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One Day at a Time: Ann Meets Nick: Part 1 (1980)
Jumped the Shark?
Well, the show has officially jumped the shark: It's added Ron Rifkin to its cast. Perhaps Mr Lear forgot he was producing a situation comedy, unless by this time the "situation" became, "How much torture can an audience endure?". Thankfully, the Rifkin torture only lasts for season six and the remainder of the series is Rifkin-free.(insert eye-rolling emoji here) Mr Rifkin's talents are better suited to the TV drama villains for which he becomes better known as his career progressed beyond One Day At A Time. If I could send a message back through time, it would read, "Please bring back the eye candy and wonderfully talented performances that is Michael Lembeck".
Father Knows Best: Safety First (1957)
Father Knows Privilege
I know we're not supposed to watch decades-old programmes through a presentist lens, but the only reason Father was able to see the judge in his chambers before Bud's trial, in an ex parte manner, was because of a combination of the old boys' network and white privilege. Perhaps Bud should have appealed as he threatened; then, the back-room shenanigans might've been publicly aired and the judge have lost his next election. In sum, it's not a bad episode, but in 2022, this behaviour is somewhat cringe inducing.
Santa Inc.: The Announcement (2021)
Selfish is as selfish does
In an effort to drive home to the viewer how much Candy has changed, everyone in her life - her family and closest friends - rake her over the coals for being "selfish". The accusation is ironic inasmuch as Candy's family are leaches who heretofore have only used her for their own benefit, while her friends similarly use her to pump up their own constantly self-absorbed, self-centred egos. If a woman choosing for a time to put her own ambition and goals - herself - momentarily ahead of those who financially and emotionally sponge off her is selfish, then so be it. Candy, you go girl! Put your own damn self first for a change.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: The Alma Matter (1993)
Run, Don't Walk to Watch Tom Jones
Another episode of Will's incessant bullying of Carlton, and it making Carlton do crazy things, merits this episode a one-star rating. But, Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) duetting with Tom Jones elevates the episode to a 10-star rating. Cue this episode up, fast forward to the guardian angel dream sequence, and watch the magic! You can skip the rest.
The Patty Duke Show: The Greatest Speaker in the Whole Wide World (1966)
Sparing the Rod? Spoiling the Child?
This episode serves only one purpose: It stands as a stark reminder of why parents must never positively reinforce their children's negative behaviour. Patty is at her Machiavellian worst in this episode using every trick in her bag of manipulations to get her father to do her bidding despite his entirely correct refusal. Yet, in the end, and as she always seems to do in this third and final season of the classic sitcom, she gets her way. Her father Martin ends up painted into a corner by Patty's ever indulgent mother, opportunist kid brother, lapdog loyal cousin, and the inevitable risk to his very career by his daughter's machinations. I'd suggest giving this episode a miss; but, if like me you're a completist and want to see every episode, don't say I didn't warn you!