Thelma gives the Reverend a one-hour ultimatum: propose marriage or the relationship is over.
672"Where There's a Will"Shelley JensenMarty NadlerSeptember 30, 1989 (1989-09-30)20.9[67]
Frye's father-in-law is on his deathbed, but Frye is holding a grudge against him-- until he reveals Frye is the beneficiary of a million dollar will.
683"I Can't Help Loving That Man of Mine"Shelley JensenWilliam DaleyOctober 14, 1989 (1989-10-14)18.8[68]
Thelma encourages the Reverend to have dinner with the woman who once stood him up at the altar.
694"Who Am I?"Shelley JensenArthur Julian & Eric CohenOctober 21, 1989 (1989-10-21)20.0[69]
Thelma develops amnesia after a boating accident and no longer has feelings for the Reverend.
705"Witness for the Defense"Shelley JensenArthur Julian & Eric CohenOctober 28, 1989 (1989-10-28)18.2[70]
The Deacon discredits himself by mismanaging a murder suspect's defense.
716"TV or Not TV"Shelley JensenWanda Griffin & Dexter GriffinNovember 4, 1989 (1989-11-04)20.0[71]
The Reverend's heroism in taking down a gang member puts him in the gang's cross hairs -- just before the church's first televised service.
727"Don't Rain on My Shower"Shelley JensenMarco PennetteNovember 11, 1989 (1989-11-11)22.5[72]
Thelma goes overboard at her bridal shower to impress her high-school nemesis with reports that she's living the good life (guest star Jackée).
738"Thelma Says, I Do"Shelley JensenArthur Julian & Eric CohenNovember 18, 1989 (1989-11-18)24.2[73]
It's Ruben and Thelma's wedding day. But when Ruben was about to say "I do", he passes out. Thelma wanting to get married so badly tries to find a way to get him to say "I do".
749"You're in the Army Now"Shelley JensenStory by : Christopher A. Berry & L.A. Michaels
Teleplay by : Marshall Karp
November 25, 1989 (1989-11-25)24.7[74]
After her wedding to Gregory doesn't push through, Thelma joins the Army. And after a few days she wants to leave but can't. So Gregory and Frye go there to help her.
7510"Thelma and the D.I."Shelley JensenArthur Julian & Eric CohenDecember 2, 1989 (1989-12-02)22.6[75]
Thelma comes to her dad's defense when he's insulted by a drill sergeant (guest star Richard Roundtree).
7611"Sergeant in Arms"Shelley JensenMarty Nadler & Bill DaleyDecember 9, 1989 (1989-12-09)21.4[76]
Thelma brings the Sergeant home to meet her family and friends and even agrees to jump out of a plane to impress him, but what's her answer when he proposes marriage?
7712"Thelma Frye, Dough Girl"Shelley JensenMarshall KarpDecember 16, 1989 (1989-12-16)24.2[77]
Thelma is home for Christmas and in her new discipline, she demands that everything be perfect -- until a kitchen mishap destroys dinner.
7813"The Deacon vs. the U.S. Army"Shelley JensenMarshall KarpJanuary 6, 1990 (1990-01-06)25.6[78]
Thelma's wedding to Reverend Gregory may be put on hold when she receives orders to ship out to Germany.
7914"The Roast"Shelley JensenStory by : Darice Rollins & Jeff Kaufman
Teleplay by : Darice Rollins
January 13, 1990 (1990-01-13)21.6[79]
The deacon is being orated by his friends and family, which includes flashbacks from previous episodes. At the end, the deacon is actually having a dream.
8015"The Deacon and the Mother-in-Law"Shelley JensenArthur Julian & Eric CohenJanuary 27, 1990 (1990-01-27)24.2[80]
Thelma and Rueben blame each other when the Deacon takes Rueben's mother to a hotel room in Atlantic City.
8116"The Wedding"Shelley JensenMarty Nadler, Bill Daley & Paris QuallesFebruary 3, 1990 (1990-02-03)26.7[81]
Reverend Gregory assumes a dual role at his wedding to Thelma when their minister is unable to perform the ceremony.
8217"The Honeymoon"Shelley JensenBill Daley & Paris QuallesFebruary 10, 1990 (1990-02-10)22.0[82]
Thelma and Reuben's plans for a romantic Hawaiian honeymoon are delayed.
8318"The Talent Show"Shelley JensenParis QuallesFebruary 12, 1990 (1990-02-12)15.5[83]
The church's talent show features rap numbers, choir selections and poetry readings, plus a tribute to New York City philanthropist Mother Hale
8419"Moving In"Shelley JensenMarshall KarpFebruary 17, 1990 (1990-02-17)22.1[83]
Thelma hosts her first dinner party as Reverend Gregory's wife, but the evening ends in disaster when she sets fire to the kitchen.
8520"Deacon's Dilemma"Shelley JensenParis QuallesFebruary 24, 1990 (1990-02-24)23.6[84]
The Deacon swears off defending sleazy clients after he falls for the new assistant minister, who looks to him for inspiration.
8621"Trouble in Paradise"Shelley JensenArthur Julian & Eric CohenMarch 3, 1990 (1990-03-03)20.1[85]
Thelma worries that Reuben no longer finds her desirable, but he's too embarrassed to admit the real reason for his lack of passion.
8722"Who's Sorry Now?"Shelley JensenMarty Nadler & Paris QuallesMarch 17, 1990 (1990-03-17)18.3[86]
Amelia sues Deacon Frye after getting hurt following an argument between them.
8823"The Deacon's Confession"Shelley JensenArthur Julian & Eric CohenApril 7, 1990 (1990-04-07)17.6[87]

Deacon Frye admits that he spent Thelma's dowry money, $25,000.

Note: This is Barbara Montgomery's final episode of the series as Casietta Hetebrink.

Season 5 (1990–91)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date Viewers
(millions)
891"Love, Deacon Style"Jules LichtmanBarry Gurstein & David PitlikNovember 17, 1990 (1990-11-17)18.0[88]
Reuben doesn't seem to notice Thelma's efforts to recapture the glow of their newlywed days.
902"Two Men, One Woman and a Baby"John SguegliaRobin SteinDecember 1, 1990 (1990-12-01)13.5[89]
An abandoned baby awakens Thelma's maternal instincts while the Deacon prepares for a visit from the IRS.
913"Child's Play"Jules LichtmanBob PeeteDecember 8, 1990 (1990-12-08)13.1[90]
The Deacon means to prove that he can handle a roomful of kids by taking over the church's day-care center.
924"Yo, Deak"John SguegliaRobert Illes & James R. SteinDecember 15, 1990 (1990-12-15)13.7[91]
The Deacon, vying for a seat on the crime commission, offers a youth help in putting his life back on track.
935"Miracle on 134th Street: Part 1"Gary ShimokawaBarry Gurstein & David PitlikDecember 22, 1990 (1990-12-22)18.3[92]
Deacon Frye defends a man claiming to the Santa Claus.
946"Miracle on 134th Street: Part 2"Gary ShimokawaRobert Illes & James R. SteinDecember 22, 1990 (1990-12-22)18.3[92]
Santa gives him a second chance, and Frye gets the charges against him dropped.
957"Judge Deacon Frye"Bob LallyKen HechtDecember 29, 1990 (1990-12-29)15.7[93]
Thelma holds her first society luncheon fundraiser as Rev. Dr. Reuben Gregory: Deacon Frye gets appointed judge & rides on a power high only to experience the consequences negatively first hand at gun point.
968"The Gospel Truth"John SguegliaJim GeoghanJanuary 5, 1991 (1991-01-05)16.6[94]
Reuben's niece (Siedah Garrett) chooses to be a singer rather than a minister; Laryngitis affects Amelia's voice.
979"Lights, Camera, Deacon"John SguegliaBarry Gurstein & David PitlikJanuary 12, 1991 (1991-01-12)16.8[95]
Judge Frye eats up publicity while presiding over a trial involving the theft of a chicken recipe.
9810"Unforgettable"Gary ShimokawaKen HechtJanuary 19, 1991 (1991-01-19)16.4[96]
Thelma doesn't understand when her father embarks on a May–December romance with a young environmentalist (guest star Halle Berry).
9911"Ernie and the Sublimes"John SguegliaBarry Gurstein & David PitlikFebruary 2, 1991 (1991-02-02)15.6[97]
Ernest Frye is reunited with his '50s doo-wop group, the Sublimes, for a church benefit (guest stars Chubby Checker, Casey Kasem, and LaWanda Page).
10012"The Deacon's Slam Dunk"John SguegliaBill StreibFebruary 9, 1991 (1991-02-09)14.6[98]
Deacon Frye becomes manager of a retired NBA star (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) who falls in love with a church trustee (Roz Ryan).
10113"Three Men and a Hammer"John SguegliaBarry Gurstein, Robert Illes, David Pitlik & James R. SteinFebruary 23, 1991 (1991-02-23)16.2[99]
Frye asks a Reverend to speak at the service and his sermon inspires Clarence to drop out of school and pursue his dream of being a rapper like his idol (MC Hammer). In order to convince Clarence not to Frye tries to get Hammer to speak to him but they can't get in to see him. So he dresses up like a fan.
10214"Nothin' Says Lovin'..."John SguegliaRobin SteinMarch 2, 1991 (1991-03-02)14.7[100]
Reuben learns the reason for Thelma's recent mood swings during their first anniversary dinner.
10315"My Fair Homeboy"John SguegliaRobert Illes & James R. SteinMarch 9, 1991 (1991-03-09)15.4[101]
Deacon Frye lines up a business deal which is endangered when Clarence begins dating the partner's daughter.
10416"A Star Is Burned"John SguegliaAllison Abner & Darice RollinsMarch 23, 1991 (1991-03-23)15.5[102]
Thelma is offered a television cooking show based on a meal she served, actually prepared by Amelia (guest star John Hancock).
10517"Deak-Scam"Michael DimichDarice RollinsMarch 30, 1991 (1991-03-30)14.8[103]
Prior to becoming a member, Deacon Frye blunders into a sting operation at a country club.
10618"The Wild Deak"John SguegliaBob PeeteApril 6, 1991 (1991-04-06)13.0[104]
While Deacon Frye, Brother Rolley & friend are out riding motorcycles trying make memorable moments to tell his grandchild he gets into a scuffle with 2 tough bikers with a surprising outcome. Meanwhile at home, Thelma has reached her limit with Reuben's overly zealous excitement about the pregnancy & his attempts at making the experience joyful.
10719"Three's a Crowd"John SguegliaJim GeoghanApril 13, 1991 (1991-04-13)14.5[105]
Reverend Gregory tries to sympathize with Thelma during her pregnancy.
10820"Date With an Angel"John SguegliaBarry Gurstein & David PitlikApril 27, 1991 (1991-04-27)12.9[106]
Darla (LaWanda Page), recently separated from her jealous husband (Whitman Mayo), purchases Ernest Frye at a charity auction.
10921"Deliverance: Part 1"John SguegliaJim GeoghanMay 4, 1991 (1991-05-04)13.5[107]
Deacon Frye and Clarence do some fund-raising while double-dating; Reuben has pre-birth nerves.
11022"Deliverance: Part 2"John SguegliaRobert Illes & James R. SteinMay 11, 1991 (1991-05-11)12.9[108]
Thelma outshrieks her father and guest star (James Brown) in a "scream-off" when she goes into labor on a telethon.

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External links[edit]