Who's the Boss?: Hit the Road, Chad

Who's the Boss?: Hit the Road, Chad
ABC
February 3, 1987
Sitcom
DVD
B+

Howard Meyers wrote this episode that both uses its special guest star well and sheds new light on Angela and Sam's relationship.  Sam's boyfriend
Chad McCann* (Scott Grimes understandably in his last appearance on the show) writes a song about her called "Always a Friend."  Both Tony and Mona like it, the latter playing it at work, where none other than Ray Charles drops in to listen.  Unfortunately, Sam catches Chad kissing another girl at school.  When Angela wants to use Ray's version of the song in a commercial, Sam gets upset, thinking that Angela's business is more important to her than Sam is.  She tells Jonathan to shut up so Angela, after trying to reason with her, orders her to her room.  She exclaims, "You're not my mother!"  Tony comes in and upholds Angela.

Angela goes ahead with the plan, but she feels guilty when Sam cries over Ray's rendition (on a rented piano in the house).  Sam reveals that the song reminds her of her friendship with Angela.  It's a genuinely moving moment, well played by the entire cast.  And I like Mr. Charles's playful demeanor in the show, and how he's not just there to be gushed over.  (As Sinatra arguably is in a later episode.)  As I said in my review of his Midnight Special appearance, I'm not a fan, but I really enjoy his acting and singing here.

Beau Billingslea, who plays Dave, would return later in the season as a Chef.  This is the 1000th show I've reviewed for ABC, which will continue to be a major factor, even as we move into a more cable-dominant era.


*Sam's love life remains confusing.  What happened to Todd?  Does she have multiple boyfriends?  Admittedly, it won't be till Jesse comes along that she goes steady.  And yet she gets upset about him "cheating on her."