The first episode to center around Rose sees her agreeing to go on a double date with Blanche and two men. Rose ends up getting along with her date so well that she ends up going on a cruise with him. The trouble is, she's still so devoted to her late husband Charlie, 15 years after his death, that she fears that ANY sexual intimacy with a man at this point will be tantamount to cheating on Charlie.
Written by Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan, this very appealing episode showcases Betty White at her absolute best. She's just as good with serious moments as she is with a one-liner, and her dilemma is not unreasonable. Many people dating some time after the death of a loved one would have similar feelings. What makes the difference is what a great guy Arnie Peterson is. Played by the top character actor Harold Gould ('Rhoda', "The Sting"), he's an endearing, sensitive guy with a realistic approach to life. He does NOT put Rose under any pressure, knowing that these sorts of things take time.
The zingers in 'Rose the Prude' can be delicious at times, with the best ones tending to revolve around Blanches' oversexed nature. She has one priceless recollection wherein she recalls getting it on with a minister! And there's an amusing subplot in which Dorothy is getting tired of always being beaten by Sophia in gin rummy games - and yet, there's a nice reason behind Sophias' predilection for these games that has nothing to do with winning money.
Overall, a funny and poignant episode with all four ladies in very fine form.
Eight out of 10.