Ellen: Season 4
Season 4 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Ellen Season 3.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 4 Progress Shield
Give Me Equity or Give Me Death
Sep 18, 1996
When Ellen decides to put down roots and buy a home of her own, she's unprepared for the price--the cost of her beloved Buy the Book.
A Deer Head for Joe
Sep 25, 1996
When her new boss, Ed, decides that Joe must go, Ellen resorts to trickery to get him rehired.
Splitsville, Man
Oct 2, 1996
When her parents decide to separate, Ellen's the one who's broken up.
The Parent Trap
Oct 16, 1996
Ellen plots to reunite her parents by recreating their honeymoon, transforming her apartment into a 1958 Cuban nightclub complete with headliner Eddie Fisher. Meanwhile, Spence be
Looking Out for Number One
Oct 23, 1996
In therapy, Ellen learns to be honest and direct, but she's dumbstruck when she sees her therapist in a shocking position.
The Bubble Gum Incident
Oct 30, 1996
Ellen and Paige attend their 25th camp reunion, where Paige seeks revenge on the girl who put gum in her hair,
Harold and Ellen
Nov 6, 1996
Ellen tries to bond with her father, Paige is bent out of shape when Spence accepts a wedding invitation from an ex-girlfriend, and Joe is bound for New Mexico in search of aliens.
Not So Great Expectations
Nov 13, 1996
Ellen is distraught when her mother starts dating and follows her and her date to a country/western club, intent on breaking the new couple up.
The Pregnancy Test
Nov 20, 1996
A home pregnancy test causes Ellen, Paige and Audrey to rethink their lives. Meanwhile, a life-saving experience prompts Spence to rethink his as well.
Kiss My Bum
Nov 27, 1996
Ellen feels like a turkey when she unwittingly invites a homeless man to Thanksgiving dinner.
Bowl, Baby, Bowl
Dec 4, 1996
Ellen experiences the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat when she and Ed engage in a sports competition.
Fleas Navidad
Dec 18, 1996
Ellen bites off more than she can chew when she rescues an abandoned dog at Christmas.
Alone Again... Naturally
Jan 8, 1997
Ellen conquers being alone by doing fun things on her own. Meanwhile, Spence and Joe wreak havoc on Paige's vacant apartment.
Joe's Kept Secret
Jan 15, 1997
When Ellen accepts a favor from Joe's wealthy older girlfriend, the repercussions are relentless.
Makin' Whoopie
Jan 22, 1997
Ellen accompanies Spence to an important party thrown by a surgeon he's trying to impress, but it's Ellen who makes the lasting impression.
Ellen Unplugged
Feb 5, 1997
Ellen fulfills an adolescent fantasy when she goes to Rock and Roll Dream Camp.
Ellen's Deaf Comedy Jam
Feb 12, 1997
Ellen misinterprets the signs of a handsome deaf actor, and Spence gets his signals mixed when Paige's former fiance returns to the scene.
Hello, Dalai
Feb 19, 1997
Peter confronts Ellen at a spiritual retreat while a robber at Buy the Book confronts Paige, Spence, Joe and Audrey.
Secrets & Ellen
Feb 26, 1997
After a lifetime of white lies, Ellen comes clean with her hard-to-please grandmother. Meanwhile, Paige treats Spence to a Vegas weekend he'll never forget, thanks to his amnesia.
Reversal of Misfortune
Mar 4, 1997
Ellen's eagerness to support her parents' divorce unexpectedly brings the couple closer together.
The Clip Show Patient
Apr 8, 1997
Volunteering at a hospital, Ellen tries to regale an incapacitated English patient with memories of her past.
The Puppy Episode (1)
Apr 30, 1997
Ellen senses a kindred spirit when she meets a gay woman, who enlightens her to her own sexual identity. Confused by this startling self discovery, Ellen seeks the guidance of a t
The Puppy Episode (2)
Apr 30, 1997
Ellen senses a kindred spirit when she meets a gay woman, who enlightens her to her own sexual identity. Confused by this startling self discovery, Ellen seeks the guidance of a t
Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah
May 7, 1997
Ellen deals with the ramifications of telling her parents she's gay.
Moving On
May 14, 1997
Ellen experiences personal and professional upheaval when she moves into her new home and has an honest talk with Ed.