Welcome to a new Sitcom Tuesday! Today, we’re continuing our coverage on the best episodes from one of the jiggliest sitcoms in primetime history, Three’s Company (1977-1984, ABC). I’m thrilled to announce that every single episode has been released on DVD.
Student chef Jack Tripper lives with two single girls in an attempt to save expenses, but there’s a catch: he must pretend he’s gay to subvert the suspicions of their conservative landlord. Three’s Company stars JOHN RITTER as Jack Tripper, JOYCE DeWITT as Janet Wood, JENILEE HARRISON as Cindy Snow, RICHARD KLINE as Larry Dallas, DON KNOTTS as Ralph Furley, and SUZANNE SOMERS as Chrissy Snow.
The fifth season of Three’s Company was plagued with a number of problems. The 1980 Actors Strike wasn’t settled until September, giving every primetime series a late start date. When the cast and crew finally returned to work for their first episode in early October (“A Crowded Romance”), which had been written in advance to exclude Suzanne Somers, who had a prior commitment, they likely had no idea of what turmoil was to come. Somers and her husband, Alan Hamel, were attempting to negotiate a raise from $30,000 a week to $150,000 — and 10% of the profits. (The way she spins it now is that she wanted to be paid equal to the men, but Ritter, the star, was only making about $50,000.) When the request was denied, Somers, back at work on the second episode (“Upstairs, Downstairs, Downstairs”), began making rumblings about a cracked rib she’d sustained during her Vegas engagement. As Hamel continued to press for their demands, the cast and crew set to work on the next episode (“…And Justice For Jack”). After days of rehearsals, Somers failed to attend the taping, forcing a hurried rewrite to exclude her character. Concern for her well-being turned into outrage at her insubordination when she missed the taping for “A Hundred Dollars A What?” a few days later.
By now, everyone was well irritated and she was ordered to return to work. Although Somers was not on speaking terms with her co-stars, she attended the rescheduled “A Hundred Dollars A What?” taping and made plans to begin the next episode (“Downhill Chaser”). But when she missed the table read, her fate was sealed. She was written out of the episode and told her services were no longer needed. One more episode was produced before the show introduced a temporary third roommate replacement in the form of Cindy Snow, Chrissy’s klutzy cousin (played by a novice actress who cost 25% that of Somers). Still contracted, Somers was forced to tape seven standalone phone call scenes by herself that were interspersed throughout the remainder of the season. Once terminated, she sued for $2 million and was awarded only $30,000. Three’s Company moved on, while Somers’ reputation was (temporarily) ruined. Furthermore, a deep-seated feud set in between Somers and her two co-stars. (Somers and Ritter had only half-reconciled at the time of his death, but she and DeWitt reunited for the first time in 2012.)
It’s probably a good thing that Somers left the show when she did; her character had become a caricature, and an unlikable one at that. In fact, Chrissy’s farewell leads to better and meatier material for DeWitt, Kline, and especially Knotts, who becomes zanier than he had been in his debut season. However, because Harrison is noticeably unskilled (albeit amiable), the show’s focus subtly shifts: no longer are stories crafted around a trio of equals; now it is every character for himself, and only when they come together as an ensemble (with Kline and Knotts) does the show recapture some of its early season charm. In the meantime, Ritter seems more focused on the work, and this is probably his best individual season on the show. So while many fans (myself included) have trouble considering this an excellent season because there’s no solid third roommate, there are a lot of truly outstanding bits and a surprisingly high offering of classics. Thus, I think it’s ultimately a much stronger year than the backstage strife might lead one to believe (especially for Ritter fans). So, I have picked ten episodes that I think exemplify this season’s strongest installments. For new fans, this list will give you a place to start. For seasoned fans, there might be a few surprises.
Here are my picks for the best episodes of Season Five. (They are in AIRING ORDER.) Every episode this season is directed by Dave Powers, unless otherwise noted.
01) Episode 79: “Upstairs, Downstairs, Downstairs” (Aired: 10/28/80)
Jack runs himself ragged cooking separate dinners for two dates and the girls.
Written by Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski
Ritter is fabulous in this real-time episode that never leaves the apartment building. It’s an embodiment of the mini one-act! The theatrically of this installment (which was shot in realtime as well) infuses all of the performances with an unrivaled excitement. This is what the multi-camera sitcom does best, and although this offering’s humor quotient isn’t the highest, it’s nevertheless pure entertainment. Furthermore, this is the kind of classic farce that only this series was doing at the time, and with talent like Ritter’s, an episode such as this becomes a special occasion. Always been a favorite. (And it’s the last enjoyable episode with Somers.)
02) Episode 82: “Downhill Chaser” (Aired: 11/25/80)
Jack gets a crash course in skiing at a snow lodge with his girlfriend.
Written by Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski
Although this is one of the Somers-less episodes referenced above, there’s no indication that the script went through turmoil during production. (They likely had the alternate version, sans Chrissy, prepared.) This is a beautifully executed offering that brings the four present regulars to a ski lodge, where Larry tries to score with some snow bunnies, Furley tries to avoid a libidinous (and rather obtuse) masseuse, and Janet tries to teach Jack how to ski before his girlfriend, who naturally believes him to be an expert, finds out the truth. Ritter is phenomenal in several physical bits, and the script is consistently sharp. A laugh-a-minute; brilliant slapstick fun.
03) Episode 85: “Chrissy’s Cousin” (Aired: 12/16/80)
Jack and Janet need a new roommate to cover Chrissy’s share of the rent.
Written by Budd Grossman & George Burditt
After three episodes without a third roommate, Cindy Snow is introduced and brought aboard to fill the vacancy. Harrison’s uncomplicated freshness is a palpable breath of fresh air to an obviously tense atmosphere, so we’re glad to see her. The character’s klutziness, the main source of her comedy, is immediately revealed, and since Ritter does pratfalls like no other, he and Harrison work well together. Also, this episode is a lot of fun for the surprise of Janet trying to bring in another man to take Chrissy’s place. (The show would have NEVER gone in this direction, but it sure would have been an interesting experiment, as evidenced here.)
04) Episode 87: “The Not-So-Great Imposter” (Aired: 01/13/81)
Jack accidentally gets a job using the identity of a famous chef.
Written by Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf
The joy of this episode, which is once again tailored almost entirely around Ritter’s Jack, is that the series returns to its farcical roots after a string of atypical installments that had to contend with circumventing the difficulties of losing a cast member, and then the necessary adjustments when adding a new one. While neither of his female roommates get a lot to do in the story, the show momentarily feels like its old self again, and that’s a relief. Also, this episode marks the introductions of Mr. Angelino and Felipe, both of whom will become important characters next season when Jack is working at Angelino’s. Not quite a classic, but better than most.
05) Episode 90: “Janet’s Secret” (Aired: 02/03/81)
Jack and Janet pretend to be married when her parents visit.
Written by Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf
Admittedly, this episode features an unoriginal story (how many series can you count that have used this premise?), but the script is a more consistently solid effort than many of the episodes produced around this time. (Note the numerical gaps before and after this episode on my list.) However, I don’t personally think the comedy is quite as good as the premise could have it be, as a lot of laughs are wrung from the story itself and not from the character’s quirks. But DeWitt and Ritter make an effortless team, and that’s always a joy to watch. Not surprisingly, this is a popular episode among fans of a Jack/Janet pairing (to which I am not party).
06) Episode 95: “And Baby Makes Four” (Aired: 03/10/81)
Jack and Janet believe that Cindy has gotten pregnant.
Written by Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski
Here we have another episode with a premise that goes back to the basics. The mistaken pregnancy bit has been explored in varying degrees at least once during each of the past three seasons, but this episode is almost just as good. Why? It’s uncomplicated. The story is straightforward, and therefore, can make time for character moments. Also, it’s one of the few episodes that directly involves Cindy in the premise and, as a result, goes a long way for establishing a camaraderie between these three new roomies. It’s not often cited as a great episode, but perhaps it deserves to be. (This is Somers’ official swan song, as Chrissy has her last phone call tag.)
07) Episode 97: “Double Trouble” (Aired: 03/24/81)
Jack invents a heterosexual twin to romance Furley’s niece.
Story by Martin Rips, Joseph Staretski, & Mark Fink | Teleplay by Martin Rip & Joseph Staretski
In a season in which John Ritter gives thrilling performance after thrilling performance, this episode, even with all that tough competition, probably represents his best work. The incredibly slapstick-y story has Jack masquerading as his fictitious twin brother Austin, culminating in an extended scene in which Ritter fools Furley into thinking that both “brothers” are there together in the same room. It’s unparalleled clowning, and unquestionably among this series’ finest half-hours. For Ritter’s performance alone, this is the season’s best (and that’s a big honor). Anyone seeking out a single episode to watch from the middle years, make it this one.
08) Episode 98: “Dying To Meet You” (Aired: 05/05/81)
Jack feigns his death to avoid a beating from a jealous boyfriend.
Written by Budd Grossman
If not for the excellence exuded by the previous installment, this would be this season’s MVE. In fact, “Dying To Meet You” is so finely crafted that it’s painful not to be able to include it as my favorite. (But c’et la vie; better to have too many classics than too few!) What’s most appealing about this script is how finely attuned it is to the series’ penchant for giving its stars physical comedy, as much of the episode is one long chase sequence. Things take a deliciously dark comedic turn when Jack fakes his own death, but that’s only where the best laughs begin. Don Knotts’ performance is worth the price of the DVD, but everyone is in rare form. Marvelous comedy.
09) Episode 99: “The Case Of The Missing Blonde” (Aired: 05/12/81)
Jack and Janet panic when Cindy goes missing.
Written by Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf
The series is clearly on a roll, and this episode is another wonderful outing with big laughs and consistent character comedy. Not only is this one of Baser and Weiskopf’s sharper scripts (don’t get me wrong, they write funny episodes, but sometimes their stories employ less logic), the entire offering is a showcase for the brilliant teamwork of Ritter and DeWitt, whose characters, over the course of this season really, have formed the series’ most important friendship. Additionally, both Kline and Knotts are in on the fun and their mounting “disappearances” are a scream. The ending may be predictable, but it’s not a comedic letdown. Another classic.
10) Episode 100: “Honest Jack Tripper” (Aired: 05/19/81)
Jack’s total honesty vow alienates his friends.
Written by Mark Tuttle
Once again, the series makes use of a “traditional sitcom” premise (that is, one that we’ve seen before with regularity). What I like best about this take on the idea is that the story becomes more about how the other characters react to Jack’s newfound honesty, as opposed to his struggle to maintain his promise. After causing strife with the girls and Larry, it’s really sweet — and I don’t say that often, you know — for Jack to lie and spare Furley’s feelings, recognizing that there are times in which a little white lie is a blessing. The premise naturally allows for big laughs, but it’s these nice customized moments that make the installment a true winner.
Other notable episodes that narrowly missed the list above include: “A Crowded Romance,” in which John Ritter shines as a mechanical man gone awry, “Make Room For Daddy,” in which Janet dates Jack’s girlfriend’s father (and Jack and Cindy do a great bit with an ironing board), and “Night Of The Ropers,” in which the Ropers, their spin-off having been cancelled, return for one final appearance. All three are perfectly good installments, with “Daddy” as the strongest.
*** The MVE Award for the Best Episode from Season Five of Three’s Company goes to…..
“Double Trouble”
Come back next Tuesday for the best from the sixth season! And tune in tomorrow for a new Wildcard Wednesday post!
I think this is one of the strongest seasons of THREE’S COMPANY. By this point, I didn’t miss Suzanne Somers at all. Her overacting and her character had both become intolerably annoying. I liked Jenilee Harrison a lot, though her acting skills were never up to those of her co-stars, and I can understand why they opted to replace her in season six.
Was THREE’S COMPANY considered an ensemble show when it originally aired? I suppose you could argue that it was, though I tend to think of it as being primarily a vehicle for John Ritter, with the other cast members in support of him and all getting their moments to shine. Maybe that’s what got Somers in trouble. She either didn’t realize that Ritter was the show’s centerpiece or thought that she had become so important to the show that it couldn’t survive without her. It must have been humbling for her to see it continue on without her, as if she had never been on it.
One interesting thing I read, the producers of THREE’S COMPANY required of Somers when she left the show that she never play “Chrissy Snow” or a “Chrissy Snow”-like character anywhere else. In much the same way that Lucille Ball’s later shows had her playing characters that were variations on Lucy Ricardo, the producers of THREE’S COMPANY apparently didn’t want Somers doing the same thing, and popping up on her own series playing a character who was “Chrissy” with a different name.
Thanks for your posts. I enjoy them a lot.
By the way, I think we can all agree that the THREE’S COMPANY Season Five DVD cover artwork reproduced at the top of today’s post was really dishonest.
Hi, Kayla! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Yes, I suppose Anchor Bay thought they could sell more copies with Somers’ image than Harrison’s, whose character, I think, is generally regarded as the weakest of the three blonde roommates.
As for THREE’S COMPANY being an ensemble, I don’t think it was ever doubted (by anyone other than Somers) that the show was a star vehicle for Ritter. But the stories in the initial seasons, using scripts adapted from the British series, were more equitable to the girls. That is, more of the plots dealt specifically with the relationships and interactions among the trio. This narrative purity gets progressively weakened with each passing season, as more and more stories revolve entirely around Jack. By the final season, it may as well be called THE JOHN RITTER SHOW.
But I share your enthusiasm for Season Five. It’s easy to forget how many classic episodes they produced this year! Stay tuned next week for my favorites from another fantastic season…
I may be the only one who thinks this way, but I didn’t like “Double Trouble”, mainly due to “Austin’s” exaggerated stereotype of a Texan (I hate to think how many minutes of the show were taken up by his repeated “heh-heh”s.) and Furley’s total stupidity, which I guess is somewhat attributed to his drunkenness at the time but still contributes to Ralph being the “dumb one” with Chrissy gone.
I didn’t like “…And Justice for Jack” much either because, like in “Jack’s Navy Pal”, Jack lost when he should’ve won, and I thought that the show was trying to make a feminist point at the expense (to me) of the show’s humor.
“Upstairs, Downstairs, Downstairs” was a lot of fun, and seeing Jack covered in pie, wine & chili at the same time made for a nice slapstick ending.
I’m glad the Ropers had one more time back on the show, though I wish they’d come back for Janet’s wedding at least.
Hi, Jon! Thanks for reading and commenting.
We’ll have to agree to disagree about “Double Trouble.” While we’ve discussed the impact Somers’ departure had on Furley’s character in past comments, I think it is important to note that he was never written as particularly intelligent. His stuff, like all of the characters, just got broader and (with Suzanne gone) more sizable. So I don’t find his behavior too much of a stretch in an episode like this. (And, as I said in response to a prior commenter a few weeks ago, I think Somers’ departure was a boost in Furley’s humor. It gave him more to be than the trio’s antagonist.)
However, I share your disfavor for “…And Justice For Jack,” which simply isn’t funny, particularly because Jack is a victim. And I think there’s an unlikable lack of logic in the courtroom scene. Chrissy’s inclusion would likely have made it worse.
Stay tuned next week for my thoughts on Season Six!
“Dying to Meet You” is another series classic – my favorite of these episodes. I also like “Night of the Ropers”, “Double Trouble”, “A Crowded Romance”, “Chrissy’s Cousin” and the slapstick parts of “Janet’s Secret”. I also don’t like “And Justice for Jack” and “A Hundred Dollars a What” (too seedy even for this show and the production history ruins it). When was the last time Chrissy was mentioned by name?
I have at least four series favorites from Season 6, along with one of the worst episodes of the series. I’ll look forward to see if they match yours.
Hi, Jake! Thanks for reading and commenting.
The last mention of Chrissy by name is in the two-part special hosted by Lucille Ball. I think the last time that any of the characters mention her is “Night Of The Ropers,” which aired just after Somers’ last appearance in “And Baby Makes Four.”
“Dying To Meet You” is another favorite of mine as well. It was a tough choice between this one and “Double Trouble” for MVE. I think the former is probably better written, but I give the comedic edge to the one I chose.
Stay tuned next week for Season Six, which may be my second favorite year of the entire series…
First off, I love all of these reviews!! I actually agree on pretty much on all of your picks, though I think “Dying To Meet You” would be my favorite. You could tell it in the performances that the cast was done with Suzanne Somers (since the news about her firing came two days before taping the episode according to Chris Mann’s book). It’s like you could see this amazing release of energy. But I love “Double Trouble” as well. John was at his physical best up to that point in the series by far. And Jenilee had become a great reactor to things. Her facial expression when her voice comes over the tape recorder when they are trying to fool a drunken Furley was priceless. I like that you put “And Baby Makes Four” on the list too. That was such a funny episode, and I think Jenilee knocked it out of the ballpark. I think it’s unique that you picked Chrissy’s last appearance as one of the top 10, and as it turns out I think it was the funniest of all the tag shots she did that year. Her tag was very much important IMO to the plot, and it’s one I wish syndication and TVLand would have left in. I would have left it in. What I like about this episode and the Cindy-themed stories that season was Jack and Janet pretty much became like big brother and big sister to Cindy. They were protective of Chrissy, but they were overprotective of Cindy. I loved that relationship, as I think it mirrored that John and Joyce were extremely protective of Jenilee. I find it also funny that this is the only time in her final episode that Chrissy mentions Cindy by name, and Cindy only mentioned Chrissy by name in her first episode on the show. It would have been interesting to see the Snow cousins onscreen together at least once.
Ok, so getting on with the other episodes. I love “Upstairs, Downstairs, Downstairs.” I love that it was shot to the minute as live television, that there was no dress rehearsal. It brought a promising shot to what was supposed to be a strong season. “…And Justice For Jack,” I have to agree is my least favorite of the Chrissy-less episodes of the early part of the season, and you are right, the bad guy won, and it is a less satisfying episode. I did like that it opened up Don Knotts’s role in the show more, and it had some funny lines from Larry in there. “A Hundred Dollars a What?” I enjoyed but knowing the drama unfolding behind the scenes, you could sense tension in the actors. It didn’t affect the performances, but you could kind of see that even in scenes between Jack and Chrissy John wasn’t fully making eye contact with her or was even brushing off the her character somewhat. Sad that it was the last on-screen episode with the original trio. “Downhill Chaser” is a great episode. The scene where Janet is showing Jack how to ski is one of the funniest moments in the series. The silver lining is that John and Joyce are one of the greatest comic teams of all time. Everyone had something funny in this episode. “A Crowded Romance.” I liked that because Richard Kline’s role was greatly expanded in this episode, he essentially became the third in the trio. Joyce DeWitt was just hilarious in this, I think this is one of her best performances. I even love the bit where Chrissy (unseen) calls home and Janet pulls a Chrissy herself by hanging up the phone on her, then Janet picks the phone back up and says “Bye Chrissy!” It’s almost like a foreshadowing of what was to come. “Room at the Bottom.” It was ok. I loved Jack going from table to table unrecognized, but not a favorite. We see Chrissy for the first time on the phone. Nothing big here. “Chrissy’s Cousin.” I loved this one. Jenilee Harrison stepped into a very tense situation and took the ball and ran. She was terrific. No, she wasn’t in the same league as the other actors, but she was great IMO. She breathed fresh air into the show. I thought it was great how Larry and Furley leared at Maxine in the scene where he accidentally caught Larry and his girl making out and peeped in on Jack’s girlfriend. And the look on Jack’s face when Cindy opened the kitchen door on him was great. “Jack to the Rescue.” Not a big fan of this, though I like the big sister role Janet took on here. This would be my second favorite Chrissy tag too. “The Not-So-Great Imposter.” I am a huge fan of the Wieskopf/Baser shows. I feel that this was possibly an episode that was originally written with Chrissy in mind, and that it was given to Furley. Cindy is just there to fill the roommate slot, because it’s Janet and Furley who are trying to save Jack. But I loved the whole wrong identity thing, and that the David Miller person was a bad guy. Great physical stuff from John and loved the introduction of Angelino and Felipe. Felipe damn near stole the show in this one. Just a great episode all the way around. “Jack’s Other Mother.” Eh. Not a big fan of this one. “Make Room For Daddy.” It was decent. Again, it felt like Cindy was just filling the role of the third roommate, as she is only in the beginning and end of this one, thought the iron board scene with her and Jack is absolute classic. The only time Jack talks to Chrissy on the phone and it’s not that funny. “Janet’s Secret.” Another winner from Wieskopf/Baser. This was just great Jack/Janet stuff to me. I think my favorite part was the scene where Jack is on the couch, and he hurries to get Cindy onto the couch before Janet’s parents find out. I think she got her first big applause in that scene. “Father of the Bride.” This one felt like it was originally a Chrissy episode, but rewritten for Cindy. A nice attempt with some funny moments to put Cindy in the spotlight, but it didn’t work for me. I love Jeffery Tambor’s appearances on the show, but this one was definitely my least favorite. “Furley VS. Furley.” Hands down my least favorite of the entire season and series. Definitely the weakest of the Wieskopf/Baser episodes. Makes one wonder if the Suzanne Somers fiasco was affecting the performances in this one. “In Like Larry.” I liked this one alright, but far from a favorite. I felt a little uncomfortable seeing Larry preying on Cindy in that scene but she turns it around and completely annoys him. She was great in this one. Chrissy tag: pointless. “Teacher’s Pet.” It had some good scenes, and it was primarily a Jack and Janet episode where once again Cindy is just “there.” It has the first acknowledgement to an outsider (Dean Travers) about the current roommate situation, though Chrissy isn’t mentioned by name. “And Baby Makes Four.” As I said above, this was just one of my favorites. Jack’s marriage proposal was so funny and endearing in a way. Poor Furley with his black eyes. As I stated above I am glad that they gave Chrissy a good tag scene for her last appearance. “Night of the Ropers.” A very funny episode that it featured the Ropers and Furley together. This marked the end of the Chrissy era IMO, since this is the last time she is ever mentioned in the series. “Double Trouble.” OMG this is about the funniest episode of the season along with the next one. It’s such a silly premise and by God the cast especially John Ritter pulls this off perfectly. I think he was paying tribute to his late father in his Texan talk, and what more lovingly way to do that. Janet dancing with Furley was so funny, and Cindy had some great moments. The tag was great too. “Austin” left the toilet lid up!! I loved it. “Dying to Meet You.” I just loved it. The best episode of the season. The guy that played Max was perfect. The fact that he wasn’t a big guy, but a little guy made it that more hilarious. I love that it’s Larry that pretty much started the trouble but ultimately his idea in the funeral home to get Jack out of trouble was a good turnaround. I love Cindy’s “Don’t you hurt him!!!” line right before she smacks Jack in the face. That looked like that had to hurt somewhat. I love Max’s response to Janet when she threatens to tear him apart: “You tryin’ to turn me on?” followed by the little tap on the chin. And Furley’s scenes. Priceless. The last scene in the funeral home…I could go on. “The Case of the Missing Blonde.” This most highest rated episode of the season and it’s fantastic. Great stuff with Jack and Janet. Any time Furley screams “Dammit!” as he leaves a scene just busts my gut. Just a great episode. “Honest Jack Tripper.” I agree with your assessment that Jack telling the complete truth has more repercussions than telling his lies. I liked when Janet dumped the water down his shirt. That reaction was great. And Cindy and Janet’s little squabble courtesy of Jack was great. And the tag with Larry? I loved it. You could see that in these last three or four episodes the energy level picked up and you could sense in the performances that the cast was starting to have fun again.
So to sum it up. I think season 5 is the most interesting and the cast had to step up their game with the whole Suzanne Somers fiasco. I didn’t miss her when she wasn’t in an episode. I would have liked to have seen a resolution with her character or an explanation that she had permanently moved out. But, it was what it was. Sorry to be so long winded on this topic. I love your reviews and I agree with all your picks, except we differ on the MVE lol.
Hi, Zach! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Interesting to read your thoughts on the season and and to note your appreciation for the Baser/Weiskopf scripts, which I think are hit and miss and generally employ less logic than the efforts of some other writers. (That said, they did produce a handful of really funny offerings… but sometimes at a notable expense.)
Stay tuned next week for my coverage on the best from Season Six!
I really love this 5th season, a lot of the episodes were really funny, im glad Suzanne Somers left, i never really liked her character and thought she was getting very annoying towards the end, I liked the addiction of Jenilee Harrison, her acting wasn’t great but I thought she fit it well with John and Joyce, I loved her cute innocent personality, she was fresh faced and new, but very enjoyable to watch and I think the show needed a change of character from Chrissy, my two favorite episodes are, Dying to me You and Double trouble, Double trouble was just flat out hilarious! I cracked up so much watching that, if I had to pick a favorite ep from this season, that would be it, overall this is a very good season with a lot of funny episodes.
Hi, Donny! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I’m sure the producers appreciated Harrison as well because she only cost a quarter of what Somers was then earning! That money could go elsewhere in the budget — new sets, more guest stars. I personally think that it took Harrison longer to warm up to Ritter and DeWitt than it did for both Somers and Barnes. (As I mentioned above, I don’t think this trio really clicked until the last six episodes of the season.) Also, the character and actress were just too young to make the double entendres work, so the series’ habitual and oft-remembered misunderstandings couldn’t be as sexy or suggestive as they were with both Chrissy and Terri.
Stay tuned tomorrow for my thoughts on the best from Season Six!
Yeah i agree with you, it did take a little while for Jenilee to get comfortable, she seemed nervous, but of the 3 blonde roommates, she was by far the best looking, with the best body, in my opinion.
Ah, if only aesthetic charms were commensurate to comedic ones!
How would you rate Suzanne Somers comedic acting and timing
Hi, Track! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I don’t think Somers is exceptional, but my opinion is marred by the disastrous devolution of her character. I think DeWitt is the show’s unsung female hero, until she and the writers mutually brought about the undoing of her character as well.