That Girl: There Sure a Bunch of Cards in St. Louis, Part I

What a difference a decade makes!

That Girl: There Sure a Bunch of Cards in St. Louis, Part I
ABC
October 30, 1970
Sitcom
DVD
B+

The engagement (but probably not the "daisies, snowflakes" theme song) seems to have revitalized the show and this Turteltaub-Orenstein episode is everything it should be and more.  For once, I'm actually looking to the second part of a TG two-parter.  Ann has an acting gig in Donald's hometown and that means she's also got to appear before his friends and family.  The results are funny and sweet but with an edge.  We again see Donald's parents, including the wonderfully cold Mabel Albertson, more than ever the mother-in-law no '60s woman would want.  Frank Faylen does a fine job stepping into the role of Don's father, showing where Don gets his sense of humor and warmth from.  (And making Donald an honorary brother to not only Darrin Stephens but Dobie Gillis.)  Yes, Ann's outfits are great again.

Lindsay Workman, who had made the first of four Brady appearances at this point, here plays Harry, the one who wonders if Ann is in plays like Oh! Calcutta!  And it's a nice touch to have William Christopher and Susan Quick return as Donald's old friends Chippy and Heather Dolan.