This storyline was an indication of the show starting to lose steam. In the previous 7 seasons, there had not been enough focus on Lionel and Jenny. All of a sudden, they're having marital problems-and neither of them knows "what's wrong." This was also the point where George's characterization started to change. George, as the character was first depicted, would have been happy to see Lionel and Jenny separated. He wasn't. George was just as upset as everyone else. The story works because the obvious buttons are pushed, and because we had the right actor as Lionel. There was something else, as well. Jenny looked exceptionally pretty here. Someone got her hair and make-up just right. However, "looking good" and separating don't really go together.
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