Soap: Episode 22

From the "judge's chambers" episode

Soap: Episode 22
ABC
February 28, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B-

Carol fails to see why Jodie being gay means he won't sleep with her, but he does agree to go away with her for the weekend, as friends.  Mary commits Burt.  Danny tells Mary why he's marrying Elaine.  Billy briefly runs away because he got a bad report card and doesn't want to add to the family's woes.  And Jessica's trial continues, with Mr. Franklin promising a surprise witness.

Milt Oberman, who was the man whose hotel room Eunice climbed into, here plays Harold Bronfman.  Fred Iwasaki would return a couple more times as the Chef at the Japanese restaurant.  Corinne, Chuck, and Bob are absent.

Three's Company: Chrissy Come Home

Three's Company: Chrissy Come Home
ABC
February 28, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B+

This is the only 3'sC episode written by Joyce Burditt, who seems to have specialized in TV mysteries.  I'm assuming she's the wife of her co-writer here, George Burditt, who had written quite a few episodes already, with more on the way until the very end of the series.  She could plausibly be George's daughter, since the father-daughter relationship between Chrissy and Reverend Snow (Peter Mark Richman in his first of three 3'sC appearances) is very well done.  I also was touched by the friendship among the roommates, especially the moment when Jack asks Janet to wait for Chrissy at the bus stop like he does when she works late.

There's also some lovely farce, with Jack & Janet pretending to be married, and Mr. Roper misinterpreting Rev. Snow wanting to "marry Jack." Note that Mrs. Roper seems to be one of the first J/J shippers, since she's thrilled to be asked to be a witness to their wedding.  All in all, the best episode of the series so far, although it builds on what's come before, including Janet calling Chrissy "Christmas."

M*A*S*H: Dr. Winchester and Mr. Hyde

M*A*S*H: Dr. Winchester and Mr. Hyde
CBS
February 27, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B-

This story by Levine, Isaacs, and Graham is slightly more realistic than the recent Welcome Back, Kotter story about a regular character (in this case Charles) developing a quick addiction and then quickly getting over it.  Also, I could see Freddie not knowing any better, but Charles is a doctor, and when he gives bennies to Radar's mouse, it stretches plausibility.  Note that this is set in October, four months before Potter's kid sister turns 50.

Rod Gist, who's Chalk here, would be Big Eddie on Three's Company.  Kellye Nakahara (Yamato) and Sal Viscusco (PA Announcer) return.

What's Happening!!: Diplomatic Immunity

Fox in Dr. Bombay days

What's Happening!!: Diplomatic Immunity
ABC
February 25, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
C+

Ted Bergman's first of three WH scripts feels off to me.  It seems like Mama should be more upset about the boys borrowing Ike's car without permission.  Also, the pacing of the episode feels slow, with a lot of sitting around and waiting.  The Arab and British stereotypes (including Bernard Fox) are about what I'd expect, simplistic but not hostile.  There's a reference to oil prices but this is before the Iranian Hostage Crisis, so the feel is different here than it would be a couple years later.  And of course the OJ Simpson reference sounds different nowadays (although not as much as Exidor worshiping OJ on Mork & Mindy).

Jeff Corey, who was Carol's older boyfriend Dr. Scott Rivers, is Hassan here.  Richard Couture is again a Patron at Rob's Place.

Welcome Back, Kotter: Horshack and Madame X

Welcome Back, Kotter: Horshack and Madame X
ABC
February 23, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This Barrie & Meyerson episode doesn't quite live up to its farcical potential, I think partly because I can't buy that Arnold, who looks up to Mr. Kotter, would want Mrs. Kotter to toss him aside, no matter how much Arnold thinks he's in love with her.  Still, it is nice to see Strassman have more to work with than usual.  And, yes, she was only a year older than Palillo in real life.  Note, Angie's reaction to the idea of dating Arnold seems especially cruel considering he was the first to befriend her.

Sally Hightower returns as Laura Stevens.  Al Schwartz, yes, Sherwood's brother, does one of his rare directing gigs.

Soap: Episode 21

Rebecca Balding

Soap: Episode 21
ABC
February 21, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

Corinne continues to stalk Tim, this time to his remote mountain retreat, although he does admit he can't get over her.  And the even more dysfunctional relationship of Danny and Elaine moves to the next level when he takes her home, hoping that meeting his family will scare her off.  The best scene here is the trial scene, from Mallu's assistant Carol finding "suicidal homosexual" Jodie adorable to Jessica's entrance and subsequent behavior.  Unlike nurse Nancy, Carol would be around awhile (Rebecca Balding would return eighteen times) and definitely impact the course of the show.

Ian Wolfe, who previously was the Monsignor, makes his first of two appearances as Father Juniper.  Tim Rossovich makes his first of three appearances as Elaine's Bodyguard.

Three's Company: Days of Beer and Weeds

Three's Company: Days of Beer and Weeds
ABC
February 21, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

This is a fairly seamless blend of Man About the House's "beer" and "pot" stories, of course written by NRW.  They obviously have to get florist Janet out of the apartment before Larry shows up and misidentifies the plant as cannabis (while ironically missing the actual cannabis in Chrissy's bouquet).  Note that so far all of Larry's appearances are in Americanizations of MAtH episodes.  I don't recall when he has his first appearance in an original story.  That said, as the series went on, a smaller percentage of the episodes were conversions.

Desk Sergeant David Tress would return as Virgil.

M*A*S*H: Potter's Retirement

M*A*S*H: Potter's Retirement
CBS
February 20, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

This Laurence Marks story has Potter considering leaving the 4077th because someone has been sending negative reports.  The obvious suspect is Charles, who's now been there six months.  But it turns out to be Corporal Benson (George Wyner, who was on The Bob Newhart Show a couple times), actually a reluctant spy.  The moment when Hawkeye says "Sherman" is touching because, fond as he is of Potter, he takes him much more seriously than he ever took Henry Blake.

Ken White, who's Corporal Denning here, would be a Marine Recruiter on Welcome Back, Kotter.  Peter Hobbs makes his first of two M*A*S*H appearances, as Gen. Waldo Kent.  Johnny Haymer (Zale), Enid Kent (Bigelow), and Sal Viscuso (PA Announcer) return.  This is the 400th CBS program I've reviewed, and William Christopher's 100th appearance (including the ones on That Girl).

The Bob Newhart Show: It Didn't Happen One Night

The Bob Newhart Show: It Didn't Happen One Night
CBS
February 18, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This Laura Levine story about the Hartleys' three best friends worried that Emily will have an affair with her college boyfriend doesn't quite bring off its blend of silliness and sincerity.  However, the scene in the restaurant at the end, with Howard, Carol, and Jerry in silly disguises, and Emily giving a heartfelt speech about Bob that the entire restaurant applauds, is worth tuning in for.

What's Happening!!: Raj and the Older Woman

What's Happening!!: Raj and the Older Woman
ABC
February 18, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

In this Sally Wade story, 17-year-old Raj pretends to be 21 so he can date a 19-year-old model.  It doesn't seem like a terribly large age difference, especially since he's about to graduate from high school, and if the sexes were reversed, it wouldn't be that big a deal.  Also, I find the way that Raj's classmate (Bob Harcum again) gives him away a little contrived.  Still, there are some nice moments, including Dee's talk with the model.

Richard Couture again plays a Patron at Rob's Place.  Sip Culler, who's Mr. Johnson, would appear on Welcome Back, Kotter later that year.  Shirley is absent again.

Welcome Back, Kotter: Goodbye, Mr. Kripps

Welcome Back, Kotter: Goodbye, Mr. Kripps
ABC
February 16, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This story by Garry Ferrier and Audrey Tadman has Vinnie feeling guilty when the Shop teacher, Mr. Leonard Kripps (Jack Fletcher, who was Harry McCann on Gidget), drops dead of a heart attack while yelling at him.  My favorite moment was of course when Epstein hands Mr. Kotter a wooden musical note for being late.

Bryan O'Byrne, who was Mr. Doheny on The Bob Newhart Show, is the Desk Sergeant here.  Sally Hightower makes her first of three appearances as Laura Stevens, I'm guessing the blonde girl who speaks up in class and isn't Angie.

Soap: Episode 20

Charles Lane as the Judge in a later episode

Soap: Episode 20
ABC
February 14, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

Eunice makes it back inside the hotel, is mistaken (by Milt Oberman, who would return in a different role) for a call girl, meets up with Walter, plans a future in Aruba, and then is left in the mail room when he gets the incriminating photos back from the Messenger (Martin Braverman again).  Then there are a bunch of "Campbell" scenes, the best of the lot definitely being the scene where Jodie hides Bob in the refrigerator in an attempt to talk to Chuck.  Danny tries to break up with Elaine but instead finds out he has to marry her, or be killed.  And Burt finds out that Mary wants him committed.  The last scene is set in the judge's chambers (which Jessica has a wacky interpretation of) and the judge turns out to be veteran character actor Charles Lane, then 73 but still with many roles ahead of him, including as another judge on Mork & Mindy.  Also, Hesseman returns as Mr. Franklin's twin brother, the prosecutor.

Corinne, Billy, and the Major are absent.

Three's Company: Will the Real Jack Tripper

Three's Company: Will the Real Jack Tripper
ABC
February 14, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

As I said in my review of the Man About the House episode this is based on, the Americanization (by NRW as usual) is an improvement, I think mostly due to Amer-Larry being less sleazy and making a more convincing queen than his British inspiration.  This has the official introduction of Linda (who's been mentioned at least once but not seen) and she's well played by Anne Schedeen (understandably brought back in this and other roles).  The episode is notable for proof that Jack has had sex with at least one girlfriend (the "be careful"/"I thought I was" exchange for instance).  Also we can hear Chrissy do her snort-laugh, although technically that debuted in the previous episode.  (And it's in an out-take from the Dick Sargent episode.)

Paul Ainsley returns as Jim the Bartender.  Ted Gehring, who plays Sandra's Father, had made a M*A*S*H appearance and would make another that year.  Hobin and Ross co-directed again.

M*A*S*H: Temporary Duty

M*A*S*H: Temporary Duty
CBS
February 13, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B-

This Larry Balmagia story either needed a rewrite or recasting.  It's not that Marcia Rodd or George Lindsey are bad actors, so much as that they don't seem like quite the right people to portray respectively Margaret's old friend that she used to be rebellious with and a surgeon so obnoxious that even Charles wants Hawkeye back.  (Pierce and Bigelow [Enid Kent] have been exchanged with the 8063rd's chest-cutter and nurse.)  I do like the touch of Boston being added to the signpost.

Sal Viscuso returns as the PA Announcer.  This is Farr's 100th episode.

The Bob Newhart Show: Easy for You to Say

The Bob Newhart Show: Easy for You to Say
CBS
February 11, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
C+

This is the weakest of the three BNS stories by Andrew Smith (who did "Carlin's New Suit" and "Group on a Hot Tin Roof").  Part of the problem is that I don't find stuttering funny, and Bob is counseling a stutterer, Paul Billingham (Jerry Fogel, who previously played Paul Hollander).  The rest is that I just don't find it plausible that he would be able to not only get a radio show but spin it off onto television, without someone (a producer or whoever) finding out about his stuttering and either putting a halt to the project or getting him more help than Bob seems capable of.  Still, the ink-blots scene is cute and we later get to see Jerry dressed as a dog and Bob as a scarecrow.

What's Happening!!: Rerun Sees the Light

I'm guessing this was during a dress rehearsal,
since Rerun still has his "dynamite 'fro."

What's Happening!!: Rerun Sees the Light
ABC
February 11, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Just like Arnold Horshack before him and Billy Tate after him, Rerun falls for a pretty girl and joins a religious cult.  And, yes, he dresses in brightly colored robes, this time peach with a lavender wrap.  The story by Thad Mumford (his first of two for WH) isn't as funny as I remembered, with too much time spent on "bald jokes."  But Mabel's portrayal of Mother Nature is still fun.

Interestingly, Rob (Earl Billings) appears in this episode and Shirley doesn't.  He recognizes Love-Is-Life as the con artist Wanda Jordan, which seems more likely for him as a middle-aged small-business-owner, so the substitution works.

Welcome Back, Kotter: What Goes Up

Welcome Back, Kotter: What Goes Up
ABC
February 9, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This was written by four writers-- Neil Rosen and George Tricker (who co-wrote two earlier episodes), George Arthur Bloom (this is his fifth), and producer Nick Arnold (this is his last WBK script)-- and it's definitely a Very Special Episode.  Not that that's a bad thing, and I do appreciate the underused Hilton-Jacobs getting to show his acting chops, but it does illustrate the perils of the sitcom format.  Problems are solved in twenty minutes or less (subtracting commercials and credits), but drug addiction isn't something that can be solved that quickly.  Note that this is a rare non-Christmas show which features snow.  I see it as symbolic, not of cocaine (Freddie's on pills) but of freezing out friends.

Soap: Episode 19

Soap: Episode 19
ABC
February 7, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

Mallu tries to find a character witness among the Tates and Campbells.  (Note, here and in other places, like the opening credits, "The Campbells" includes Danny and Jodie Dallas.)  Mary takes Burt back to Dr. Medlow because he thinks he can make himself invisible.  (I guess Dr. Medlow doesn't just deal with sexual dysfunction, or maybe Mary wanted to take Burt to a doctor he trusts.)  Walter accidentally gives a messenger (Martin Braverman, who would return next episode) copies of the blackmail photos, while Eunice is out on the ledge in the pouring rain, hiding from Marilyn.  And Jessica gives a moving speech to Corinne about how much she loves her, but after Jessica leaves, Ingrid tells Corinne that Jessica just doesn't want Corinne to testify against her.  (You can hear the audience react to Ingrid's manipulation.)

Billy is absent.

Three's Company: Jack's Navy Pal

Three's Company: Jack's Navy Pal
ABC
February 7, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
D

This is understandably one of the most hated Three's Company episodes.  It starts out all right, with Jack practicing the Charleston for a date to a Roaring '20s party, and flirting heavily with Chrissy when she dances with him.  And the trio deciding to butter up Mr. Roper so he won't raise their rent $75 (from $300/month) could've been a fine if not terribly original plot.

And then it goes off the rails when the title character shows up.  Jim Walsh was in the Navy with Jack but he was no pal.  Jack tells the girls that Jim was the meanest person he ever met.  And Jim certainly lives up to it: twice hitting Jack for no reason, demolishing the furniture (and Chrissy's teddy bear), insulting everyone, and grinning the whole time.  The audience isn't even given a catharsis when Jack, after much persuasion, tries to hit Jim (he's hesitant because Jim is temporarily blind), since Jim blocks the punch.  And the trio are stuck paying for the damages to the apartment!

Levitt, Wayne, and Burditt all contributed to this story, so who knows how the blame should be apportioned?  Presumably nobody spoke up (as for instance DeWitt would about the "blonde wig" episode) to say that this episode just wasn't going to work.  And there are people out there who actually enjoy this episode, presumably in a dark-comedy sort of way.  I don't know if it's the worst 3'sC episode ever, but I've always found it the worst from the early seasons.

M*A*S*H: Mail Call Three

M*A*S*H: Mail Call Three
CBS
February 6, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

This Fritzell & Greenbaum story is better than most, maybe all, of the similar ones, because the letters actually have consequences and play off of each other in interesting ways.  And as Radar sums it up when Klinger returns from his attempt to go AWOL, the M*A*S*H unit is itself "family."  Note that Klinger had married Laverne long-distance while stationed in Korea, so he hasn't actually seen her during their marriage, although we learn here that they grew up together.  It's funny that of all the married regular characters, he's the first to get divorced.  Also note that Hawkeye says his father has been a widower for years (by the time Hawkeye was twelve), despite the early references to his mother and sister.  But that's part of the retcon reset I guess.

Oliver Clark makes his second appearance on the show, this time as the other Capt. Ben Pierce.  Kellye Nakahara (Yamato) and Carmine Scelza (his last appearance, again as a Corpsman) return.

The Bob Newhart Show: Emily Carlin, Emily Carlin

The Bob Newhart Show: Emily Carlin, Emily Carlin
CBS
February 4, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

Laura Levine seems to have become the main "Emily" writer in the last days of the series.  This story, as you might guess from the title, has Emily pretending to be Mr. Carlin's wife, at his 20-year high school reunion.  It's good to see Emily try to be sympathetic but self-respecting despite how irritating Elliot is, and her speech about "her husband" is well done.  Meanwhile, Howard has another funny (for him) new hobby: cooking.  And Bob is again on tour promoting his book.  Bonerz directed.

What's Happening!!: Doobie or Not Doobie, Part 2

What's Happening!!: Doobie or Not Doobie, Part 2
ABC
February 4, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B+

Sally Wade wrote this as well as Part 1, although much of the episode is given over to the DB concert.  And that's perfectly fine with me, since I was chair-dancing to "Takin' It to the Streets" and the rest.  Rerun of course gets caught, but the Doobies let the guys off the hook and instead have Al Dunbar (Theodore Wilson) and Bruno (Alonzo Brown, Jr.) arrested.  Mama is absent and definitely would not approve of the bootlegging.

Welcome Back, Kotter: There's No Business, Part 2

Welcome Back, Kotter: There's No Business, Part 2
ABC
February 2, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
C+

In some ways, this teleplay by Bloom & Bloomberg, based on Kaplan's story, is better than Part 1, but it's also more frustrating.  There are a whole bunch of scenes, including Gabe deliberately bombing so he can go back to teaching, that are told rather than shown.  It's as if they didn't want to have to make this into a three-parter.  Still, it's cool to see the guys dressed up when they wish Mr. Kotter luck.

(Angie has almost nothing to do in this episode.  I can't even remember if she has a line, yet her name is still in the opening credits.  I really think they should've thought this "female Sweathog" thing through more, especially since Strassman was unhappy about having little to do compared to the predominantly male cast.)

Sam Weisman (Peter Charnoff) and David Daniel (Male Student) return.

Three's Company: Jack in the Flower Shop

Three's Company: Jack in the Flower Shop
ABC
January 31, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Wayne & Burditt co-wrote this episode with Ziggy Steinberg, who also did the "Ex-Con Job" episode of The Bob Newhart Show.  It has Jack holding a grudge for longer than he should, even after Janet apologizes, but he does save her job by taking the blame when she forgets an order.

The guest cast is interesting.  Not only does J.J. Barry return as Janet's boss Mr. Compton, but Mickey Deems makes his first of five 3'sC appearances, here as Mr. Harwood.  And, yes, that's Natalie Schafer being very Mrs. Howelly.

M*A*S*H: What's Up, Doc?

M*A*S*H: What's Up, Doc?
CBS
January 30, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

This is the first of eight M*A*S*H episodes written by Larry Balmagia, who had done the weakest episode of Three's Company's first season.  ("Jack the Giant Killer," but in fairness that was based on a relatively weak Man About the House.)  This is a good episode, although the patient with a gun thread doesn't quite work.  (And somewhat resembles a similar one early on, with, that's right, John Ritter.)  The title refers to the rabbit test that Hawkeye runs for Margaret, using Radar's treasured Fluffy but managing it so the rabbit doesn't have to die either way.  Although Hawkeye describes himself as Margaret's "Number One Nemesis," he is the one she confides in.  I don't know if this is after their brief encounter, and it certainly would've been interesting if he was the potential father, but in any case their friendship is touching here, especially in the scene at the end.  Note that Margaret doesn't want to be pregnant, because one, she's having difficulties in her marriage, and two, she'd have to resign the Army.  No one suggests abortion, although Maude controversially had had one before Roe v. Wade.  (Either plot twist, an abortion or Hawkeye getting Margaret pregnant, would probably have been too much for even M*A*S*H.)

Lois Foraker (her last appearance, this time as Nurse Bell), Charles Frank (this time as Lt. Martinson), Phyllis Katz (this time a nameless Nurse), and Kellye Nakahara (Yamato) return.  And, yes, the show had switched over to Mondays instead of Tuesdays.

The Bob Newhart Show: Group on a Hot Tin Roof

The Bob Newhart Show: Group on a Hot Tin Roof
CBS
January 28, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

Andrew Smith seems to have been one of the better Season Six writers.  (He also did "Carlin's New Suit.")  In this one, Mr. Plager, on the advice of the group, decides to write a play.  He sets it in World War I but the characters suspiciously resemble Bakerman, Carlin, and Peterson.  Their leader, Major Hartman, is handsome and heroic, so Bob doesn't mind, but the others are upset.  We get to see some of the play, as well as the party afterwards.  It's fun to watch everyone bounce off each other.  And the subplot has Emily practicing Chemistry experiments at home, including a self-tossing salad.  I'd go with a B+ but there are some relatively slow moments in the first half.

Amzie Strickland, who did a lot of television going back to the '50s, including two appearances on That Girl, had previously played Mrs. Walhauser and is the Bakerman character here.  Lou Cutell least resembles his inspiration (Peterson) and had previously played a Delivery Man.

What's Happening!!: Doobie or Not Doobie, Part 1

What's Happening!!: Doobie or Not Doobie, Part 1
ABC
January 28, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

The Doobie Brothers are going to perform for charity at their alma mater, which just happens to be the gang's high school.  (Amusingly, 29-year-old Pat Simmons says he was a classmate of Rerun's.  Of course, Fred Berry was 26 rather than 19 or 20 at this point.)  The guys are unable to get tickets until Rerun meets Al Dunbar (frequent guest star Theodore Wilson) and his muscular sidekick Bruno (Alonzo Brown, Jr.).  Mr. Dunbar wants Rerun to bootleg the concert in exchange for three front-row seats and $4.  Rerun doesn't realize this is illegal.  The D.B. do a bit of "Echoes of Love" and "Little Darling," although ironically I think there's more of them performing in the surprisingly long "next week" portion.  This two-parter (including Raj's "Which Doobie you be?" line) is apparently better remembered than a lot of the series, to the point that there's a Facebook page about Part 2!

This is the first of eight WH episodes written by Sally Wade.  Note that the series had switched from Thursdays to Saturdays, opposite The Bob Newhart Show.

Welcome Back, Kotter: There's No Business, Part 1

Welcome Back, Kotter: There's No Business, Part 1
ABC
January 26, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
C+

Kaplan wrote the teleplay based on a story by a writer who didn't write much else (an episode each for three other sitcoms).  The irony here is that it's about Gabe becoming a stand-up comic, whose act bombs and then succeeds when he starts telling jokes about his students, and yet the episode itself isn't that funny.  (The line about Epstein's walk made me smile.)  Also, Haller's name is in the opening credits (something that never happened for Vernee Watson or Debralee Scott) and yet she seems like an afterthought in the scenes she appears in, as if she has no distinct personality in the way that the four male Sweathogs do.  There's a certain lethargy to Season Three, not consistent but recurring.  The final season is remembered as the sharkbait, but it does feel like things aren't as fresh as they once were.  (And, yes, we're not quite through obviously, but I'll be curious to see what Season Three averages out to.)

David Daniel plays a Male Student in this and Part 2, while Sam Weisman would return as Peter Charnoff.  (And Weisman would later become a director, including of Who's the Boss?)

This is the 700th program from the '70s, and the final couple years of the decade are going to be pretty busy.

Soap: Episode 18

Soap: Episode 18
ABC
January 24, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

Mary and Burt, in the bathtub, talk about why he thinks he can make himself invisible.  Jessica tries to flee to Rio (although she can't even recognize Spanish, so it's unlikely she speaks Portuguese.)  Benson stops her, pointing out that Chester will lose the bail money he had to mortgage the house for.  Mary helps her see that everyone loves and needs her.  Meanwhile, Chester hires pricy lawyer E. Ronald Mallu (Eugene Roche in his of fourteen Soap appearances) and tries to get Claire to agree to sell her car and apartment (condo I think).  She's furious and finally calls the SEC.  And Father Tim comes over to Ingrid's apartment to tell Corinne he's going on a retreat to help him get over her, because he does return Corinne's feelings.

Eunice, Billy, and the Major are absent.

Three's Company: Home Movies

Three's Company: Home Movies
ABC
January 24, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

This NRW adaptation is as good as the British original and generally faithful, although not as explicit.  Chrissy makes a home movie because of her film-fanatic boyfriend, Neil (Stuart Gillard, who had written "Chrissy's Night Out" and ironically would go on to be an award-winning director).  Jack's friend, Larry (Richard Kline, in only his second 3'sC appearance) gets ahold of what he thinks is a "blue movie" and wants to use Chrissy's projector to watch it.

M*A*S*H: Your Hit Parade

M*A*S*H: Your Hit Parade
CBS
January 24, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
C+

This episode is mainly notable for Radar playing d.j., including playing "Sentimental Journey" repeatedly for Potter, who associates it with his (mostly harmless) encounter with Doris Day.

Ronny Graham, who not only wrote the episode but appears as Sgt. Gribble, was one of the writers for The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, while Ken Michelman, who's Harker here, would be Cindy Brady's boyfriend on The Bradys.  Johnny Haymer (Zale), Patricia Stevens (Baker), and Sal Viscuso (PA Announcer) return.

The Bob Newhart Show: Son of an Ex-Con Job

The Bob Newhart Show: Son of an Ex-Con Job
CBS
January 21, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
C+

As with the earlier episode about the five ex-cons (Taurean Blacque as Arthur Tatum, Allen Case as Steve Kopelson, Ric Mancini as Al Brolio, and Bert Rosario as Reuben Ortiz), this plays like a back-door pilot for a short-lived '70s sitcom.  (I'm thinking of 1975's On the Rocks, which is not one of the more memorable entries on the resumes for Mel Stewart, Tom Poston, and Hal Williams.)  And like before, Howard's antics save this from being a C or C-, this time with him trying to follow in Houdini's footsteps and Bob & Emily under-reacting after all these years of his craziness.

Journey: Feeling That Way

Journey: Feeling That Way
Song released January 20, 1978
Music video
DVD
B

I don't know when this first aired on TV (if ever), but it is technically the oldest music video I own, a mix of studio recording (with a Budweiser can prominently displayed) and "live concert" (no audience visible).  As such, I don't want to be too harsh about the awkwardness of the shots and "acting."  And the song remains nice mellow pop.  But oh my, the hair, including facial hair!  Even watching The Midnight Special did not prepare me for this.

Soap: Episode 17

Soap: Episode 17
ABC
January 17, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

Ingrid spends a lot of the episode gloating over Jessica's arrest.  Elaine takes Danny to talk to her father, Charles Lefkowitz (Sorrell Booke in his first of four Soap appearances), and we find out (though Danny doesn't yet) that Lefkowitz wants Danny to marry Elaine.  Howard Hesseman (briefly appearing onscreen with his future co-star Gordon Jump) plays Jessica's lawyer, Mr. Franklin, who refuses to continue since he's sure the case can't be won.  Congressman McCallam is being blackmailed.  And Burt thinks he can make himself invisible.

Susan Harris returns as Babette, this time answering Jessica's questions about prostitution.  Lee Weaver, who plays the Sergeant, would be Gus on Mork & Mindy.  Billy, Corinne, and the Major are absent.

Three's Company: The Babysitters

Three's Company: The Babysitters
ABC
January 17, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

This is an NRW adaptation of a MAtH episode I don't currently have, where it's a Robin & Chrissy plot.  There are some differences, including much more sexual tension between the British babysitters, but it's overall the same plot.  Janet has a date and can't babysit for her friends the Randalls.  (Jerry Randall is played by Archie Hahn, who was on The Bob Newhart Show a couple times and who would go on to Whose Line Is It Anyway?)  She pressures Chrissy and Jack into covering for her.  This is the episode where Mrs. Roper innocently says the word "nipple."

Sheila Rogers, Punkin's mother, had appeared on That Girl and What's Happening!!, but she's more memorable for her four later appearances on 3'sC, as a nurse at Terry's hospital.

M*A*S*H: Tea and Empathy

M*A*S*H: Tea and Empathy
CBS
January 17, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B-

The main notable thing about this episode is that Sal Viscuso plays Corporal Benny Bryant rather than the PA Announcer, and it's a little weird hearing him having Confession with Father Mulcahy, since I've gotten used to him as the priest on Soap.  And Bernard Fox, who'd recently been Randolph on Soap, plays British officer Major Ross.  I might've gone with a B but BJ's morphine addiction cure seems very rushed.

Neil Thompson makes his first of two M*A*S*H appearances, as Johnson.   Kellye Nakahara returns as Kellye Yamato, while Radar remains absent.  This is the second of two M*A*S*H episodes written by Bill Idelson, who also wrote for That Girl and The Bob Newhart Show.

The Bob Newhart Show: Grizzly Emily

The Bob Newhart Show: Grizzly Emily
CBS
January 14, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

This Laura Levine story is one of the better ones for the last season, although not quite a classic.  Bob isn't in it much, again just calling from airports.  He's unable to join his father, Emily, Howard, and Jerry for a weekend at his dad's cabin.  Herb (Barnard Hughes in his last appearance in the role) is more old-fashioned than Emily's father, who used to take her fishing.  Emily rebels against Herb trying to limit her to housework.  They come to an understanding by the end and it's sweet.  Meanwhile, there's a lot of humor with Howard, especially his daffiness playing off of Herb's straightforwardness.  (Also, the bear looks about as realistic as the Gilligan's Island wildlife of a dozen years earlier.)  Not quite a B+, since it takes a while to get going, but definitely worth watching.  Bonerz directed.

This is the 700th sitcom episode I've reviewed, with a lot more ahead.

What's Happening!!: Dee's First Date

What's Happening!!: Dee's First Date
ABC
January 12, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Dee has a date with a TV-obsessed boy with a cute older sister that Raj hopes to date.  Dee's friend Robin makes an appearance, and there are of course lots of TV references.

Welcome Back, Kotter: Angie

Welcome Back, Kotter: Angie
ABC
January 12, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This episode-- written by George Arthur Bloom, Beverly Bloomberg, Paul Mason, and producer James Komack-- confused me as a child.  I'd been watching the show for two and a half seasons and suddenly I found out that girls couldn't be Sweathogs!  Not that I wanted to be one when I got older (I was more the Judy Borden type, though less boastful), but I'd always assumed that everyone in that History class was a Sweathog.  Sure, there were all those kids who sat there and said little or nothing, but didn't they count?  What about Vernajean and Rosalie?  Now, ironically when Mr. Kotter is about to lecture on the ERA, Angie Globagoski (Melonie Haller) transfers from the Bronx and stuns the four main boys with her aspirations to be a Sweathog.  She is accepted by them in the end (well, early on by less macho Arnold), and the character would return, but obviously she's not as well remembered as Arnold, Freddie, Vinnie, or Juan.  Or Rosalie or Vernajean for that matter.

Soap: Episode 16

New opening credits, now with Chuck and Bob

Soap: Episode 16
ABC
January 10, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

Jessica, Chester, and Ingrid all visit Corinne in jail, so Corinne finds out who her biological mother is.  She's understandably upset.  Mary later explains to her family who Ingrid is and how Jessica ended up adopting Corinne 23 years ago.  (Presumably when she was a baby.  And Eunice probably wasn't very old or she would've been more suspicious.)  After a very quick search of the Tates' house, Tinkler finds the knife, brick, and gun used to kill Peter (who we previously learned was stabbed, shot, strangled, suffocated, and bludgeoned).  Corinne is no longer a suspect, but Jessica is.

This has the only appearance of William Daniels as German detective Heinrich Himmel.

Three's Company: The Rivals

Three's Company: The Rivals
ABC
January 10, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

Charles Stewart, who wrote the last Brady Bunch episode, did the teleplay for this one, based on a story by Bernie Kahn, who wrote a different Brady episode.  Neither of them wrote for 3'sC again, but they seem to have a firm handle on early characterizations.  OK, it's a bit of a stretch that Stanley wrote romantic letters to Helen during their courtship.  (George Roper's love letters turned out to be to someone other than his wife.)  Janet is expecting a potential client to be old and dull, but he isn't.  (He just has a bad phone voice I guess.)  The client is attracted to Chrissy, who's charming to him since Janet asked her to be.  Janet gets jealous and it's up to Jack to bring the two friends back together, with Mrs. Roper an interested observer, especially when she walks in on J & J sitting in bed talking.

M*A*S*H: Patent 4077

M*A*S*H: Patent 4077
CBS
January 10, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B-

This Levine & Isaacs story has two threads where people's efforts aren't fully acknowledged.  In one, Klinger accidentally throws away Margaret's wedding ring, and she doesn't appreciate all that he, Hawkeye, and BJ do to try to find it again, until he makes her see their efforts.  In the other, Hawkeye and BJ come up with an idea for a clamp but they're not mechanically inclined enough to make it, so they get one of the local peddlers, Mr. Shin (Keye Luke in his first of three M*A*S*H appearances), to make it.  He only charges $10!  Considering that this clamp saves a patient's leg, and it seems to be the clamp that Hawkeye and Margaret demonstrate in "Comrade in Arms" (apparently set later), it seems like he should get more recognition, and money.

Johnny Haymer (Zale), Patricia Stevens (Baker), and Sal Viscuso (PA Announcer) return.  Radar remains absent.  Morgan directed this episode.

The Bob Newhart Show: Freudian Ship

The Bob Newhart Show: Freudian Ship
CBS
January 7, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This Earl Pomerantz story has Bob and Emily going on a cruise, where she partakes in all the shipboard activities and he counsels an older Texan couple, Vern and Clara Hackler.  (Mrs. Hackler is played by Jeff Donnell, who was Gidget's mother in a couple of the big-screen movies and Hannah on the Gidget TV-series.)

Scavenger #1, Jack Scalici, would be The Assistant on Three's Company, while #2, Claudette Duffy, had previously been Sister Mary Catherine, and #3, Timothy Himes, was the Obnoxious Reporter in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.  Bonerz directed.

What's Happening!!: Going, Going, Gong

What's Happening!!: Going, Going, Gong
ABC
January 5, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

In this Eisenstock & Mintz story, Roger and Dee manage her talented friends the Givens Kids (sort of as themselves).  They have great a capella voices and seem shoe-ins to win The Gong Show.  However, Rerun also is competing, as a dancer.  The plot itself is predictable, but the episode is worth watching for the singing and dancing, and for a very skeletal version (no Chuck Barris) of one of the most popular game shows of the time.

Sandy Kenyon, who appeared on Gidget, That Girl, and M*A*S*H, here plays Mr. Davidson.  Wolfman Jack is the most recognizable panelist of course, though Kene Holiday (then best known for Carter Country) would show up as the boyfriend of Danny's girlfriend on Soap.  As for the Givens Family, they apparently had minor success after their appearance here, and Audrey is still active in the music field, particularly gospel.

Welcome Back, Kotter: Meet Your New Teacher, Batteries Not Included

Welcome Back, Kotter: Meet Your New Teacher, Batteries Not Included
ABC
January 5, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
C+

While it's not necessarily a bad thing to see a bunch of new names in the writing credits-- Garry Ferrier and Aubrey Tadman for the first of two times; Judy Skelton, who wrote three other episodes for Laverne & Shirley and The Love Boat; and Tony Schnurer who has absolutely no other credits, for acting or anything-- I did find myself going "Yeah, but" a lot this episode.  I realize that the basic premise requires some suspension of disbelief, as well as a knowledge of what computers were like (or at least what most people thought they were like) four decades ago.  But there were other things, like that Kotter doesn't actually use the computer as a tool, instead of keep saying that that's how it should be used.  Note that it seems like every time one of the twins appears (and it does seem to be just one after their earliest appearances), it's always "Robin Bobbin," while Rachel is napping.

Ernest Harada returns as Mr. Jan from the School Board.  Barbarino is absent again, although at least they continue to come up with explanations.  (Not a peep about what happened to Radar on M*A*S*H in contrast.)

Soap: Episode 15

Soap: Episode 15
ABC
January 3, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
C-

This was a hard one to grade, for a reasons I'll get to.  First I want to note where we are in the timeline.  Burt says it's been three days, which I assume means since Peter was killed, although it could be just since Tinkler told them that they were all suspects.  News of Corinne's evening arrest appears in some newspaper that is read in Ecuador, and Corinne's real mother is so upset that she immediately flies back to America.  She leaves behind Corinne's father, Randolph.  (No last name given but I think Jessica and Mary's maiden name was Gatling, unless that was just the last name of their cousin the governor.)  Randolph only appears in this one episode and presumably disappears in the jungle.  He's played by then 50-year-old Bernard Fox, who as Dr. Bombay is one of the few surviving members of Bewitched.  Confusingly, Corinne's mother Ingrid Swenson (sometimes Svenson in the credits) is played by 45-year-old Inga Swenson, who'd be German rather than Swedish on Benson's spin-off.  She must warp time slightly, because Corinne's bail is supposed to be set the next day, but it's daytime in Ecuador and seemingly nighttime again when she arrives.  Or maybe the judge was still out of town.

"Meanwhile," the Campbells and Dallases react to Corinne's arrest, and Burt's mental illness seems to begin in this episode, growing out of his grief for Peter.  There's a sweet scene that doesn't advance any plots but shows the bond between Mary and Jodie, which is good considering how much has happened to distract her since his suicide attempt.  There's also a nice scene where Jessica reluctantly agrees to tell Billy what's going on rather than keep sheltering him.

And there is a scene that seemed messed up to me watching it in 1982 and has certainly not improved with age.  Danny wants to talk to the crime boss (Mr. Big's employer), Mr. Lefkowitz.  He breaks into the mansion but ends up in the room of  Elaine Lefkowitz (Dinah Manoff).  She understandably pulls a gun on him, but then when he pulls off his ski mask, she sees how cute he is and then proceeds to rape him.  It's not as ugly as it sounds, but it is unpleasant, especially since it's played for laughs.  Pointing the gun at him again, she tells him to strip and makes it clear that he's going to have to have sex with her.  He thinks she's kidding, but she's not.  He worries about his performance under the circumstances, but he goes along with it, since he has no choice.  (There are also guards out in the hallway and vicious dogs on the lawn.)  Everyone remembers Luke & Laura but this predates that rape-leading-to-love arc by almost two years.  It is, unlike on General Hospital, never called a rape and Danny is not exactly seen as a victim, probably because he's a man.  (It'll be Elaine's "shrewishness" that will be the problem later.)  The rape is of course not shown, just what leads up to it.

I decided to just look at this episode in isolation, not count what happened afterwards.  So, while the scene is tasteless, at least Elaine is here at least not presented as a sympathetic character.  And the rest of the episode is generally solid, probably a B.  So a C- is fair, although I could see going as low as a D- if its impact on the future is taken into consideration.

The Major is absent, but Susan Harris herself does a cameo as Babette, the hooker who claims to be a travel agent who offered a guy "a trip around the world."  (I did not get that joke at 14.)

Three's Company: The Gift

Three's Company: The Gift
ABC
January 3, 1978
Sitcom
DVD
B

This Wayne & Burditt episode is set on and just after Chrissy's birthday, which might indeed be in early January.  (Not that airdates correspond to settings, as we've seen.)  Jack has used the rent money to help Mr. Roper get an expensive coat for Mrs. Roper.  (No mention is made of sales tax or even wrapping charges.)  Chrissy assumes it's a gift for her from Jack.  It of course takes awhile to straighten out so that everyone is happy.  Well, everyone except Stanley, who has to pay for a trip to Vegas that Helen insists on.

William Pierson returns, now the dean of the cooking school, although still in charge of loans.  This is, by the way, the 1000th program I've reviewed.  And, yes, I think we'll hit 2000.