The Kenny & Ginger Ward Discussion Thread

I think jettisoning the Wards was a part of their plan to move beyond the cul-de-sac and try their hand at big-business backstabbing and other 'rich people problems'. The characters were mired in the domestic dramas of the original premise for the first three seasons, and were always on the back burner. They showed some promise in the fourth season, but this was more because the umbrella story of Ciji and her death gave everyone new layers and brought them out of their insulated lives to interact with the rest of the world. The Wards' inability to 'push to the front of the line' for screen time flies in the face of typical shows of the 1980s, where the older characters got shoved aside in favor of the younger characters in a misguided belief that you can't attract the valued 'younger demos' unless you showcase the younger characters.

I can see why they wrote off the Wards. The writers never did seem able to write them on equal footing as the other three couples, and as Abby's scheming seemed to cast shadows over the other three couples, the Wards became even more isolated from the action by not being one of her "targets". I thought Ginger was more interesting than Kenny, and when the decision was made to write both of them out, I could envision several ways to keep Ginger around. But like I said, I think getting rid of the Wards (along with Richard) gave the show a chance to move into many different directions, most of which pointed OUT of the cul-de-sac.

 

I also imagined she would return after a few years away. Imagine if they had grafted her onto the infamous Sally's Friend storyline. When they finally show Sally's Friend's face, longtime fans will recognize Lankford, but would wonder if she's Ginger or if Lankford has pulled a Lisa Hartman and assumed a new role.

Turns out it is Ginger, but she keeps her distance from Gary once she realizes it's a former neighbor of hers. While Ginger was away, she broke up with Kenny, who won custody of Erin Molly when it was discovered Ginger's new husband was abusive toward the little girl and her mother. Kenny is now super-rich and able to hire great lawyers. She left Nashville to get away from the guy (Danny), but he's followed her to Knots Landing and discovers she's resumed her former career as an elementary school teacher--at Knots Landing Elementary where Bobby and Betsy are students. He starts dating Val knowing she will lead him to Ginger. This is why Ginger works hard not to identify herself to Gary once she figures out (fairly quickly) that she accidentally called someone she used to know; she did not realize Bobby and Betsy were Val's kids because they still had the last name Gibson. Similarly, Val would not know the kids' new teacher, "Ms. Killman," is Ginger until PTA night---which is a big blow-out since Danny insists on escorting Val to the event. Only Knots Landing could turn a PTA meeting into their version of the Moldavia Massacre.

 

The décor of their home was reflective of their character descriptions. Both were just starting in their careers and likely barely made ends meet. Having a house like that in that neighborhood was likely taking up a majority of their incomes. Their furniture looked like cast-offs and a blending of the things the two brought with them into the marriage. The furniture was sparse, but that gi-normous stereo/audio system dominating the living area spoke to how Kenny likely spent their disposable income on what pleased him, and not what would make his new bride happy. He had a job in the music business but didn't necessarily have to bring his work home with him.

 

"Snappy Ginger, the closest thing to perfection in Knots Landing." --Richard Avery, only half-joking