Welcome Back, Kotter: Sadie Hawkins Day

Welcome Back, Kotter: Sadie Hawkins Day
ABC
November 18, 1976
Sitcom
DVD
B+

This Eric Cohen script, based on a story by Joyce Gittlin and Steve Clements, who'd write another for WBK, is my favorite so far, even though I do have a couple complaints. which I'll get to.  First off, it's a hilarious episode, some of the humor coming from over the top things like the Hustle lesson that sweeps Mr. Woodman into it, and some of the humor coming from real and relatable adolescent moments.  I particularly like how Mr. Kotter keeps trying to get through to Vinnie, including telling a story about his friend Bonzo Moretti's sister Betty, and finally it sinks in.  I don't like Vernajean threatening Freddie to get him to go to the dance with her (particularly since they almost got married a year before).  And I think the thing about Judy being really unattractive is getting old.  That said, I was very impressed with this episode and it shows that the series was by no means getting stale in its second year.  And, yes, it was a good week for Travolta.

Eighteen-year-old Dinah Manoff, who would co-star with Travolta in Grease, and of course go on to Soap and Empty Nest, plays Charmaine, one of the girls who tries to ask Vinnie to the dance.  (A pre-It's a Living Wendy Schaal is another of the girls.)   Paula Victor, who was Mrs. Della Vella on The Bob Newhart Show, plays the often referred to but never previously seen Miss Fishbeck.