is briefly mentioned he 'graduated' from the group, but no details are offered. Bonnie Philbert (Billie Bird), a talkative retiree who often references her sexually adventurous past. Seen infrequently in the very earliest episodes, Mrs. Philbert effectively becomes a regular by mid-season 1. Tom (Tom Willett), a very tall and extremely quiet man, almost always seen sporting a bow-tie. He does not actually ever speak at any meeting, and usually sits near the back—but eventually becomes Mrs. Philbert's ongoing boyfriend. Later additions were: Mary Beth Sutton (Susan Walters), a beautiful, naive young Southerner from a wealthy background. She eventually finds work as a soap opera writer. Added midway through season 2, staying through the end of the series. Denise (Olivia Brown), who frequently drops by group meetings as she attends the weight control group across the hall at the community center. Seen only in season 3, beginning partway through. Ben Conners (William O'Leary), a maintenance man at the Rego Park Community Center. He becomes involved with Louise and is friendly with the group. Seen throughout season 4. Annie Marino (Marietta DePrima), an aspiring actress who joins the group after her husband deserts their marriage—and sublets their apartment to Kirk without telling her. Added partway through season 4. Recurring characters: Wendy Lacey (Carlene Watkins in season 1, Deborah Harmon in seasons 3-4), John's ex-wife. Though she left John, she later decides she wants another child with him. She goes to extreme lengths to make this happen without trying to actually win him back. Matthew Lacey (Ben Savage in seasons 1-2, Billy Cohen in season 3), John's school age son who lives with his mother. John and Matthew have a good relationship, despite their limited time together. Brad Durman (Peter Jurasik), an often-weaselly fellow teacher of John's. Seen in seasons 2-3. Dr. Hendricks (Raye Birk), the headmaster at the school where John teaches. Seen in seasons 2-4. Chow Ling (Cu Ba Nguyen), a recent immigrant who attends meetings in the community center both to learn English and to quit smoking. Seen in seasons 2-3. Mitch Kurland (Greg Salata), a police officer who marries Kate. Seen in season 4 only. Curtis (Ruben Santiago-Hudson) and Calvin (Tim Jones), employees at Kate's Place. Seen in season 4 only. Episodes Reception Critical response John Leonard of New York magazine previewed the pilot episode, in which John Lacey tries to attend a support group "for the recently