Classic Episodes: Picket Fences – Heart of Saturday Night

In mid 90’s drama Picket Fences what happens when you explore the “Heart of Saturday Night” in Rome, Wisconsin? Nothing much…just love and death and friendship and dreams and stars. Just life.

Young Matthew Brock (Justin Shenkarow) goes cruising with the guys, ends up at a party with the in-crowd, and acts as a go-between in a domestic dispute.

Jimmy and Jill (Tom Skerritt and Kathy Baker) try to rekindle their romance until a zipper accident douses their ardor. Judge Bone and Wambaugh (Ray Walston and Fyvush Finkel) see a friend die and end the night standing in a lake, their pants rolled up like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, contemplating eternity.

Saturday night in Rome: boring, sad, frustrating, ethereal — a miracle. And based on this marvelously subtle, sweet, and profound episode — which has the strength and integrity of TV’s Golden Age dramas — it’s hard to imagine a better place to spend an evening.

Original Airdate: October 27, 1995

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.