Who's the Boss?: Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?

Who's the Boss?: Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?
ABC
October 9, 1990
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Clay Graham wrote this story that somewhat awkwardly introduces Angela's new boyfriend Andy (Doug Ballard in his first of four appearances) and Mrs. Rossini's little neighbor Billy (Jonathan Halyalkar).  Knowing how this would play out, the timing is deliberate, as it's also the episode that bids farewell to Kathleen, when her father decides that Tony should "father his grandchildren."  But within the episode itself, how Andy and Billy are used is a little random.  We don't know how Angela met Andy or how long they've been seeing each other, and Billy is supposed to just be babysat but already seems like he's moved in.  As for Kathleen, clearly neither Tony's nor the writers' focus has been on her and she's more of a device than a character.  Andy will turn out to be even more of a cypher though.  As for Billy, we'll be seeing plenty of him, trust me.

Who's the Boss?: Hey Dude

Who's the Boss?: Hey Dude
ABC
September 25, 1990
Sitcom
DVD
B

In this Albrecht & Keller story, Sam doesn't want to leave her summer job at a New Mexico dude ranch, partly because she's engaged to Matt (Patrick Muldoon in the first of only two appearances).  Although Tony is still dating Kathleen, who wants to make out on the couch, and Angela is still seeing Peter (unseen, although we'll hear his voice on the answering machine), she is still Sam's co-parent and she goes with Tony to talk sense into Sam.  It's Mona though who knows how best to get through to Sam.  Note that Sam says Angela got married at 18, presumably to Brian Thomas, not the best argument for young marriage.  (Tony on the other hand did get married at about 19 and it seemed to work out.)

Who's the Boss?: Ridiculous Liaisons

Who's the Boss?: Ridiculous Liaisons
ABC
September 18, 1990
Sitcom
DVD
B

Daniel Palladino wrote this Season-Seven-opener, set some time during the summer.  Tony is still seeing Kathleen and trying to be mature and sophisticated about Angela seeing Peter Gerber (Stan Ivar in his last appearance on the show).  However, when Angela is swept off her feet by a mystery man named Christopher, who charms the rest of the family as well, Tony becomes jealous and obsessed, in a very comical way.

Busboy Michael Gilbert Lewis played a Policeman in the "Dream Girls" episode of Just the Ten of Us.  Chris Paul Davis is credited as Christopher, perhaps his voice, and would play Kyle later in the season.  Oliver Muirhead would reprise his very funny role as the Maitre d'.  Tony Singletary takes over for regular director Asaad Kelada, perhaps till the end of the series run.  (I see 49 episodes listed.)  He does well with the farce.

Who's the Boss?: The All-Nighter

Who's the Boss?: The All-Nighter
ABC
May 8, 1990
Sitcom
DVD
B+

Clay Graham wrote this story which is arguably the most controversial and/or pivotal one in the series.  Angela has new clients from the recording industry, Jon Petrie (John Sanderford, who played Eric on Bosom Buddies) and Peter Gerber (Stan Ivar, who'd be back in the role in the Season Seven opener).  Meanwhile, Tony and his study group are trying to cram for an upcoming test.  Angela suggests they rent a motel room in order to study in peace.  Three of the group bail but Tony stays behind with Kathleen Sawyer (Kate Vernon), an opinionated but attractive blonde.  Tony "gets lucky," as perceptive Mona guesses the next morning, but he feels like he "betrayed Angela."  The implication is that he hasn't had sex with anyone since the makeout and conversation in Jamaica.  But he doesn't know if this is a one-night stand or something more.  Angela, on the edge of tears, suggests that they see other people, as part of the "journey" of their relationship.  The episode and the season end with Tony wanting to say something to Angela as she goes out the door to have coffee with Peter.

Debbie (Tara Karsian) and Kyle (Dan Stockenberg) had appeared in the episode about Sam's married grad student crush, but they were nameless then.  The Motel Manager is played by Dick Miller, who of course has a ton of credits, especially film, but was last seen in my TV collection as a Guard on Soap.

Season Six has some great moments, particularly with T & A.  Even this episode is about their relationship.  However, this doesn't mean that all the episodes are great.  The range is C to B+ and the average is B-.  Season Seven would deal with the fall-out of this episode, with mixed results, but, yes, it would remain an interesting journey.