Soap: Episode 61

Soap: Episode 61
ABC
January 17, 1980
Dramedy
DVD
B-

In this Harris & Silver episode, Danny (whose intelligence continues to fall), finds out that Burt's dying and then later has Polly and her family over, including her father Walter (Mel Stewart in his only Soap appearance).  Eunice asks Corinne to cover for her while she cheats on Dutch with someone new, and Corinne reluctantly agrees.  Gloria seduces Chester (in a hotel room where even the TV is jungle-print), who falls in love with her and confesses to Jessica, who kicks him out for good this time.  (Helmond's acting in the last minute or so is the best thing in the episode and the studio audience deservedly applauds.)

Jodie and Billy are absent.

What's Happening!!: The Hospital Stay

What's Happening!!: The Hospital Stay
ABC
January 20, 1977
Sitcom
DVD
B

Mel Stewart, who had made appearances on That Girl and The Bob Newhart Show, but who's probably best known as George Jefferson's brother Henry on early episodes of All in the Family, plays an equally cranky character, Spike Gibbs.  He's well served by the Eisenstock & Mintz script that shows how Dee challenges and then befriends him.  I think this is one of Spencer's best episodes, where she's not just wisecracking (although there certainly is that) but actually learning about life.  And this episode might've been where I first heard of Negro league baseball.

Judy Pace, who's Nurse Jennings, would return as Liz, while Hope Clarke, who's Elizabeth Duncan, would be Mrs. Watson later.

The Bob Newhart Show: Not with My Sister You Don't

The Bob Newhart Show: Not with My Sister You Don't
CBS
February 3, 1973
Sitcom
DVD
B-

In a plot that would be used on other sitcoms (e.g. Three's Company and Bosom Buddies), Howard is overprotective of his younger sister and uncomfortable with her dating Jerry.  We get our first glimpse of Howard's apartment, which looks more dated than Bob and Emily's.  And Howard claims he's never been in Bob's office before, which means he doesn't count the episode where he spoke to the Fear of Flying group.  Note that Howard claims to be 16 years older than 22-year-old Debbie, even though he recently referred to being 40 two years ago.

Mel Stewart, of All in the Family, plays Bob's patient Mr. Dabney.  Writer Frank Buxton would go on to direct four episodes of Mork & Mindy.

That Girl: Shake Hands and Come Out Acting

That Girl: Shake Hands and Come Out Acting
ABC
November 13, 1969
Sitcom
DVD
C

In this Orenstein-Turteltaub story, Ann gets a black boxer a chance to audition with her old acting teacher, Jules Benedict.  But she's bribed and threatened by his managers.  I had a hard time caring about any of this.

Allen Jaffe was a Native on Gilligan's Island and is Jake here.  James McCallion, who's Max here, was Cooper earlier.  Harry Basch makes his middle of three TG appearances, as Charlie.  Mel Stewart, later of All in the Family, plays Dal.