Bosom Buddies: The Grandfather

Bosom Buddies: The Grandfather
ABC
February 4, 1982
Sitcom
DVD
C+

So they moved Buddies back to Thursdays, I think in its old slot.  Unfortunately, they decided to lead off with a four-writer episode, never a good omen, especially when one of the writers did the "Cablevision" story.*  The episode isn't bad but it is weak compared to most of the rest of the series, although after all these years and viewings I can't pinpoint exactly why, beyond that it feels out of character and isn't especially funny.  (As an update to the "putting someone in a chicken costume is a sign of desperation" rule of comedy, Kip wears a penguin costume.)

Henry saves the life of a mobster's granddaughter (11-year-old Rori King, who had played Diana Canova's daughter on the short-lived I'm a Big Girl Now).  Out of gratitude, The Grandfather throws business their way, but he also asks them to guard a package with their lives.

Some things to note:

• Sonny is being written borderline dumb-blonde here and in the previous episode, a departure from her earlier characterization;
• This episode has references to the guys being in drag but doesn't actually show it;
• The bromance takes a surprising turn when a terrified Henry cries, "Kip, I love you!" and Kip calmly says, "We need to talk."  But that's just a throwaway of course.

*The other three are Terry Hart, doing his second Bosom script of four; Gary H. Miller, his third of four; and Leonard Ripps, his fifth of eight.