Soap: Episode 82

Soap: Episode 82
ABC
March 9, 1981
Dramedy
DVD
B-

This is a more dramatic than comedic episode, but that's fine, especially after some of the comedy this season.  Burt is now a hero after taking down the crime syndicate single-handed.  He seems to be unaware of what Mary's going through about Chester, but I think she tells him in the next episode.  She tells Jessica and Danny in this episode.  Both are very upset, although Danny has to recognize that Chester is making a sacrifice for him (not bravely, but he is making it).  Jessica feels betrayed and, since the sisters' relationship has always been at the heart of the show, it's painful to watch, although of course Helmond and Damon act it well.  (Notice the way that Mary's hand reaches for Jessica and then pulls back, repeatedly, as Mary knows that this is one time she can't comfort her sister.)  I might've gone with a B, if I cared at all about the "Bat" Campbell plot, or if the writers could've resisted writing "dumb Danny" jokes at this time.

Brian Kale, who previously played an Emergency Doctor, is an Anesthesiologist here, while Debbie Combs is back as the Nurse.  Michael Currie, who was Dr. Breuer on M*A*S*H, makes his first of four appearances as the Governor (presumably of Connecticut).  Makeup Man Richard Brestoff was Ben Richards in The Brady Girls Get Married.  And, yes, that's Joel Brooks as Morty Stevens.  The Major, Jodie, Eunice, Dutch, Billy, Chuck, and Bob are all absent.