That Girl: That Senorita

That Girl: That Senorita
ABC
December 11, 1970
Sitcom
DVD
C+

The topic of sensitivity to racial stereotypes is handled clumsily but sincerely in this Turteltaub-Orenstein story.  It's strange watching Jerry do ethnic humor, and then apologize for it, considering the stereotypes Kopell was then happily perpetuating on Lancelot Link.  Note, Ruthie has recently given birth, but that's the only mention since her pregnancy announcement nine months earlier.  Ann at one point wears a caftan that looks like a Twister board.

Army Archerd played himself earlier but this episode is a nameless TV Critic.  Sarah Fankboner is Miss Juanez here and would later appear on M*A*S*H.  Forrest Compton was the earlier actor for Jonathan Adams but here plays George Phillips.  Rodolfo Hoyos, Jr., is Rudy Sanchez here and earlier was the P.A. Announcer.  Alejandro Rey was Eduardo Guzman before and is Felix here.  Dick Yarmy is Fred Thompson here and would later be a Cashier.  This is the 100th TV program I've given a C+ to.

That Girl: The Mating Game

Note the "That Girl" daisies substituted
for the "Dating Game" five-petaled flowers.

That Girl: The Mating Game
ABC
April 6, 1967
Sitcom
DVD
B-

As you might guess from the title, this episode lightly satirizes ABC's own The Dating Game, which had started in '65.  I was not happy with Donald's behavior in this episode, particularly when Ann chooses another bachelor over him, Alejandro Rey as Eduardo Guzman.  The worst part is when he not only calls Ann a Jezebel but compares her to the main character (a prostitute) in Never on a Sunday.  He does redeem himself somewhat, especially after she deservedly plays a trick on him.  All is forgiven, as always.

Bobo Lewis makes her first of seven TG guest shots, this time as Louise.  This is Peter Meyerson's only TG episode but he'd go on to write for Welcome Back, Kotter in particular.

This ends the first season of That Girl, averaging out to a B-, a good start.  Some of the familiar elements, like the opening with the kite etc., aren't yet in place, but the program is already a nice blend of different kinds of comedy with mostly heart-warming drama.