Man in the Middle

“Man in the Middle” is the eighth episode in Season 4 and the sixty first episode overall.

Written by Richard Gollance

Directed by Larry Elikann

It aired in USA on November 18, 1982.

Plot[]

Abby goes under the books and reminds Richard that he’s losing money with the way he runs his restaurant. Richard tells Abby that the restaurant is his dream, not hers. However, Abby tells him to dream more profitably or his dream will become a nightmare. Diana and Chip play tennis where Chip makes Diana her look good and continues to charm her. Chip gets introduced to Dave Saunders, an executive and Chip feels that if he hung around Diana long enough, he’ll get very far. Abby and Gary move to a beach house together as they talk about the way Richard runs his restaurant. Kenny pays them a visit to go over the figures for Ciji’s recording session, but they can’t find Ciji. Gary, Abby and Kenny discuss the gig for Ciji which may be commercial. Gary doesn’t approve. Abby suggested that Ciji sing at Richard’s restaurant as a job. Kenny says that Richard won’t go for it. Abby suggested that having Ciji sing at the restaurant would bring in business. Mack and Karen continue to date as they kiss. Diana and Chip return from tennis and they tell Mack and Karen about the game. Diana invites Chip to have dinner with her at the club, much to the surprise of Mack and Karen. Chip tells Lilimae that he’s meeting some important people at the Beach Club. Lilimae suggested that he’d wear a blazer and she gives him the money to buy one. Chip promises to pay Lillimae back. Karen talks to Diana about Chip whom Karen and Mack don’t trust. Diana tells Karen that she and Mack should get to know Chip with an open mind. Gary goes to Ciji’s apartment and asks her why she hasn’t returned any of their calls. Ciji claimed she was working nights. Gary tells Ciji that she’s singing at Richard’s restaurant as a real job. Ciji tells Chip who is in her bed. Chip and Ciji have been having an affair. Gary, Kenny and Abby talk to Richard about having Ciji sing at his restaurant, but Richard is not thrilled about turning his restaurant into a nightclub. Gary, Kenny and Abby convince Richard to at least give it a try in order to make the restaurant a success. Karen and Valene have a neighborly chat. Karen asks Valene about Chip. Even though, Lilimae is fond of Chip, Val becomes suspicious of him. As Ciji rehearses a song, Chip calls several important groups to hear Ciji sing at Daniel, much to Abby’s glee. Ciji continues rehearsing as Kenny and Gary listen. Chip convinces Abby that Ciji needs something dynamic. Chip tells Ciji he has to be at the Beach Club to meet some important people and promises to get to her singing debut. Chip lies to Lilimae on how he “convinced” Richard to let Ciji sing as he was trying out the blazer. Chip tells Lilimae that he’ll run her career. Valene tells Chip and Lilimae to be quiet since she can’t concentrate on her speech. And Valene suggest that Lilimae goes to hear Ciji sing at Daniel. Chip offers to take Lilimae. Chip and Diana arrive at the Beach Club as Chip meets Mr. Hardy. Chip gets a call from Ciji who is upset and asks him to come her apartment. Chip tries to weasel his way out of it by claiming he’s with an executive from a record company, but Ciji warns him there may not be an opening unless he comes over, so Chip leaves Diana alone with Mack and Karen. Karen and Mack suspect that Chip stood Diana up and Diana suspects that they’re always assuming the worst in Chip. Diana tells Mack and Karen to butt out. Ciji was only testing Chip who is annoyed and claims that people are waiting for him. Ciji seduces Chip to stay, but he has to go. Chip convinces Ciji she’d be a star at the opening. Chip dances with a forgiving Diana. Chip and Diana kiss, but Chip has been two-timing her with Ciji. Lilimae gets dressed for opening night as Valene suspects that something may be going on between Chip and Lilimae. Val tells Lilimae that Chip was seeing Diana. Chip tells Diana about Ciji’s opening and he’s handling things for her. Mack and Karen notice that Diana and Chip are getting chummy. They agree to go to Ciji’s opening. Everyone shows up at Daniel as Kenny and Gary go over some things with Ciji. Chip introduces Ciji to Diana, Mack and Karen. Ciji assumed they were in the record business. Ciji is jealous of Diana. Lilimae waits for Chip as Valene leaves for her speech. Valene worries about Lilimae who seems too trusting of Chip. Ciji gets ready for her performance as Abby informs her that they expect a successful night. As Chip talks to Ciji he remembers that he forgot about Lilimae. Chip calls Lilimae and asks her to take a taxi, claiming he’s with executives. Laura is looking forward to Ciji’s performance even though Richard is still not too thrilled about it. Chip tells Ciji that he is dating Diana, which is helping her career. Chip gives Lilimae a good seat for the show. Richard cooks eggs for the last minute customers as Laura helps. Ciji sings “Sometimes when we Touch” and everybody loves it. Abby tells Richard that Ciji is a hit. Richard keeps Laura in the dark about his deal with Abby. Chip tells Lilimae he has to stick around as everyone congratulates Ciji. Chip introduces Ciji to an executive from Rolling Stones. Chip convinces Diana he’s taking care of business. As soon as Diana leaves with Mack and Karen, Chip resumes his affair with Ciji.