List of Mr. Belvedere episodes
Encyclopedia
This is the complete episode list for the U.S. TV series Mr. Belvedere
, which spanned 6 seasons. There were 7 episodes made for season 1, and 22 episodes made for each subsequent season. A total of 117 episodes in the 6 seasons were produced for the ABC
television network from 1985–1990, with some episodes being shelved by ABC, only to make their debut in off-network syndication.
The series began its run on ABC on Friday nights at 8:30 P.M. It left the schedule after April 26, 1985, and was replaced by a short-lived summer-replacement series called The Comedy Factory. The show returned on August 16, 1985 with reruns of select season 1 episodes, and season 2 began the following month. The plot events are described, below, using in-universe tone.
When the series began, George was a sportswriter, Marsha was in law school
, Kevin was a senior in high school, Heather was a freshman, and Wesley was in elementary school
.
Season 1 was filmed from January–March 1985.
001. "Mr. Belvedere" (3T01, Pilot)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
The ad that Marsha has placed seeking a housekeeper is answered by Mr. Belvedere who finds himself needing to adjust to suburban life, while the Owens are needing to adjust to having Mr. Belvedere around. Meanwhile, Wesley's hamster got loose somewhere in the house, Heather's boyfriend is pressuring her into a more serious relationship, and Kevin brings home a bad report card.
002. "Gotta Dance" (3T02)
Written by: Jack Carrerow & Lisa A. Bannick
George is all excited about Wesley joining the football team and goes all out to encourage him. However, after watching ballet with Mr. Belvedere, Wesley forgets about football and begins to only shows interest in taking up ballet and soon the entire family does their best to try to keep it a secret from George.
003. "The Outcasts" (3T03)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Wesley is upset when he and three other classmates are the only ones who are not invited to a fellow classmates party and Mr. Belvedere suggests that he throw a party of his own. However, during his party Wesley gets a belated invitation and walks out on his guests and then finds himself ridden with guilt later. Meanwhile, Kevin prepares for a ski trip.
004. "Sweet Charity" (3T04)
Written by: Jack Carrerrow & Lisa A. Bannick
Heather and Wesley are collecting canned items to take to a food drive and while they are out they run across a bag lady and decide to bring her home. However, the family soon realizes that this may be one guest that may be there to stay. Meanwhile, Kevin's sculpture class is giving him a pain, he is trying to sculpt the head of Prince Charles with no luck.
005. "Gorgeous George" (3T05)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George takes Mr. Belvedere and Wesley to a wrestling match where a spectator picks a fight with George, which ends with Mr. Belvedere defending George. Dealing with a bruised ego, George becomes impotent and wanting to feel like a man, he buys a motorcycle. Meanwhile, taking a cue from Mr. Belvedere, Wesley begins to get in fights at school.
006. "What I Did for Love" (3T06)
Written by: Nancy Steen & Neil Thompson
Kevin tries to win the affections of a girl by suddenly becoming interested in some of the causes that she believes in, such as animal rights
. This leads to Kevin landing in jail after he spraypaints a mink coat. Meanwhile, George is the host of a call-in sports radio show but soon finds it difficult when no one calls in.
007. "The Lost Weekend" (3T07)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
When George and Marsha take a vacation to Florida, they leave Mr. Belvedere in charge of Kevin, a grounded Heather and Wesley. Immediately after they leave, events go out of control, when Heather sneaks out with her friends to see a Prince concert and Wesley brings a massage therapist over for a stressed-out Belvedere.
Season 2 was filmed from August 1985-March 1986.
008. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (4G01)
Written by: Jack Carrerow & Lisa A. Bannick
Needing a peaceful night's sleep, Marsha kicks the constantly snoring George out of the bedroom. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere goes on a weekend trip, and while he is gone, George sleeps like a baby, but the snoring returns when Belvedere returns.
009. "Tornado" (4G02)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
A tornado watch
adds to the tension between George and Mr. Belvedere after Belvedere takes it upon himself to edit a story George is writing. Things reach a head when a tornado forces everyone into the basement, and a pool contest begins between George and Belvedere. And neither one of them will allow something like the weather to interfere with their competition.
010. "The Cheerleader" (4G03)
Written by: Lissa Levin
Heather and Angela have decided to try out for the cheerleading squad. However, when Marsha finds out, she takes an unusual attitude toward it, this just on the eve of her birthday, for which Wesley is scrambling to get a present. Meanwhile, Kevin snags a date with a girl he has been eyeing, but Marsha's birthday dinner becomes a conflict.
011. "Requiem" (4G04)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
During an accordion lesson, Wesley's teacher, Mr. Zabriskie suddenly dies right after a frustrated Wesley silently wished his death. This leads Wesley to believe he is the one responsible for his teacher's death, and he begins to believe he has a special power. Meanwhile, Heather gets a pair of high heels and has some trouble learning to walk in them.
012. "Delivery" (4G05)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
Kevin has his friend come over to help him on a science project, and George and Marsha quickly become worried when the girl arrives 8 months pregnant and wanting to name the baby Kevin if it's a boy. That appears to be beside the point when the girl suddenly begins to go into labor, and Mr. Belvedere finds himself the first person in line to help with the delivery.
013. "Vows" (4G06)
Written by: Lissa Levin
For their anniversary, George and Marsha act like it is just another day, while the kids suggest they renew their wedding vows. However, after doing some digging, trying to find George and Marsha's original wedding picture, Heather and Kevin make a shocking discovery, that leads Kevin to re-examine his life.
014. "The Contract" (4G07)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Worried that Kevin will get drunk on the night of his junior prom, Marsha has Kevin sign a contract promising that if he should drink, he should call home for a ride and George and Marsha would promise not hassle him. However, Kevin sees this contract as an open invitation to drink which leads him to take the contract a bit too far and begins drinking all the time which it turns out is really masking a deeper problem.
015. "Strike" (4G08)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
When George's newspaper goes on strike, he finds himself bored to death and becoming increasingly more irritating to Belvedere. Meanwhile, the family tries to cut costs which means no new car for Kevin and Wesley and Heather put together a garage sale where Wesley inadvertently sells a priceless Fabrache egg of Mr. Belvedere's.
016. "Pinball" (4G09)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George buys a pinball machine to recapture memories from his youth but quickly tires of it. However, Mr. Belvedere takes a liking to the machine and quickly becomes a pinball junkie and in the process begins to neglect his household duties. But when George sells the machine, Mr. Belvedere takes up a new residence, in the local arcade.
017. "The Letter" (4G10)
Written by: Karen Wengrod & Ken Cinnamon
Wesley has joined the football team and is terrible at the sport much to the disappointment of George. This re-opens old wounds in Kevin and decides to secretly join the football team to get a letter and make George proud. However, when Kevin's grades slip, George comes down hard on him and Kevin decides to move out, just days before Thanksgiving.
018. "The Prize" (4G11)
Story by: Jack Carrerow & Lisa A. Bannick and Bob Perlow & Gene Braunstein
Teleplay by: Jack Carrerrow & Lisa A. Bannick
Wesley begins selling cookies door to door in an attempt to win a trip to Disney World. However, when he does win, he surprisingly gives it away to a sick kid in the hospital. Little does anyone know that Wesley has hopes that this will lead to an even better trip. Meanwhile, George and Mr. Belvedere hold a contest concerning the stock market and Heather debates cheating on an algebra exam in order to bring her grades up.
019. "The Dropout" (4G12)
Written by: Jack Carrerow & Lisa A. Bannick
Marsha is hitting the books for her finals, but she does not feel her hard work is paying off after she fails her exam. This leads her to decide to quit college and become a full-time housewife, complete with a housedress and a string of pearls around her neck (shades of June Cleaver), but Marsha's attempts at being a housewife soon make Mr. Belvedere's job obsolete.
020. "Speechless" (4G13)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
When George learns that he is the winner of The Happy Guys of Pittsburgh Man of the Year Award, he is thrilled. That is, until he learns he must give a speech, something he is terrified of doing. Meanwhile, a project in one of his classes has Kevin married to a nice girl, but he is resistant to being seen with her in public.
021. "The Teacher" (4G14)
Written by: Lissa Levin
With everyone busy with their own lives, Mr. Belvedere appears to be lonesome, at least from Wesley's point of view and decides what he needs is a woman in his life. However, the woman who piques his interest was not quite the woman Wesley had in mind, when Mr. Belvedere begins seeing Wesley's teacher.
022. "Rivals" (4G15)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
George and Mr. Belvedere become rivals in a contest over who can do without his favorite vice. George tries to give up smoking and Mr. Belvedere tries to give up junk food and each one discovers that trying to sneak may not be an option. Meanwhile, Heather is head over heels for her latest boyfriend who happens to have a strong attraction – for Marsha.
023. "Wesley's Friend" (4G16)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
When one of Wesley's friends is revealed to have AIDS, he is taken out of school due to the ignorance and uncertainty that many of the other children's parents share. This leads Wesley to shun his friend in fear of getting the disease himself. Meanwhile, Kevin takes a home economics class because he thinks it will be an easy A.
024. "The Will" (4G17)
Written by: Lissa Levin
When one of George's cousins suddenly dies it prompts George and Marsha to prepare a will and they must decide who should look after the children if they should die suddenly. Mr Belvedere, who happens to be their number one pick, turns them down without hesitancy.
025. "Valentine's Day" (4G18)
Teleplay by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Story by: Lance Thompson & Brad Goldberg
Valentine's Day has one particular girl going wild over Wesley, who does his best to try to avoid her. Meanwhile, Heather is let down after sending out tons of valentines, but gets none in return; that is, until a secret admirer begins sending her gifts. However, when her admirer reveals himself, she is less than thrilled.
026. "Heather's Tutor" (4G19)
Written by: Lissa Levin
Heather has been floundering in her French class and Marsha insists that she get a tutor. Heather is thrilled to learn her tutor will be a high school boy but is not prepared to learn that he is blind. However, she quickly realizes he is just like any other boy. Meanwhile, there is an all out war between the Owens' and their neighbors, the Huffnagels, thanks to Wesley's antics.
027. "Amish" (4G20)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
While at the library, studying for his SAT's, Kevin runs into a lost Amish girl whom he brings home, where she marvels at modern conveniences. Kevin soon learns about her culture and with all the pressures in his life he becomes smitten with the idea of becoming Amish himself, in hopes of escaping from the pressure of his world. Meanwhile, little does he know but she has become smitten with all the modern conveniences of his world.
028. "Dinner for Two" (4G21)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffery Ferro
Marsha has been busy night after night with her study group leaving little time for George. So George decides to plan a romantic dinner for two with Belvedere's help, but a surprised Marsha cannot even find time for that. Meanwhile, Kevin begins dating a Swedish foreign exchange student but finds Wesley and Heather tagging along on his date.
029. "The Play" (4G22)
Written by: Lissa Levin & Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Wesley has been cast as the lead in the school play and he is all set to play the part. However, when the director quits the play, Mr. Belvedere steps in as director and makes a decision for the best of the play. He decides to recast the lead with Tommy Sullivan leaving Wesley out in the cold but he play a retaliation; he decides if he is not the star he will use sabotage.
two weeks later. The remaining three episodes of this particular season aired from May 1–15, 1987. Afterwards, reruns of select season 3 episodes aired until September 11, 1987.
Season 3 was filmed from August 1986-March 1987.
030. "Deportation: Part 1" (5A01)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Wesley is all excited about getting a dog, but first he must do well on his history exam. When he gets an A, Wesley feels pangs of guilt and confides in Mr. Belvedere that he really cheated. Later, Wesley feels betrayed when Mr. Belvedere tells George and Marsha the truth and to get revenge calls the INS
, who promptly stop by and arrests Mr. Belvedere, as he does not have a green card
.
031. "Deportation: Part 2" (5A02)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Following his arrest, Mr. Belvedere is held in jail pending bail. When he is released, Mr. Belvedere arrives at the Owens home to find another maid has taken his place. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere and the family try to come up with ways to keep him in the country and Wesley hatches a plan of his own by trying to find a woman who could marry Mr. Belvedere so he can get a green card.
032. "The Thief" (5A03)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Heather and Angela get a job at a music store and at least Heather seems to have enough responsibility to do a good job, that is until she begins dating the captain of the football team and he just assumes it would be okay to stop by Heather's work and rip off a few things. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere tries to beat Wesley at gin rummy
.
033. "Grandma" (5A04)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Heather and Angela are participating in an Adopt-a-Grandparent program at a retirement home and Wesley is talked into going with the prospect of squeezing some money out of an unsuspecting old person. However, Wesley makes quick friends with one woman in particular but he soon realizes she has Alzheimer's disease
. Meanwhile, Heather and Angela become friends with a grumpy old man who does nothing but complain.
034. "Debut" (5A05)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
George has a near-death experience after he is electrocuted when the TV falls into the bathtub. Mr. Belvedere saves his life but after he recovers, George quits his sports writing job and decides to do some things he always wanted to do, including taking up a career as a lounge singer. Worried about George's prospects, Mr. Belvedere has Robert Goulet stop by to give George some advice.
035. "Baby" (5A06)
Written by: Lisa Albert
Marsha gets some unexpected news that she may be pregnant which brings back the feelings she had when she became pregnant with Wesley. Not wanting another baby, Marsha voices her feelings and says out loud that she did not want Wesley, unaware that he was standing behind her. Feeling unwanted, Wesley then runs away. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere prepares to accept an award from Queen Elizabeth herself.
036. "Kevin's Date" (5A07)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
Kevin's 18th birthday is approaching, and he is apprehensive for his first sexual experience. Pressure from his friends does not help any when they suggest he take out a girl who has a reputation for being easy. Kevin quickly finds himself in an uncomfortable situation when he takes their advice. Meanwhile, Wesley goes on a hunger strike, after refusing to eat his Brussels sprouts.
037. "Halloween" (5A08)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
George is to become a member of The Happy Guys of Pittsburgh but on the night of the induction, which happens to be Halloween
, George and Marsha discover the Happy Guys have a dark side. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere shows a different side after he goes wild toilet papering a house while trick or treating with Wesley.
038. "Pills" (5A09)
Written by: Gene Braunstein & Bob Perlow
Heather has become convinced that she is fat and decides to try diet pills, but when Marsha discovers them, she confiscates them. At the same time, Marsha has been studying for an exam and a bottle of amphetamines may just be what she needs to keep her alert. Meanwhile, George and Wesley stake out the attic to catch a rat, however, it seems the rat just may have the last laugh.
039. "Reunion" (5A10)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George and Marsha have conflicting events. George has a high school reunion
and Marsha has a convention in Atlantic City and both places have things about them that are a bit tempting, gambling for Marsha and for George it's an old flame he once had a crush on and who's eagerly fanning it now. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere accompanies George to the reunion and must fend off the advances of a persistent woman.
040. "The Spelling Bee" (5A11)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
Wesley is competing in a spelling bee
at school and one of his female opponents cozies up to him, but her intentions are hardly innocent. However, when Mr. Belvedere realizes what she is doing and tries to open Wesley's eyes, he refuses to see the obvious. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere puts the Owens family on a strict budget
after their spending habits get out of hand and soon the family is champing at the bit to get cash.
041. "The Ticket" (5A12)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
Kevin gets a ticket after he goes through a stop sign but complains that he could not see the stop sign, due to a tree branch being in the way. This leads Marsha to test her knowledge at law and represent Kevin in court, but her attempts just get Kevin into more and more trouble. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere is after a raise, and George is dead set against giving him one, and Wesley is having his fun blackmailing Heather.
042. "College Bound" (5A13)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Kevin has been looking at colleges and has even got some acceptance letters, however, the schools he wants to attend are too expensive for the Owens family, so he quickly informs his family that he just wants to get out of the nest and away from their rules. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere is horrified at the prospects of teaching Heather how to drive after she receives her learner's permit
.
043. "Inky" (5A14)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Wesley is heartbroken when his pet hamster
, Inky, dies, so to cheer him up, George and Marsha buy him a dog
. However, little do they know, Wesley has faked Inky's death for the sole purpose of getting the dog. Meanwhile, one bathroom in the Owens' household, has George and Marsha thinking of adding on to the house and each member of the family has their own ideas for what the room should be used for.
044. "Jobless" (5A15)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Fired from his job, George decides to put his pride aside and finally decides to go down to the unemployment
office, however, George quickly finds himself the community hero, when he saves a woman from a mugger
. However, the media attention leads the Owens' financial situation to become public knowledge and they find themselves swamped with gifts from the people in the community. Meanwhile, to help the household, Mr. Belvedere gets a side job.
045. "The Crush" (5A16)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
Finding himself dateless on a Friday night, Kevin agrees to go to a Huey Lewis
concert with Heather's best friend, Angela. However, this one date, ends with Angela coming down with a serious case of puppy love
, much to Kevin's dismay. Meanwhile, when George goes out of town with Marsha, Mr. Belvedere takes Wesley on a camping
trip in the backyard, but Wesley gets an earful when Mr. Belvedere gets fed up with Wesley and begins talking in his sleep.
046. "The Competition" (5A17)
Teleplay by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Story by: Bob Perlow & Gene Braunstein
Tired of George's smug face every time he beats him at arm wrestling
, Kevin becomes to determined to beat his father and has Mr. Belvedere coach him. Meanwhile, Heather begins dating the football jock who's been ordered to take ballet
class by his coach. However, when he shows little interest in her, she begins to question his sexuality and he becomes convinced he is a homosexual.
047. "The Cadet" (5A18)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Wesley has got totally out of control and George and Marsha are up in arms over his constantly getting into trouble at school and at home. When George threatens to put him in military school, Wesley is sure he is just joking, but Wesley is certainly not laughing when he finds himself there shining shoes. Meanwhile, Kevin has a crush on a girl who loves horseback riding, so naturally he decides to pick it up himself.
048. "Kevin's Older Woman" (5A19)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
After a disastrous date, Kevin vows to give up women and he throws himself into his part-time job. However, one evening while working delivery, he meets an older woman whom he instantly becomes smitten with which leads to him losing his virginity. Later, his parents are not exactly happy when they meet his new older girlfriend, and when they put their foot down, Kevin decides to move out. Meanwhile, Wesley journeys into the world of semaphore
to earn a scout merit badge
.
049. "The Auction" (5A20)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
For a charity auction at Wesley's school, Mr. Belvedere is talked into having his services auctioned off. However after his time is up, the lonely woman who bid a whopping $500 for his time, sets into motion a bizarre scheme that begins when she drugs Mr. Belvedere and he wakes up to find himself bound and gagged. Meanwhile, Heather and Angela are running against each other for class treasurer
and Wesley teams up with Angela to smear her competition.
050. "Separation" (5A21)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
With George out of work and Marsha busy with law school
, they have been spending little time together creating tension between the two. Soon fighting begins to erupt and Mr. Belvedere suggests that they try a marriage retreat but after a failed weekend at the retreat, they decide to separate, and George moves into an apartment. Meanwhile, Wesley, Heather and Kevin plot to get George and Marsha back together and Mr. Belvedere has a plan of his own.
051. "The Mogul" (5A22)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Wesley becomes a mini-mogul when he organizes a company that goes around the neighborhood doing odd jobs. The company starts off small, with just him and Miles as partners. However, when greed overwhelms Wesley, Miles is fired, leaving Wesley power hungry and taking advantage of his employees. Meanwhile, Kevin debates over taking Wendy to the senior prom
or a more popular girl.
The 4th season began airing on October 30, 1987, at 9:00 P.M., which was previously occupied by Max Headroom
. The show would stay there until January 8, 1988. Afterwards, the show moved to 8:30 P.M., a timeslot that was previously occupied by I Married Dora
(and was also its original timeslot during its first three seasons). The show would stay there until February 12, 1988. Lastly, on March 4, 1988, the show moved into the 9:00 P.M. timeslot, which was previously occupied by the short-lived sitcom The Thorns.
This season featured two episodes that were held-over until season 5 ("The Book" and "Black Widow").
During this season, George would finally get a job as a sportscaster, Marsha would finally graduate from law school and start a career as a lawyer, Kevin would finally enroll in College and get a new apartment, Heather would move on further in High School, and Wesley would graduate from Elemntary school.
Season 4 was filmed from June 1987-February 1988.
052. "Triangle" (5M01)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Wesley has been spending a lot of time in detention and little does anyone know that he has been getting into trouble on purpose because he secretly has a crush on the detention supervisor, Miss Connors. However, his little plan to spend time with Miss Connors goes awry when Kevin stops by to pick up Wesley, and he hits it off with her and they begin dating each other. Meanwhile, Heather gets fed up with her name and decides she wants to go by Bianca.
053. "TV George" (5M02)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
George is excited about his new job as a sportscaster
for a local television station
, but his co-workers give him less than a warm welcome. Meanwhile, George does not mind being in front of a camera until upper management tells him that to pull in the correct viewer segment, he should consider getting a facelift
. Meanwhile, Wesley's secret agenda has him refusing to bathe but the family could not care less as he quickly begins to stink up the house.
054. "Initiation" (5M03)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Kevin has begun college and decides to join a fraternity
, and part of his initiation includes, donning women's clothing and also to bring the worst looking girl to a frat party. Coincidentally, Kevin meets a girl whom he thinks fits the bill, but wants to spare her feelings. However, he finds himself trapped and hurting her feelings seems to be the only way out. Meanwhile, Wesley's school has a talent contest and Wesley takes up ventriloquism
with a dummy that looks remarkably like Mr. Belvedere.
055. "Moonlighting" (5M04)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Mr. Belvedere encounters an insufferable girl while waiting in line at a fast food
restaurant, and Mr. Belvedere soon realizes that her family needs him just as much as the Owens family does. Soon, the Owens family begins to see less and less of Mr. Belvedere and they discover that he has been moonlighting for the other family. It soon turns out to be an all out war between families over who gets to keep Mr. Belvedere.
056. "The Diary" (5M05)
Written by: Mitzi McCall Brill & Adrienne Armstrong
Heather's 16th birthday is coming up and George is having a hard time dealing with his little "Kitten" growing up. Meanwhile, Heather is getting over a breakup with her latest boyfriend and creates a fictional man in her diary which George just happens to glance at and becomes worried especially after Wesley discovers birth control
in Heather's room. Meanwhile, Wesley is searching for his lost snake, Captain Nemo
, but little does anyone know, Kevin is responsible for his disappearance.
057. "G.I. George" (5M06)
Written by: Jeff Greenstein & Jeff Strauss
Wesley is trying to find someone he can use for his history assignment, someone who would be willing to speak in front of his class and talk about something they lived through. Wesley immediately volunteers George, whose Korean War
stories awed him when he was younger, but he is now disappointed to learn that George had made them all up. Meanwhile, Marsha prepares the family for a family portrait
, and Mr. Belvedere feels left out when he is not asked to appear in it.
058. "Marsha's Job" (5M07)
Written by: Liz Sage
Marsha has been waiting for her letter from the National Bar Association
with the news of whether or not she has graduated law school. The entire family is overjoyed when she finally does get the news that she passed. However, she quickly finds it difficult searching for a job in a law firm and when she is hired she finds herself dealing with her boss who has anything but law on his mind when he begins making passes at her. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere begins a crash diet
.
059. "The Wedding" (5M08)
Written by: Jeff Stein
Kevin is excited when he learns that his old high school friend, Wendy, is coming to town for a visit and she has a surprise, she is engaged. Kevin feels a little disappointed when it appears that Wendy got over her crush for him and has moved on, or has she and to make matters worse, Kevin decides to get everything out in the open during her wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere may be in hot water when he accidentally lets Wesley's pet myna bird fly out the window.
060. "The Counselor" (5M09)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Summer vacation
has Heather taking summer classes, Kevin working overtime and Wesley going to a day camp
. While at the camp, Wesley finds himself a victim when one of the counselors touches him inappropriately, leaving Wesley feeling guilty and scared and unsure if he should keep it a "secret" like the counselor encourages him to. Meanwhile, George wants to golf but has no one to go with until Mr. Belvedere volunteers. However, George soon discovers that golfing with the butler may have been a mistake.
061. "Fall Guy" (5M10)
Written by: Doug Steckler
Wesley is left home alone one evening as George, Marsha and Mr. Belvedere go out to the opera
, Heather goes to the movies with Angela and Kevin goes out on a date. The next morning Marsha is furious when she discovers that her "Home Sweet Home" pillow has been destroyed. This leads to Wesley to take the fall for Kevin, who was responsible for the pillow being ruined. However, evidence soon begins to mount that leads the family to speculate what really happened, a la Rashomon
.
062. "Christmas Story" (5M11)
Written by: Doug Steckler
The Owens family begins to prepare their home for Christmas
, but strangely Mr. Belvedere seems anything but in the Christmas spirit. Wesley sneaks into his room and discovers the perfect gift for Mr. Belvedere, but even that may not be enough to cheer him up. Meanwhile, both Kevin and Heather would like to be anywhere but home for Christmas, which leads to a family feud that just may lead to George and Marsha canceling the entire Christmas celebration.
063. "Kevin's Model" (5M12)
Written by: Jim Kearns
Kevin is excited about his new semester in college and his friend Carl talks him into taking an art class. Kevin soon begins to fall for one of the female nude models and they begin to get quite serious. However, Kevin soon becomes uncomfortable with her posing nude and insists that she quit. Meanwhile, Heather tattles on Wesley when he breaks the Huffnagels' living room window using a slingshot
, and he decides to take revenge by making her think she is going crazy.
064. "Commentary" (5M13)
Written by: Jack Carrerrow
George is nervous when he is assigned to do editorials during his sports broadcasts at the television station. At first he is not quite sure what to do and starts off with something tame (protective sports gear), but quickly jumps to the controversial when he condemns the singing of the National Anthem
at sports games. However, George's intention soon gets him in hot water as his opinion proves very unpopular and he finds himself being forced by the station manager into doing humiliating jobs to force him to quit.
065. "The Book" (5M14)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Mr. Belvedere decides to try to capitalize on his years of living with the Owens family when he goes though his journals to use as references on a book that he is writing. However, once the book is published, no one in the family is pleased with the end result. Meanwhile, George discovers Marsha has been secretly saving money to buy a Porsche
, and Kevin joins the pep squad in an attempt to meet girls, but ends up becoming the team mascot.
066. "Kevin Nightingale" (5M15)
Written by: Liz Sage
George and Marsha get fed up with Kevin and his not making a decision on a college major. After some soul searching, Kevin finally makes up his mind, he decides on nursing
and he quits his current part time job and gets one as an orderly
at a hospital. However, George and Marsha are not convinced that this is what Kevin really wants to do. Meanwhile, Wesley becomes an efficiency officer and begins to manage Mr. Belvedere's time and Heather is not looking forward to a frog dissection
in biology
.
067. "The Trip: Part 1" (5M16)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Heather and Angela have been volunteering at the nursing home again, and this time have befriended a Mr. Sparks, who has been spending time with a female resident. When she passes away, Mr. Sparks falls into a depression
and the girls decide to honor his wishes and they break him out of the home and take him on a trip to Atlantic City. Meanwhile, George has a hard time coming up with a gift for Marsha for their 20th wedding anniversary and Mr. Belvedere catches gambling fever and Wesley becomes his good luck charm.
068. "The Trip: Part 2" (5M17)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Heather, Angela and Wesley head for Atlantic City with Mr. Sparks after breaking him out of the nursing home and hit up the first casino
they see. Meanwhile, George and Marsha's second honeymoon
is a bust, and they decide to high tail to Atlantic City as well, leaving Mr. Belvedere furious when he learns that Heather and Wesley have left the state. Kevin and Mr. Belvedere quickly hitch a ride with Robert Goulet
, with their destination being Atlantic City and the stage is set for all parties to collide while Mr. Sparks has the time of his life.
069. "Foxtrot" (5M18)
Written by: Doug Steckler
Marsha and George go out dancing and Marsha decides that she would like to start taking dance lessons but when George decides he does not want to participate, Mr. Belvedere steps in and soon Marsha and Mr. Belvedere begin stepping out every night. Meanwhile, Heather and Wesley become convinced that Mr. Belvedere is falling for Marsha and try their best to get George to spend more time with her. Meanwhile, Kevin gets a job as a dishwasher
at a sorority house and finds himself fending off every female in the house.
070. "The Apartment" (5M19)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
One evening, Kevin brings home his date thinking he has the house to himself, only to discover George and Marsha making out on the couch. Fed up with having no privacy, Kevin decides to move into an apartment of his own and advertises for a roommate. His ad is answered in the form of Mr. Belvedere who got fed up with having no privacy of his own and barges in on Kevin. Meanwhile, the rest of the family fights over what to make out of Kevin's old room.
071. "Heather's Monk" (5M20)
Written by: Jim Kearns
Heather and Angela join chorus
, but neither one of them has a singing voice, though Heather has other things on her mind when she eyes an attractive senior who she asks out on a date. However, her romance gets the brakes when he reveals he is joining the seminary
to become a priest, and Heather is in a state of shock when he asks to sleep with her days before he is scheduled to leave. Meanwhile, the family does their best with their free time when Wesley breaks the TV.
072. "Black Widow" (5M21)
Teleplay by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Story by: Doug McIntyre
George is offered a guest appearance on a local talk show
and the host, Barbara Collins, becomes smitten with him. Later, George learns of her reputation for hiring attractive co-hosts and then luring them into bed. George is not worried at first until he finds Barbara throwing her weight around and squeezing him out of his sportscaster
job and George finds himself trapped, which just may threaten his marriage. Meanwhile, a makeover
from Heather has Wesley becoming a slave to fashion.
073. "Graduation" (5M22)
Written by: Liz Sage
Wesley has been named valedictorian
of his graduating elementary class, but days before the ceremony, Wesley plays a prank at a school dance and his classmates insist that he grow up. This leads Wesley to start wearing suits to school and begins acting more like an adult, which turns out to be a little too grown-up for his classmates. Meanwhile, Heather and George prepare for a father-daughter race but George finds it hard to keep up and Kevin thinks he saw a UFO and stakes out the backyard, ready for another encounter.
block, which began during this season, along with Perfect Strangers
, Full House
, and Just the Ten of Us
.
Because of the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike
, season 5, along with the rest of the 1988-1989 primetime season, began in October.
"The Book" and "Black Widow", two season 4 leftovers, aired during this season.
After May 5, 1989, reruns of select episodes from select seasons aired in the 9:00 P.M. timeslot, until July 28, 1989. A week later, the show moved into the 8:30 P.M. timeslot. It would stay there until September 1, 1989. A week later, the show moved to Saturday nights at 8:00 P.M., and its original 8:30 P.M. timeslot was soon given to a new ABC sitcom called Family Matters.
Finally, there were two episodes ("The Dinner" and "The Attic") that, for some reason, were shelved by ABC until syndication.
Season 5 was filmed from August 1988-March 1989.
074. "Fat Cats" (5V01)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George's manager at the TV station orders him to lose 15 pounds, so George decides to go to a fat farm
and brings Mr. Belvedere along for the excitement. However, they soon find themselves having a hard time sticking to the regime and when George sneaks pizza
onto the premises and Mr. Belvedere gets blamed, both of them get kicked out. Meanwhile, Kevin baby-sits his girlfriend's cat that escapes and holds Marsha, Heather and Wesley hostage, while totally destroying the house.
075. "Braces" (5V02)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
George is having a fit when he and Wesley have to go to the dentist for a routine checkup. However, when they come back Wesley is the one having the fit, the dentist suggested he get braces. Worried that braces would ruin relationship with a girl, Wesley quickly comes up with a plot to try to avoid getting them, however, his ill thought out plan does not fool Mr. Belvedere. Meanwhile, Kevin is trying to cut costs and Mr. Belvedere buys Kevin's old car and he does not know that Kevin's unloading a lemon.
076. "Roommates" (5V03)
Written by: Liz Sage & Doug Steckler
Kevin has had it with his foreign exchange student roommate, Anatole, who keeps a pet goat
in the apartment. The last straw is when Anatole invites some friends over for a party and Kevin promptly tosses him out. Meanwhile, for a business class, Kevin observes the operations at a plumbing supplies company and meets a feisty woman whom he discovers that she lives next door to him. Meanwhile, Wesley's criticism of Mr. Belvedere's cooking leads to a cook-off.
077. "Hooky" (5V04)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George and Wesley have reasons for wanting to play hooky from work and school. Marsha does not buy either of their sick acts and sends them on their way. Later, George and Wesley each discover one another sneaking around the house, so they decide to play hooky together and go on a fishing trip. However, a last minute trip to the supermarket
gets them into trouble when they run into Mr. Belvedere and two armed robbers, and soon find themselves front and center on the six o'clock news.
078. "The Curse" (5V05)
Written by: Liz Sage & Doug Steckler
When Kevin kicks him out of the apartment, a furious Anatole shows up at the Owens door demanding a place to stay for him and his goat. However, the family gets fed up and demands he leave but before he does, he puts a curse on the family. Now the Owens family must deal with a string of bad luck and must find away to break the curse. Meanwhile, Kevin is having no fun constantly bickering with his new roommate, Casey and soon discovers that there is a thin line between love and hate.
079. "Pigskin" (5V06)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Wesley is all set to join the football
team but is in for a shock when the only girl on his team gets a position on the team while Wesley is a bench warmer. Wesley sets into motion a plan of sabotage that uses her crush on Wesley to his advantage and his plan seems to work, when she quits the team but Wesley fails to realize that she was actually an excellent player, while he falls short. Meanwhile, Heather and Angela try to find an act for a talent show but their constant bickering may be the end of their friendship.
080. "Marsha's Secret" (5V07)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Marsha's position at the Legal Hut has been draining all the excitement out of her and when she is offered a higher position the entire Owens family is excited for her but she secretly decides to turn it down. Little does her family know, that she has quit altogether at the Legal Hut and has taken up a position as a singing waitress at a '50s style restaurant
but Marsha's secretive behavior has George convinced that she is having an affair. Meanwhile, Kevin enters into a competition in an attempt to win a Ferrari.
081. "Duel" (5V08)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
After Mr. Belvedere trips over a skateboard
and falls down the stairs, he becomes wheelchair bound with a broken leg. Thus, the family is seeking a temporary housekeeper and after a handful of disastrous interviews, one presents himself in the shape of Mr. Belvedere's midget
cousin, Galen, who's out for more than just a job and a friendly visit, he wants revenge. Meanwhile, Marsha is excited about a job interview and Kevin's latest girlfriend is furious with him when he gives her a bowling ball
as a gift.
082. "Anchors Away" (5V09)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
A new news director at the TV station is making changes and has George filling in for an ailing Skip who is having colon surgery. However, when Skip returns he finds himself out of his old job with George having become the permanent replacement and Skip's new job as host of a horror program is not as satisfying. Meanwhile, Heather tries to pay for the repairs of Marsha's car after she scratches it and asks Mr. Belvedere for a loan, but when she fails to pay it back, she becomes his slave.
083. "Homeless" (5V10)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Heather and Angela volunteer down at a soup kitchen
and Heather befriends a homeless man who is being thrown out of the shelter because his two-week limit is up. This prompts her to bring him home with her and she hides him in the attic but living in such close quarters, the family soon becomes suspicious of what she is hiding. Meanwhile, Marsha wonders what George is hiding when a golf buddy of his dies while having sex, and George becomes scared the same thing might happen to him.
084. "New Years" (5V11)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
Wesley and Heather talk their parents into letting them throw a New Years party and to get Mr. Belvedere out of the house they set him up with the Hufnagel's housekeeper, Ilsa. However, the two of them begin to neglect their housework when they start spending all of their time together and Mr. Belvedere realizes that things are getting more serious than intended so he tries to fend off her advances. Meanwhile, Kevin becomes an unwelcome houseguest when he falls ill and Marsha becomes his personal nurse.
085. "Spot" (5V12)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
George comes home with a surprise for Wesley, something that Wesley had been wanting for years, a dog
. However, Wesley is less than satisfied, as it seems he has gotten past that phase and does his best to ditch the cute little pooch. Meanwhile, Heather becomes friends with a mystic, which threatens her friendship with Angela. However, Angela decides to not take this threat lying down and suddenly seems to be able to speak from the spirit world.
086. "Stakeout" (5V13)
Written by: Liz Sage
The town of Beaver Falls is stricken with fear with the Highheel Bandit on the loose and the neighborhood rallies together and forms a task force
headed by two members of The Happy Guys of Pittsburgh club. This leads George, Kevin and Mr. Belvedere to stakeout the neighborhood even going as far as dressing in drag to serve as decoys for the ruthless bandit. Meanwhile, Wesley corrupts the young boy whom Heather has been babysitting for, and the young man soon becomes an even bigger terror than Wesley.
087. "Mutiny" (5V14)
Written by: Doug Steckler
To celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary, George and Marsha go on a romantic cruise, but it turns out to be a cruise from Hell when they appear to have become passengers on a pirate ship. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere takes a sojourn to England
to rub elbows with the royal family leaving Wesley and Heather at the mercy of Kevin whose pushy roommate, Casey, barges in and takes over. Soon, Kevin, Heather and Wesley begin to revolt against the strict Casey and try their best to bring Mr. Belvedere back as soon as possible.
088. "The Debate" (5V15)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
Heather and Angela are members of a Speech club and a certain boy catches both their eyes and they each set out to make him their boyfriend. The boy soon finds himself in the middle of the feud between friends and he must decide between one or the other. Meanwhile, Marsha redecorates Mr. Belvedere's room and Wesley and him become roommates but Wesley quickly becomes sick of Mr. Belvedere's constant practical jokes that he pulls on Wesley day and night.
089. "The Election" (5V16)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
Wesley, running for student body president, is sure he will win because he does not have an opponent and he has a determined campaign manager named Miriam. However, at the last moment he gets an opponent, in Billy Podell, a paraplegic, whose situation makes Wesley shy away from slander, but it does not shy Billy away from doing it to Wesley. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere hopes for a surprise birthday party even though he said he did not want a fuss and then becomes upset when the family obeys his wishes.
090. "Really Full House" (5V17)
Written by: Liz Sage & Doug Steckler
Kevin wants to take the next step in his relationship with his roommate Casey and move to a sexual one but just as they decide to take that step, they get an interruption in the form of Wendy and her husband who pay them a visit and Wendy makes it known that she still lusts for Kevin all the while being trapped in a loveless marriage. Meanwhile, a hick family moves in down the street and they begin to torment Wesley, Heather and George, while Marsha is preoccupied with putting together a case for a client.
091. "Almost Heaven" (5V18)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
Wesley has been grounded to the house after yet another prank on the Hufnagels but he is determined to sneak out. When Mr. Belvedere discovers he is gone he goes after him and ends up in the hospital in a coma after wrapping Marsha's Porsche around a tree. Mr. Belvedere is then taken on an "angelic" journey of what the Owens' would be like without him.
092. "The Ghostwriter" (5V19)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
Wesley is trying to get the attention of a girl he likes and begins writing love letter
s to her. Meanwhile, Marsha and George's spring cleaning unearths some old love letters from an old flame and this prompts her to wonder why George ca not be that romantic. In response, George begins plagiarizing Wesley's poems. Meanwhile, Kevin and Mr. Belvedere become the repairmen for Kevin's apartment building.
093. "The Escort" (5V20)
Written by: Pamela Kidwell & Laura Numeroff
For some extra money, Kevin picks up a job as an escort
and after having an encounter with a sexpot, Kevin meets a sweet old woman whom he hits it off with and even begins thinking seriously of marriage when she proposes. Meanwhile, the Owens' monthly bills have got out of hand, and Mr. Belvedere suggests a strategy to curb the family's expenses.
094. "The Dinner" (5V21)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
Marsha begins cooking meals, but to her family's horror, her meals always turn out inedible. To help boost her self-confidence, Mr. Belvedere secretly substitutes her meals with his. However, things may blow up in his face when she plans to cook a meal for her boss and does not allow Mr. Belvedere in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Kevin's attempt at being a stripper
nearly kills him.
095. "The Attic" (5V22)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz & Fredric Weiss
Yet another prank on the Hufnagels prompts punishment
for Wesley who is supposed to clean out the attic
. However, he finds himself with some company, when he gets locked in with Mr. Belvedere and they recall (thorough flashbacks) what life has been like in the Owens' household since he moved in with the family.
Due to rapidly declining ratings (which already were not high to begin with), after 12 episodes, ABC quickly shelved the series, along with 8 episodes. After much speculation that the show had been cancelled, ABC decided to arrange for a special airing of the 2-part series finale for July 1–8, 1990 at 8:30 P.M.
Part 1 of the series finale was co-directed by Rob Stone (who does not appear in it, but does appear in part 2) and Don Corvan.
The 8 episodes that ABC shelved ("Love Fest", "Donuts", "Runaways", "The Pageant", "The Baby", "Bad Marsha", "Home", and "Mumsy") would eventually make their debut in syndication.
Season 6 was filmed from August 1989-March 1990.
096. "The Field" (6V01)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
George's birthday
is coming up and the family is trying to find the perfect gift for him. Meanwhile, George has been coaching Wesley's baseball team and has been putting pressure on Wesley to be the best he can be which brings to light George's not-so great past as a baseball player.
097. "Big" (6V02)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
Wesley is being harassed at school by some bullies
and runs into some luck when another student scares them off due to his body size. However, Wesley's savior turns into an annoyance when he begins hanging around all the time. Meanwhile, Kevin and Heather are in a battle of the sexes, and they drag George and Marsha into their fight.
098. "Brain Busters" (6V03)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
George and Wesley are big fans of a TV game show
called Brain Busters and apply to be contestants. When they go for tryouts, Wesley quickly learns he has a dud for a partner, so he dumps George and teams up with Mr. Belvedere. However, he quickly discovers himself going from one extreme to another.
099. "Truckin’" (6V04)
Written by: Liz Sage
Investing in live commodities puts Mr. Belvedere in the money but George finds himself in something else when he does not sell off his share and ends up with a truck load of pigs. This leads him and Mr. Belvedere to drive the rig down to West Virginia
to sell the swine, but they find that they like the trucker lifestyle, so they decide to make it their profession.
100. "Counterfeit" (6V05)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
Wesley needs to take an additional class to fill up his schedule and decides on print shop but once he takes the class, he takes full advantage of the copy machines by making counterfeit money
, which inadvertently gets into George's hands, and he spends the money all over town. Meanwhile, Kevin's apartment seems to be haunted calling for a seance.
101. "Paper Mill" (6V06)
Written by: Lee H. Grant
Wesley becomes friends with a new kid, Craig, and agrees to write a book report for him to help catch him up. This leads to word getting around, and all of Wesley's classmates come to him for papers. However, he quickly finds Craig coming to him for every paper he has to write, which leads to Wesley discovering that Craig cannot read.
102. "Fear of Flying" (6V07)
Written by: Doug McIntyre
George reveals that he has a fear of flying
, and Mr. Belvedere tries to cure him by talking on a ferris wheel
ride. When that does not work, he enrolls him in a fear class, with classes being held in the Owens' living room. Meanwhile, Heather's psychology
project has her dying her hair blonde, and she gets a jealous reaction from Angela.
103. "Homecoming" (6V08)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
With Homecoming
days away, Heather finds herself considering being dateless, until she meets Keith Elliot and is swept off her feet, that is until he tries to rape
her. Meanwhile, Wesley is making a video about Mr. Belvedere's career, but he is having a hard time getting anything interesting.
104. "Fixed" (6V09)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
Wesley's dog, Spot is running rampant and keeps following around the prize poodle
of a neighbor. George and Marsha order Wesley to take Spot to the vet to get neutered, but it quickly becomes apparent that Wesley did not listen to them, when a slew of puppies take over the Owens' household.
105. "Used Cars" (6V10)
Teleplay by: Liz Sage
Story by: Daniel Sarokin
Kevin gets a job at the used car dealership run by Carl's Uncle Phil. Kevin at first has a hard time getting into the selling business, but quickly becomes a natural crooked used-car salesman. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere receives a letter from the Queen expressing her desire to have Mr. Belvedere return to his previous position.
106. "The Professor" (6V11)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
Kevin falls head over heels for his substitute professor and begins wooing her. However, he gets a shock when Mr. Belvedere hits it off with her and a jealous Kevin and Mr. Belvedere begin acting like jealous little kids battling over a woman. Meanwhile, George's idea of a family game turns into a gambling addiction for Marsha, Wesley and Heather.
107. "A Happy Guys' Christmas" (6V12)
Written by: Dennis Snee
The Happy Guys of Pittsburgh are putting on their annual Christmas play and have decided on "A Christmas Carol
". The entire Owens family is cast, but when Mr. Belevedere gets frustrated with the poor directing, he takes over the job, only to quit in a huff. This leads to Mr. Belvedere being visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past
, Present and Future.
108. "Love Fest" (6V13)
Written by: Doug Steckler
George and Marsha try to rekindle their romance, while Heather and Carl try to see if they can get a spark going between themselves, much to the torment of Kevin, who distrusts Carl's intentions.
109. "Donuts" (6V14)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
When the owner of Belvedere's favorite donut shop dies, he leaves his donut shop to him. Which does not make Lou Anne, his faithful employee, happy. When Belvedere bosses her, she quits, leaving him all alone to take care of the donut shop. When he spends too much time at the donut shop to take care of the Owens, they hire Lou Anne to help out. Belvedere hires Kevin to help at the shop, which only leads to disaster. Later they learn that there is another will
, a video one, and in it he says that this was all part of the owner's plan to teach both Belvedere and Lou Anne lessons: Belvedere, who scarves them like there is no end in sight to ease up, and Lou Anne to value something. So in the end, he gives Lou Anne 90% of the donut shop and Belvedere the rest.
110. "Runaways" (6V15)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
Wesley runs away with Sheila's daughter.
111. "The Pageant" (6V16)
Written by: Wayne Kline
Heather is a member of a feminist group at school, and they plan to make a statement against the Miss Beaver Falls Beauty Pageant. First they try to use Angela as a pawn, but when that falls through, Heather runs herself, but has second thoughts about sabotage. Meanwhile, George forgets his wedding anniversary
.
112. "The Baby" (6V17)
Written by: Dennis Snee
When Marsha gets stuck with a baby for the weekend, she decides to keep him. The family is at first hesitant, but soon supports her decision. When she encounters difficulty keeping up with work and taking care of a baby, she sadly gives the baby up to a family who could take better care of her.
113. "Bad Marsha" (6V18)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
Visiting a client in jail, Marsha comes face-to-face with Sharon Whit, an exact Marsha lookalike. During their consultation, Sharon knocks out Marsha and switches places with her, leaving Marsha trapped in prison
while Sharon moves into the Owens' household, although the Owens grow suspicious of her strange behavior, while Marsha desperately tries to convince the guards that she is not Sharon. When she sings a guard out of a hostage crisis
, she returns home just as the family confronts her, thinking she is Sharon - when she wakes up, a victim of a nightmare caused by anxiety about a test in law school.
114. "Home" (6V19)
Written by: Wayne Kline
George and Marsha get fed up with things deteriorating in their home so they decided it might be time to sell the house and find a smaller one. However, soon everyone has second thoughts about moving when they get a glimpse at the potential buyers. Meanwhile, Kevin's elderly neighbor finds herself in a new home, a retirement home, put there by her son and daughter in-law.
115. "Mumsy" (6V20)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
Mr. Belvedere gets a surprise visit from his 'Mumsy', his elderly mother who has come over from England
to stay with the Owens family. Mr. Belvedere is tired of her walking down memory lane and bringing up his past something, which he seems ashamed of. Meanwhile, Kevin inherits George's old tool belt and soon finds an admirer fawning over him strictly because of his belt.
116. "Mr. Belvedere's Wedding: Part 1" (6V21)
Written by: Dennis Snee
While at the laundromat with Wesley, Mr. Belvedere meets a nice woman whose work in the African jungle has temporarily been halted. They quickly hit it off, but when Mr. Belvedere fears that it may be getting too serious, he tries to brush her off by fooling around with a much younger woman.
117. "Mr. Belvedere's Wedding: Part 2" (6V22)
Written by: Beth Roberts
Louise confronts Mr. Belvedere; he reveals his fears, and they decide to get married. However, cold feet
have Mr. Belvedere running away, only to have George drag him back for his wedding. As Belvedere and Louise reach the altar, she breaks the news that she has been called back to Africa; Mr. Belvedere decides to go with her, saying goodbye to six years of working for the Owens family.
Mr. Belvedere
Mr. Belvedere is an American sitcom that originally aired on ABC from March 15, 1985, until July 8, 1990. The series was based on the Lynn Aloysius Belvedere character created by Gwen Davenport for her 1947 novel Belvedere, which was later adapted into the 1948 film Sitting Pretty...
, which spanned 6 seasons. There were 7 episodes made for season 1, and 22 episodes made for each subsequent season. A total of 117 episodes in the 6 seasons were produced for the ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
television network from 1985–1990, with some episodes being shelved by ABC, only to make their debut in off-network syndication.
- All episodes are arranged in production order.
Season 1 (1985)
All of season 1 was directed by Tony Sheehan.The series began its run on ABC on Friday nights at 8:30 P.M. It left the schedule after April 26, 1985, and was replaced by a short-lived summer-replacement series called The Comedy Factory. The show returned on August 16, 1985 with reruns of select season 1 episodes, and season 2 began the following month. The plot events are described, below, using in-universe tone.
When the series began, George was a sportswriter, Marsha was in law school
Law school
A law school is an institution specializing in legal education.- Law degrees :- Canada :...
, Kevin was a senior in high school, Heather was a freshman, and Wesley was in elementary school
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
.
Season 1 was filmed from January–March 1985.
001. "Mr. Belvedere" (3T01, Pilot)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
The ad that Marsha has placed seeking a housekeeper is answered by Mr. Belvedere who finds himself needing to adjust to suburban life, while the Owens are needing to adjust to having Mr. Belvedere around. Meanwhile, Wesley's hamster got loose somewhere in the house, Heather's boyfriend is pressuring her into a more serious relationship, and Kevin brings home a bad report card.
- Broadcast: 03/15/1985
- Pilot episode; also known as "Stranger in the Night".
- Mr. Belvedere's desktop lamp started out as an old-fashioned-looking model in this episode.
- Wesley wanting a dog became a recurring gag in future episodes.
- Clips from this episode appeared in VH1's I Love the 80's Strikes Back 1985
- Clips from this episode (an alternate shot of Belvedere stepping back into the house) were used in the opening to seasons 1-6, while an alternate shot of Kevin discussing with Marsha his bad report card, an alternate shot of Wesley holding cabbage, and an alternate shot of George conversing with Marsha for the first time about Belvedere, were used in the opening credits to seasons 1 & 2.
- Photos from this episode (The Owens' and Belvedere having dinner for the first time, Marsha making dinner, Heather reading a magazine, and George and Belvedere shaking hands upon meeting each other for the first time) were used in the opening credits to seasons 1 & 2. Photos from scenes that were not in the actual episode (Belvedere with the kids in the kitchen, and George and Marsha in the kitchen) were also used as well.
- This episode's alternate title shares its name with a song that was popularized by Frank Sinatra.
- When this episode aired on ABC, the opening credits originally opened in the same way as the first half of the closing credits from seasons 1 & 2 (a beige family portrait book on a black background). It also showed individual photos of the cast, as if they were taken one after the other from a photo album. Lastly, the title logo looked more simplistic compared to the one used in every subsequent version after this one. This version never appeared in the syndicated version, but has been reinstated on Shout! Factory's season 1 & 2 DVD release.\
- VTR Date: 01/11/1985
002. "Gotta Dance" (3T02)
Written by: Jack Carrerow & Lisa A. Bannick
George is all excited about Wesley joining the football team and goes all out to encourage him. However, after watching ballet with Mr. Belvedere, Wesley forgets about football and begins to only shows interest in taking up ballet and soon the entire family does their best to try to keep it a secret from George.
- Broadcast: 03/29/1985
- This is the first time focus was given to one of the peculiarities of the Owens household, that being the stairway of clocks all telling different times.
- First taped episode that featured the standard opening credits from seasons 1 & 2, which was never used in syndication, but has been reinstated on Shout! Factory's season 1 & 2 DVD release.
- Clips from this episode appeared in VH1's I Love the 80's Strikes Back 1985
- A clip from this episode (an alternate shot Marsha being shocked over Heather's need for birth control) was used in the opening credits to seasons 1 & 2, while a clip of Belvedere dancing in the kitchen was used in seasons 1-6.
- A photo from this episode (George standing by the kitchen door with a football in his hand) was used in the opening credits to seasons 1 & 2.
- As of this episode, Mr. Belvedere's desk now has a lamp with a bright neon-green shade.
- As of this episode, Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein are now credited for developing the series.
- As of this episode, Tony Sheehan is now credited as "Executive Producer" along with Dungan and Stein.
- Canadian voice-actress Norma MacMillanNorma MacMillanNorma MacMillan was a Canadian voice actor.Norma MacMillan was a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was there that she met, worked with and married her producer/manager husband Thor Arngrim. Arngrim had started the now-legendary, but short-lived Totem Theatre company in 1951...
guest-stars in this episode as Edna. - Michael Villani makes his first of 10 appearances in this episode, usually playing as a TV announcer (he also appeared in "Debut", "Separation", "Fall Guy", "Foxtrot", "Fat Cats", "Stakeout", "The Debate", "Really Full House" and "The Attic").
- Featured songs: A few lines of "Sweet Georgia BrownSweet Georgia Brown"Sweet Georgia Brown" is a jazz standard and pop tune written in 1925 by Ben Bernie and Maceo Pinkard and Kenneth Casey .The tune was first recorded on March 19, 1925 by bandleader Ben Bernie, resulting in a five-week No. 1 for Ben Bernie and his Hotel Roosevelt Orchestra...
" (written by Ben Bernie, Maceo Pinkard, and Kenneth Casey) and "Take Me Out to the Ball GameTake Me Out to the Ball Game"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is a 1908 Tin Pan Alley song by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer which has become the unofficial anthem of baseball, although neither of its authors had attended a game prior to writing the song. The song is traditionally sung during the seventh-inning stretch of...
" (written by Jack Norworth), sung by Bob UeckerBob UeckerRobert George "Bob" Uecker is an American former Major League Baseball player, later a sportscaster, comedian, and actor. Uecker was given the title of "Mr. Baseball" by Johnny Carson...
. - VTR Date: 02/15/1985
003. "The Outcasts" (3T03)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Wesley is upset when he and three other classmates are the only ones who are not invited to a fellow classmates party and Mr. Belvedere suggests that he throw a party of his own. However, during his party Wesley gets a belated invitation and walks out on his guests and then finds himself ridden with guilt later. Meanwhile, Kevin prepares for a ski trip.
- Broadcast: 03/22/1985
- First appearance of Casey Ellison as Miles.
- Featured song: "Hokey PokeyHokey PokeyThe hokey cokey or hokey pokey , also known as the okey cokey, hokey tokey, or cokey cokey, is a participation dance with a distinctive accompanying tune and lyric structure. It is well known in English-speaking countries...
" - Dorothy Neumann, a regular on shows such as Adam-12Adam-12Adam-12 was a television police drama which followed two police officers of the Los Angeles Police Department, Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, as they patrolled the streets of Los Angeles in their patrol unit, 1-Adam-12. Created by Jack Webb who is known for creating Dragnet, the series captured a...
, GunsmokeGunsmokeGunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West....
, and BonanzaBonanzaBonanza is an American western television series that both ran on and was a production of NBC from September 12, 1959 to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 430 episodes, it ranks as the second longest running western series and still continues to air in syndication. It centers on the...
, guest-stars in this episode as an old woman. - First mention of the Hufnagels, the unseen next-door neighbors of the Owens family.
- Christina Nigra's (Roda) most notable role was as Lindsay Selkirk on Out of this WorldOut of This World (TV series)Out Of This World is an American fantasy sitcom about a teenage girl who is half alien, which gives her unique supernatural powers. It first aired in U.S. syndication on September 17, 1987 and ended on May 25, 1991. It was first broadcast in the UK on the ITV network on April 9, 1990, usually at...
. - Clips from this episode (George and Belvedere arguing, with Marsha looking on, and Heather holding books in the kitchen) were used in the opening credits to seasons 1 & 2.
- In this episode, which was the 2nd aired episode of season 1, Mr. Belvedere says that he has been with the Owens family "for a month". However, in "Gotta Dance", which was the 3rd aired episode from that season, he says that he has only been with them "for a few days". This is a clear indication that "Gotta Dance" was the 2nd taped season 1 episode, while "The Outcasts" was the 3rd.
- VTR Date: 03/01/1985
004. "Sweet Charity" (3T04)
Written by: Jack Carrerrow & Lisa A. Bannick
Heather and Wesley are collecting canned items to take to a food drive and while they are out they run across a bag lady and decide to bring her home. However, the family soon realizes that this may be one guest that may be there to stay. Meanwhile, Kevin's sculpture class is giving him a pain, he is trying to sculpt the head of Prince Charles with no luck.
- Broadcast: 04/26/1985
- Featured song: "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" (written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, and popularized by Doris DayDoris DayDoris Day is an American actress, singer and, since her retirement from show business, an animal rights activist. With an entertainment career that spanned through almost 50 years, Day started her career as a big band singer in 1939, but only began to be noticed after her first hit recording,...
in 1956). Christopher Hewett sings a few lines at the beginning of act 1. - A clip from this episode (Wesley throwing flour on Heather) was used in the opening credits to seasons 1 & 2, while an alternate shot of Belvedere throwing mashed potatoes onto George's lap was used in the opening credits to seasons 1-6.
- Mario Roccuzzo, a regular on Barney MillerBarney MillerBarney Miller is a situation comedy television series set in a New York City police station in Greenwich Village. The series originally was broadcast from January 23, 1975 to May 20, 1982 on ABC. It was created by Danny Arnold and Theodore J. Flicker...
, makes his first of five guest appearances in this episode (the other four were in "The Thief", "Jobless", "G.I. George", and "Fat Cats"). - The late Anne HaneyAnne HaneyAnne Haney was an American actress, perhaps best known for her roles as social worker Mrs. Sellner in Mrs. Doubtfire, Greta the secretary in Liar Liar, and for her unique, low-octave voice.-Career:...
(Molly) was best known for her roles as Mrs. Sellner in Mrs. DoubtfireMrs. DoubtfireMrs. Doubtfire is a 1993 American comedy film starring Robin Williams and Sally Field and based on the novel Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine. It was directed by Chris Columbus and distributed by 20th Century Fox. It won the Academy Award for Best Makeup...
, and as Greta the secretary in Liar, Liar - VTR Date: 03/08/1985
005. "Gorgeous George" (3T05)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George takes Mr. Belvedere and Wesley to a wrestling match where a spectator picks a fight with George, which ends with Mr. Belvedere defending George. Dealing with a bruised ego, George becomes impotent and wanting to feel like a man, he buys a motorcycle. Meanwhile, taking a cue from Mr. Belvedere, Wesley begins to get in fights at school.
- Broadcast: 04/05/1985
- Featured song: A few lines of "Sixteen TonsSixteen Tons"Sixteen Tons" is a song about the life of a coal miner, first recorded in 1946 by American country singer Merle Travis and released on his box set album Folk Songs of the Hills the following year...
" (popularized by Tennessee Ernie FordTennessee Ernie FordErnest Jennings Ford , better known as Tennessee Ernie Ford, was an American recording artist and television host who enjoyed success in the country and Western, pop, and gospel musical genres...
in 1955), sung by Bob Uecker as he is lifting weights. - H.B. Haggerty guest-stars in this episode as Wrestler Max 'Meat Grinder' Maxwell.
- VTR Date: 03/15/1985
006. "What I Did for Love" (3T06)
Written by: Nancy Steen & Neil Thompson
Kevin tries to win the affections of a girl by suddenly becoming interested in some of the causes that she believes in, such as animal rights
Animal rights
Animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings...
. This leads to Kevin landing in jail after he spraypaints a mink coat. Meanwhile, George is the host of a call-in sports radio show but soon finds it difficult when no one calls in.
- Broadcast: 04/12/1985
- Melanie Chartoff (Parker Lewis Can't Lose, Rugrats, and Fridays) plays a detective in this episode.
- Tricia Cast, who appeared in this episode, is best known for her role on The Young and the Restless.
- Martin Garner, a regular on Barney MillerBarney MillerBarney Miller is a situation comedy television series set in a New York City police station in Greenwich Village. The series originally was broadcast from January 23, 1975 to May 20, 1982 on ABC. It was created by Danny Arnold and Theodore J. Flicker...
, plays as Mr. Beckman in this episode. He also appeared as Mr. Traeger in season 3's "The Thief". - Charles Fleischer, best known for Who Framed Roger Rabbit? guest-stars in this episode.
- Cartoon voice actor Roger Rose guest-stars in this episode.
- VTR Date: 03/22/1985
007. "The Lost Weekend" (3T07)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
When George and Marsha take a vacation to Florida, they leave Mr. Belvedere in charge of Kevin, a grounded Heather and Wesley. Immediately after they leave, events go out of control, when Heather sneaks out with her friends to see a Prince concert and Wesley brings a massage therapist over for a stressed-out Belvedere.
- Broadcast: 04/19/1985
- First appearance of Michele Matheson as Heather's ditzy friend Angela. She was first mentioned in the pilot episode.
- Michael Alaimo (from the short-lived series Billy) plays a towing man in this episode.
- George brings up to Mr. Belvedere the time he exposed Wesley to ballet in "Gotta Dance".
- Featured song: "Mickey Mouse MarchMickey Mouse MarchMickey Mouse March , is the opening theme for the The Mickey Mouse Club TV show, broadcast weekday afternoons in the US from October 1955 to 1959, on the ABC television network...
" (written by Jimmie DoddJimmie DoddJames Wesley Dodd was best known as the MC of the popular 1950s Disney TV show The Mickey Mouse Club, as well as the writer of its well-known theme song, "The Mickey Mouse Club March"...
). Kevin, Heather, and Wesley sing a line of this song to Mr. Belvedere. - Donna PescowDonna PescowDonna Pescow is an American film and television actress and director.-Life and career:Pescow was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family. Her father owned and ran a news stand in downtown NYC at Battery Place. Pescow attended Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn and she took drama classes...
, best known for Saturday Night FeverSaturday Night FeverSaturday Night Fever is a 1977 drama film directed by John Badham and starring: John Travolta as Tony Manero, an immature young man whose weekends are spent visiting a local Brooklyn discothèque; Karen Lynn Gorney as his dance partner and eventual friend; and Donna Pescow as Tony's former dance...
, Even StevensEven StevensEven Stevens is an American comedy television series that aired on Disney Channel with a total of three seasons and 65 episodes from June 17, 2000, to June 2, 2003...
, AngieAngie (TV series)Angie is an American television sitcom that was originally broadcast by the ABC network from February 1979 until October 1980.-Premise:Philadelphia coffee shop waitress Angie Falco starts a romance with customer Bradley Benson...
, and Out of this WorldOut of This World (TV series)Out Of This World is an American fantasy sitcom about a teenage girl who is half alien, which gives her unique supernatural powers. It first aired in U.S. syndication on September 17, 1987 and ended on May 25, 1991. It was first broadcast in the UK on the ITV network on April 9, 1990, usually at...
guest-stars in this episode as Candy. - VTR Date: 03/29/1985
Season 2 (1985-1986)
All of seasons 2 and 3 were directed by Noam Pitlik.Season 2 was filmed from August 1985-March 1986.
008. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (4G01)
Written by: Jack Carrerow & Lisa A. Bannick
Needing a peaceful night's sleep, Marsha kicks the constantly snoring George out of the bedroom. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere goes on a weekend trip, and while he is gone, George sleeps like a baby, but the snoring returns when Belvedere returns.
- Broadcast: 09/27/1985
- This episode also shares its title with a song by The TokensThe TokensThe Tokens are an American male doo-wop-style vocal group from Brooklyn, New York. They are known best for their chart-scoring 1961 single, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" .-Career:...
. - VTR Date: 08/16/1985
009. "Tornado" (4G02)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
A tornado watch
Tornado watch
A tornado watch is issued when conditions are right for a tornado to form. Since any thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado is defined as severe, a tornado watch is also automatically a severe thunderstorm watch...
adds to the tension between George and Mr. Belvedere after Belvedere takes it upon himself to edit a story George is writing. Things reach a head when a tornado forces everyone into the basement, and a pool contest begins between George and Belvedere. And neither one of them will allow something like the weather to interfere with their competition.
- Broadcast: 10/04/1985
- Louise VallanceLouise VallanceStevie Vallance, born Stephanie Louise Vallance on September 8, 1958 and also known as Louise Vallance, is a Canadian television actor, voice actor, stage performer, voice director and singer...
(the radio announcer), also appeared in season 3's "Pills". Vallance is also a veteran voice actor. - About four months prior to the airing of this episode, the 1985 United States – Canadian tornado outbreak occurred, and a tornado of F3 intensity passed not too far from Beaver Falls in real life. A short clip of this twister was shown briefly during the episode.
- VTR Date: 08/23/1985
010. "The Cheerleader" (4G03)
Written by: Lissa Levin
Heather and Angela have decided to try out for the cheerleading squad. However, when Marsha finds out, she takes an unusual attitude toward it, this just on the eve of her birthday, for which Wesley is scrambling to get a present. Meanwhile, Kevin snags a date with a girl he has been eyeing, but Marsha's birthday dinner becomes a conflict.
- Broadcast: 10/11/1985
- Featured song: "Happy Birthday to You". Written by Patty & Mildred Hill, and is still under copyright to this day.
- Two clips from this episode (George hugging Marsha, and Marsha blowing out the candles on her birthday cake) were later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-6.
- VTR Date: 08/30/1985
011. "Requiem" (4G04)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
During an accordion lesson, Wesley's teacher, Mr. Zabriskie suddenly dies right after a frustrated Wesley silently wished his death. This leads Wesley to believe he is the one responsible for his teacher's death, and he begins to believe he has a special power. Meanwhile, Heather gets a pair of high heels and has some trouble learning to walk in them.
- Broadcast: 10/18/1985
- Raye Birk (Earl) is best known as Papshmir in the first and third Naked Gun movies. He also appeared in the season 4 episode "Heather's Monk" as "Mr. Grant".
- Timothy J. Cutt (Paramedic) has done various visual effects works for various movies.
- Magda Harout (Rose) has appeared in various movies and TV shows, such as The NannyThe NannyNanny may refer to:* Nanny, a child's caregiver* A grandmother * A Cajun word for godmother * A female goat* Nanny , a 1981–83 British drama series starring Wendy Craig* Nanny of the Maroons...
and ProvidenceProvidence (TV series)Providence is an American drama series that aired on NBC starring Melina Kanakaredes. The show ran for five seasons from January 8, 1999 until December 20, 2002.-Synopsis:The show revolves around Dr...
. - Albert Hague is better known for his role as Benjamin Shorofsky on Fame.
- VTR Date: 09/06/1985
012. "Delivery" (4G05)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
Kevin has his friend come over to help him on a science project, and George and Marsha quickly become worried when the girl arrives 8 months pregnant and wanting to name the baby Kevin if it's a boy. That appears to be beside the point when the girl suddenly begins to go into labor, and Mr. Belvedere finds himself the first person in line to help with the delivery.
- Broadcast: 10/25/1985
- Kim Gillingham (Robin) is best known as Jan Hatton on the short-lived sitcom One Happy Family. She also appeared in the season 4 episode "Foxtrot" as Cindy.
- A clip from this episode (George and Belvedere celebrating the birth of Robin's baby with beer and cigars) was later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-6.
- VTR Date: 09/13/1985
013. "Vows" (4G06)
Written by: Lissa Levin
For their anniversary, George and Marsha act like it is just another day, while the kids suggest they renew their wedding vows. However, after doing some digging, trying to find George and Marsha's original wedding picture, Heather and Kevin make a shocking discovery, that leads Kevin to re-examine his life.
- Broadcast: 11/08/1985
- It is revealed in this episode that Kevin was an unplanned pregnancy. The same thing was also revealed about Wesley in the episode "Baby", from season 3.
- Featured song: "Wedding march"
- Terry Wills (Minister) has acted in various movies and TV shows, such as Family TiesFamily TiesFamily Ties is an American sitcom that aired on NBC for seven seasons, from 1982 to 1989. The sitcom reflected the move in the United States from the cultural liberalism of the 1960s and 1970s to the conservatism of the 1980s. This was particularly expressed through the relationship between young...
, and Sister ActSister ActSister Act is a 1992 American comedy film released by Touchstone Pictures. Directed by Emile Ardolino, it features musical arrangements by Marc Shaiman and stars Whoopi Goldberg as a Reno lounge singer who has been put under protective custody in a San Francisco convent and has to pretend to be a...
. - Marsha's complete full name is revealed in this episode: Marsha Lee Cameron Owens.
- VTR Date: 10/04/1985
014. "The Contract" (4G07)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Worried that Kevin will get drunk on the night of his junior prom, Marsha has Kevin sign a contract promising that if he should drink, he should call home for a ride and George and Marsha would promise not hassle him. However, Kevin sees this contract as an open invitation to drink which leads him to take the contract a bit too far and begins drinking all the time which it turns out is really masking a deeper problem.
- Broadcast: 11/01/1985
- Featured song: "The She is, Miss America" (written by Bernie Wayne, and sung as "There he is, Mr. America"). This was the theme song for the Miss America contest. Heather & Wesley can be heard singing this song, in the scene where Kevin walks downstairs for the first time in his new tuxedo.
- A clip from this episode (Kevin dancing in front of Marsha in a drunk way) was later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-6.
- VTR Date: 10/11/1985
015. "Strike" (4G08)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
When George's newspaper goes on strike, he finds himself bored to death and becoming increasingly more irritating to Belvedere. Meanwhile, the family tries to cut costs which means no new car for Kevin and Wesley and Heather put together a garage sale where Wesley inadvertently sells a priceless Fabrache egg of Mr. Belvedere's.
- Broadcast: 11/15/1985
- Kevin alludes to the time he skidded his car into a golf course in the season 1 episode "The Lost Weekend".
- A clip from this episode (Heather announcing that the strike is over) was later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-5.
- Miriam Byrd-Nethery (Mary Tingle) also appeared in season 3's "Jobless" as Edna Wilks, and season 6's "Fear of Flying", as Ethel.
- VTR Date: 10/18/1985
016. "Pinball" (4G09)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George buys a pinball machine to recapture memories from his youth but quickly tires of it. However, Mr. Belvedere takes a liking to the machine and quickly becomes a pinball junkie and in the process begins to neglect his household duties. But when George sells the machine, Mr. Belvedere takes up a new residence, in the local arcade.
- Broadcast: 11/29/1985
- Featured song: Christopher Hewett singing "Itsy-Bitsy Spider".
- Danny Nucci would go on to appear in the 1997 Academy Awarding winning adaptation of "Titanic".
- VTR Date: 10/25/1985
017. "The Letter" (4G10)
Written by: Karen Wengrod & Ken Cinnamon
Wesley has joined the football team and is terrible at the sport much to the disappointment of George. This re-opens old wounds in Kevin and decides to secretly join the football team to get a letter and make George proud. However, when Kevin's grades slip, George comes down hard on him and Kevin decides to move out, just days before Thanksgiving.
- Broadcast: 11/22/1985
- Wesley mentions ballet, which he took up in "Gotta Dance".
- Footage for the Football Segment was provided by WTAE-TV.
- Mary Woronov (Cheryl) has acted in many cult films, such as Death Race 2000Death Race 2000Death Race 2000 is a 1975 cult action film directed by Paul Bartel, and starring David Carradine, Simone Griffeth and Sylvester Stallone. The film takes place in a dystopian American society in the year 2000, where the murderous Transcontinental Road Race has become a form of national entertainment...
. - Clips from this episode appeared in VH1's I Love the 80's Strikes Back 1985
- VTR Date: 11/01/1985
018. "The Prize" (4G11)
Story by: Jack Carrerow & Lisa A. Bannick and Bob Perlow & Gene Braunstein
Teleplay by: Jack Carrerrow & Lisa A. Bannick
Wesley begins selling cookies door to door in an attempt to win a trip to Disney World. However, when he does win, he surprisingly gives it away to a sick kid in the hospital. Little does anyone know that Wesley has hopes that this will lead to an even better trip. Meanwhile, George and Mr. Belvedere hold a contest concerning the stock market and Heather debates cheating on an algebra exam in order to bring her grades up.
- Broadcast: 12/06/1985
- This is the first time Angela mispronounces Mr. Belvedere's name, thus starting a memorable running gag that the show had.
- Casey Ellison, who previously played as Miles in "The Outcasts", has a different role in this episode.
- Featured song: "It's a Small World After All" (written by Richard and Robert Sherman), whistled by Casey Ellison.
- VTR Date: 11/08/1985
019. "The Dropout" (4G12)
Written by: Jack Carrerow & Lisa A. Bannick
Marsha is hitting the books for her finals, but she does not feel her hard work is paying off after she fails her exam. This leads her to decide to quit college and become a full-time housewife, complete with a housedress and a string of pearls around her neck (shades of June Cleaver), but Marsha's attempts at being a housewife soon make Mr. Belvedere's job obsolete.
- Broadcast: 01/17/1986
- Brian Robbins is better known for his role as Eric Mardian on Head of the ClassHead of the ClassHead of the Class is an American sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991 on the ABC television network. The series follows a group of gifted students in the Individualized Honors Program at the fictional Monroe High School in Manhattan, and their history teacher Charlie Moore...
. - Christopher Kriesa (server) is best known for his recurring role on The Young and the RestlessThe Young and the RestlessThe Young and the Restless is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS. The show is set in a fictional Wisconsin town called Genoa City, which is unlike and unrelated to the real life village of the same name, Genoa City, Wisconsin...
as Charlie Ockwell. - Two clips from this episode (George slapping Belvedere, and the whole family hugging Marsha near the end of this episode) were later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-6.
- VTR Date: 11/22/1985
020. "Speechless" (4G13)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
When George learns that he is the winner of The Happy Guys of Pittsburgh Man of the Year Award, he is thrilled. That is, until he learns he must give a speech, something he is terrified of doing. Meanwhile, a project in one of his classes has Kevin married to a nice girl, but he is resistant to being seen with her in public.
- Broadcast: 01/03/1986
- Winifred FreedmanWinifred FreedmanWinifred Freedman is an American actress and singer primarily known for her roles in television.She is perhaps best known for playing Annette Mastorelli, Chachi Arcola's cousin and bass guitar playing bandmate in Joanie Loves Chachi, the short-lived spin-off of Happy Days...
makes her first appearance in the recurring role as Wendy. - Two clips from this episode were later used in the opening credits to the episodes that were made after season 2. The first clip was George scratching Wesley's hair in the kitchen (which was in the opening credits to seasons 3-5), while the other was a shot of Kevin and Marsha at George's speech, which was used in the opening credits to seasons 3-6 (albeit slightly cropped).
- Jack Dodson is best known as Howard Sprague on The Andy Griffith Show. He reprised his role as Carl Putnam in season 3's "Halloween", season 5's "Stakeout", and season 6's "A Happy Guys' Christmas".
- Raleigh Bond also appeared in season 3's "Halloween" and season 5's Stakeout.
- Instead of the episode ending with Mr. Belvedere writing in his journal in his bedroom, this episode ends with him writing in it at George's award ceremony, as George puts everyone to sleep with his speech.
- VTR Date: 12/06/1985
021. "The Teacher" (4G14)
Written by: Lissa Levin
With everyone busy with their own lives, Mr. Belvedere appears to be lonesome, at least from Wesley's point of view and decides what he needs is a woman in his life. However, the woman who piques his interest was not quite the woman Wesley had in mind, when Mr. Belvedere begins seeing Wesley's teacher.
- Broadcast: 01/10/1986
- A clip from this episode (Belvedere turning the TV on with the remote control) was later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-6.
- Allyn Ann McLerie (Isabel Carsola), is a veteran stage and screen actress from Canada.
- Danny McMurphy (Ricky Rondanello) is best known for his recurring role on WebsterWebster (TV series)Webster is an American situation comedy that premiered on ABC on September 16, 1983, and ran on that network until September 11, 1987, but continued in first-run syndication until 1989...
as Andy. - Eda Reiss Merin is a veteran film and TV actress.
- Helen Verbit appeared in a few episodes of Barney Miller, among other roles.
- VTR Date: 12/13/1985
022. "Rivals" (4G15)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
George and Mr. Belvedere become rivals in a contest over who can do without his favorite vice. George tries to give up smoking and Mr. Belvedere tries to give up junk food and each one discovers that trying to sneak may not be an option. Meanwhile, Heather is head over heels for her latest boyfriend who happens to have a strong attraction – for Marsha.
- Broadcast: 01/24/1986
- Jason Bateman is better known for his roles as Michael Bluth on Arrested Development and David Hogan on Valerie (a.k.a.) The Hogan Family.
- VTR Date: 12/20/1985
023. "Wesley's Friend" (4G16)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
When one of Wesley's friends is revealed to have AIDS, he is taken out of school due to the ignorance and uncertainty that many of the other children's parents share. This leads Wesley to shun his friend in fear of getting the disease himself. Meanwhile, Kevin takes a home economics class because he thinks it will be an easy A.
- Broadcast: 01/31/1986
- This may have been one of the first sitcoms to deal with the AIDS epidemic that erupted in the early to mid-1980s.
- During the end credits for this episode, the producers gave a special thanks to Michael S. Gottlieb, M.D., Edward D. Gomperts, M.D., and The American Foundation for AIDS Research.
- Hakeem Abdul Samad (simply credited as "Hakeem") had a recurring role on AmenAmenThe word amen is a declaration of affirmation found in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. Its use in Judaism dates back to its earliest texts. It has been generally adopted in Christian worship as a concluding word for prayers and hymns. In Islam, it is the standard ending to Dua and the...
. - Ian Fried (Danny O'Neill) is best known as the voice of Timothy in The Secret of NIMHThe Secret of NIMHThe Secret of NIMH is a 1982 animated film directed by Don Bluth in his directorial debut. It is an adaptation of Robert C. O'Brien's 1971 children's novel Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. The film was produced by Aurora Pictures and released by United Artists. While released to critical acclaim,...
. - David Friedman (Dennis) is best known for his recurring role on Little House on the PrairieLittle House on the PrairieLittle House is a series of children's books by Laura Ingalls Wilder that was published originally between 1932 and 1943, with four additional books published posthumously, in 1962, 1971, 1974 and 2006.-History:...
as Jason Carter. - First episode to have a 1986 copyright date.
- VTR Date: 01/10/1986
024. "The Will" (4G17)
Written by: Lissa Levin
When one of George's cousins suddenly dies it prompts George and Marsha to prepare a will and they must decide who should look after the children if they should die suddenly. Mr Belvedere, who happens to be their number one pick, turns them down without hesitancy.
- Broadcast: 02/07/1986
- Mr. Belvedere (Christopher Hewett) celebrates his birthday in this episode.
- Arthur Mallet is a veteran film and TV actor.
- Doris Belack had a recurring role on Judge Margaret Barry on Law & OrderLaw & OrderLaw & Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series, created by Dick Wolf and part of the Law & Order franchise. It aired on NBC, and in syndication on various cable networks. Law & Order premiered on September 13, 1990, and completed its 20th and final season on May 24,...
, and was the voice of Tippy Dink on DougDougDoug is an American animated sitcom created by Jim Jinkins and co-produced by his studio, Jumbo Pictures . Doug centers on the surreal and imaginative exploits of its title character, Douglas "Doug" Funnie, who experiences common predicaments while attending middle school. The series lampoons...
, among other projects. - A clip from this episode (Wesley throwing root beer at Heather) was later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-5.
- VTR Date: 01/17/1986
025. "Valentine's Day" (4G18)
Teleplay by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Story by: Lance Thompson & Brad Goldberg
Valentine's Day has one particular girl going wild over Wesley, who does his best to try to avoid her. Meanwhile, Heather is let down after sending out tons of valentines, but gets none in return; that is, until a secret admirer begins sending her gifts. However, when her admirer reveals himself, she is less than thrilled.
- Broadcast: 02/14/1986
- Also known as "The Valentine"
- Kevin's band in this episode was called "The Young Savages". The members (other than Kevin) all had the surname Savage, except for one guy named Young.
- Featured songs: "High Hopes", originally performed by Frank Sinatra for the movie A Hole in the HeadA Hole in the HeadA Hole in the Head is a comedy film released by United Artists. It was directed by Frank Capra and featured Frank Sinatra, Edward G. Robinson, Eleanor Parker, Keenan Wynn, Carolyn Jones, Thelma Ritter, Dub Taylor and Joi Lansing. The film introduced the song "High Hopes", a Sinatra standard used...
, "Standing on the Corner", written by Jimmy Arnold and Frank Loesser for the musical titled The Most Happy FellaThe Most Happy FellaThe Most Happy Fella is a 1956 musical with a book, music, and lyrics by Frank Loesser. The story, about a romance between an older man and younger woman, is based on the play They Knew What They Wanted by Sidney Howard...
and "(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?", written by Bob Merrill, and popularized by Patti PagePatti PageClara Ann Fowler , known by her professional name Patti Page, is an American singer, one of the best-known female artists in traditional pop music. She was the best-selling female artist of the 1950s, and has sold over 100 million records...
in 1952. All songs in this episode were performed by "The Young Savages". - Fergie (at the time known as Stacy FergusonStacy FergusonStacy Ann Ferguson , better known by her stage name Fergie, is an American singer-songwriter, fashion designer and actress. She was a member of the children's television series Kids Incorporated and the girl group Wild Orchid. She is the female vocalist for the hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas...
, of Kids IncorporatedKids IncorporatedKids Incorporated, is an American children's television program that was produced from 1984 to 1993. It was largely a youth-oriented program with musical performances as an integral part of each and every storyline....
) guest-starred in this episode as Beth. - Broadcast: 01/31/1986
026. "Heather's Tutor" (4G19)
Written by: Lissa Levin
Heather has been floundering in her French class and Marsha insists that she get a tutor. Heather is thrilled to learn her tutor will be a high school boy but is not prepared to learn that he is blind. However, she quickly realizes he is just like any other boy. Meanwhile, there is an all out war between the Owens' and their neighbors, the Huffnagels, thanks to Wesley's antics.
- Broadcast: 02/21/1986
- Rad Daly (Kyle) is best known as Josh on the TV series The Bad News Bears.
- A clip from this episode (Wesley grinning on the couch) was later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-5.
- VTR Date: 02/14/1986
027. "Amish" (4G20)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
While at the library, studying for his SAT's, Kevin runs into a lost Amish girl whom he brings home, where she marvels at modern conveniences. Kevin soon learns about her culture and with all the pressures in his life he becomes smitten with the idea of becoming Amish himself, in hopes of escaping from the pressure of his world. Meanwhile, little does he know but she has become smitten with all the modern conveniences of his world.
- Broadcast: 03/07/1986
- Kerry Noonan is best known as Paula in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.
- Footage for the exterior scenes was provided by The Pennsylvania Dutch Visitors Bureau.
- VTR Date: 02/21/1986
028. "Dinner for Two" (4G21)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffery Ferro
Marsha has been busy night after night with her study group leaving little time for George. So George decides to plan a romantic dinner for two with Belvedere's help, but a surprised Marsha cannot even find time for that. Meanwhile, Kevin begins dating a Swedish foreign exchange student but finds Wesley and Heather tagging along on his date.
- Broadcast: 03/21/1986
- Two clips from this episode (Heather pouring a bowl of porridge on Wesley, and Wesley saying "Thank you Heather" in response to that), were later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-5.
- Lisa Fuller (Dagmar) has had various roles in other TV shows, such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from September 10, 1990 to May 20, 1996. The show stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to move in with his aunt and uncle in their...
. Her appearance in this episode was her first project. - Marie-Alise RecasnerMarie-Alise RecasnerMarie-Alise Recasner is an American actress most notably recognized for her role as Alice Jackson on NBC's soap opera Santa Barbara. She portrayed the role from 1986 to 1987. She had a recurring role as Millie on the sitcom A Different World...
(Rhonda) is best known as Alice on Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara (TV series)Santa Barbara is an American television soap opera, first broadcast in the United States on NBC on July 30, 1984, and last aired on January 15, 1993. The show revolved around the eventful lives of the wealthy Capwell family of Santa Barbara, California...
. - Featured song: "A Bushel and a Peck" from Guys & Dolls. This is the second Frank Loesser composition to be featured on the show; the first was "Standing on the Corner". Both George and Marsha also quote the first lines from this song ("A bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck").
- VTR Date: 03/07/1986
029. "The Play" (4G22)
Written by: Lissa Levin & Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Wesley has been cast as the lead in the school play and he is all set to play the part. However, when the director quits the play, Mr. Belvedere steps in as director and makes a decision for the best of the play. He decides to recast the lead with Tommy Sullivan leaving Wesley out in the cold but he play a retaliation; he decides if he is not the star he will use sabotage.
- Broadcast: 03/28/1986
- The school play featured in this episode is H.M.S. PinaforeH.M.S. PinaforeH.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and a libretto by W. S. Gilbert. It opened at the Opera Comique in London, England, on 25 May 1878 and ran for 571 performances, which was the second-longest run of any musical...
(by Gilbert & Sullivan). - Featured songs: I'm Called Little Buttercup", "My Gallant Crew, Good Morning", "He is an Englishman", "I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General" (all from Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore), "Silent Night" and "Get Happy" by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, for the 1950 movie Summer Stock.
- Trevor Bullock (Jesse) is best known as Robbie Davis on Davis RulesDavis RulesDavis Rules is an American sitcom broadcast on ABC in 1991 and on CBS in 1992. The series was produced by Carsey-Werner Productions.-Synopsis:...
. - Matthew Miller also appeared in season 3's "The Mogul".
- Brian Poth (Vincent) is best known for his role as Tyler Jenson on CSI: MiamiCSI: MiamiCSI: Miami is an American police procedural television series, which premiered on September 23, 2002 on CBS. The series is a spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation....
. - Tiffany Reinbolt is best known as the voice of Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie BrownYou're a Good Man, Charlie BrownYou're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a 1967 musical comedy with music and lyrics by Clark Gesner, based on the characters created by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz in his comic strip Peanuts...
. - This episode has an extra journal scene in which Wesley and Mr. Belvedere make up.
- Three clips from this episode (Marsha being amused by Mr. Belvedere about her laundry, George and Kevin returning home, and Marsha and Heather reading a photo album together) were later used in the opening credits to seasons 3-6. On top of that, this was the last episode to feature the original traditional opening and closing credits from seasons 1 & 2.
- Danny Cooksey is better known for his role as Sam McKinney on Diff'rent StrokesDiff'rent StrokesDiff'rent Strokes is an American television sitcom that aired on NBC from November 3, 1978 to May 4, 1985, and on ABC from September 27, 1985 to March 7, 1986...
. - VTR Date: 03/14/1986
Season 3 (1986-1987)
The show left ABC on March 6, 1987, and was briefly replaced by the first season of The CharmingsThe Charmings
The Charmings is an American fantasy sitcom that aired from March 1987 to February 1988 on ABC.-Synopsis:The opening voice-over set-up the premise:...
two weeks later. The remaining three episodes of this particular season aired from May 1–15, 1987. Afterwards, reruns of select season 3 episodes aired until September 11, 1987.
Season 3 was filmed from August 1986-March 1987.
030. "Deportation: Part 1" (5A01)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Wesley is all excited about getting a dog, but first he must do well on his history exam. When he gets an A, Wesley feels pangs of guilt and confides in Mr. Belvedere that he really cheated. Later, Wesley feels betrayed when Mr. Belvedere tells George and Marsha the truth and to get revenge calls the INS
Immigration and Naturalization Service
The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service , now referred to as Legacy INS, ceased to exist under that name on March 1, 2003, when most of its functions were transferred from the Department of Justice to three new components within the newly created Department of Homeland Security, as...
, who promptly stop by and arrests Mr. Belvedere, as he does not have a green card
United States Permanent Resident Card
United States lawful permanent residency refers to a person's immigration status: the person is authorized to live and work in the United States of America on a permanent basis....
.
- Broadcast: 11/07/1986
- First taped episode that featured the opening credits from season 3, which was never used in syndication, but has been reinstated on Shout! Factory's season 3 DVD release.
- Wesley writes in Mr. Belvedere's journal at the end of this episode.
- Both parts 1 and 2 use the season 1 & 2 variation of the ending theme.
- Stanley Kamel (Lawrence Miller) is best known for his role as Dr. Charles Kroger on MonkMonkA monk is a person who practices religious asceticism, living either alone or with any number of monks, while always maintaining some degree of physical separation from those not sharing the same purpose...
, among other projects. - Originally the end credits showed the first half with a beige family portrait book on a black Background, and then the 2nd half showed a picture of the cast from season 1. As of this episode, the first part of the end credits now showed a picture of the cast from season 3, and then the second part showed Belvedere's room in the dark.
- Clips from this episode were featured in the season 2 episode of Ned and Stacey titled "Saved by the Belvedere", which Christopher Hewett guest-starred in.
- VTR Date: 08/15/1986
031. "Deportation: Part 2" (5A02)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Following his arrest, Mr. Belvedere is held in jail pending bail. When he is released, Mr. Belvedere arrives at the Owens home to find another maid has taken his place. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere and the family try to come up with ways to keep him in the country and Wesley hatches a plan of his own by trying to find a woman who could marry Mr. Belvedere so he can get a green card.
- Broadcast: 11/14/1986
- Doris RobertsDoris RobertsDoris Roberts is an American character actress of film, stage and television. She has received five Emmy Awards. She began her career in 1952, and may be best-known as Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996–2005....
is best known for her role as Marie Barone on Everybody Loves RaymondEverybody Loves RaymondEverybody Loves Raymond is an American television sitcom that originally ran on CBS from September 13, 1996, to May 16, 2005. Many of the situations from the show are based on the real-life experiences of lead actor Ray Romano, creator/producer Phil Rosenthal and the show's writing staff...
. - Deanna Oliver (Kimberly) is best known as the voice of Toaster in The Brave Little ToasterThe Brave Little ToasterThe Brave Little Toaster is a novel by Thomas M. Disch intended for children or as put by Disch, A Bedtime Story for Small Appliances...
. - Michelle Davison (Mrs. Luther) is best known as the voice of Sheep in BabeBabe (film)Babe is a 1995 Australian-American film directed by Chris Noonan. It is an adaptation of the 1983 novel The Sheep-Pig, also known as Babe: The Gallant Pig in the United States, by Dick King-Smith and tells the story of a pig who wants to be a sheepdog...
. - Brian Fong (cellmate) was the Chinese Carrying Herbie in The Love BugThe Love BugThe Love Bug is the first in a series of comedy films made by Walt Disney Productions that starred an anthropomorphic pearl-white, fabric-sunroofed 1963 Volkswagen racing Beetle named Herbie...
, among other projects. - Howard Honig was a regular on Barney Miller.
- Near the end of this episode, it starts snowing. This is very similar to the first appearance of Mr. Belvedere. He even says "Is this the Owens' residence?" when he arrives back.
- Clips from this episode appeared in the season 2 episode of Ned and Stacey titled "Saved by the Belvedere", which Christopher Hewett guest-starred in.
- VTR Date: 08/22/1986
032. "The Thief" (5A03)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Heather and Angela get a job at a music store and at least Heather seems to have enough responsibility to do a good job, that is until she begins dating the captain of the football team and he just assumes it would be okay to stop by Heather's work and rip off a few things. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere tries to beat Wesley at gin rummy
Gin rummy
Gin rummy, or simply gin, is a two-player card game created in 1909 by Elwood T. Baker and his son C. Graham Baker. According to John Scarne, Gin evolved from 18th-century Whiskey Poker and was created with the intention of being faster than standard rummy, but less spontaneous than knock...
.
- Broadcast: 09/26/1986
- First taped episode that featured the DixielandDixielandDixieland music, sometimes referred to as Hot jazz, Early Jazz or New Orleans jazz, is a style of jazz music which developed in New Orleans at the start of the 20th century, and was spread to Chicago and New York City by New Orleans bands in the 1910s.Well-known jazz standard songs from the...
version of the ending theme. - Eric and Karl Bruskotter are both brothers in real life.
- Due to the series premieres of SidekicksSidekicks (TV series)Sidekicks is a 1986-1987 Disney Channel martial arts TV series, a spin-off of the original Walt Disney one-time special, The Last Electric Knight. The series starred Ernie Reyes, Jr. as Ernie Lee, the Last Electric Knight, and Gil Gerard as Sergeant Jake Rizzo...
and Sledge Hammer!Sledge Hammer!Sledge Hammer! is an American satirical police sitcom produced by New World Television that ran for two seasons on ABC from 1986 to 1988. The series was created by Alan Spencer and stars David Rasche as Inspector Sledge Hammer, a preposterous caricature of the standard "cop on the edge" character,...
, this episode premiered at a special time: 9:30 P.M. - VTR Date: 08/29/1986
033. "Grandma" (5A04)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Heather and Angela are participating in an Adopt-a-Grandparent program at a retirement home and Wesley is talked into going with the prospect of squeezing some money out of an unsuspecting old person. However, Wesley makes quick friends with one woman in particular but he soon realizes she has Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death...
. Meanwhile, Heather and Angela become friends with a grumpy old man who does nothing but complain.
- Broadcast: 10/03/1986
- Ellen Albertini Dow is best known as Rosie in The Wedding Singer. She also appeared in season 4's "The Trip: Part 1"
- James Gregory was a regular on Barney Miller as Frank Luger from 1975-1982. This episode was his final project as an actor. Henry Jones replaced him as Mr. Sparks for "The Trip: Parts 1 and 2" in season 4.
- Barbara Townsend (Eunice Dodson) has appeared in many movies and TV shows, including Star Trek: The Next Generation.
- The movie CocoonCocoon (film)The score for Cocoon was composed and conducted by James Horner. The soundtrack was released twice, through Polydor Records in 1985 and a reprint through P.E.G. in 1997 and features eleven tracks of score and a vocal track performed by Michael Sembello...
(also a 20th Century FOX property) is mentioned. - VTR Date: 09/05/1986
034. "Debut" (5A05)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
George has a near-death experience after he is electrocuted when the TV falls into the bathtub. Mr. Belvedere saves his life but after he recovers, George quits his sports writing job and decides to do some things he always wanted to do, including taking up a career as a lounge singer. Worried about George's prospects, Mr. Belvedere has Robert Goulet stop by to give George some advice.
- Broadcast: 10/17/1986
- Featured songs: "On a Clear Day, You Can See me Forever", written by Burton Lane for the musical of the same name (Performed by Bob Uecker and Robert Goulet), "Till There was You", written by Meredith Wilson for "The Music Man" (Performed by Bob Uecker), "Come Fly With Me", composed by Jimmy Van Heusen, with lyrics by Sammy Cahn (Performed by Bob Uecker), "My Kind of Town", also composed by Jimmy Van Heusen, with lyrics by Sammy Cahn (Performed by Bob Uecker), "Shaddap You Face", written by Joe Dolce (Performed by Bob Uecker), "Our Love is Here to Stay", written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1938 movie, The Goldwyn FolliesThe Goldwyn FolliesThe Goldwyn Follies is a 1938 Technicolor film written by Ben Hecht, Sid Kuller, Sam Perrin and Arthur Phillips, with music by George Gershwin, Vernon Duke, and Ray Golden, and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. Some sources credit Kurt Weill as one of the composers, but this is apparently incorrect...
, and popularized in the 1951 movie An American in ParisAn American in Paris (film)An American in Paris is a 1951 MGM musical film inspired by the 1928 orchestral composition by George Gershwin. Starring Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary, and Nina Foch, the film is set in Paris, and was directed by Vincente Minnelli from a script by Alan Jay Lerner...
, (Performed by Robert Goulet, Ilene Graff, and Bob Uecker), and "Me and My Shadow", written by Billy Rose and Al Jolson (Performed by Christopher Hewett in the journal scene near the end of this episode) - Rebeccah Bush (Sharon), has acted in several movies and TV shows, such as HunkHunk (film)Hunk is a 1987 comedy film, starring John Allen Nelson, Steve Levitt, James Coco and Deborah Shelton.It is Directed by Lawrence Bassoff.-Plot summary:Bradley Brinkman is a nerd who has a hard time finding true love, but by way of a deal with Dr...
, and Jake and the FatmanJake and the FatmanJake and the Fatman is a television crime drama starring William Conrad as prosecutor J. L. "Fatman" McCabe and Joe Penny as investigator Jake Styles. The series ran on CBS for five seasons from 1987 to 1992. Diagnosis: Murder was a spin-off of this series...
. - First appearance of Robert GouletRobert GouletRobert Gerard Goulet was a Canadian American entertainer as a singer and actor. He played the role of Lancelot in the Broadway musical Camelot of 1960.-Early life:...
. - First time that Marsha (Ilene GraffIlene GraffIlene Graff is an American actress and singer.The Brooklyn native began her professional career as a teenager when she performed as a background singer and commercial actress while attending Van Buren High School in Queens Village...
) sang on the show. She had sung in the past, performing on Broadway throughout the 1970s. - The first-half of the end credits in this episode are superimposed to footage of Mr. Belvedere dancing and singing "Me and My ShadowMe and My Shadow"Me and My Shadow" is a 1927 popular song. Officially the credits show it as written by Al Jolson, Billy Rose, and Dave Dreyer; in fact, Billy Rose was exclusively a lyricist, Dreyer a composer, and Al Jolson a performer who was often given credits so he could earn some more money, so the actual...
". - Ben Lanzarone (Ilene Graff's husband) has an uncredited appearance in this episode. He also composed the background music for some of the episodes.
- VTR Date: 09/12/1986
035. "Baby" (5A06)
Written by: Lisa Albert
Marsha gets some unexpected news that she may be pregnant which brings back the feelings she had when she became pregnant with Wesley. Not wanting another baby, Marsha voices her feelings and says out loud that she did not want Wesley, unaware that he was standing behind her. Feeling unwanted, Wesley then runs away. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere prepares to accept an award from Queen Elizabeth herself.
- Broadcast: 03/06/1987
- The part about Wesley being an unplanned pregnancy is similar to how Kevin was an unplanned pregnancy, which was revealed in the season 2 episode "Vows".
- Caren Kaye is best known for her roles in My TutorMy TutorMy Tutor is a 1983 film directed by George Bowers. It stars Matt Lattanzi, Caren Kaye, Kevin McCarthy and Crispin Glover.-Premise:The film details high school graduates' attempts to lose their virginity during the summer vacation before leaving to college, and one's eventual relationship with his...
as Terry Green, and as Eileen Burton in It's Your MoveIt's Your MoveIt's Your Move is an American sitcom starring Jason Bateman, Tricia Cast, Caren Kaye, Ernie Sabella, David Garrison, and Garrett Morris. The show originally aired on NBC from 1984 to 1985.-Premise:...
. - Vernon Weddle is a veteran film and TV actor.
- John Dullaghan was a regular on Barney Miller as Ray Brewer.
- Edith Fellows is a veteran film actress, who's work dates as early as the 1920s.
- VTR Date: 09/19/1986
036. "Kevin's Date" (5A07)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
Kevin's 18th birthday is approaching, and he is apprehensive for his first sexual experience. Pressure from his friends does not help any when they suggest he take out a girl who has a reputation for being easy. Kevin quickly finds himself in an uncomfortable situation when he takes their advice. Meanwhile, Wesley goes on a hunger strike, after refusing to eat his Brussels sprouts.
- Broadcast: 10/24/1986
- First appearance of Willie GarsonWillie GarsonWillie Garson is an American character actor. He has appeared in over 50 movies, usually playing minor roles...
as Carl. - Debbie BarkerDebbie BarkerDebbie Barker is a former American television actress. She was active between 1986 and 1990. Her best known roles include two appearances on the sitcom Mr...
(Paula Sweeney) also appeared in season 4's "Fall Guy". - ABC aired a Parental Advisory prior to this episode airing.
- VTR Date: 09/26/1986
037. "Halloween" (5A08)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
George is to become a member of The Happy Guys of Pittsburgh but on the night of the induction, which happens to be Halloween
Halloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
, George and Marsha discover the Happy Guys have a dark side. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere shows a different side after he goes wild toilet papering a house while trick or treating with Wesley.
- Broadcast: 10/31/1986
- Cal Gibson (Officer Shelton) appeared in a few episodes of Barney Miller.
- Lucy Lee Flippin (Wilmadean) is best known for her role as Eliza Jane Wilder on Little House on the Prairie. She also appeared in season 6's "A Happy Guy's Christmas" as Doris Putnam.
- This episode has an extra journal scene.
- VTR Date: 10/03/1986
038. "Pills" (5A09)
Written by: Gene Braunstein & Bob Perlow
Heather has become convinced that she is fat and decides to try diet pills, but when Marsha discovers them, she confiscates them. At the same time, Marsha has been studying for an exam and a bottle of amphetamines may just be what she needs to keep her alert. Meanwhile, George and Wesley stake out the attic to catch a rat, however, it seems the rat just may have the last laugh.
- Broadcast: 12/12/1986
- Among other film and TV projects, Fred Sadoff was a regular on Barney Miller.
- Featured song: "Land of 1000 Dances" (Marsha hums this song). It was originally written and performed by Chris KennerChris KennerChris Kenner was a New Orleans R&B singer and songwriter, best known for two hit singles in the early 1960s, that became staples in the repertoires of many other musicians.-Biography:...
, and popularized by Wilson PickettWilson PickettWilson Pickett was an American R&B/Soul singer and songwriter.A major figure in the development of American soul music, Pickett recorded over 50 songs which made the US R&B charts, and frequently crossed over to the US Billboard Hot 100...
in 1966. - VTR Date: 10/10/1986
039. "Reunion" (5A10)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George and Marsha have conflicting events. George has a high school reunion
High School Reunion
High School Reunion may refer to:*"High School Reunion" *Romy and Michele's High School Reunion*High School Reunion *Class reunion...
and Marsha has a convention in Atlantic City and both places have things about them that are a bit tempting, gambling for Marsha and for George it's an old flame he once had a crush on and who's eagerly fanning it now. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere accompanies George to the reunion and must fend off the advances of a persistent woman.
- Broadcast: 11/21/1986
- Donna Flanigan is played by Lee Merriwether who played Catwoman in the 1960s BatmanBatmanBatman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
movie with Adam WestAdam WestWilliam West Anderson , better known by the stage name Adam West, is an American actor best known for his lead role in the Batman TV series and the film of the same name...
. - Featured song: A cover version of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock & Roll", with Wesley spoofing Tom CruiseTom CruiseThomas Cruise Mapother IV , better known as Tom Cruise, is an American film actor and producer. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and he has won three Golden Globe Awards....
's performance of that song from the 1983 film Risky BusinessRisky BusinessRisky Business is a 1983 American teen comedy-drama film written by Paul Brickman in his directorial debut. It stars Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay. The hit film launched Cruise to stardom.-Plot:...
. - This is the first of the many connections this show has to another sitcom, Small Wonder. Penny Nichols is played by Edie McClurgEdie McClurgEdie McClurg is an American character actress. She is known for her perky North Central dialect , common to persons from Middle America.-Career:...
, who played Bonnie Brindle on Small Wonder. Both Mr. Belvedere and Small Wonder are also properties of 20th Century Fox20th Century FoxTwentieth Century Fox Film Corporation — also known as 20th Century Fox, or simply 20th or Fox — is one of the six major American film studios...
. - The photo of the Owens and Mr. Belvedere seen in this episode was taken during the making of "The Contract" from season 2.
- Norman Bartold plays as a hotel clerk in this episode. Beginning in season 4, he would go on to have a recurring role as Skip Holdings.
- VTR Date: 10/17/1986
040. "The Spelling Bee" (5A11)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
Wesley is competing in a spelling bee
Spelling bee
A spelling bee is a competition where contestants, usually children, are asked to spell English words. The concept is thought to have originated in the United States....
at school and one of his female opponents cozies up to him, but her intentions are hardly innocent. However, when Mr. Belvedere realizes what she is doing and tries to open Wesley's eyes, he refuses to see the obvious. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere puts the Owens family on a strict budget
Budget
A budget is a financial plan and a list of all planned expenses and revenues. It is a plan for saving, borrowing and spending. A budget is an important concept in microeconomics, which uses a budget line to illustrate the trade-offs between two or more goods...
after their spending habits get out of hand and soon the family is champing at the bit to get cash.
- Broadcast: 12/05/1986
- Natalie GregoryNatalie GregoryNatalie Gregory is an American film and television actress.-Career:She starred as Alice in the television film Alice in Wonderland...
(Cindy Douglas) is best known for her role as Alice in the 1985 version of Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland (1985 film)Alice in Wonderland is a two-part film adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Alice books. An Irwin Allen production, it was a special made for television and used a huge all-star cast of notable actors and actresses. The title role was played by 10-year-old Natalie Gregory, who wore a blonde wig for this...
, and as the voice of Jenny Foxworth in Oliver & CompanyOliver & CompanyOliver & Company is a 1988 American animated film in which a homeless kitten named Oliver joins a gang of dogs to survive on the 1980s New York City streets. The film was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and became the twenty-seventh animated feature released in the Walt Disney Animated...
. - Lisa Figus (Mrs. Randall) is best known for her recurring role on Days of our LivesDays of our LivesDays of our Lives is a long running daytime soap opera broadcast on the NBC television network. It is one of the longest-running scripted television programs in the world, airing nearly every weekday in the United States since November 8, 1965. It has since been syndicated to many countries around...
as Lois. - Sarah Buxton (Bonnie) is best known for her work in various daytime soaps, such as Sunset BeachSunset Beach (TV series)Sunset Beach was an American television soap opera, first broadcast in the United States on NBC on January 6, 1997, and last airing on December 31, 1999. The show followed the loves and lives of the people living in a fictional coastal city named Sunset Beach, on the coast of California...
, Days of Our LivesDays of our LivesDays of our Lives is a long running daytime soap opera broadcast on the NBC television network. It is one of the longest-running scripted television programs in the world, airing nearly every weekday in the United States since November 8, 1965. It has since been syndicated to many countries around...
, and The Bold and the BeautifulThe Bold and the BeautifulThe Bold and the Beautiful is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS Daytime. It premiered on March 23, 1987....
. - When giving romantic hints to Wesley about how he should interact with Cindy, one of the tips Kevin gives is that Wesley should put on his Sesame StreetSesame StreetSesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
album. In real life, Ilene Graff's brother, Todd Graff, was one of the original children who sang the theme song to the show in the 1970s. In addition, script supervisor Shelley Herman also worked on Sesame Street as assistant to the producer from 1974-1975, as did production executive Robert Braithwaite, who was the Sesame Street's production supervisor from 1975-1976, in addition to being an associate producer for fellow CTW production 3-2-1 Contact. Also, stage manager Melinda Casey also worked on 3-2-1 Contact as associate director for the program's celebrity segments. - VTR Date: 10/24/1986
041. "The Ticket" (5A12)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
Kevin gets a ticket after he goes through a stop sign but complains that he could not see the stop sign, due to a tree branch being in the way. This leads Marsha to test her knowledge at law and represent Kevin in court, but her attempts just get Kevin into more and more trouble. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere is after a raise, and George is dead set against giving him one, and Wesley is having his fun blackmailing Heather.
- Broadcast: 01/30/1987
- Ami Dolenz (Shannon) is the daughter of Monkees member Micky DolenzMicky DolenzGeorge Michael "Micky" Dolenz, Jr. is an American actor, musician, television director, radio personality and theater director, best known as a member of the 1960s made-for-television band The Monkees.-Biography:...
. - Ben Piazza (Judge L. Nathan) also appeared in season 4's "Marsha's Job".
- Ron FasslerRon FasslerRon Fassler is an American film and television actor. He is best known for his role as Bryon Grazer, the LAPD captain in the Fox Network cult science fiction TV series Alien Nation. The series was canceled after a short run, but Fox brought it back in 1994 in a series of five TV movies...
also appeared in season 4's "Heather's Monk" as a mover. - VTR Date: 10/31/1986
042. "College Bound" (5A13)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Kevin has been looking at colleges and has even got some acceptance letters, however, the schools he wants to attend are too expensive for the Owens family, so he quickly informs his family that he just wants to get out of the nest and away from their rules. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere is horrified at the prospects of teaching Heather how to drive after she receives her learner's permit
Learner's permit
A driver's permit, learner's permit or learner's license, is a restricted license that is given to a person who is learning to drive, but has not yet satisfied the requirements to obtain a driver's license...
.
- Broadcast: 01/09/1987
- This is the first episode in which Kevin takes up a job at "Mr. Cluck's Fried Chicken".
- VTR Date: 11/7/1986
043. "Inky" (5A14)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Wesley is heartbroken when his pet hamster
Hamster
Hamsters are rodents belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. The subfamily contains about 25 species, classified in six or seven genera....
, Inky, dies, so to cheer him up, George and Marsha buy him a dog
Dog
The domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...
. However, little do they know, Wesley has faked Inky's death for the sole purpose of getting the dog. Meanwhile, one bathroom in the Owens' household, has George and Marsha thinking of adding on to the house and each member of the family has their own ideas for what the room should be used for.
- Broadcast: 01/16/1987
- Featured songs: "Amazing GraceAmazing Grace"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn with words written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton , published in 1779. With a message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God,...
", sung by Marsha, and Mr. Belvedere singing "Rule, Britannia!Rule, Britannia!"Rule, Britannia!" is a British patriotic song, originating from the poem "Rule, Britannia" by James Thomson and set to music by Thomas Arne in 1740...
" - Mr. Belvedere alludes to the time Wesley tried to get him deported.
- VTR Date: 11/21/1986
044. "Jobless" (5A15)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Fired from his job, George decides to put his pride aside and finally decides to go down to the unemployment
Unemployment
Unemployment , as defined by the International Labour Organization, occurs when people are without jobs and they have actively sought work within the past four weeks...
office, however, George quickly finds himself the community hero, when he saves a woman from a mugger
Robbery
Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take something of value by force or threat of force or by putting the victim in fear. At common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear....
. However, the media attention leads the Owens' financial situation to become public knowledge and they find themselves swamped with gifts from the people in the community. Meanwhile, to help the household, Mr. Belvedere gets a side job.
- Broadcast: 01/23/1987
- Jaleel WhiteJaleel WhiteJaleel Ahmad White is an American actor and screenwriter. He is best known for his role as Steve Urkel from Family Matters and voicing the character of Sonic the Hedgehog and other characters for Sonic the Hedgehog media....
is better known for his role as Steve Urkel on Family Matters. - Mary Gillis also appeared in season 4's "Foxtrot", and in season 6's "Fear of Flying".
- Only time Heather (Tracy WellsTracy WellsTracy Wells is an American actress. Wells was played a main character on the American sitcom Mr. Belvedere as Heather Owens. She won the Young Artist Award in the "Best Young Actress Starring in a New Television Series" category for her work on that show. She was also a guest star on the show...
) does not appear on the show. This is because Heather was heavily sick. - Charles Bouvier had a recurring role on Night CourtNight CourtNight Court is an American television situation comedy that aired on NBC from January 4, 1984, to May 20, 1992. The setting was the night shift of a Manhattan court, presided over by the young, unorthodox Judge Harold T. "Harry" Stone...
. - Duane Whitaker is best known for his role as Maynard in Pulp FictionPulp fictionPulp fiction may refer to:* pulp magazines, short stories presented in a magazine format, printed on cheaply made wood-pulp paper* Pulp Fiction, a 1994 film directed by Quentin Tarantino...
. - Near the end of this episode, George announces that he is going to audition to be a sportscaster. This would lead to his debut as one in season 4's "TV George".
- VTR Date: 12/05/1986
045. "The Crush" (5A16)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
Finding himself dateless on a Friday night, Kevin agrees to go to a Huey Lewis
Huey Lewis
Huey Lewis is an American musician, songwriter and occasional actor.Lewis sings lead and plays harmonica for his band Huey Lewis and the News, in addition to writing or co-writing many of the band's songs...
concert with Heather's best friend, Angela. However, this one date, ends with Angela coming down with a serious case of puppy love
Puppy love
Puppy love is an informal term for feelings of love or infatuation felt by young people during childhood and adolescence, so-called for its resemblance to the adoring, worshipful affection that may be felt by a puppy. 'Simple infatuation is often called a "crush" or "puppy love"...
, much to Kevin's dismay. Meanwhile, when George goes out of town with Marsha, Mr. Belvedere takes Wesley on a camping
Camping
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...
trip in the backyard, but Wesley gets an earful when Mr. Belvedere gets fed up with Wesley and begins talking in his sleep.
- Broadcast: 02/06/1987
- First episode to have a 1987 copyright date.
- Instead of the episode ending with Mr. Belvedere writing in his journal in his bedroom, this episode ends with him writing in it in the outdoors by the campsite.
- Heather fully recovers from her illness that she had in the "Jobless" episode (which she did not actually appear in).
- Later in this episode, Angela pronounces Mr. Belvedere's name right. He then acknowledges that this is the first time she has done that. However, she had previously pronounced his name correctly before in season 2's "Cheerleader".
- Danielle BriseboisDanielle BriseboisDanielle Anne Brisebois is an American actress, producer, songwriter and singer. In the 1990s she recorded two solo albums, Arrive All Over You and Portable Life, and was a member of the New Radicals...
is better known for her role as Stephanie on All in the FamilyAll in the FamilyAll in the Family is an American sitcom that was originally broadcast on the CBS television network from January 12, 1971, to April 8, 1979. In September 1979, a new show, Archie Bunker's Place, picked up where All in the Family had ended...
and Archie Bunker's PlaceArchie Bunker's PlaceArchie Bunker's Place is an American sitcom originally broadcast on the CBS network, conceived in 1979 as a spin-off and continuation of All in the Family. While not as popular as its predecessor, the show maintained a large enough audience to last for four seasons, until its cancellation in 1983...
. - VTR Date: 01/09/1987
046. "The Competition" (5A17)
Teleplay by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Story by: Bob Perlow & Gene Braunstein
Tired of George's smug face every time he beats him at arm wrestling
Arm wrestling
Arm wrestling is a sport with two participants. Each participant places one arm on a surface with their elbows bent and touching the surface, and they grip each other's hand...
, Kevin becomes to determined to beat his father and has Mr. Belvedere coach him. Meanwhile, Heather begins dating the football jock who's been ordered to take ballet
Ballet
Ballet is a type of performance dance, that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, and which was further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. The early portions preceded the invention of the proscenium stage and were presented in large chambers with...
class by his coach. However, when he shows little interest in her, she begins to question his sexuality and he becomes convinced he is a homosexual.
- Broadcast: 02/13/1987
- First episode to feature the jazzier, big-band rendition of the ending theme.
- Gail Rae Carlson is best known for her role as Melody Garrison on California DreamsCalifornia DreamsCalifornia Dreams is an American teen-oriented sitcom that aired from 1992 to 1996 on Saturday mornings during NBC's TNBC programming block. It was created by writers Brett Dewey and Ronald B. Solomon and executive produced by Peter Engel, all known for their work on Saved by the...
. - Richard DoyleRichard Doyle (actor)Richard Doyle , sometimes credited as Richard Doyal, is an American actor and voice actor.- Early life :Richard Doyle was born in 1945 in Brockton, Massachusetts...
is a veteran voice-over actor. He also appeared in season 4's "Marsha's Job". - Due to the one-hour primetime special, Emmanuel LewisEmmanuel LewisEmmanuel Lewis is an American actor, best known for playing the title character in the 1980s television sitcom Webster. He is tall. Lewis graduated from Midwood High School in 1989 and then Clark Atlanta University in 1997...
: My Very Own Show, this episode premiered at a special time at 9:30 P.M. - VTR Date: 01/16/1987
047. "The Cadet" (5A18)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Wesley has got totally out of control and George and Marsha are up in arms over his constantly getting into trouble at school and at home. When George threatens to put him in military school, Wesley is sure he is just joking, but Wesley is certainly not laughing when he finds himself there shining shoes. Meanwhile, Kevin has a crush on a girl who loves horseback riding, so naturally he decides to pick it up himself.
- Broadcast: 02/20/1987
- John Carter is a veteran film and TV actor.
- Brett Johnson appeared in a few episodes of The Charlie Brown and Snoopy ShowThe Charlie Brown and Snoopy ShowThe Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show is an animated television series featuring characters and storylines from the Charles M. Schulz comic strip Peanuts. It aired Saturday mornings on the CBS network from 1983 to 1985. It re-aired on The Disney Channel and Nickelodeon in the 1990s...
. - VTR Date: 01/30/1987
048. "Kevin's Older Woman" (5A19)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
After a disastrous date, Kevin vows to give up women and he throws himself into his part-time job. However, one evening while working delivery, he meets an older woman whom he instantly becomes smitten with which leads to him losing his virginity. Later, his parents are not exactly happy when they meet his new older girlfriend, and when they put their foot down, Kevin decides to move out. Meanwhile, Wesley journeys into the world of semaphore
Flag semaphore
Semaphore Flags is the system for conveying information at a distance by means of visual signals with hand-held flags, rods, disks, paddles, or occasionally bare or gloved hands. Information is encoded by the position of the flags; it is read when the flag is in a fixed position...
to earn a scout merit badge
Merit badge (Boy Scouts of America)
Merit badges are awards earned by youth members of the Boy Scouts of America , based on activities within an area of study by completing a list of periodically updated requirements. The purpose of the merit badge program is to allow Scouts to examine subjects to determine if they would like to...
.
- Broadcast: 02/27/1987
- Kay LenzKay LenzKay Ann Lenz is an American actress.A former child performer, Lenz has worked primarily in television and has won two Emmy Awards.-Background:...
(Sharon Rogers) has appeared in various movies and TV shows throughout the 70's and 80's. - VTR Date: 02/06/1987
049. "The Auction" (5A20)
Written by: Fredric Weiss & Jeffrey Ferro
For a charity auction at Wesley's school, Mr. Belvedere is talked into having his services auctioned off. However after his time is up, the lonely woman who bid a whopping $500 for his time, sets into motion a bizarre scheme that begins when she drugs Mr. Belvedere and he wakes up to find himself bound and gagged. Meanwhile, Heather and Angela are running against each other for class treasurer
Treasurer
A treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
and Wesley teams up with Angela to smear her competition.
- Broadcast: 05/15/1987
- Featured song: "Put 'Em In A Box, Tie 'Em With A Ribbon (And Throw 'Em In The Deep Blue Sea)". Written by Jule StyneJule StyneJule Styne was a British-born American songwriter especially famous for a series of Broadway musicals, which included several very well known and frequently revived shows.-Early life:...
& Sammy CahnSammy CahnSammy Cahn was an American lyricist, songwriter and musician. He is best known for his romantic lyrics to films and Broadway songs, as well as stand-alone songs premiered by recording companies in the Greater Los Angeles Area... - Florence StanleyFlorence StanleyFlorence Stanley was an American actress of stage, film, and television.-Early life and career:Florence Stanley was born as Florence Schwartz in Chicago, the daughter of Hanna and Jack Schwartz. She began a long career on stage, film and TV starting in the 1940s...
is better known for her role as Judge Margaret Wilbur on My Two DadsMy Two DadsMy Two Dads is an American sitcom that starred Staci Keanan, Paul Reiser and Greg Evigan. It aired on NBC from 1987 to 1990 and was produced by Michael Jacobs Productions in association with TriStar Television and distributed by TeleVentures.-Show synopsis:The show begins when Marcy Bradford , the...
. - Ed Hamilton has done stunts for various movies.
- VTR Date: 02/27/1987
050. "Separation" (5A21)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
With George out of work and Marsha busy with law school
Law school
A law school is an institution specializing in legal education.- Law degrees :- Canada :...
, they have been spending little time together creating tension between the two. Soon fighting begins to erupt and Mr. Belvedere suggests that they try a marriage retreat but after a failed weekend at the retreat, they decide to separate, and George moves into an apartment. Meanwhile, Wesley, Heather and Kevin plot to get George and Marsha back together and Mr. Belvedere has a plan of his own.
- Broadcast: 05/01/1987
- An All-Star lineup of guest stars show up in this episode to convince George to reconcile with Marsha. They consist of Susan AntonSusan Anton-Youth:Anton attended Yucaipa High School in Yucaipa, California, and graduated in 1968. After high school, Anton attended San Bernardino Valley College...
, Bubba SmithBubba SmithCharles Aaron "Bubba" Smith was an American professional football player who became an actor after his retirement from the sport. He first came into prominence at Michigan State University, where he twice earned All-American honors as a defensive end on the Spartans football team...
, Edwin NewmanEdwin NewmanEdwin Harold Newman was an American newscaster, journalist and author.-Early life and education:Newman was born on January 25, 1919 in New York City to Myron and Rose Newman. His older brother was M. W. Newman, a longtime reporter for the Chicago Daily News. Newman married Rigel Grell on August...
, Dr. Joyce Brothers, and Tony DanzaTony DanzaTony Danza is an American actor best known for starring on the TV series Taxi and Who's the Boss?, for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award and four Golden Globe Awards...
. - Kenneth Tigar has acted in many movies and TV shows, including Growing PainsGrowing PainsGrowing Pains is an American television sitcom about an affluent family, residing in Huntington, New York, with a working mother and a stay-at-home psychiatrist father raising three children together, which aired on ABC from September 24, 1985 to April 25, 1992.-Synopsis:The show's premise is based...
. - Jim Jansen has acted in many movies and TV shows, such as MatlockMatlock (TV series)Matlock is an American television legal drama, starring Andy Griffith in the title role of attorney Ben Matlock. The show originally aired from September 23, 1986 to May 8, 1992 on NBC, where it replaced The A-Team, then from November 5, 1992 until May 7, 1995 on ABC.The show's format was similar...
. - Richard Marion is best known for his role as the Pharmacist's Mate Williams in Operation PetticoatOperation PetticoatOperation Petticoat is a 1959 comedy film directed by Blake Edwards, and starring Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. It was the basis for a television series in 1977 starring John Astin in Grant's role...
. - During this episode, George tells Mr. Belvedere that he starts his sportscasting job next week.
- Instead of the episode ending with Mr. Belvedere writing in his journal in his bedroom, this episode ends with him writing in it in George's former bachelor pad, as he is playing cards with three ladies.
- VTR Date: 03/06/1987
051. "The Mogul" (5A22)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Wesley becomes a mini-mogul when he organizes a company that goes around the neighborhood doing odd jobs. The company starts off small, with just him and Miles as partners. However, when greed overwhelms Wesley, Miles is fired, leaving Wesley power hungry and taking advantage of his employees. Meanwhile, Kevin debates over taking Wendy to the senior prom
Senior Prom
Senior Prom is a still-classified United States Air Force program to develop a stealth unmanned aerial vehicle for reconnaissance purposes , designed to be launched from a Lockheed DC-130, B-52 Stratofortress, or B-1 Lancer.-Origin and development:The program began in the late 1970s after the...
or a more popular girl.
- Broadcast: 05/08/1987
- Judie AronsonJudie AronsonJudith M. Aronson is an American actress who has starred in many films and a television show. The television series in which she starred was the short-lived Pursuit of Happiness as Sara Duncan from 1987-1988....
is best known for the short-lived show, Pursuit of Happiness, among other projects. - Michael Bacall has acted in several major motion pictures over the years.
- Heather alludes to the time George and Marsha separated in "Separation".
- Was intended to be the last taped episode of the series, but due to higher-than-expected fan interest, the show came back for its 4th season later that same year.
- VTR Date: 03/13/1987
Season 4 (1987-1988)
During this season, they alternated between Alan Bergmann, Michael Zinberg, Gerren Keith, Howard Storm, Don Corvan, Tony Singletary, and Tony Sheehan as directors, until they decided that Don Corvan should be the new permanent director.The 4th season began airing on October 30, 1987, at 9:00 P.M., which was previously occupied by Max Headroom
Max Headroom (TV series)
Max Headroom is a British-produced American science fiction television series by Chrysalis/Lakeside Productions that aired in the United States on ABC from March 1987 to May 1988. The series was based on the Channel 4 British TV pilot Max Headroom: 20 Minutes into the Future...
. The show would stay there until January 8, 1988. Afterwards, the show moved to 8:30 P.M., a timeslot that was previously occupied by I Married Dora
I Married Dora
I Married Dora is an American sitcom which appeared on the ABC television network. It premiered on September 22, 1987, and its final first-run episode aired on December 18, 1987. The series was created by Michael J...
(and was also its original timeslot during its first three seasons). The show would stay there until February 12, 1988. Lastly, on March 4, 1988, the show moved into the 9:00 P.M. timeslot, which was previously occupied by the short-lived sitcom The Thorns.
This season featured two episodes that were held-over until season 5 ("The Book" and "Black Widow").
During this season, George would finally get a job as a sportscaster, Marsha would finally graduate from law school and start a career as a lawyer, Kevin would finally enroll in College and get a new apartment, Heather would move on further in High School, and Wesley would graduate from Elemntary school.
Season 4 was filmed from June 1987-February 1988.
052. "Triangle" (5M01)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Wesley has been spending a lot of time in detention and little does anyone know that he has been getting into trouble on purpose because he secretly has a crush on the detention supervisor, Miss Connors. However, his little plan to spend time with Miss Connors goes awry when Kevin stops by to pick up Wesley, and he hits it off with her and they begin dating each other. Meanwhile, Heather gets fed up with her name and decides she wants to go by Bianca.
- Broadcast: 11/13/1987
- This was the first episode to be taped after the show avoided possible cancellation from ABC.
- First taped episode that featured the opening credits from seasons 4 & 5. In syndication, it was truncated, and used in seasons 1-5. The full version of this has been reinstated on Shout! Factory's season 4 DVD.
- George (Bob Uecker) is largely absent in this episode.
- Lisa Wilcox is best known for her role as Alice Johnson in A Nightmare on Elm Street IV and A Nightmare on Elm Street V.
- One of the older season 3 ending themes returns in this episode.
- VTR Date: 06/12/1987
053. "TV George" (5M02)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
George is excited about his new job as a sportscaster
Sportscaster
In sports broadcasting, a commentator gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast. The comments are normally a voiceover, with the sounds of the action and spectators also heard in the background. In the case of television commentary, the commentator...
for a local television station
Television station
A television station is a business, organisation or other such as an amateur television operator that transmits content over terrestrial television. A television transmission can be by analog television signals or, more recently, by digital television. Broadcast television systems standards are...
, but his co-workers give him less than a warm welcome. Meanwhile, George does not mind being in front of a camera until upper management tells him that to pull in the correct viewer segment, he should consider getting a facelift
Facelift
Facelift is the common name for rhytidectomy, a cosmetic surgery procedure.Facelift may also refer to:* Facelift , the revival of a product through cosmetic means such as changing its appearance...
. Meanwhile, Wesley's secret agenda has him refusing to bathe but the family could not care less as he quickly begins to stink up the house.
- Broadcast: 11/06/1987
- Norman Bartold makes his first appearance in the recurring role of Skip Hollings.
- Patti Yasutake is best known for her role as Alyssa Ogawa in the Star Trek universe. She also was in the 1995 TV movie Abandoned and Deceived, which Ilene Graff also appeared in.
- Mark L. TaylorMark L. TaylorMark L. Taylor is an American actor. He was born in Syracuse, New York.Taylor has appeared in various shows such as Seinfeld, Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal and Boston Legal...
(Neil) has acted in many movies and TV shows. - Alberto Ybarra appeared once more in "Commentary", also in season 4.
- The celebrity look-a-like (dressed like Michael JacksonMichael JacksonMichael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
) was played by Eric Evans. - Twink Caplan has worked with female film director Amy Heckerling several times, including Clueless and Look Who's Talking.
- VTR Date: 06/19/1987
054. "Initiation" (5M03)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Kevin has begun college and decides to join a fraternity
Fraternity
A fraternity is a brotherhood, though the term usually connotes a distinct or formal organization. An organization referred to as a fraternity may be a:*Secret society*Chivalric order*Benefit society*Friendly society*Social club*Trade union...
, and part of his initiation includes, donning women's clothing and also to bring the worst looking girl to a frat party. Coincidentally, Kevin meets a girl whom he thinks fits the bill, but wants to spare her feelings. However, he finds himself trapped and hurting her feelings seems to be the only way out. Meanwhile, Wesley's school has a talent contest and Wesley takes up ventriloquism
Ventriloquism
Ventriloquism, or ventriloquy, is an act of stagecraft in which a person manipulates his or her voice so that it appears that the voice is coming from elsewhere, usually a puppeteered "dummy"...
with a dummy that looks remarkably like Mr. Belvedere.
- Broadcast: 10/30/1987
- Featured song: "London Bridge is Falling DownLondon Bridge is Falling Down"London Bridge Is Falling Down" is a well-known traditional nursery rhyme and singing game, which is found in different versions all over the world. It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 502.-Lyrics:...
", sung by Brice Beckham. - Nancy CartwrightNancy CartwrightNancy Campbell Cartwright is an American film and television actress, comedian and voice artist. She is best known for her long-running role as Bart Simpson on the animated television series The Simpsons...
, who guest starred in this episode, is best known as the voice of Bart SimpsonBart SimpsonBartholomew JoJo "Bart" Simpson is a fictional main character in the animated television series The Simpsons and part of the Simpson family. He is voiced by actress Nancy Cartwright and first appeared on television in The Tracey Ullman Show short "Good Night" on April 19, 1987...
, among other cartoon characters. - This was the second time Kevin dressed in drag, the first time was in "Halloween" from season 3.
- Kevin alludes to Wendy, and the time he took her out to the prom in "The Mogul" from season 3.
- The later season 3 ending theme returns in this episode.
- VTR Date: 06/26/1987
055. "Moonlighting" (5M04)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Mr. Belvedere encounters an insufferable girl while waiting in line at a fast food
Fast food
Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, typically the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with preheated or precooked ingredients, and served to the customer in a...
restaurant, and Mr. Belvedere soon realizes that her family needs him just as much as the Owens family does. Soon, the Owens family begins to see less and less of Mr. Belvedere and they discover that he has been moonlighting for the other family. It soon turns out to be an all out war between families over who gets to keep Mr. Belvedere.
- Broadcast: 11/27/1987
- The title of this episode is in no way, shape, or form, in relation to the ABC crime drama series of the same name that was airing at the time.
- Mari Gorman (Beatrice Bilinski) has acted in many movies and TV shows, including Barney Miller, and even appeared on Mr. Belvedere again in season 5's "Hooky" as Doris.
- The pesky little girl in this episode is played by Emily SchulmanEmily SchulmanEmily Hope Schulman is a former child actress and commercial agent, and current acting instructor...
, who plays pesky neighbor girl Harriet Brindle on Small Wonder. - Lauri Hendler (Gimme a Break!Gimme a Break!Gimme a Break! is an American sitcom which aired on NBC from October 29, 1981, until May 12, 1987. The series stars Nell Carter as the housekeeper for a widowed police chief and his three daughters.-Premise:...
) plays as Bobbi Bilinski in this episode. - David GreenleeDavid GreenleeDavid Greenlee is an American voice actor and actor best known for his portrayal of the nerdy hall monitor Dwight in the 1982 television series Fame from season 2 through to season 5 .-Anime Roles:...
(Buzz Bilinski) is best known for his roles in TV shows such as FameFameThe words fame and famous are used in many contexts, most of them inspired by the concept of celebrity but Fame or famous may refer specifically to:* Fans of Adult Media and Entertainment Awards, created in 2006...
, Beauty and the BeastBeauty and the Beast (TV series)Beauty and the Beast is an American drama series which first aired on CBS in 1987. Creator Ron Koslow's updated version of the fairy tale has a double focus: the relationship between Vincent , a mythic, noble man-beast, and his Catherine , a savvy assistant District attorney in New York; and a...
, and Digimon: Digital Monsters. - Oliver ClarkOliver ClarkOliver Clark is an American character actor.Clark was born Richard Mardirosian in Buffalo, New York, the son of Afro and Matthew Mardirosian. He is of Armenian heritage. His brother, Tom Mardirosian, is also an actor. Clark made numerous appearances in film and television, particularly in the...
(Burt Bilinski) has appeared in many movies and TV shows, mostly in the 70's and 80's. He also appeared on Mr. Belvedere in season 5's "Hooky" as Lloyd. - This episode ends with Mr. Belvedere writing in his journal in his bedroom (which is in a damaged state of condition due to Wesley and Miles' science experiment gone horribly wrong) as usual, and then looking back on his very first journal entry since moving in with the Owens family, along with clips from "Stranger in the Night" (the pilot episode).
- VTR Date: 07/03/1987
056. "The Diary" (5M05)
Written by: Mitzi McCall Brill & Adrienne Armstrong
Heather's 16th birthday is coming up and George is having a hard time dealing with his little "Kitten" growing up. Meanwhile, Heather is getting over a breakup with her latest boyfriend and creates a fictional man in her diary which George just happens to glance at and becomes worried especially after Wesley discovers birth control
Birth control
Birth control is an umbrella term for several techniques and methods used to prevent fertilization or to interrupt pregnancy at various stages. Birth control techniques and methods include contraception , contragestion and abortion...
in Heather's room. Meanwhile, Wesley is searching for his lost snake, Captain Nemo
Captain Nemo
Captain Nemo, also known as Prince Dakkar, is a fictional character featured in Jules Verne's novels Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and The Mysterious Island ....
, but little does anyone know, Kevin is responsible for his disappearance.
- Broadcast: 01/29/1988
- Carey Scott (Emery) is best known for his recurring role as Wes Tyson on Walker, Texas RangerWalker, Texas RangerWalker, Texas Ranger is an American television action crime drama series created by Leslie Greif and Paul Haggis, and starring Chuck Norris as a member of the Texas Ranger Division. The show aired on CBS in the spring of 1993, with the first season consisting of three pilot episodes. Eight full...
- Derek Rydall (Joel) has written several episodes of Power Rangers Wild Force
- As of this episode, Liz Sage is now credited as "Supervising Producer".
- VTR Date: 09/04/1987
057. "G.I. George" (5M06)
Written by: Jeff Greenstein & Jeff Strauss
Wesley is trying to find someone he can use for his history assignment, someone who would be willing to speak in front of his class and talk about something they lived through. Wesley immediately volunteers George, whose Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
stories awed him when he was younger, but he is now disappointed to learn that George had made them all up. Meanwhile, Marsha prepares the family for a family portrait
Family Portrait
Family Portrait may refer to:portraiture painting* a genre of portrait painting** Family Portrait or The Bellelli Family, a portrait by Degas** Portrait of the Family Hinlopen by Metsu** Portrait of the Vendramin Family by Titianphotography...
, and Mr. Belvedere feels left out when he is not asked to appear in it.
- Broadcast: 01/08/1988
- Beatrice Colen has appeared in many movies and TV shows, including Happy DaysHappy DaysHappy Days is an American television sitcom that originally aired from January 15, 1974, to September 24, 1984, on ABC. Created by Garry Marshall, the series presents an idealized vision of life in mid-1950s to mid-1960s America....
. - Douglas Emerson (Vance) is best known for his role as Scott Scanlon on Beverly Hills, 90210Beverly Hills, 90210Beverly Hills, 90210 is an American drama series that originally aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000 on Fox and was produced by Spelling Television in the United States, and subsequently on various networks around the world. It is the first series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
. - Beth Grant (Mrs. Meyers) has acted in many movies and TV shows, including CoachCoach (TV series)Coach is an American television sitcom that aired for nine seasons on ABC from 1989 to 1997. The series starred Craig T. Nelson as Hayden Fox, head coach of the fictional Division I-A college football team, the Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles...
, JerichoJerichoJericho ; is a city located near the Jordan River in the West Bank of the Palestinian territories. It is the capital of the Jericho Governorate and has a population of more than 20,000. Situated well below sea level on an east-west route north of the Dead Sea, Jericho is the lowest permanently...
and King of the HillKing of the HillKing of the Hill is an American animated dramedy series created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, that ran from January 12, 1997, to May 6, 2010, on Fox network. It centers on the Hills, a working-class Methodist family in the fictional small town of Arlen, Texas...
. - The outfits that the Owens family and Mr. Belvedere are wearing for their family portrait near the end of this episode, are very similar to the ones that they wore in the season 3 cast picture, as seen in the opening credits to seasons 3-6.
- As of this episode, Mr. Belvedere's desktop lamp now has a neon teal-green shade.
- VTR Date: 09/18/1987
058. "Marsha's Job" (5M07)
Written by: Liz Sage
Marsha has been waiting for her letter from the National Bar Association
National Bar Association
The National Bar Association was established in 1925 as the "Negro Bar Association" after Gertrude Rush, George H. Woodson, S. Joe Brown, James B. Morris, and Charles P. Howard, Sr. were denied membership in the American Bar Association. It represents the interests of African-American attorneys in...
with the news of whether or not she has graduated law school. The entire family is overjoyed when she finally does get the news that she passed. However, she quickly finds it difficult searching for a job in a law firm and when she is hired she finds herself dealing with her boss who has anything but law on his mind when he begins making passes at her. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere begins a crash diet
Crash diet
A crash diet is a diet which is extreme in its nutritional deprivations, typically severely restricting calorie intake. It is meant to achieve rapid weight loss and may differ from outright starvation only slightly. It is not meant to last for long periods of time, at most a few weeks. ...
.
- Broadcast: 11/20/1987
- Richard Doyle's name is misspelled in the end credits as Richard "Doyal".
- Terry Carter (Mr. Bark), has acted in many movies and TV shows, including McCloud, Battlestar GalacticaBattlestar GalacticaBattlestar Galactica is an American science fiction franchise created by Glen A. Larson. The franchise began with the Battlestar Galactica TV series in 1978, and was followed by a brief sequel TV series in 1980, a line of book adaptations, original novels, comic books, a board game, and video games...
, The Phil Silvers ShowThe Phil Silvers ShowThe Phil Silvers Show is a comedy television series which ran on CBS from 1955 to 1959 for 142 episodes, plus a 1959 special. The series starred Phil Silvers as Master Sergeant Ernest G...
, and Foxy Brown. - George Tovar is best known as a world class magician.
- Granville Van Dusen (Doug Metcalf) is best known for his work on Port CharlesPort CharlesPort Charles was a daytime soap opera which aired on ABC from June 2, 1997 to October 3, 2003. It is a spin-off of the serial General Hospital, which has been running since 1963 and takes place in the fictional city of Port Charles, New York...
and The Young and the Restless. - This episode marks the first time one of the Hufnagels appears on the show. However, only his voice was heard, and was portrayed by Cliff Bemis. He also appeared in "The Apartment", also from this season.
- VTR Date: 09/25/1987
059. "The Wedding" (5M08)
Written by: Jeff Stein
Kevin is excited when he learns that his old high school friend, Wendy, is coming to town for a visit and she has a surprise, she is engaged. Kevin feels a little disappointed when it appears that Wendy got over her crush for him and has moved on, or has she and to make matters worse, Kevin decides to get everything out in the open during her wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere may be in hot water when he accidentally lets Wesley's pet myna bird fly out the window.
- Broadcast: 12/04/1987
- Walter Olkewicz (Allan) is best known for his recurring role on Grace Under Fire as Dougie Boudreau. He also reprised his role as Allan in season 5's "Really Full House".
- Debi Monahan (Fawn) had a recurring role on Night CourtNight CourtNight Court is an American television situation comedy that aired on NBC from January 4, 1984, to May 20, 1992. The setting was the night shift of a Manhattan court, presided over by the young, unorthodox Judge Harold T. "Harry" Stone...
as Roxanne Reynolds. She also appeared again on Mr. Belvedere in season 5's "Fat Cats" as Ginger. - Elvis, the talking Myna Bird, was voiced by Karen Hartman, who is best known for her role as Talkatoo Cockatoo on Zoobilee ZooZoobilee ZooZoobilee Zoo is an Emmy Award-winning children's television program featuring costumed performers dressed as animal characters. It originally aired from 1986–1987, then in syndication until 2001 on several television channels including commercial network television stations, public television...
. - VTR Date: 10/02/1987
060. "The Counselor" (5M09)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Summer vacation
Summer vacation
Summer vacation is a vacation in the summertime between school years in which students and instructors are off school typically between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on the country and district.-Students:In some countries, students participate in programs such as organized sports, summer camps, and...
has Heather taking summer classes, Kevin working overtime and Wesley going to a day camp
Day camp
Day camps are geared for schoolchildren. They offer activities in a larger social setting, usually in the children's home town or nearby and the children return home in the evenings...
. While at the camp, Wesley finds himself a victim when one of the counselors touches him inappropriately, leaving Wesley feeling guilty and scared and unsure if he should keep it a "secret" like the counselor encourages him to. Meanwhile, George wants to golf but has no one to go with until Mr. Belvedere volunteers. However, George soon discovers that golfing with the butler may have been a mistake.
- Broadcast: 05/06/1988
- Featured song: "Ride of the ValkyriesRide of the ValkyriesThe Ride of the Valkyries is the popular term for the beginning of Act III of Die Walküre, the second of the four operas by Richard Wagner that comprise Der Ring des Nibelungen. The main theme of the Ride, the leitmotif labelled Walkürenritt, was first written down by the composer on 23 July 1851...
" by Richard WagnerRichard WagnerWilhelm Richard Wagner was a German composer, conductor, theatre director, philosopher, music theorist, poet, essayist and writer primarily known for his operas...
. Mr. Belvedere is seen dancing to this song on record at the start of act 1 of this episode. Also heard is the popular children's nursery rhyme "B-I-N-G-O". - Michael Horton (Counselor Perry) is best known for his role as Grady Fletcher on Murder, She WroteMurder, She WroteMurder, She Wrote is an American television mystery series starring Angela Lansbury as mystery writer and amateur detective Jessica Fletcher. The series aired for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1996 on the CBS network, with 264 episodes transmitted. It was followed by four TV films and a spin-off series,...
. - Diana Bellamy (Miss Pritchard) is best known for her role as Principal Cecelia Hall on PopularPopular (TV series)Popular is an American teenage comedy-drama on The WB Television Network in the United States, created by Ryan Murphy and Gina Matthews, starring Leslie Bibb and Carly Pope as two teenage girls that reside on polar opposite sides of the popularity spectrum at their high school, but are forced to...
. - Justin GockeJustin GockeJustin Gocke is an American actor.As a former child actor, he is known for his role as Brandon Capwell on the daytime television series Santa Barbara for which he won a Daytime Emmy Award for a Younger Actor....
(Kyle) is best known for his role as Brandon Capwell on Santa Barbara. - This episode has no journal scene. Instead, it ends with Christopher Hewett (Mr. Belvedere) and Brice Beckham (Wesley) addressing the audience the topic of this episode.
- A reference to this episode can be heard in the "Saved by the Belvedere" episode of Ned and Stacey. In the scene where he was writing in his journal in the TV Studio, he says "Wesley should be returning from summer camp soon. I have to admit, I miss the little fellow, the rascal that he is."
- VTR Date: 10/09/1987
061. "Fall Guy" (5M10)
Written by: Doug Steckler
Wesley is left home alone one evening as George, Marsha and Mr. Belvedere go out to the opera
Opera
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
, Heather goes to the movies with Angela and Kevin goes out on a date. The next morning Marsha is furious when she discovers that her "Home Sweet Home" pillow has been destroyed. This leads to Wesley to take the fall for Kevin, who was responsible for the pillow being ruined. However, evidence soon begins to mount that leads the family to speculate what really happened, a la Rashomon
Rashomon (film)
The bandit's storyTajōmaru, a notorious brigand , claims that he tricked the samurai to step off the mountain trail with him and look at a cache of ancient swords he discovered. In the grove he tied the samurai to a tree, then brought the woman there. She initially tried to defend herself with a...
.
- Broadcast: 12/11/1987
- Featured song: "Sixteen Tons", a few lines sung by Brice Beckham, as he is cleaning the fireplace.
- Michael Goldfinger has acted in many movies and TV shows during the 80's and 90's, and also appeared on Mr. Belvedere again in season 5's "Stakeout" and season 6's "Truckin' and part 1 of the series finale.
- A billiard promoting Robert Goulet appears in Mr. Belvedere's version of what happened, but Goulet does not appear in this episode.
- VTR Date: 10/30/1987
062. "Christmas Story" (5M11)
Written by: Doug Steckler
The Owens family begins to prepare their home for Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
, but strangely Mr. Belvedere seems anything but in the Christmas spirit. Wesley sneaks into his room and discovers the perfect gift for Mr. Belvedere, but even that may not be enough to cheer him up. Meanwhile, both Kevin and Heather would like to be anywhere but home for Christmas, which leads to a family feud that just may lead to George and Marsha canceling the entire Christmas celebration.
- Broadcast: 12/18/1987
- First of two Christmas episodes that the show did, the other was "A Happy Guys' Christmas", from season 6.
- Meg WyllieMeg WyllieMargaret Gillespie "Meg" Wyllie was an American actress. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she was the first ever Star Trek villain, the Talosian Keeper in the first Star Trek: The Original Series pilot episode The Cage. The character was voiced by Malachi Throne...
(Pamela Kent) has acted in many movies and TV shows, until her death in 2002, most notably, as the first Star Trek villain in Star Trek: The Original SeriesStar Trek: The Original SeriesStar Trek is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry, produced by Desilu Productions . Star Trek was telecast on NBC from September 8, 1966, through June 3, 1969...
. - Featured songs: "I Have a Little Dreidel" and "It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas", both sung by Brice Beckham, and an instrumental rendition of "Joy to the World".
- VTR Date: 11/06/1987
063. "Kevin's Model" (5M12)
Written by: Jim Kearns
Kevin is excited about his new semester in college and his friend Carl talks him into taking an art class. Kevin soon begins to fall for one of the female nude models and they begin to get quite serious. However, Kevin soon becomes uncomfortable with her posing nude and insists that she quit. Meanwhile, Heather tattles on Wesley when he breaks the Huffnagels' living room window using a slingshot
Slingshot
A slingshot, shanghai, flip, bean shooter or catapult is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. The classic form consists of a Y-shaped frame held in the off hand, with two rubber strips attached to the uprights. The other ends of the strips lead back to a pocket which holds the projectile...
, and he decides to take revenge by making her think she is going crazy.
- Broadcast: 01/15/1988
- Krista ErricksonKrista ErricksonKrista Anne Errickson is an American actress, journalist, and documentary writer/producer who appeared in films and television productions in the 1980s and 1990s. As a teen actress, she is most recognized for her role as teen antagonist Cinder in the 1980 movie Little Darlings and the TV series...
(Amy Nelson) is best known for her role as "Cinder Carlson" in Little DarlingsLittle DarlingsLittle Darlings is a 1980 teen film starring Tatum O'Neal, Kristy McNichol, Matt Dillon and Armand Assante, directed by Ronald F. Maxwell.The screenplay is written by Kimi Peck and Dalene Young. The original music score is composed by Charles Fox...
. - Rita Zohar (Ms. Fielding) has acted in many movies and TV shows.
- VTR Date: 11/13/1987
064. "Commentary" (5M13)
Written by: Jack Carrerrow
George is nervous when he is assigned to do editorials during his sports broadcasts at the television station. At first he is not quite sure what to do and starts off with something tame (protective sports gear), but quickly jumps to the controversial when he condemns the singing of the National Anthem
National anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
at sports games. However, George's intention soon gets him in hot water as his opinion proves very unpopular and he finds himself being forced by the station manager into doing humiliating jobs to force him to quit.
- Broadcast: 01/22/1988
- Pat CorleyPat CorleyPat Corley was an American actor. He was known for his role as bar owner Phil on the CBS sitcom Murphy Brown from 1988–1996. He also had a recurring role as Chief Coroner Wally Nydorf on the television drama Hill Street Blues...
(Mr. Franklin) is best known for his role as Phil in Murphy BrownMurphy BrownMurphy Brown is an American situation comedy which aired on CBS from November 14, 1988, to May 18, 1998, for a total of 247 episodes. The program starred Candice Bergen as the eponymous Murphy Brown, a famous investigative journalist and news anchor for FYI, a fictional CBS television...
. - Michael BurgerMichael BurgerMichael Burger is an American actor and game show host. He is best known for hosting the game show, Match Game, and co-hosting the 1994 ABC talk show Mike and Maty...
appears later in the series as a game show host in the season 6 episode "Brain Busters". - Ernie AndersonErnie AndersonErnie Anderson was an American disc jockey, and television and radio announcer/voiceover artist...
, who appears in this episode as an announcer, is best known as "The Voice of ABC", the network that aired the show during its original run. - Mr. Franklin's name is spelled in the end credits as "Mr. Patton" for some reason.
- Maggie Han replaces Patti Yasutake as Tami in this episode.
- Jim Poslof is a stuntman. He also appeared again on Mr. Belvedere in "Black Widow".
- VTR Date: 11/20/1987
065. "The Book" (5M14)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Mr. Belvedere decides to try to capitalize on his years of living with the Owens family when he goes though his journals to use as references on a book that he is writing. However, once the book is published, no one in the family is pleased with the end result. Meanwhile, George discovers Marsha has been secretly saving money to buy a Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
, and Kevin joins the pep squad in an attempt to meet girls, but ends up becoming the team mascot.
- Broadcast: 03/31/1989
- This episode was made for the 4th Season, but ABC held it back and aired it as part of the 5th season.
- Larry GelmanLarry GelmanLarry Gelman is an American film and television character actor. He is best known for playing Dr. Bernie Tupperman on the US TV series The Bob Newhart Show and Vinnie, the poker playing friend of Oscar and Felix, in The Odd Couple.He also played Professor Albert Einstein in the real-time...
is best known for his role as Dr. Bernie Tupperman in The Bob Newhart ShowThe Bob Newhart ShowThe Bob Newhart Show is an American situation comedy produced by MTM Enterprises, which aired 142 original episodes on CBS from September 16, , to April 1, . Comedian Bob Newhart portrayed a psychologist having to deal with his patients and fellow office workers...
. He also appeared again on Mr. Belvedere in season 6's "Fixed". - VTR Date: 12/04/1987
066. "Kevin Nightingale" (5M15)
Written by: Liz Sage
George and Marsha get fed up with Kevin and his not making a decision on a college major. After some soul searching, Kevin finally makes up his mind, he decides on nursing
Nursing
Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death....
and he quits his current part time job and gets one as an orderly
Orderly
A medical orderly , is a hospital attendant whose job consists of assisting medical and/or nursing staff with various nursing and/or medical interventions. These duties are classified as routine tasks involving no risk for the patient.- Job details :Orderlies are often utilized in various hospital...
at a hospital. However, George and Marsha are not convinced that this is what Kevin really wants to do. Meanwhile, Wesley becomes an efficiency officer and begins to manage Mr. Belvedere's time and Heather is not looking forward to a frog dissection
Dissection
Dissection is usually the process of disassembling and observing something to determine its internal structure and as an aid to discerning the functions and relationships of its components....
in biology
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
.
- Broadcast: 03/18/1988
- Featured song: Mr. Belvedere humming "Blue Danube" (by Johann Strauss IIJohann Strauss IIJohann Strauss II , also known as Johann Baptist Strauss or Johann Strauss, Jr., the Younger, or the Son , was an Austrian composer of light music, particularly dance music and operettas. He composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas...
). - Marianne MuellerleileMarianne Muellerleile-Life and career:Muellerleile was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Margaret and Cecil E. Muellerleile, an oil company executive....
(Nurse Laetita Hawkins) has acted in many movies and TV shows, including Passions. - Luisa Leschin is best known for her recurring role on Square One TV.
- Carlos LacamaraCarlos LacamaraCarlos Lacámara , sometimes credited as Carlos Lacamara or Carlos LaCamara, is a Cuban-born American actor and playwright who has had a long career on American television, making his first appearance in 1983 on the sitcom Family Ties...
is a veteran Cuban-American actor. - Instead of the episode ending with Mr. Belvedere writing in his journal in his bedroom, this episode ends with him writing in it in his hospital bed, and is then surrounded by a group of pretty nurses.
- VTR Date: 12/11/1987
067. "The Trip: Part 1" (5M16)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Heather and Angela have been volunteering at the nursing home again, and this time have befriended a Mr. Sparks, who has been spending time with a female resident. When she passes away, Mr. Sparks falls into a depression
Depression (mood)
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, feelings and physical well-being. Depressed people may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, or restless...
and the girls decide to honor his wishes and they break him out of the home and take him on a trip to Atlantic City. Meanwhile, George has a hard time coming up with a gift for Marsha for their 20th wedding anniversary and Mr. Belvedere catches gambling fever and Wesley becomes his good luck charm.
- Broadcast: 02/05/1988
- Featured song: Mr. Belvedere singing a few lines of "We're in the Money", written by Al DubinAl DubinAlexander "Al" Dubin was an American lyricist. He became known through his collaborations with the composer Harry Warren.-Life and works:...
and Harry WarrenHarry WarrenHarry Warren was an American composer and lyricist. Warren was the first major American songwriter to write primarily for film. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song eleven times and won three Oscars for composing "Lullaby of Broadway", "You'll Never Know" and "On the Atchison,...
for Gold Diggers of 1933Gold Diggers of 1933Gold Diggers of 1933 is a pre-code Warner Bros. musical film directed by Mervyn LeRoy with songs by Harry Warren and Al Dubin , staged and choreographed by Busby Berkeley... - Elizabeth Kerr (Dolores) has acted in many movies and TV shows, including a recurring role as Cora Hudson on Mork & Mindy.
- Heather alludes to the time Wesley's Hamster "died" in "Inky" from season 3.
- This episode has no journal scene. Instead, it ends with Wesley thinking to himself as Heather drives him, Angela and Mr. Sparks to Atlantic City.
- First episode to have a 1988 copyright date.
- VTR Date: 01/08/1988
068. "The Trip: Part 2" (5M17)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
Heather, Angela and Wesley head for Atlantic City with Mr. Sparks after breaking him out of the nursing home and hit up the first casino
Casino
In modern English, a casino is a facility which houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other tourist attractions...
they see. Meanwhile, George and Marsha's second honeymoon
Honeymoon
-History:One early reference to a honeymoon is in Deuteronomy 24:5 “When a man is newly wed, he need not go out on a military expedition, nor shall any public duty be imposed on him...
is a bust, and they decide to high tail to Atlantic City as well, leaving Mr. Belvedere furious when he learns that Heather and Wesley have left the state. Kevin and Mr. Belvedere quickly hitch a ride with Robert Goulet
Robert Goulet
Robert Gerard Goulet was a Canadian American entertainer as a singer and actor. He played the role of Lancelot in the Broadway musical Camelot of 1960.-Early life:...
, with their destination being Atlantic City and the stage is set for all parties to collide while Mr. Sparks has the time of his life.
- Broadcast: 02/12/1988
- Second appearance of Robert GouletRobert GouletRobert Gerard Goulet was a Canadian American entertainer as a singer and actor. He played the role of Lancelot in the Broadway musical Camelot of 1960.-Early life:...
. - Vernee Watson-JohnsonVernee Watson-JohnsonVernee Watson-Johnson is an American actress. She is best known for her recurring roles as Vernajean Williams on Welcome Back, Kotter and as Viola "Vy" Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, playing the mother of Will Smith's character.She played a small role on Sister, Sister as Lisa's best...
is best known for her roles in TV shows such as Sister, SisterSister, Sister (TV series)Sister, Sister is an American television sitcom about identical twin girls Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell , who were separated and adopted at birth, when one day they come face-to-face after 14 years apart....
. - Featured songs: "On a Clear Day, You Can See Forever" (performed by Robert Goulet), "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" (also sung by Goulet), and "I Got You BabeI Got You Babe"I Got You Babe" is a 1965 #1 single by American pop music duo Sonny & Cher.-Background and composition:Sonny Bono, a songwriter and record producer for Phil Spector, wrote the lyrics to and composed the music of the song for himself and his then-wife, Cher, late at night in their basement. Session...
", written by Sonny BonoSonny BonoSalvatore Phillip "Sonny" Bono was an American recording artist, record producer, actor, and politician whose career spanned over three decades.-Early life:...
(performed by Robert Goulet, Bob Uecker, and Ilene Graff). - Instead of the episode ending with Mr. Belvedere writing in his journal in his bedroom, this episode ends with him writing in it in an Atlantic City casino, and is then surrounded by a group of pretty ladies.
- VTR Date: 01/15/1988
069. "Foxtrot" (5M18)
Written by: Doug Steckler
Marsha and George go out dancing and Marsha decides that she would like to start taking dance lessons but when George decides he does not want to participate, Mr. Belvedere steps in and soon Marsha and Mr. Belvedere begin stepping out every night. Meanwhile, Heather and Wesley become convinced that Mr. Belvedere is falling for Marsha and try their best to get George to spend more time with her. Meanwhile, Kevin gets a job as a dishwasher
Dishwasher
A dishwasher is a mechanical device for cleaning dishes and eating utensils. Dishwashers can be found in restaurants and private homes.Unlike manual dishwashing, which relies largely on physical scrubbing to remove soiling, the mechanical dishwasher cleans by spraying hot water, typically between ...
at a sorority house and finds himself fending off every female in the house.
- Broadcast: 03/04/1988
- Featured song: Mr. Belvedere singing a few lines of "Love is a Many Splendored ThingLove Is a Many Splendored ThingLove Is a Many Splendored Thing is an American daytime soap opera which aired on CBS from September 18, 1967 to March 23, 1973. The series was created by Irna Phillips, who served as the first head writer. She was replaced by Jane Avery and Ira Avery in 1968, who were followed by Don Ettlinger,...
", written by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster for the 20th Century Fox film of the same name. - Anne Elizabeth Ramsay (Tanya) is best known for her role as Lisa Stemple on Mad About YouMad About YouMad About You is an American sitcom that aired on NBC from September 23, 1992 to May 24, 1999. The show starred Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt as a newly married couple in New York City. Reiser played Paul Buchman, a documentary film maker. Hunt played Jamie Stemple Buchman, a public relations specialist...
. - When this episode aired, the show moved into the 9:00 P.M. timeslot, which was previously occupied by the short-lived sitcom The Thorns.
- VTR Date: 01/22/1988
070. "The Apartment" (5M19)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein & Tony Sheehan
One evening, Kevin brings home his date thinking he has the house to himself, only to discover George and Marsha making out on the couch. Fed up with having no privacy, Kevin decides to move into an apartment of his own and advertises for a roommate. His ad is answered in the form of Mr. Belvedere who got fed up with having no privacy of his own and barges in on Kevin. Meanwhile, the rest of the family fights over what to make out of Kevin's old room.
- Broadcast: 03/25/1988
- Clare CareyClare CareyClare Carey is a film and television actress.-Background:Carey was born at a Catholic mission in Zimbabwe where her father and mother were serving...
(Denise) is best known for her roles in TV shows such as Coach. - Matt Maranian makes his first of two appearances as Anatole, the other was in season 5's "The Curse".
- VTR Date: 01/29/1988
071. "Heather's Monk" (5M20)
Written by: Jim Kearns
Heather and Angela join chorus
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
, but neither one of them has a singing voice, though Heather has other things on her mind when she eyes an attractive senior who she asks out on a date. However, her romance gets the brakes when he reveals he is joining the seminary
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
to become a priest, and Heather is in a state of shock when he asks to sleep with her days before he is scheduled to leave. Meanwhile, the family does their best with their free time when Wesley breaks the TV.
- Broadcast: 03/11/1988
- Featured songs: "Purple People EaterPurple People Eater"Purple People Eater" is a novelty song, written and performed by Sheb Wooley, that reached #1 in the Billboard pop charts in 1958.-Composition:...
" (originally written and performed by Sheb Wolbey), "How Are Things In Glocca Morra?" (written by Burton Lane and E.Y. Harburg), "Amazing Grace" - Robert PetkoffRobert PetkoffRobert Petkoff is an award-winning American stage actor known for his work in Shakespearean productions and more recently on the New York City musical theater stage. Petkoff has performed on Broadway, the West End, regional theatre, and done work in film and television...
(Danny Murphy) is a prominent stage and screen actor. - Paul Barselou (Gerald) is best known for his roles in TV shows such as Dennis the Menace, and BewitchedBewitchedBewitched is an American situation comedy originally broadcast for eight seasons on ABC from 1964 to 1972, starring Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York and Dick Sargent , Agnes Moorehead, and David White. The show is about a witch who marries a mortal and tries to lead the life of a typical suburban...
. - Ellen Crawford (Clarie) has acted in many movies and TV shows, and has performed on stage.
- VTR Date: 02/05/1988
072. "Black Widow" (5M21)
Teleplay by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Story by: Doug McIntyre
George is offered a guest appearance on a local talk show
Talk show
A talk show or chat show is a television program or radio program where one person discuss various topics put forth by a talk show host....
and the host, Barbara Collins, becomes smitten with him. Later, George learns of her reputation for hiring attractive co-hosts and then luring them into bed. George is not worried at first until he finds Barbara throwing her weight around and squeezing him out of his sportscaster
Sportscaster
In sports broadcasting, a commentator gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast. The comments are normally a voiceover, with the sounds of the action and spectators also heard in the background. In the case of television commentary, the commentator...
job and George finds himself trapped, which just may threaten his marriage. Meanwhile, a makeover
Makeover
A makeover is a term applied to changing one's appearance, sometimes through cosmetics. Makeovers can range from something as simple as a new haircut, to the use of cosmetic surgery, to the extreme of the implantation of dental veneers, eye-color-changing contact lenses, and the use of...
from Heather has Wesley becoming a slave to fashion.
- Broadcast: 12/09/1988
- This episode was made for the 4th Season, but ABC held it back and aired it as part of the 5th season.
- Barbara Collins was played by stage and screen actress Lois NettletonLois NettletonLois June Nettleton was an American actress of film, stage, and television. She was Miss Chicago of 1948 as well as a semifinalist at that year's Miss America Pageant.-Early years:...
. - Marcia Lewis (Estelle) is a Tony-Award nominated actress.
- Donn Simione (Brad Buckley) was the celebrity centerfold in the September 1989 issue of Playgirl magazine.
- VTR Date: 02/12/1988
073. "Graduation" (5M22)
Written by: Liz Sage
Wesley has been named valedictorian
Valedictorian
Valedictorian is an academic title conferred upon the student who delivers the closing or farewell statement at a graduation ceremony. Usually, the valedictorian is the highest ranked student among those graduating from an educational institution...
of his graduating elementary class, but days before the ceremony, Wesley plays a prank at a school dance and his classmates insist that he grow up. This leads Wesley to start wearing suits to school and begins acting more like an adult, which turns out to be a little too grown-up for his classmates. Meanwhile, Heather and George prepare for a father-daughter race but George finds it hard to keep up and Kevin thinks he saw a UFO and stakes out the backyard, ready for another encounter.
- Broadcast: 04/29/1988
- Featured song: "Pomp and Circumstance"
- Robert Casper (Principal Hodges) is best known for his role as Mr. Barry Wisegarten on Room 222Room 222Room 222 is an American comedy-drama television series produced by 20th Century Fox Television. The series aired on ABC from September 17, 1969, to January 11, 1974, for 112 episodes...
. - Brandon Crane is best known for his recurring role on The Wonder YearsThe Wonder YearsThe Wonder Years is an American television comedy-drama created by Carol Black and Neal Marlens. It ran for six seasons on ABC from 1988 through 1993. The pilot aired on January 31, 1988 after ABC's coverage of Super Bowl XXII....
as Doug Porter. - Nick Toth (Bob Kincaid) is a veteran film and TV actor. He also appeared as a manager in season 5's "Hooky".
- Laura Mooney (Roberta) is best known as the voice of Princess Camille in Little Nemo: Adventures in SlumberlandLittle Nemo: Adventures in SlumberlandLittle Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, known in Japan as simply Nemo, is a 1989 animated film directed by Masami Hata and William T. Hurtz. Loosely based on the comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland by Winsor McCay, the film went through a lengthy development process with a number of screenwriters...
, and as the voice of Katie Ka-Boom on AnimaniacsAnimaniacsSteven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs, usually referred to as simply Animaniacs, is an American animated series, distributed by Warner Bros. Television and produced by Amblin Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. The cartoon was the second animated series produced by the collaboration of Steven...
. She would also go on to have a recurring role in the final season of Mr. Belvedere as one of Wesley's love interests named Marjorie. - VTR Date: 02/19/1988
Season 5 (1988-1989)
During this season, Mr. Belvedere was one of the four original shows on ABC's then newly established TGIFTGIF (ABC)
TGIF was the name of an American family-friendly prime time television programming block on the ABC network. The name comes from the initials of the popular phrase "Thank God It's Friday"...
block, which began during this season, along with Perfect Strangers
Perfect Strangers (TV series)
Perfect Strangers is an American sitcom that ran for eight seasons from March 25, 1986, to August 6, 1993, on the ABC television network. Created by Dale McRaven, the series chronicles the rocky coexistence of midwestern American Larry Appleton and his distant cousin from eastern Mediterranean...
, Full House
Full House
Full House is an American sitcom television series. Set in San Francisco, the show chronicles widowed father Danny Tanner, who, after the death of his wife, enlists his best friend Joey Gladstone and his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis to help raise his three daughters, D.J., Stephanie, and...
, and Just the Ten of Us
Just the Ten of Us
Just the Ten of Us is an American sitcom starring stand-up comedian Bill Kirchenbauer as Coach Graham Lubbock, a teacher and the head of a large Catholic family with eight children living in Eureka, California. The series was a spin-off of Growing Pains, in which Kirchenbauer portrayed the same...
.
Because of the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike
1988 Writers Guild of America strike
The 1988 Writers Guild of America strike was a strike action taken by members of both the Writers Guild of America, East and the Writers Guild of America, West against major United States television and film studios represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers...
, season 5, along with the rest of the 1988-1989 primetime season, began in October.
"The Book" and "Black Widow", two season 4 leftovers, aired during this season.
After May 5, 1989, reruns of select episodes from select seasons aired in the 9:00 P.M. timeslot, until July 28, 1989. A week later, the show moved into the 8:30 P.M. timeslot. It would stay there until September 1, 1989. A week later, the show moved to Saturday nights at 8:00 P.M., and its original 8:30 P.M. timeslot was soon given to a new ABC sitcom called Family Matters.
Finally, there were two episodes ("The Dinner" and "The Attic") that, for some reason, were shelved by ABC until syndication.
Season 5 was filmed from August 1988-March 1989.
074. "Fat Cats" (5V01)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George's manager at the TV station orders him to lose 15 pounds, so George decides to go to a fat farm
Fat Farm
"Fat Farm" is a short story by Orson Scott Card. It appears in his short story collection Maps in a Mirror. Card originally published this story in the January 1980 issue of Omni magazine.-Plot summary:...
and brings Mr. Belvedere along for the excitement. However, they soon find themselves having a hard time sticking to the regime and when George sneaks pizza
Pizza
Pizza is an oven-baked, flat, disc-shaped bread typically topped with a tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings.Originating in Italy, from the Neapolitan cuisine, the dish has become popular in many parts of the world. An establishment that makes and sells pizzas is called a "pizzeria"...
onto the premises and Mr. Belvedere gets blamed, both of them get kicked out. Meanwhile, Kevin baby-sits his girlfriend's cat that escapes and holds Marsha, Heather and Wesley hostage, while totally destroying the house.
- Broadcast: 10/14/1988
- Fat farm moderator Roy Gallagher is played by James CromwellJames CromwellJames Oliver Cromwell is an American film and television actor. Some of his more notable roles are in Babe , for which he earned Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, Star Trek: First Contact , L.A...
(BabeBabe (film)Babe is a 1995 Australian-American film directed by Chris Noonan. It is an adaptation of the 1983 novel The Sheep-Pig, also known as Babe: The Gallant Pig in the United States, by Dick King-Smith and tells the story of a pig who wants to be a sheepdog...
, The Green MileThe Green Mile (film)The Green Mile is a 1999 American drama film directed by Frank Darabont and adapted by him from the 1996 Stephen King novel of the same name...
, LA Confidential). - VTR Date: 08/19/1988
075. "Braces" (5V02)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
George is having a fit when he and Wesley have to go to the dentist for a routine checkup. However, when they come back Wesley is the one having the fit, the dentist suggested he get braces. Worried that braces would ruin relationship with a girl, Wesley quickly comes up with a plot to try to avoid getting them, however, his ill thought out plan does not fool Mr. Belvedere. Meanwhile, Kevin is trying to cut costs and Mr. Belvedere buys Kevin's old car and he does not know that Kevin's unloading a lemon.
- Broadcast: 10/28/1988
- Jenny LewisJenny LewisJennifer Diane Lewis , is an American singer-songwriter musician and actress. She was the primary vocalist of the indie rock band Rilo Kiley, and has released two solo albums. She currently performs as part of the duo Jenny & Johnny with boyfriend Johnathan Rice...
(from the 1989 NintendoNintendois a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
-sponsored movie The WizardThe Wizard (film)The Wizard is a 1989 adventure dramedy film starring Fred Savage, Luke Edwards, and Jenny Lewis...
) plays Kimberly in this episode. - VTR Date: 08/26/1988
076. "Roommates" (5V03)
Written by: Liz Sage & Doug Steckler
Kevin has had it with his foreign exchange student roommate, Anatole, who keeps a pet goat
Goat
The domestic goat is a subspecies of goat domesticated from the wild goat of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the Bovidae family and is closely related to the sheep as both are in the goat-antelope subfamily Caprinae. There are over three hundred distinct breeds of...
in the apartment. The last straw is when Anatole invites some friends over for a party and Kevin promptly tosses him out. Meanwhile, for a business class, Kevin observes the operations at a plumbing supplies company and meets a feisty woman whom he discovers that she lives next door to him. Meanwhile, Wesley's criticism of Mr. Belvedere's cooking leads to a cook-off.
- Broadcast: 11/25/1988
- First appearance of Eileen Seeley as Kevin's love Casey.
- VTR Date: 09/02/1988. The cast also took time off during taping to commemorate the shows' 75th episode.
077. "Hooky" (5V04)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
George and Wesley have reasons for wanting to play hooky from work and school. Marsha does not buy either of their sick acts and sends them on their way. Later, George and Wesley each discover one another sneaking around the house, so they decide to play hooky together and go on a fishing trip. However, a last minute trip to the supermarket
Supermarket
A supermarket, a form of grocery store, is a self-service store offering a wide variety of food and household merchandise, organized into departments...
gets them into trouble when they run into Mr. Belvedere and two armed robbers, and soon find themselves front and center on the six o'clock news.
- Broadcast: 10/21/1988
- Kevin (Rob StoneRob StoneRob Stone is a sports commentator for ESPN. He has covered various sports including Major League Soccer, NCAA and NFL football, and is now the play-by-play announcer for PBA Tournament Bowling alongside color commentator and 13-time PBA titleist Randy Pedersen.-Early life and career:A native of...
) does not appear in this episode. - VTR Date: 09/16/1988
078. "The Curse" (5V05)
Written by: Liz Sage & Doug Steckler
When Kevin kicks him out of the apartment, a furious Anatole shows up at the Owens door demanding a place to stay for him and his goat. However, the family gets fed up and demands he leave but before he does, he puts a curse on the family. Now the Owens family must deal with a string of bad luck and must find away to break the curse. Meanwhile, Kevin is having no fun constantly bickering with his new roommate, Casey and soon discovers that there is a thin line between love and hate.
- Broadcast: 12/02/1988
- In Kevin's dream sequence in this episode, Mr. Belvedere is dressed up like a fat woman.
- VTR Date: 09/23/1988
079. "Pigskin" (5V06)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
Wesley is all set to join the football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
team but is in for a shock when the only girl on his team gets a position on the team while Wesley is a bench warmer. Wesley sets into motion a plan of sabotage that uses her crush on Wesley to his advantage and his plan seems to work, when she quits the team but Wesley fails to realize that she was actually an excellent player, while he falls short. Meanwhile, Heather and Angela try to find an act for a talent show but their constant bickering may be the end of their friendship.
- Broadcast: 11/04/1988
- Jerry SupiranJerry SupiranJerry Michael Supiran is a former American child actor. Supiran is best known for playing Jamie Lawson on the situation comedy Small Wonder, which aired from 1985 to 1989....
is best known for his role as Jamie on Small Wonder. - VTR Date 09/30/1988
080. "Marsha's Secret" (5V07)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Marsha's position at the Legal Hut has been draining all the excitement out of her and when she is offered a higher position the entire Owens family is excited for her but she secretly decides to turn it down. Little does her family know, that she has quit altogether at the Legal Hut and has taken up a position as a singing waitress at a '50s style restaurant
Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
but Marsha's secretive behavior has George convinced that she is having an affair. Meanwhile, Kevin enters into a competition in an attempt to win a Ferrari.
- Broadcast: 11/11/1988
- VTR Date: 10/07/1988
081. "Duel" (5V08)
Written by: Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein
After Mr. Belvedere trips over a skateboard
Skateboard
A skateboard is typically a specially designed plywood board combined with a polyurethane coating used for making smoother slides and stronger durability, used primarily for the activity of skateboarding. The first skateboards to reach public notice came out of the surfing craze of the early 1960s,...
and falls down the stairs, he becomes wheelchair bound with a broken leg. Thus, the family is seeking a temporary housekeeper and after a handful of disastrous interviews, one presents himself in the shape of Mr. Belvedere's midget
Midget
A midget is a short person with relatively average bodily proportions in comparison with other human beings. The term is often improperly used to describe a person with the medical condition dwarfism. The two terms are often used synonymously because both terms originate as words defining small...
cousin, Galen, who's out for more than just a job and a friendly visit, he wants revenge. Meanwhile, Marsha is excited about a job interview and Kevin's latest girlfriend is furious with him when he gives her a bowling ball
Bowling ball
A bowling ball is a spherical ball made from plastic, reactive resin, urethane or a combination of these materials which is used in the sport of bowling. Ten-pin bowling balls generally have a set of three holes drilled in them, one each for the ring and middle finger, and one for the thumb;...
as a gift.
- Broadcast: 11/18/1988
- Mr. Belvedere's midget cousin, Galen Belvedere, was played by David RappaportDavid RappaportDavid Stephen Rappaport was an English actor, probably one of the best known dwarf actors in television and film...
, who was best known for his roles as the gang of dwarves leader Randall in Time BanditsTime BanditsTime Bandits is a 1981 British fantasy film produced and directed by Terry Gilliam.Terry Gilliam wrote the screenplay with fellow Monty Python alumnus Michael Palin, who appears with Shelley Duvall in the small, recurring roles of Vincent and Pansy. The film is one of the most famous of more than...
, and as Simon McKay in The WizardThe Wizard (TV series)The Wizard is a live-action, family friendly, action/adventure series created by Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, and Paul B. Radin...
(another 20th Century Fox Television series). Also a nod to The Wizard, Fran RyanFran RyanFran Ryan was an American character actress featured in television and films. She was born in Los Angeles, California....
, who played Tillie Russell on that show, appears in this episode as Mrs. Deferschmidt. - This was the last episode written by Frank Dungan & Jeff Stein.
- VTR Date: 10/14/1988
082. "Anchors Away" (5V09)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
A new news director at the TV station is making changes and has George filling in for an ailing Skip who is having colon surgery. However, when Skip returns he finds himself out of his old job with George having become the permanent replacement and Skip's new job as host of a horror program is not as satisfying. Meanwhile, Heather tries to pay for the repairs of Marsha's car after she scratches it and asks Mr. Belvedere for a loan, but when she fails to pay it back, she becomes his slave.
- Broadcast: 01/20/1989
- VTR Date: 10/21/1988
083. "Homeless" (5V10)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro & Fredric Weiss
Heather and Angela volunteer down at a soup kitchen
Soup kitchen
A soup kitchen, a bread line, or a meal center is a place where food is offered to the hungry for free or at a reasonably low price. Frequently located in lower-income neighborhoods, they are often staffed by volunteer organizations, such as church groups or community groups...
and Heather befriends a homeless man who is being thrown out of the shelter because his two-week limit is up. This prompts her to bring him home with her and she hides him in the attic but living in such close quarters, the family soon becomes suspicious of what she is hiding. Meanwhile, Marsha wonders what George is hiding when a golf buddy of his dies while having sex, and George becomes scared the same thing might happen to him.
- Broadcast: 12/16/1988
- VTR Date: 10/28/1988
084. "New Years" (5V11)
Written by: Tony Sheehan
Wesley and Heather talk their parents into letting them throw a New Years party and to get Mr. Belvedere out of the house they set him up with the Hufnagel's housekeeper, Ilsa. However, the two of them begin to neglect their housework when they start spending all of their time together and Mr. Belvedere realizes that things are getting more serious than intended so he tries to fend off her advances. Meanwhile, Kevin becomes an unwelcome houseguest when he falls ill and Marsha becomes his personal nurse.
- Broadcast: 01/06/1989
- Rosemary ForsythRosemary ForsythRosemary Forsyth is a Canadian-born American actress most notable for her role as Bronwyn opposite Charlton Heston in The War Lord in 1965....
, who played as Ilsa Shoemaker in this episode, would later play as the woman that Mr. Belvedere marries in the 2-part finale. - This was the last episode written by Tony Sheehan. After this episode was made, never again would this show employ the same original creative writing team of Frank Dungan, Jeff Stein, & Tony Sheehan.
- VTR Date: 11/04/1988
085. "Spot" (5V12)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
George comes home with a surprise for Wesley, something that Wesley had been wanting for years, a dog
Dog
The domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...
. However, Wesley is less than satisfied, as it seems he has gotten past that phase and does his best to ditch the cute little pooch. Meanwhile, Heather becomes friends with a mystic, which threatens her friendship with Angela. However, Angela decides to not take this threat lying down and suddenly seems to be able to speak from the spirit world.
- Broadcast: 01/13/1989
- Angela's last name is revealed in this episode as Gilbert.
- VTR Date: 11/18/1988
086. "Stakeout" (5V13)
Written by: Liz Sage
The town of Beaver Falls is stricken with fear with the Highheel Bandit on the loose and the neighborhood rallies together and forms a task force
Task force
A task force is a unit or formation established to work on a single defined task or activity. Originally introduced by the United States Navy, the term has now caught on for general usage and is a standard part of NATO terminology...
headed by two members of The Happy Guys of Pittsburgh club. This leads George, Kevin and Mr. Belvedere to stakeout the neighborhood even going as far as dressing in drag to serve as decoys for the ruthless bandit. Meanwhile, Wesley corrupts the young boy whom Heather has been babysitting for, and the young man soon becomes an even bigger terror than Wesley.
- Broadcast: 02/03/1989
- VTR Date: 12/02/1988
087. "Mutiny" (5V14)
Written by: Doug Steckler
To celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary, George and Marsha go on a romantic cruise, but it turns out to be a cruise from Hell when they appear to have become passengers on a pirate ship. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere takes a sojourn to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
to rub elbows with the royal family leaving Wesley and Heather at the mercy of Kevin whose pushy roommate, Casey, barges in and takes over. Soon, Kevin, Heather and Wesley begin to revolt against the strict Casey and try their best to bring Mr. Belvedere back as soon as possible.
- Broadcast: 02/17/1989
- VTR Date: 12/09/1988
088. "The Debate" (5V15)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
Heather and Angela are members of a Speech club and a certain boy catches both their eyes and they each set out to make him their boyfriend. The boy soon finds himself in the middle of the feud between friends and he must decide between one or the other. Meanwhile, Marsha redecorates Mr. Belvedere's room and Wesley and him become roommates but Wesley quickly becomes sick of Mr. Belvedere's constant practical jokes that he pulls on Wesley day and night.
- Broadcast: 02/24/1989
- Mr. Wiggins the Debate Team moderator is played by William Bogert, who played Brandon Brindle on Small Wonder.
- VTR Date: 12/16/1988
089. "The Election" (5V16)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
Wesley, running for student body president, is sure he will win because he does not have an opponent and he has a determined campaign manager named Miriam. However, at the last moment he gets an opponent, in Billy Podell, a paraplegic, whose situation makes Wesley shy away from slander, but it does not shy Billy away from doing it to Wesley. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere hopes for a surprise birthday party even though he said he did not want a fuss and then becomes upset when the family obeys his wishes.
- Broadcast: 02/10/1989
- Gabriel DamonGabriel DamonGabriel Damon , is an American actor born in Reno, Nevada.-Biography:He was exposed to the performing arts as early as 3 years old, when his parents and family moved to Los Angeles, California. After doing more than 100 commercials, his first role was in the 1984 TV series Call to Glory...
(Billy Podell) is best known for his roles as R.H. Sarnac in the short-lived TV series Call to GloryCall to GloryCall to Glory was an American television series that aired 23 episodes during the 1984-1985 TV season on the ABC-TV network. Starring Craig T. Nelson as a USAF pilot, Colonel Raynor Sarnac. In the course of its production run, it drifted away from its original reasonably authentic setting and...
, Roger Hatton in the short-lived One Big Family, Hob in Robocop 2RoboCop 2RoboCop 2 is a 1990 science fiction action film directed by Irvin Kershner and starring Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Belinda Bayer, Tom Noonan and Gabriel Damon. Set in the near future in a dystopian metropolitan Detroit, Michigan...
, Spot Conlon in NewsiesNewsiesNewsies is a 1992 Disney musical film starring Christian Bale, David Moscow, and Bill Pullman. Robert Duvall and Ann-Margret also appeared in supporting roles. The movie is widely claimed to have gained a cult following after its initial failure at the box office...
, and as the voices of Littlefoot in The Land Before TimeThe Land Before TimeThe Land Before Time is a 1988 American animated adventure film directed and co-produced by Don Bluth , and executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall....
and Little Nemo in Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, among many other roles. - VTR Date: 01/13/1989
090. "Really Full House" (5V17)
Written by: Liz Sage & Doug Steckler
Kevin wants to take the next step in his relationship with his roommate Casey and move to a sexual one but just as they decide to take that step, they get an interruption in the form of Wendy and her husband who pay them a visit and Wendy makes it known that she still lusts for Kevin all the while being trapped in a loveless marriage. Meanwhile, a hick family moves in down the street and they begin to torment Wesley, Heather and George, while Marsha is preoccupied with putting together a case for a client.
- Broadcast: 03/17/1989
- VTR Date: 01/27/1989
091. "Almost Heaven" (5V18)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
Wesley has been grounded to the house after yet another prank on the Hufnagels but he is determined to sneak out. When Mr. Belvedere discovers he is gone he goes after him and ends up in the hospital in a coma after wrapping Marsha's Porsche around a tree. Mr. Belvedere is then taken on an "angelic" journey of what the Owens' would be like without him.
- Broadcast: 05/05/1989
- VTR Date: 02/03/1989
092. "The Ghostwriter" (5V19)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
Wesley is trying to get the attention of a girl he likes and begins writing love letter
Love letter
A love letter is a romantic way to express feelings of love in written form. Delivered by hand, by mail or romantically left in a secret location, the letter may be anything from a short and simple message of love to a lengthy explanation of feelings...
s to her. Meanwhile, Marsha and George's spring cleaning unearths some old love letters from an old flame and this prompts her to wonder why George ca not be that romantic. In response, George begins plagiarizing Wesley's poems. Meanwhile, Kevin and Mr. Belvedere become the repairmen for Kevin's apartment building.
- Broadcast: 04/28/1989
- VTR Date: 02/10/1989
093. "The Escort" (5V20)
Written by: Pamela Kidwell & Laura Numeroff
For some extra money, Kevin picks up a job as an escort
Male prostitution
Male prostitution is the practice of engaging in sexual acts for money. Compared to female sex workers, male sex workers have been far less studied by researchers, and while studies suggest that there are differences between the ways these two groups look at their work, more research is needed.Male...
and after having an encounter with a sexpot, Kevin meets a sweet old woman whom he hits it off with and even begins thinking seriously of marriage when she proposes. Meanwhile, the Owens' monthly bills have got out of hand, and Mr. Belvedere suggests a strategy to curb the family's expenses.
- Broadcast: 04/14/1989
- Sometime around mid-February, Bob Uecker suffered a mild heart attack while taping Mr. Belvedere. This may explain why his George Owens character was completely absent for the next two episodes (this particular one, and the following episode titled "The Dinner").
- VTR Date: 02/17/1989
094. "The Dinner" (5V21)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
Marsha begins cooking meals, but to her family's horror, her meals always turn out inedible. To help boost her self-confidence, Mr. Belvedere secretly substitutes her meals with his. However, things may blow up in his face when she plans to cook a meal for her boss and does not allow Mr. Belvedere in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Kevin's attempt at being a stripper
Stripper
A stripper is a professional erotic dancer who performs a contemporary form of striptease at strip club establishments, public exhibitions, and private engagements. Unlike in burlesque, the performer in the modern Americanized form of stripping minimizes the interaction of customer and dancer,...
nearly kills him.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- VTR Date: 03/03/1989
095. "The Attic" (5V22)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz & Fredric Weiss
Yet another prank on the Hufnagels prompts punishment
Punishment
Punishment is the authoritative imposition of something negative or unpleasant on a person or animal in response to behavior deemed wrong by an individual or group....
for Wesley who is supposed to clean out the attic
Attic
An attic is a space found directly below the pitched roof of a house or other building . Attic is generally the American/Canadian reference to it...
. However, he finds himself with some company, when he gets locked in with Mr. Belvedere and they recall (thorough flashbacks) what life has been like in the Owens' household since he moved in with the family.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- This episode was a clip show.
- VTR Date: 03/24/1989
Season 6 (1989-1990)
This was the final season for Mr. Belvedere.Due to rapidly declining ratings (which already were not high to begin with), after 12 episodes, ABC quickly shelved the series, along with 8 episodes. After much speculation that the show had been cancelled, ABC decided to arrange for a special airing of the 2-part series finale for July 1–8, 1990 at 8:30 P.M.
Part 1 of the series finale was co-directed by Rob Stone (who does not appear in it, but does appear in part 2) and Don Corvan.
The 8 episodes that ABC shelved ("Love Fest", "Donuts", "Runaways", "The Pageant", "The Baby", "Bad Marsha", "Home", and "Mumsy") would eventually make their debut in syndication.
Season 6 was filmed from August 1989-March 1990.
096. "The Field" (6V01)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
George's birthday
Birthday
A birthday is a day or anniversary where a person celebrates his or her date of birth. Birthdays are celebrated in numerous cultures, often with a gift, party or rite of passage. Although the major religions celebrate the birth of their founders , Christmas – which is celebrated widely by...
is coming up and the family is trying to find the perfect gift for him. Meanwhile, George has been coaching Wesley's baseball team and has been putting pressure on Wesley to be the best he can be which brings to light George's not-so great past as a baseball player.
- Broadcast: 09/16/1989
- Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
, Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
, Ernie BanksErnie BanksErnest "Ernie" Banks , nicknamed "Mr. Cub", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and first baseman. He played his entire 19-year baseball career with the Chicago Cubs . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.-High school years:Banks was a letterman and standout in football,...
, Harmon KillebrewHarmon KillebrewHarmon Clayton Killebrew , nicknamed "Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon", was an American professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and left fielder. During his 22-year career in Major League Baseball , he played for the Washington Senators, a team which later became the Minnesota Twins, and...
, Willie MaysWillie MaysWillie Howard Mays, Jr. is a retired American professional baseball player who played the majority of his major league career with the New York and San Francisco Giants before finishing with the New York Mets. Nicknamed The Say Hey Kid, Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his...
, Hank Aaron, Johnny BenchJohnny BenchJohnny Lee Bench is a former professional baseball catcher who played in the Major Leagues for the Cincinnati Reds from 1967 to 1983 and is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame...
, and Robert GouletRobert GouletRobert Gerard Goulet was a Canadian American entertainer as a singer and actor. He played the role of Lancelot in the Broadway musical Camelot of 1960.-Early life:...
(his third appearance on the show) make guest appearances in this episode. - Brice Beckham practiced for several weeks with a baseball coach to get in shape for this episode.
- Featured song: "You Gotta Have Heart", sung by Robert Goulet.
- The 5th and final opening credits from season 6 debuts in this episode. Like the previous version, this version was also truncated in syndication. The short version also appeared on the final ABC airings.
- VTR Date: 08/19/1989
097. "Big" (6V02)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
Wesley is being harassed at school by some bullies
Bullies
Bullies is a 1986 Canadian action-drama film about a feud between two families in a small town in a similar vein to the story of Romeo and Juliet...
and runs into some luck when another student scares them off due to his body size. However, Wesley's savior turns into an annoyance when he begins hanging around all the time. Meanwhile, Kevin and Heather are in a battle of the sexes, and they drag George and Marsha into their fight.
- Broadcast: 10/21/1989
- First of 2 episodes that featured Seth GreenSeth GreenSeth Benjamin Green is an American actor, comedian, voice actor, and television producer. He is well known for his role as Daniel "Oz" Osbourne in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as Dr. Evil's son Scott in the Austin Powers series of comedy films, Mitch Miller in That '70s Show, and the voice of Chris...
as Louis, "Paper Mill" being the other. - VTR Date: 08/26/1989
098. "Brain Busters" (6V03)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
George and Wesley are big fans of a TV game show
Game show
A game show is a type of radio or television program in which members of the public, television personalities or celebrities, sometimes as part of a team, play a game which involves answering questions or solving puzzles usually for money and/or prizes...
called Brain Busters and apply to be contestants. When they go for tryouts, Wesley quickly learns he has a dud for a partner, so he dumps George and teams up with Mr. Belvedere. However, he quickly discovers himself going from one extreme to another.
- Broadcast: 09/30/1989
- VTR Date: 09/02/1989
099. "Truckin’" (6V04)
Written by: Liz Sage
Investing in live commodities puts Mr. Belvedere in the money but George finds himself in something else when he does not sell off his share and ends up with a truck load of pigs. This leads him and Mr. Belvedere to drive the rig down to West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
to sell the swine, but they find that they like the trucker lifestyle, so they decide to make it their profession.
- Broadcast: 10/07/1989
- VTR Date: 09/16/1989
100. "Counterfeit" (6V05)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
Wesley needs to take an additional class to fill up his schedule and decides on print shop but once he takes the class, he takes full advantage of the copy machines by making counterfeit money
Counterfeit money
Counterfeit money is currency that is produced without the legal sanction of the state or government to resemble some official form of currency closely enough that it may be confused for genuine currency. Producing or using counterfeit money is a form of fraud or forgery. Counterfeiting is probably...
, which inadvertently gets into George's hands, and he spends the money all over town. Meanwhile, Kevin's apartment seems to be haunted calling for a seance.
- Broadcast: 12/09/1989
- VTR Date: 09/23/1989
101. "Paper Mill" (6V06)
Written by: Lee H. Grant
Wesley becomes friends with a new kid, Craig, and agrees to write a book report for him to help catch him up. This leads to word getting around, and all of Wesley's classmates come to him for papers. However, he quickly finds Craig coming to him for every paper he has to write, which leads to Wesley discovering that Craig cannot read.
- Broadcast: 11/11/1989
- VTR Date: 09/30/1989
102. "Fear of Flying" (6V07)
Written by: Doug McIntyre
George reveals that he has a fear of flying
Fear of flying
A fear of flying is a fear of being on an airplane , or other flying vehicle, such as a helicopter, while in flight. It is also sometimes referred to as aerophobia, aviatophobia, aviophobia or pteromerhanophobia....
, and Mr. Belvedere tries to cure him by talking on a ferris wheel
Ferris wheel
A Ferris wheel is a nonbuilding structure consisting of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, usually by gravity.Some of the largest and most modern Ferris wheels have cars mounted on...
ride. When that does not work, he enrolls him in a fear class, with classes being held in the Owens' living room. Meanwhile, Heather's psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
project has her dying her hair blonde, and she gets a jealous reaction from Angela.
- Broadcast: 11/04/1989
- VTR: 10/07/1989
103. "Homecoming" (6V08)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
With Homecoming
Homecoming
Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America...
days away, Heather finds herself considering being dateless, until she meets Keith Elliot and is swept off her feet, that is until he tries to rape
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person's consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent. The...
her. Meanwhile, Wesley is making a video about Mr. Belvedere's career, but he is having a hard time getting anything interesting.
- Broadcast: 11/18/1989
- VTR Date: 10/21/1989
104. "Fixed" (6V09)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
Wesley's dog, Spot is running rampant and keeps following around the prize poodle
Poodle
The Poodle is a breed of dog. The poodle breed is found officially in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, with many coat colors. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is highly intelligent and skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding...
of a neighbor. George and Marsha order Wesley to take Spot to the vet to get neutered, but it quickly becomes apparent that Wesley did not listen to them, when a slew of puppies take over the Owens' household.
- Broadcast: 11/25/1989
- VTR Date: 10/28/1989
105. "Used Cars" (6V10)
Teleplay by: Liz Sage
Story by: Daniel Sarokin
Kevin gets a job at the used car dealership run by Carl's Uncle Phil. Kevin at first has a hard time getting into the selling business, but quickly becomes a natural crooked used-car salesman. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere receives a letter from the Queen expressing her desire to have Mr. Belvedere return to his previous position.
- Broadcast: 12/02/1989
- VTR Date: 11/04/1989
106. "The Professor" (6V11)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
Kevin falls head over heels for his substitute professor and begins wooing her. However, he gets a shock when Mr. Belvedere hits it off with her and a jealous Kevin and Mr. Belvedere begin acting like jealous little kids battling over a woman. Meanwhile, George's idea of a family game turns into a gambling addiction for Marsha, Wesley and Heather.
- Broadcast: 12/30/1989
- Jane LeevesJane LeevesJane Leeves is an English film, stage, and television actress, comedienne and dancer.Leeves made her screen debut with a small role in the 1983 popular British comedy television show The Benny Hill Show. Leeves moved to the United States, where she performed in small roles until she secured a...
is better known for her role as Daphne Moon on FrasierFrasierFrasier is an American sitcom that was broadcast on NBC for eleven seasons, from September 16, 1993, to May 13, 2004. The program was created and produced by David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee in association with Grammnet and Paramount Network Television.A spin-off of Cheers, Frasier stars...
. - After this episode aired, ABC permanently canceled the series. They would then skip ahead to the 2-part finale in July 1990.
- VTR Date: 11/18/1989
107. "A Happy Guys' Christmas" (6V12)
Written by: Dennis Snee
The Happy Guys of Pittsburgh are putting on their annual Christmas play and have decided on "A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is a novella by English author Charles Dickens first published by Chapman & Hall on 17 December 1843. The story tells of sour and stingy Ebenezer Scrooge's ideological, ethical, and emotional transformation after the supernatural visits of Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of...
". The entire Owens family is cast, but when Mr. Belevedere gets frustrated with the poor directing, he takes over the job, only to quit in a huff. This leads to Mr. Belvedere being visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past
Ghost of Christmas Past
The Ghost of Christmas Past is a character in the well-known work of the English novelist Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol.The Ghost of Christmas Past was the first of the three spirits that haunted the miser. Ebenezer Scrooge in order to prompt him to repent...
, Present and Future.
- Broadcast: 12/16/1989
- Spoof of Charles Dickens' classic novel A Christmas CarolA Christmas CarolA Christmas Carol is a novella by English author Charles Dickens first published by Chapman & Hall on 17 December 1843. The story tells of sour and stingy Ebenezer Scrooge's ideological, ethical, and emotional transformation after the supernatural visits of Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of...
. - VTR Date: 12/02/1989
108. "Love Fest" (6V13)
Written by: Doug Steckler
George and Marsha try to rekindle their romance, while Heather and Carl try to see if they can get a spark going between themselves, much to the torment of Kevin, who distrusts Carl's intentions.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- VTR Date: 12/09/1989
109. "Donuts" (6V14)
Written by: Jeffrey Ferro
When the owner of Belvedere's favorite donut shop dies, he leaves his donut shop to him. Which does not make Lou Anne, his faithful employee, happy. When Belvedere bosses her, she quits, leaving him all alone to take care of the donut shop. When he spends too much time at the donut shop to take care of the Owens, they hire Lou Anne to help out. Belvedere hires Kevin to help at the shop, which only leads to disaster. Later they learn that there is another will
Will (law)
A will or testament is a legal declaration by which a person, the testator, names one or more persons to manage his/her estate and provides for the transfer of his/her property at death...
, a video one, and in it he says that this was all part of the owner's plan to teach both Belvedere and Lou Anne lessons: Belvedere, who scarves them like there is no end in sight to ease up, and Lou Anne to value something. So in the end, he gives Lou Anne 90% of the donut shop and Belvedere the rest.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- VTR Date: 12/16/1989
110. "Runaways" (6V15)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
Wesley runs away with Sheila's daughter.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- VTR Date: 12/23/1989
111. "The Pageant" (6V16)
Written by: Wayne Kline
Heather is a member of a feminist group at school, and they plan to make a statement against the Miss Beaver Falls Beauty Pageant. First they try to use Angela as a pawn, but when that falls through, Heather runs herself, but has second thoughts about sabotage. Meanwhile, George forgets his wedding anniversary
Wedding anniversary
-Official recognition:In the Commonwealth realms, one can receive a message from the monarch for 60th, 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries, and any wedding anniversary after that...
.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- Edd Byrnes (Kookie on 77 Sunset Strip77 Sunset Strip77 Sunset Strip is an hour-length American television private detective series created by Roy Huggins and starring Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Roger Smith, and Edd Byrnes....
) plays as the host of the pageant in this episode. - VTR Date: 01/13/1990
112. "The Baby" (6V17)
Written by: Dennis Snee
When Marsha gets stuck with a baby for the weekend, she decides to keep him. The family is at first hesitant, but soon supports her decision. When she encounters difficulty keeping up with work and taking care of a baby, she sadly gives the baby up to a family who could take better care of her.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- VTR Date: 01/27/1990
113. "Bad Marsha" (6V18)
Written by: Fredric Weiss
Visiting a client in jail, Marsha comes face-to-face with Sharon Whit, an exact Marsha lookalike. During their consultation, Sharon knocks out Marsha and switches places with her, leaving Marsha trapped in prison
Prison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
while Sharon moves into the Owens' household, although the Owens grow suspicious of her strange behavior, while Marsha desperately tries to convince the guards that she is not Sharon. When she sings a guard out of a hostage crisis
Hostage crisis
A hostage crisis develops when one or more terrorists or criminals hold people against their will and try to hold off the authorities by force, threatening to kill the hostages if provoked or attacked....
, she returns home just as the family confronts her, thinking she is Sharon - when she wakes up, a victim of a nightmare caused by anxiety about a test in law school.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- Rayna is played by Rose MarieRose MarieRose Marie is an American actress. As a child performer she had a successful singing career as Baby Rose Marie....
in this episode. - VTR Date: 02/03/1990
114. "Home" (6V19)
Written by: Wayne Kline
George and Marsha get fed up with things deteriorating in their home so they decided it might be time to sell the house and find a smaller one. However, soon everyone has second thoughts about moving when they get a glimpse at the potential buyers. Meanwhile, Kevin's elderly neighbor finds herself in a new home, a retirement home, put there by her son and daughter in-law.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- VTR Date: 02/10/1990
115. "Mumsy" (6V20)
Written by: Jay Abramowitz
Mr. Belvedere gets a surprise visit from his 'Mumsy', his elderly mother who has come over from England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
to stay with the Owens family. Mr. Belvedere is tired of her walking down memory lane and bringing up his past something, which he seems ashamed of. Meanwhile, Kevin inherits George's old tool belt and soon finds an admirer fawning over him strictly because of his belt.
- This episode premiered in syndication.
- VTR Date: 02/17/1990
116. "Mr. Belvedere's Wedding: Part 1" (6V21)
Written by: Dennis Snee
While at the laundromat with Wesley, Mr. Belvedere meets a nice woman whose work in the African jungle has temporarily been halted. They quickly hit it off, but when Mr. Belvedere fears that it may be getting too serious, he tries to brush her off by fooling around with a much younger woman.
- Broadcast: 07/01/1990
- Both parts of the finale featured Giselle Hufnagel (played by Teresa GanzelTeresa GanzelTeresa Ganzel is an actress, comedienne, and cartoon voice-over actress.-Career:Teresa Ganzel was best known as a recurring cast member of The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson, having replaced the late Carol Wayne as the Matinee Lady in the popular "Mighty Carson Art Players" skits...
). - Both parts of the series finale used the 30-second version of the theme song that was used in syndication.
- VTR Date: 03/03/1990
117. "Mr. Belvedere's Wedding: Part 2" (6V22)
Written by: Beth Roberts
Louise confronts Mr. Belvedere; he reveals his fears, and they decide to get married. However, cold feet
Cold feet
Cold feet is apprehension or doubt strong enough to prevent a planned course of action.Cold Feet may also refer to:*Project COLDFEET, a CIA operation in 1962*Cold Feet, UK television series*Cold Feet Cold feet is apprehension or doubt strong enough to prevent a planned course of action.Cold Feet...
have Mr. Belvedere running away, only to have George drag him back for his wedding. As Belvedere and Louise reach the altar, she breaks the news that she has been called back to Africa; Mr. Belvedere decides to go with her, saying goodbye to six years of working for the Owens family.
- Broadcast: 07/08/1990
- Fourth (and final) appearance of Robert GouletRobert GouletRobert Gerard Goulet was a Canadian American entertainer as a singer and actor. He played the role of Lancelot in the Broadway musical Camelot of 1960.-Early life:...
. - Christopher Hewett, Ilene Graff, and Brice Beckham were the only cast members to appear in all 117 episodes of the series.
- Featured song: "If Ever I Would Leave You". This was Goulet's signature songSignature songA signature song is the one song that a popular and well-established singer or band is most closely identified with or best known for, even if they have had success with a variety of songs...
from the musical CamelotCamelotCamelot is a castle and court associated with the legendary King Arthur. Absent in the early Arthurian material, Camelot first appeared in 12th-century French romances and eventually came to be described as the fantastic capital of Arthur's realm and a symbol of the Arthurian world...
, and was composed by Lerner and Lowe. - Part 2 of the 2-part finale, and the final first-run episode of the series.
- VTR Date: 03/10/1990