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Herbert Viola
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Curtis Armstrong
When Curtis Armstrong was added to the cast of "Moonlighting" in the fourth episode of the third season, we were somewhat familiar with him from his role in the hugely popular Tom Cruise film, "Risky Business" and as Booger in "The Revenge of the Nerds." Mr. Armstrong's first showing on the series was funny, quirky and fit right in to the lunacy of Blue Moon. It was wonderful to see that by the time the episodes involving the Sam arc aired, that Mr. Armstong's character was right in the thick of things. By the fourth season when Cybill Shepherd had to miss months of episodes due to her difficult pregnancy and Bert Viola worked side by side on cases with David Addison, it was then that we got to really know and love Curtis Armstong for what he brought to the show. Mr. Armstrong has a really wonderful site built by a fan. and there you can learn all about his career, his bio, current happenings, and where to go to learn more. You can also learn all about his film and tv roles at IMDB.com Text © 2003, Cindy Klauss & Diane Hopkins. All rights reserved. Back to The Water Cooler | DavidandMaddie.com Home Page E-Mail: webmaster@DavidandMaddie.com
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The next morning back at the office, Bert is so excited on his success and still wired from an all-night coffee high, he barges into Maddie's office with the lurid photos, offers up some editorial comments, and eventually gets hustled out the door by Agnes. He heads immediately over to David's office to share a copy of the booty with him. While the entire male office staff is gathered around to leer at the photos, we see Bert crashed out, head down on David's desk, the hero of the hour. When Maddie comes into David's office and the party breaks up, as Bert turns to leave, David proffers a handshake and a smirk and says, "Bert, from the bottom of my heart, thanks for the mammaries," which draws a chuckle and a warm and wonderful smile from Bert. Bert provides great comic relief during much of the Sam arc episodes and his scenes serve as perfect counter posed moments against the very emotional relationship crisis that is the main focus during this period of the series.
Bert has done what he has done for a very good reason, even though he knows Agnes is going to be furious at him. He sincerely believes it is in the best interest of the involved parties--Maddie, David and the baby--and so he feels it necessary to tell David. He shows unbelievable loyalty toward David, because it is important (especially to David) that David be told, and certainly sooner better than later. Bert feels he has a moral obligation to let David know and fully expects David to act responsibly and maturely based on this development. And David does. It is a wonderful moment between the two men when as he is heading out the door of David's office, even though he realizes he is going to have hell to pay with Agnes, Bert thoughtfully turns back toward David and says with a warm smile, "About Miss Hayes...I hope congratulations are still in order." I don't think I have ever loved Bert Viola more than I did at that moment. In that one line, he accomplishes a great deal: 1) he reminds the audience very gently of the potential paternity issue 2) he clearly offers his support and belief to David confidently letting him know he thinks he is the father 3) he manages to end the scene in a light and upbeat manner and 4) he voices all of the audience's thoughts--we were all convinced the baby was David's and weren't gonna be happy thinking anything else.
First Bert encounters the two Addison brothers arriving...and when David recognizes him primarily by his voice, Bert has to come clean and tell what he is doing and why. "My only hope," he confesses to David and Richie, "is that they will all be so hammered in there they won't recognize who I am." For that one detail (the hammered part), Bert has no need to fear...they greet his eye-popping out-of-the-cake arrival with catcalls and appropriate fanfare.
The ensuing dance number is one of the most hilarious things you will ever see on "Moonlighting." As he bumps and grinds to "That's Why the Lady is a Tramp," Bert pulls off a great female impersonation...he actually isn't a half bad looking woman...and he certainly knows all the moves. My favorite moment in the dance is when he entices office rival McGillicuddy into removing the garter off his thigh with his teeth. That is too funny and the reactions of David and Richie as well as Walter (the only ones who appear to be in the know on the switch) add to the comedy. Clearly this scene required guts from Mr. Armstrong, and he did a fantastic job.
On the premise that they will be working together on a case, Bert lets
David lure him and his brand new car into following Maddie. Bert is
thrilled, and in typical Bert style, waxes poetic about his opportunity and
his excitement in working with David. David, absorbed in his quest,
basically ignores Bert, and has him go through a series of driving maneuvers,
destined to wreak havoc on Bert's car...which result in a comedic chase
with Bert wincing and bemoaning the car's fate.
A very revealing scene, and another favorite is in Tale in Two Cities...interesting I guess, because I really don't like this episode. But again, the shining moment is Bert's -- when he and David go back to the house of the women they picked up at the bar. Bert stands dripping on the carpet, telling David about his love for Agnes, and his true feeling that they need to resolve their differences. His argument is full of logic, and sincerity…and it must be very difficult for him, voicing these thoughts to his hero, and being unsure of what reaction he will get. He is visibly relieved when David agrees with him, and then visibly stunned when the car keys hit him. The moment is perfect, you can tell that Bert is more than a little disappointed in David…..but has the conviction to follow his heart out the door, and back to Agnes. Bert has a built in confidence that can't be swayed when he knows he is in the right.
My favorite Bert scene is from "Cool Hand Dave, Part 1"...of course, the scene where Bert serenades Agnes with Sexual Healing. This scene includes some great stuff...he sings and dances with the best comedic timing, he is a man not afraid to make a fool of himself for the woman he loves, and when he flashes that smile, Agnes is just putty in his hands. The scene continues with a sincere apology, and a very Bert offer to join the French Foreign Legion...and the very cute "Would you mind losing a little sleep over me?" The thing that makes Bert a great and memorable character is that he is completely out front……not afraid to express his emotions or his opinion...this is what endears Bert to me, especially in this scene.
Another great scene is a very small one, but is probably the best glimpse of Bert as a friend, and perhaps a bit more. In "Maddie Hayes Got Married," the office is scurrying, getting ready for the first glimpse of Walter Bishop, when Bert bursts into David's office. He is appalled by the idea of Walter Bishop's visit, and tries to convince David to leave with him, and avoid the meeting. His indignation is fierce, fueled by his compassion for David and his situation. I think Bert sometimes sees he and David as one, or at least very similar individuals, and his anger over Maddie's marriage includes much more than the feelings he has for the pain his friend is going through. Because Bert wants to be David, and even sees himself as David to a point, Maddie's actions have a very real effect on him as well. Maddie's betrayal of David is so very real, and David is trying so hard to hide his hurt, that Bert becomes the real manifestation of David's true feelings...and no friend could have done it better.
