Who's the Boss?: Mona

Who's the Boss?: Mona
ABC
May 12, 1987
Sitcom
DVD
C

Cohan & Hunter wrote this attempted spin-off, which at least, unlike Charmed Lives, would've starred one of the regular WtB characters.  It's hard to imagine Boss continuing for another five years without Mona, so it's just as well this didn't sell.  On it's own terms, it's nothing special, and mainly should be watched to one, see, how important good writing and a supporting cast are, and two, to find out some biographical details for Mona.

She goes to New York to spend the weekend with her younger brother, Cornelius Rockwell (James B. Sikking, who's indeed five years younger than Helmond).  While there, she finds out that he's sunk his savings and hers into a faded hotel.  She decides she'll be a far from silent partner.  The most interesting part is the dream sequence that opens the episode, set in the summer of 1941, complete with Helmond as her own mother.  (When we meet Mona's mother, she's nothing like either Helmond character, but then I suppose that may be part of the dream aspect.)  Mona recounts the dream to Tony and Sam, and then Angela comes in.  Jonathan is absent.

This episode features a few actors who had appeared earlier in the series (or even that season) in other roles:

• Beau Billingsley as the Chef, Dave before;
• Joe Regalbuto as Don, Father Mickey Callahan earlier;
• and Paul Sand as Packard, Wally previously.

Suave Jim Ratcliff is played by David Hedison, who was Emily's old flame Steve Darnell on The Bob Newhart Show.  Hotel guest Mr. Padnick is played by Don Sparks, who had two roles on Three's Company.  And, yes, that's 11-year-old Candace Cameron as Little Mona.

Who's the Boss?: It Happened One Summer, Part 1

Who's the Boss?: It Happened One Summer, Part 1
ABC
September 24, 1985
Sitcom
DVD
B+

Creators Cohan & Hunter wrote this Season Two opener that would have an unexpected impact on the rest of the season and indeed the series.  Tony and Sam return from three weeks in Florida.  (I think they drove down in the van but it's unclear.)  They've missed Mona and Angela, and vice versa, although of course Angela and Tony have trouble expressing this. Jonathan is at summer camp but feeling homesick, so the four of them drive up (in the station wagon) to see him.  Along the way, Tony and Angela reminisce about their camp experiences and Sam points out the suspicious similarities between their "first kiss" stories.  Angela attended Jonathan's camp the summers between '63 and '66, while Tony thinks he went to his Y Camp in '64 or '65.  Tony has forgotten the name of the first girl he kissed, while Angela remembers her first kiss as being from "Anthony."

They arrive at camp, where we get a memorable performance by WKRP's Richard Sanders as Dr. Bob Wormser, the camp counselor who seems to think he's a psychological counselor.  Jonathan is thrilled to see everyone.  He, Sam, and Mona ride horses (yes, the budget is pretty good here, with believable outdoor sets and live animals), while Angela and Tony talk to Dr. Bob.  Then Tony and Angela decide to go to Kissing Rock/ Make-Out Rock to find the names Tony carved after that moonlit night of his first kiss.

At first he finds a lot of "Mary Lou," which I suspect is an in-joke about Marilu Henner, who dated much of the Taxi cast, including Danza.  Then he spots "Anthony & Ingrid."  Angela is surprised and perhaps disappointed.  Tony says this proves that there is not, as Mona contended, a mysterious force drawing them together.  But then a storm breaks out and Angela rushes into his arms.

The camp road is flooded so they seek shelter in a motel with only one room available.  There are two beds, so Tony thinks it isn't a big deal.  But Angela reveals that she was "Ingrid," having chosen the name (inspired by Casablanca) so the boy wouldn't kiss and tell with her real name.  This copy, from Nick at Night, omits the flashback where we see "Young Tony" and "Young Angela" from the earlier flashbacks kiss, although a moment does appear in the credits.  Tony realizes it was her.  Angela says, "It was us!"  And the episode ends.


I'll talk more about this when we get to Part 2, but I need to note now that unlike the previous "first kiss," which is mentioned here (and Tony again insists she initiated it), the events of both parts are never officially recognized in future episodes.  And yet, they hang like a ghost over the course of the series.  If only Dr. Bob knew!

Vincent Schiavelli, who's the creepy Motel Manager here and in Part 2, played Dimitri in Rescue from Gilligan's Island.  Christopher Burton, who plays Jonathan's campmate Steven, would return in the role not only in Part 2 but back in Connecticut, suggesting he's also a neighbor and/or classmate.  Troy W. Slaten, who's David here and in Part 2, would be Martin on Roseanne.

Who's the Boss?: Requiem

Who's the Boss?: Requiem
ABC
December 18, 1984
Sitcom
DVD
B+

Sternin & Fraser wrote the teleplay with Paul Robinson Hunter (who would do three more for WtB), based on a story by Hunter & Cohan.  It's an interesting episode for many reasons, including that it crosses from Three's-Company-like farce into dramedy and then into a light-hearted tag that is both shipping fodder and "family" bonding.

Tony is working at Pizza Playland, which was mentioned on a previous episode.  Angela and Mona wonder why he's moonlighting, but he says it's personal.  Mona, who has been writing a detective novel (not the first time someone in the household will try their hand at fiction), trails Tony to Brooklyn and reports that he has a love nest.  In fact, he's paying the rent on his father's apartment.  Mona suggests that Angela invite Tony's father for Christmas, but Sam tells them that her Grandfather Micelli is dead.  Angela finds out that Tony isn't ready to let go of his father's memory, but she helps him through this.  Some things to note:

• Light would later recognize this episode as the first one where Danza got to show what he could do dramatically.  True it was inspired by the death of Matty Iadanza, but that doesn't mean it was easy for his son to play.
• Matty Micelli died shortly before Christmas of the previous year.
• He left his son a watch, and Time is one of the themes of the series.
• Although not a romantic episode, this is very significant for Tony and Angela's relationship, as she provides support and empathy in his grieving process, remembering how hard it was when her own father died.  (We'll learn more details about Mr. Robinson later.)
• They also bond over their love of big band music, planning to annoy their children with it.
• In the tag, with Mona and the kids by the Christmas tree, Angela puts on one of Matty's records and she and Tony dance for the first time, a swinging, lively dance, very different from their more romantic dances later, and yet symbolizing how the barrier between employer and employee is starting to break down.
• Tony and Angela have a talk in the kitchen about how their "not living together" is working out, both glad that he works there, but not thinking of it as living together in the less innocent sense.

Thanks to her stint on Soap, this is Helmond's 100th show I've reviewed.  The rest of the cast will take awhile to get to that milestone.

Who's the Boss?: Briefless Encounter

Before the encounter

Who's the Boss?: Briefless Encounter
ABC
September 27, 1984
Sitcom
DVD
B

Cohan and Hunter wrote what may well be the most famous episode of the series.  (Family Guy would reference it later and it was the main inspiration for the porn parody, http://reviewingeverymovieiown.blogspot.com/2015/10/whos-boss-xxx-parody.html.)  Tony walks in on Angela as she's stepping out of the tub, and the nudity is well implied without showing anything except for like her stomach.  (Light actually flashed Danza, to get a genuine reaction out of him.)

Things that would carry over to the rest of the series:

• A heightening of the sexual tension;
• The nudity, which would be referenced on at least one other episode, with surprising results;
• Mona's interest in psychology;
• Her continuing interference in Angela and Tony's lives;
• Tony's date, in this case an Italian-American college professor, picking him up at the house;
• People thinking more is going on with Angela and Tony than there is, not unlike on Three's Company;
• A misunderstanding, although one that would probably never have happened on Three's Company;
• Tony standing up for Angela and choosing her over someone he likes;
• Sam's indifference to school;
• Mona enjoyment of college;
• Jonathan being beat up or at least threatened, this time by a girl;
• Angela's conflict between work and motherhood, this time heightened by Jonathan's manipulation;
• and someone, in this case Mona, referring to them as a "family."

The kids aren't in this episode much, although Jonathan does set up some of the situation.  Sam Weisman, who acted on Welcome Back, Kotter and M*A*S*H, directed this and a later episode.

Who's the Boss?: Pilot

Who's the Boss?: Pilot
ABC
September 20, 1984
Sitcom
DVD
B-

The same week that Three's Company, with its occasional Jack/Janet (and Jack/Chrissy and Jack/Terri) bowed out, a show that would move its shipping front and center premiered on ABC.  Martin Cohan, who among other things wrote six Bob Newhart Show episodes, and Blake Hunter created the show and wrote this pilot that sets up the next eight years.  Here's some of what is already present in a script written about a year before it aired:

• Sexual tension between Tony and Angela, including his remark that he would never sleep with his employer;
• Angela's poor choices in men, in this case her boss, Grant Paxton (Dennis Holahan, who had played Per Johannsen on M*A*S*H);
• Mona's easy-going lust for "hunk "Tony";
• Mona's interference and assumption that she knows what's best for her daughter;
• Angela answering the door in a pink robe and towel, which would be echoed on at least two more episodes;
• Jonathan's love of reptiles and general geekiness;
• Samantha's tomboyishness and snark;
• The kids' prickly almost-sibling-like relationship;
• Tony's love of Sinatra;
• His use of the catchphrase "Ay-oh, oh-ay!"
• His sunny optimism, although this would be tempered by time and experience;
• Angela's wariness;
• Her commitment to her career;
• Her willingness to let a near stranger make decisions about her son;
• Her reluctance to take Tony's advice about herself;
• The kids' awareness that the adults are talking about "sex" through symbolism (here Crunchy Crawlers cereal);
• The kids' interrupting a hug between Tony and Angela;
• The Micellis' love of sports, particularly basketball;
• A mention of Tony's loss of his wife and Major League career;
• A mention of Angela's rival Jim Peterson;
• A mention of her secretary Rosie;
• And a cameo of Mrs. Rossini in Brooklyn.

In some ways, it's a very self-assured pilot, but I don't think things have gelled right out of the gate.  For one thing, the kids, so young and little here, aren't as good performers as they'd become and it seems like they could've enunciated better.  Also, this is actually a freer, more relaxed Angela than we'd see for much of the first three seasons, as if the Angela vs. Tony and Angela vs. Mona contrasts hadn't yet been fully worked out.  I can see why the pilot sold though, and why it got a fall debut rather than ending up as a mid-season replacement.  There's a lot of potential here, and the "male housekeeper" thing hadn't yet been done to death.  (Charles in Charge would debut a couple weeks later, Mr. Belvedere in March.)

This is the only WtB episode directed by Bill Persky of That Girl. 

Diff'rent Strokes: Getting Involved

Diff'rent Strokes: Getting Involved
NBC
April 6, 1979
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This second of two DS teleplays by Norm Liebmann, this one based on a story by Leeds, Starr, and Cohan, is predictable at times, with Arnold again using his telescope, but this time witnessing a far-fetched-sounding hold-up and eventually picking the robber out of a line-up.  But I like the way that the main cop interacts with Arnold, both the physical comedy and the more serious moments; it's good to know it's the first of two appearances by Detective Morrison (Ron Feinberg, who had done some voicework for Hong Kong Phooey).  Also, I like that Mr. Drummond is understandably protective of Arnold, but we see not only his perspective but that of the Jackson brothers.

Michael Lamont, who plays an Officer, would be a Corporal on M*A*S*H.

Diff'rent Strokes: The Trip, Part 1

Diff'rent Strokes: The Trip, Part 1
NBC
March 30, 1979
Sitcom
DVD
B

Although Hello, Larry had premiered only a couple months before, I recall it as a ratings bomb from early on, although it would limp along for another thirteen months after this, while DS of course lasted into '86.  The MAD Magazine satire "Diff'rent Jokes" (http://www.madmagazine.com/sites/default/files/MAD-Magazine-Diffrent-Jokes-Splash.jpg) would in fact appear that same Spring of '80 and mock both shows for the cross-promotion.   The idea of a cross-over isn't too contrived though, and I totally buy that Phil and Larry are old chums.  (Their kids remark they both tell bad jokes.)  And somehow, cross-breeding the corniness improves things.

Phil's corporation has bought Larry's Portland, Oregon radio station, and unfortunately "the computer" thinks the station should be automated.  Never mind that Phil dismissed what the social worker's computer said about inter-racial adoption, this time Phil's going along with it and wants to break the bad news to his friend in person.  The whole family goes along, although Mrs. Garrett is taking a side trip to Seattle to see her sister Beverly.  (Years before Cloris Leachman showed up in the role on Facts of Life.)

Considering that Colonel Blake isn't too appealing a character (I definitely prefer Potter), I'm not sure why I'm so fond of McLean Stevenson, but I think it's actually these loser roles he played post-M*A*S*H, a bunch of guys who weren't succeeding, on shows that weren't succeeding.  By this point he has the slumped shoulders (definitely in the MAD satire) and weariness that I equate with McLean.  As for his onscreen daughters, you can see that Kim Richards, playing Ruthie, was an old pro at the age of 14 (about eight years after The Nanny & the Professor), while Donna Wilkes, as Diane, is pleasant but forgettable enough that the role would be recast in the Fall (in time for the Thanksgiving cross-over).

Note that the script is by Howard Leeds (his second for DS), Ben Starr (his third), and Martin Cohan (his first for this show, although he'd done some for The Bob Newhart Show among others).  I don't know about Part 2, which is technically a Hello, Larry episode, although thankfully packaged on the DS DVD set, so I'll get to it next.

The Bob Newhart Show: A Love Story

The Bob Newhart Show: A Love Story
CBS
February 9, 1974
Sitcom
DVD
B+

Martin Cohan wrote and Peter Bonerz directed this episode that introduces Bob's 32-year-old sister Ellen (33-year-old Pat Finley).  Howard falls in love with her at first sight, and she gradually starts to return his feelings.  Unfortunately, she's getting married in a few days.  The timeline doesn't quite work, but that's all right.  It's still a wonderful episode, with how all the characters, including Bob's mother (Martha Scott, with her character now sharing the same first name), play off each other.  I of course especially loved Bob telling Emily she's sunk to a new low, trying to matchmake an engaged person.  I almost went with an A-, but I do have a few qualms about how quickly Howard and Ellen get involved, especially under the circumstances.

This is the 200th CBS programmed I've reviewed.  I don't think they'll ever catch up to ABC, but with this show and M*A*S*H hanging on for a few more years, the Eye Network will come close.

The Bob Newhart Show: Oh, Brother

The Bob Newhart Show: Oh, Brother
CBS
January 5, 1974
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Martin Cohan wrote this story about Jerry's brother (Raul Julia), which contradicts some other information about Jerry's family, but no matter.  Rhoda Gemingnani returns as Miss Rossi, still suspicious of men, but this time she's Bob's patient rather than a possible fill-in for Carol.

The Bob Newhart Show: Old Man Rivers

The Bob Newhart Show: Old Man Rivers
CBS
October 27, 1973
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Martin Cohan wrote and directed this episode where Carol dates the title character, the doctor who removes the butterfly tattoo from her butt.  Bob at first assumes that Carol's "minor surgery" is pregnancy-related, but they soon clear that up, unlike the episode-long complications when Jack Tripper has his posterior tattoo removed over a decade later.  Interestingly, both Howard and Jerry know about her tattoo, suggesting she did at least go to third base with each of them in the first season.

Don Fenwick, who plays the Young Doctor, would be Fred Sanders on The Brady Bunch.

The Bob Newhart Show: Bum Voyage

The Bob Newhart Show: Bum Voyage
CBS
March 3, 1973
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Bob's group continues to solidify, with Mrs. Bakerman, Mr. Carlin, Mr. Gianelli, Mr. Peterson, and Michelle (yes, she's referred to by her first name rather than her last, unlike the others) all in one episode and interacting with each other.  Unfortunately, the writing (by Austin and Irma Kalish) for them and the main five is not quite at the level it could be.  And it seems a bit odd to have Bob and Emily going away for a two-month long trip in the penultimate episode of the season.  Maybe they didn't have the budget to show them in Europe (or Mexico awhile back), but it's off balance to have so much energy put into them leaving, with none of the trip or even its return.

This time Archie Hahn plays the German-accented Steward.

The Bob Newhart Show: Emily, I'm Home - Emily??

The Bob Newhart Show: Emily, I'm Home - Emily??
CBS
February 17, 1973
Sitcom
DVD
C+

Emily gets a full-time job and Bob is not at all supportive or adaptable.  He does finally give in at the end, but since he's drunk, it's not much of a victory, and the tag suggests Emily is still too busy.  Ironically or not, this episode was written by Martin Cohan, who would go on to create Who's the Boss?, with a very different take on working women, but then a lot would happen in society and on television in the next decade or so.

Jill Jaress returns as Mary Ellen.  Alma Beltran, who plays Marina, would be Maria Calderon on The Brady Bunch.  Thirty-five-year-old Edward Winter makes his first of three BNS appearances, as Professor Trainer, and would be on Soap among other shows.

The Bob Newhart Show: I Owe It All to You...But Not That Much

The Bob Newhart Show: I Owe It All to You...But Not That Much
CBS
December 16, 1972
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Jerry becomes Bob's patient and it damages their friendship.  We find out a little more about Jerry's brother.  It's an early "drunk Bob" episode.  There's a reference to Margaret but she isn't shown.  And Carol wears one of her most dated outfits (see above).

The Bob Newhart Show: Anything Happen While I Was Gone?

The Bob Newhart Show: Anything Happen While I Was Gone?
CBS
November 25, 1972
Sitcom
DVD
B

This first of six BNS stories by Martin Cohan is the first to really feel like the characters are falling into place, particularly Emily, who is able to blend in as one of the boys when both Bob and Jerry skip Jerry's bachelor party.  While Bob and Emily were vacationing in Mexico (Emily bought flight insurance but she did go, so she's made progress with that fear), Jerry got involved in a whirlwind romance with Cynthia Fremont (27-year-old Elaine Giftos, who seems to have specialized in these poised but essentially unlikable roles, see Three's Company).  They're soon engaged but Bob thinks Cynthia is too controlling.  (Bob calls her a back-buster, presumably a euphemism.)  Carol doesn't like her either, which might lend support to Jerry/Carol shippers, except that we see that Cynthia is condescending to Carol, reason enough.  Howard/Carol shippers should note that when Carol jokes that she's cranky when she gets her eight hours of sleep, Howard is very intrigued and puts his arm behind her shoulders on the couch.