The Brady Bunch: The Big Sprain

The Brady Bunch: The Big Sprain
ABC
February 6, 1970
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This is the first of nine BBunch episodes written by Tam Spiva, who only wrote a bit for Gentle Ben, nothing else, but those nine include some very memorable episodes.  This isn't one of them, but it's not a bad start.  With Carol out of town taking care of her sick Aunt Mary, Alice sprains her ankle and not only do the kids have to take over the housework (note, Mike doesn't contribute anything except advice), but Alice is going to miss the Meat-Cutter's Ball.  This is only the second Allan Melvin episode, although there are references to Sam on other episodes, so it feels like Sam is around more, and again his rapport with Alice is good comedically if not amazing romantically.  Greg/Marcia shippers can take heart at his reaction to her calling him a "dazzling basketball star," although this is nothing like the chemistry they'd have in the last two or three seasons.  (I know, I know, step-siblings, but blame Barry & Maureen.)