The Lack of Tenderness - by Keith Heltsley and Jimbo

[This episode is] one that epitomizes the tender relationship between Vic and Sade. Or lack thereof. What I mean is, that they really do love each other, but their love tanks are filled in different ways, and they don’t always hit the mark in meeting the other’s needs. Vic is a big kid, who needs his ego stroked to feel loved. Amazingly, Sade never does this well. I have never heard her comment on Vic’s blue eyes, heart shaped face, or his deep sonorous voice. Or pay him hardly any such mushy compliments. She certainly does have a knack for knowing when other women are turning Vic’s head.

Sade needs security and stability, and Vic does a good job at providing for her. It’s only those times when he lets his inner child out, says silly things, and (gasp) lets his ego respond to strokes that he gets from outside the home. Sade really could go about claiming her marital territory in a better way. One that wouldn’t belittle Vic so badly, and one that would show him that he already has all that, and more right home with her. The situation could lend itself to being both comical, and heartwarming, instead of belittling and nagging. - by Keith Heltsley (Retro Radio Podcast)

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In my audio book (The Audio Book That Choked Billy Patterson), I explained that Sade (as in the Marquis de Sade) enjoys torturing Vic and I believe strongly she was named "Sade" simply for this reason. (Though there are some early episodes that show Sade as needy and sometimes a bit feeble - especially pre-Rush adoption.)  Sade is more than strong, she's downright mean and certainly over-bearing at times.

Does she love Vic? She does, but romance between the two is nil. Sade seems to get her kicks from the Daily Love Story in the paper, the occasional mushy film at the Bijou and of course, the gossip from her Thimble Club friends, rather than physical love.  Other than the one time she sits in Vic's lap to tickle him, the two never touch.  Neither does she touch Rush, Russell or Uncle Fletcher.  It's the farthest thing from a soap opera there is!

Vic is someone she loves because he is there for her, provides for her - he is security. She loves him for that and that alone.

Why does he love her? That's for another day. - by Jimbo