The following is a list of episodes for The Facts of Life, which ran for nine seasons from 1979 to 1988 on NBC. There were 201 regular episodes and three television movies (Paris, Down Under, Reunion). Two of the movies, Paris and Down Under, were originally broadcast as TV movies, but in syndication, they were split into four 30-minute episodes, bringing the total number of syndicated episodes to 209.
Series overview
edit| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | |||
| Pilot | May 4, 1979 | |||
| 1 | 13 | August 24, 1979 | June 11, 1980 | |
| 2 | 16 | November 19, 1980 | March 25, 1981 | |
| 3 | 24 | October 28, 1981 | May 5, 1982 | |
| 4 | 24 + movie | September 25, 1982 | May 4, 1983 | |
| 5 | 26 | September 21, 1983 | May 9, 1984 | |
| 6 | 26 | September 26, 1984 | May 15, 1985 | |
| 7 | 24 | September 14, 1985 | May 10, 1986 | |
| 8 | 24 + movie | September 27, 1986 | May 9, 1987 | |
| 9 | 24 | September 26, 1987 | May 7, 1988 | |
| Reunion | November 18, 2001 | |||
Episodes
editPilot (1979)
editThe Diff'rent Strokes season 1 finale served as the backdoor pilot for The Facts of Life.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 24 | "The Girls School" "Garrett's Girls" | Herbert Kenwith | Story by : Dick Clair & Jenna McMahon and Howard Leeds & Ben Starr Teleplay by : Howard Leeds & Ben Starr | May 4, 1979 | 122 |
|
Mrs. Garrett helps out the girls of the chaotic dormitory at Eastland. | ||||||
Season 1 (1979–80)
editThe first season begins with ten main characters: housemother Edna Garrett (Charlotte Rae), headmaster Steven Bradley (John Lawlor), teacher Emily Mahoney (Jenny O'Hara), and seven students: Blair Warner (Lisa Whelchel), Cindy Webster (Julie Anne Haddock), Molly Parker (Molly Ringwald), Nancy Olsen (Felice Schachter), Natalie Green (Mindy Cohn), Sue Ann Weaver (Julie Piekarski), and Tootie Ramsey (Kim Fields). O'Hara's character was dropped after the fourth episode.
Though counted as a single season, the show aired in discrete blocks of episodes. The show aired four weekly episodes on Wednesday nights in August and September, technically before the 1979/80 TV season actually began. Then the show was off the air for six months, returning in March through early May for a run of seven episodes. (The initial episode was a special presentation on Wednesday night after Diff'rent Strokes; the show then moved to Fridays.) After a month off, the series moved back to Wednesday nights for the season's two final episodes in June.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Rough Housing" | Nick Havinga | Teleplay by : Brad Rider Story by : Brad Rider & Glenn Padnick | August 24, 1979 | 101 |
|
The Drummonds visit Mrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae) at Eastland School and during the Harvest Queen competition, Blair (Lisa Whelchel) makes a comment about tomboyish competitor Cindy not being feminine enough and even tries to insinuate that she's a lesbian. Cindy (Julie Anne Haddock) decides not to attend the Harvest Ball, until Mrs. Garrett helps her with her self-image. Note: This was the show's first episode, but is not the pilot. The cast of Diff'rent Strokes guest star only for this episode. The actual pilot episode, used to sell the show to NBC, was the Diff'rent Strokes first season finale, "The Girls' School (aka) Garrett's Girls". This episode features the first two verses of the season's theme. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Like Mother, Like Daughter" | Jim Drake | Jerry Mayer | August 31, 1979 | 102 |
|
Blair is upset that she might get a reputation for being easy when her multiple-divorcée mother visits for Parents Night and flirts with the headmaster, Steven Bradley (John Lawlor). Notes: This episode features the third and final verse of the season's theme. Pam Huntington played Monica Warner (Blair's mother) in this episode only. In 1981, as the show airs its third season, Marj Dusay replaces Huntington in a recurring role as Monica. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "The Return of Mr. Garrett" | Jim Drake | Martin A. Ragaway | September 7, 1979 | 103 |
|
Mrs. Garrett accepts her ex-husband's (Robert Alda) proposal of remarriage, but changes her mind when she discovers he has been teaching the girls how to gamble. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "I.Q." | Jim Drake | Jane Gould & Shelly Landau | September 14, 1979 | 104 |
|
Mr. Bradley administers I.Q. tests; Nancy (Felice Schachter) and Sue Ann (Julie Piekarski) are not happy with the results.[note 1] Note: Jenny O'Hara makes her final appearance on the show and as a main cast regular. After this episode, the show was put on a six-month hiatus. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Overachieving" | Lee Lochhead | Jerry Mayer | March 12, 1980 | 105 |
|
Tootie's father (Robert Hooks) thinks Mrs. Garrett's influence over his daughter is holding her back as Tootie (Kim Fields) has aspired to open a beauty salon. Note: After a six-month absence, the series was essentially relaunched. To help the show gain an audience, this episode was immediately preceded by an episode of Diff'rent Strokes ("The Slumber Party") that featured several of the student characters who would be featured on The Facts of Life. Jenny O'Hara has left the show. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Emily Dickinson" | Lee Lochhead | Stan Dreben | March 14, 1980 | 106 |
|
Blair plagiarizes an Emily Dickinson poem about beauty, but must come clean when Mr. Bradley submits the poem to a competition and it wins third prize. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Dieting" | John Bowab | Martin A. Ragaway | March 21, 1980 | 108 |
|
Sue Ann goes on a crash diet after hearing Blair imply that a boy won't like her because of her weight. | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "The Facts of Love" | John Bowab | Rowland Barber & Jerry Mayer | April 4, 1980 | 111 |
|
To the chagrin of Mr. Bradley, Mrs. Garrett holds a sex education class and Blair gets into a compromising situation with a boy and has to make a tough decision. | ||||||
| 9 | 9 | "Flash Flood" | John Bowab | Jerry Mayer | April 11, 1980 | 112 |
|
Blair and Tootie rush to the stables to protect the animals when a flood hits Peekskill. When Mr. Bradley rescues the girls, Blair develops a crush on him. | ||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Adoption" | John Bowab | Migdia Chinea Varela | April 25, 1980 | 109 |
|
The girls get an assignment to make a family tree, but Natalie (Mindy Cohn) doesn't want to do it as she is adopted. Blair then noses into Natalie's business when she arranges for her to talk to her birth mother by phone. | ||||||
| 11 | 11 | "Running" | John Bowab | Warren Murray | May 2, 1980 | 110 |
|
Mr. Bradley pits Cindy and Sue Ann against each other in a track competition. Unfortunately, it's causing a lot of conflicts for the rest of the girls, including Blair receiving a black eye. Note: This is the final episode to air on a Friday night. NBC moved the series to Wednesday nights for the final two episodes of the season and during the retooling for the second season. | ||||||
| 12 | 12 | "Molly's Holiday" | Gary Shimokawa | Story by : Albert Lewin & Skip Usen Teleplay by : Albert Lewin | June 4, 1980 | 107 |
|
Molly finds out her parents are getting divorced. She and the girls devise a scheme to bring them back together, but Molly's father visits, bringing his new girlfriend with him. | ||||||
| 13 | 13 | "Dope" | John Bowab | Jerry Mayer | June 11, 1980 | 113 |
|
Blair gets Sue Ann into a clique known as "The Group", whose members are marijuana smokers. Although Blair insists she doesn't smoke, Sue Ann is pressured into trying.[note 2] Helen Hunt appears in this episode. | ||||||
Season 2 (1980–81)
editThe main cast is reduced to five main characters: Mrs. Edna Garrett (Charlotte Rae), Blair Warner (Lisa Whelchel), Natalie Green (Mindy Cohn), Tootie Ramsey (Kim Fields), and new girl Jo Polniaczek (Nancy McKeon).
Two more crossovers with Diff'rent Strokes gave the show a boost in the fall of 1980: Tootie appeared in the Diff'rent Strokes episode "The Bank Job" (Parts 1 and 2) on Nov. 12, 1980, and Arnold from Diff'rent Strokes appeared in "The New Girl" (Part 1), the Facts of Life season premiere.
There would be two additional crossovers this season in the winter of 1981: Blair and Natalie appeared in the Diff'rent Strokes episode "The Older Man," and Willis from Diff'rent Strokes appeared in the Facts of Life episode "Bought and Sold."
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 1 | "The New Girl: Part 1" | Bob Claver | Jerry Mayer | November 19, 1980 | 201 |
|
A new student, Jo Polniaczek (Nancy McKeon), arrives at Eastland and Mrs. Garrett has the streetwise Jo try to make friends with the snobbish Blair. Jo wants to do something rebellious, daring the girls to come along so she hotwires a van and takes them to a bar, but then they run into trouble when a good looking guy there reveals himself to be an undercover cop. Also: Mrs. Garrett gets a visit from Arnold Jackson (Gary Coleman). | ||||||
| 15 | 2 | "The New Girl: Part 2" | Bob Claver | Jack Elinson | November 26, 1980 | 202 |
|
After wrecking the school van and being thrown in jail, the girls are put on probation. They must work in the cafeteria to pay off their damages, in lieu of expulsion from Eastland.[note 3] | ||||||
| 16 | 3 | "Double Standard" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | December 10, 1980 | 204 |
|
Blair is upset when her childhood friend, Harrison Andrews (Grant Wilson) asks Jo to the country club cotillion instead of her, but she later discovers his true intentions. | ||||||
| 17 | 4 | "Who Am I?" | Lee Lochhead | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | December 17, 1980 | 205 |
|
Tootie falls for an African-American boy, but becomes conflicted when he comments that she only hangs out with white girls. | ||||||
| 18 | 5 | "Cousin Geri" | Asaad Kelada | Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel | December 24, 1980 | 206 |
|
Blair's cousin Geri (Geri Jewell), a comedian who has cerebral palsy, visits. This episode marks Jewell's first appearance in the series. | ||||||
| 19 | 6 | "Shoplifting" | Lee Lochhead | Sally Sussman | December 31, 1980 | 203 |
|
For Mrs. Garrett's upcoming birthday, the girls want to buy her a shirt. After they miss the sale, Jo decides to steal the shirt. When Mrs. Garrett returns the shirt, she finds it was stolen. To avoid the criminal charges, Jo works in the store for a while as part of the punishment by Mrs. Garrett. | ||||||
| 20 | 7 | "Teenage Marriage: Part 1" | John Bowab | Jerry Mayer | January 7, 1981 | 207 |
|
Jo receives an unexpected visit from her boyfriend Eddie (Clark Brandon), who has gone AWOL from the Navy, and surprises her with a marriage proposal. | ||||||
| 21 | 8 | "Teenage Marriage: Part 2" | John Bowab | Jerry Mayer | January 14, 1981 | 208 |
|
Mrs. Garrett and the girls try to stall Jo from getting married, so they can contact Jo's mother and organize a last minute bridal shower. | ||||||
| 22 | 9 | "Gossip" | Lee Lochhead | Paul L. Friedman & Gayle MacDonald | January 21, 1981 | 209 |
|
Tootie's gossiping causes a rift between Blair, Jo, and Nancy, that almost costs Mrs. Garrett her job.[note 4] | ||||||
| 23 | 10 | "Breaking Point" | John Bowab | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | January 28, 1981 | 210 |
|
Blair gets heavily involved in a campaign for student council president, but loses and becomes vice president. Things take a serious turn for the worse when her former opponent Cynthia (Denise Halma) dies by suicide because her parents are getting a divorce as well as her long struggle with depression. Jo comments on how her friend Gloria died by suicide at her old school. To honor Cynthia's memory, Blair and the girls decide to set up a suicide hotline to help kids who are considering taking their own lives. | ||||||
| 24 | 11 | "Sex Symbol" | John Bowab | Teleplay by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters and Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel and Sally Sussman Story by : Sally Sussman | February 4, 1981 | 211 |
|
Natalie has a study session with a boy she meets at a school dance. When rumors spread throughout the school that they do more than just study, she receives a barrage of requests from other boys, while her friends question her newfound popularity, which she starts encouraging.[note 4] | ||||||
| 25 | 12 | "The Secret" | John Bowab | Story by : Jerry Mayer & Robyn Knapton Teleplay by : Jerry Mayer | February 25, 1981 | 212 |
|
Jo has won an award, but when her recently paroled father (Alex Rocco) wants to attend, Jo tries to hide that fact from her friends. | ||||||
| 26 | 13 | "Pretty Babies" | Bob Claver | Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel | March 4, 1981 | 214 |
|
A top fashion photographer is coming to Eastland to find the new face of the '80s, and Blair is positive she is it but the photographer surprises everyone by choosing Tootie. When Mrs. Garrett and Blair accompany Tootie to New York for the photo shoot, Mrs. Garrett ultimately is not on board with the project.[note 5] | ||||||
| 27 | 14 | "Bought and Sold" | John Bowab | Teleplay by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters Story by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters and Susan Haven & Philip Ross | March 11, 1981 | 213 |
|
Blair is selling Countess Calvet cosmetics and uses Natalie as a walking billboard. Todd Bridges appears as Willis, and Zsa Zsa Gabor also guest stars. | ||||||
| 28 | 15 | "Free Spirit" | Bob Claver | Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel | March 18, 1981 | 215 |
|
Mrs. Garrett's son, Alex, visits Eastland. He brags about his life as a musician socializing with famous people such as Carly Simon, Donna Summer, and Neil Diamond, which attracts Natalie's affections, but Blair is suspicious. | ||||||
| 29 | 16 | "Brian and Sylvia" | John Bowab | Jack Elinson | March 25, 1981 | 216 |
|
Tootie and Natalie go to Buffalo to visit Tootie's uncle Brian (Richard Dean Anderson) and aunt Sylvia (Rosanne Katon), who are an interracial couple. Sylvia, a local news anchor, has received a job offer in New York City, but Brian does not want to move. | ||||||
Season 3 (1981–82)
editMr. Parker (Roger Perry) is a recurring character as the school's new headmaster. Linda Marsh and Margie Peters join Jerry Mayer as producers. Jack Elison and Jerry Mayer were the executive producers.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 1 | "Growing Pains" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | October 28, 1981 | 302 |
|
After feeling excluded by the other girls for being the youngest, Tootie experiments with alcohol. The girls were caught by Ms Garrett and was planning on telling the headmaster. But she decides to punish the girls to avoid being expelled by the headmaster Parker.[note 6] Note: Starting this season, Kim Fields began wearing braces. | ||||||
| 31 | 2 | "Fear Strikes Back" | Asaad Kelada | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | November 4, 1981 | 306 |
|
Natalie is assaulted on the way home from a Halloween costume party, and becomes agoraphobic as a result. | ||||||
| 32 | 3 | "A Baby in the House" | Asaad Kelada | Story by : Jerry Winnick Teleplay by : Stuart Wolpert & Deidre Fay and Jerry Winnick | November 11, 1981 | 308 |
|
Former Eastland student Alison visits Blair and friends. She was a model student with a "perfect" life but is now a teenage mother. When she leaves, she forgets her baby daughter, Emily, and the girls have to take care of Emily in Alison's absence. | ||||||
| 33 | 4 | "A Friend in Deed" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | November 18, 1981 | 307 |
|
Blair's mother Monica visits and informs Blair that she is getting plastic surgery, but Blair discovers she has a more serious condition: breast cancer. Note: This is Marj Dusay's first episode playing Monica Warner. | ||||||
| 34 | 5 | "Front Page" | Asaad Kelada | Mike Mayer & Larry Swimer | November 25, 1981 | 309 |
|
After her essay gets trashed by her journalism teacher, Jo writes an article that places the teacher at a drug bust and Natalie, the editor-in-chief, must make a hard decision as to whether to publish the article or not.[note 7] | ||||||
| 35 | 6 | "Give and Take" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | December 2, 1981 | 303 |
|
After losing her pension, Mrs. Garrett takes a second job working at Howard Johnson's. This takes a toll on her mood and her job at Eastland, so she must choose between the two. | ||||||
| 36 | 7 | "Sweet Sorrow" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | December 9, 1981 | 310 |
|
Blair and Jo participate in a class study in which they each pair up with a boy in a pretend marriage. Jo becomes attracted to her partner, but feels conflicted because of her loyalty to her boyfriend Eddie. | ||||||
| 37 | 8 | "From Russia with Love" | Asaad Kelada | Story by : Jerry Mayer & Emily Mayer Teleplay by : Jerry Mayer | December 16, 1981 | 301 |
|
Natalie's weekend plans are threatened when her overbearing Ukrainian grandmother Mona (Molly Picon) visits. | ||||||
| 38 | 9 | "Dear Me" | Asaad Kelada | Lloyd Turner & Howard Liebling | December 23, 1981 | 311 |
|
The girls are going camping with some boys from Bates Academy, but Tootie makes an excuse not to go by presenting a phony love letter.[note 8] | ||||||
| 39 | 10 | "Cousin Geri Returns" | Asaad Kelada | Ann Gibbs & Joel Kimmel | December 30, 1981 | 305 |
|
Blair fears that her cousin Geri is being set up for a fall when Geri begins dating Eastland's attractive French teacher. | ||||||
| 40 | 11 | "Legacy" | Judi Elterman | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | January 6, 1982 | 312 |
|
Blair learns that her beloved late grandfather was a supporter and benefactor of the Ku Klux Klan. | ||||||
| 41 | 12 | "Green-Eyed Monster" | Asaad Kelada | Story by : Bill Shinkai Teleplay by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | January 13, 1982 | 313 |
|
Natalie wants the lead role in a school play, and she is not about to let anything or anyone stand in her way, including Tootie.[note 9] | ||||||
| 42 | 13 | "The Americanization of Miko" | Asaad Kelada | Stephen W. Spears & Bill Shinkai | January 20, 1982 | 314 |
|
Miko (Lauren Tom), a Japanese student, begins adopting Western cultural values. Her father (Mako), however, strongly objects, and wants her to return to Japan. | ||||||
| 43 | 14 | "The Marriage Brokers" | Alejandro Rey | Mitch Markowitz | January 27, 1982 | 315 |
|
To the girls' delight, Mrs. Garrett's handsome visitor (Norman Alden) is more than a friend and Blair investigates how serious their relationship is. | ||||||
| 44 | 15 | "Starstruck" | Asaad Kelada | Story by : Marvin Braverman Teleplay by : Marvin Braverman and Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | February 3, 1982 | 316 |
|
Tootie gets the thrill of her life when Jermaine Jackson invites her to his concert and she tearfully begs Mrs. Garrett to take her there, but she ends up heartbroken in Jermaine's dressing room. Note: Jermaine Jackson appears as himself in this episode. | ||||||
| 45 | 16 | "The Four Musketeers" | Asaad Kelada | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | February 10, 1982 | 304 |
|
The girls must decide what their living arrangements should be when the end of their probationary period gives them an opportunity to go their separate ways. Since the van is paid off and probation ends so they can move back to the dorms. But the girls wreck something else, they have to stay where they are and still work in the cafeteria to pay off the next debts. | ||||||
| 46 | 17 | "The Affair" | Asaad Kelada | Migdia Chinea-Varela | February 17, 1982 | 318 |
|
Mrs. Garrett and the girls spend a day in New York City. But while they're having lunch at a high-end Italian restaurant, Natalie gets an unpleasant shock when she catches her father (Norman Burton) kissing another woman. | ||||||
| 47 | 18 | "Runaway" | Asaad Kelada | Bernard Burnell Mack | February 24, 1982 | 317 |
|
Determined to prove her maturity, Tootie goes to New York City alone to meet Mrs. Garrett and the other girls at the theater. An encounter with a teenage prostitute named Kristy (Tammy Lauren) in a coffee shop teaches her a harsh reality when Kristy tries to recruit Tootie into her line of work. | ||||||
| 48 | 19 | "New York, New York" | Asaad Kelada | Peter Noah | March 3, 1982 | 319 |
|
Blair and Jo each visit old friends in New York City, where they find that things have changed considerably. | ||||||
| 49 | 20 | "Kids Can Be Cruel" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | March 17, 1982 | 320 |
|
A vengeful Natalie is determined to get even with insensitive Blair, but she unwittingly entangles an innocent victim in her scheme. This episode was reenacted for the third edition of Live in Front of a Studio Audience. | ||||||
| 50 | 21 | "Mind Your Own Business" | Selig Frank | Jerry Jacobius & Steven Gore | March 24, 1982 | 321 |
|
Natalie institutes nine rules of privacy after she learns that Blair peeked in her diary. | ||||||
| 51 | 22 | "The Academy" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | March 31, 1982 | 322 |
|
Jo coerces Blair into a date with a military cadet, but Blair is in for a shock when she learns that the boy is a juvenile delinquent from New York City. | ||||||
| 52 | 23 | "Jo's Cousin" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | April 14, 1982 | 324 |
|
Jo visits her relatives in New Jersey, where she helps her 14-year-old tomboy cousin Terry (Megan Follows) transform from a little girl to a young lady. | ||||||
| 53 | 24 | "Read No Evil" | Dolores Ferraro | Story by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert and Hendrik Van Leuven Teleplay by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | May 5, 1982 | 323 |
|
Natalie loses her job as Eastland's newspaper's editor when she decries the school's new book-censorship policy. | ||||||
Season 4 (1982–83)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | "The Facts of Life Goes to Paris" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer & Jack Elinson, Linda Marsh & Margie Peters, Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | September 25, 1982 | -- | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett and the girls get more than they bargained for when they spend their summer vacation in Paris; Mrs. Garrett attends a prestigious cooking academy while the girls take part in a cultural exchange program at a French boarding school. Note: Originally a two-hour movie, is shown in four half-hour episodes in syndication. | ||||||||||||
| 54 | 1 | "Ain't Miss Beholden" | Asaad Kelada | Stephen Neigher | September 29, 1982 | 403 | ||||||
|
Jo's future at Eastland is in jeopardy when she learns her scholarship funds are drying up due in part to budget cuts related to the early 1980s recession, and that Blair may be her only chance to stay. | ||||||||||||
| 55 | 2 | "The Source" | Asaad Kelada | Peter Noah | October 6, 1982 | 404 | ||||||
|
Natalie is under pressure to reveal her source for a controversial article on a schoolmate's secret abortion she has written for the school newspaper. | ||||||||||||
| 56 | 3 | "The Sound of Silence" | Asaad Kelada | Kimberly Hill | October 27, 1982 | 401 | ||||||
|
Tootie's sudden personality change and slipping grades are the result of a hearing problem she is reluctant to address. Blair's cousin Geri visits to comfort Tootie. | ||||||||||||
| 57 | 4 | "The Oldest Living Graduate" | Asaad Kelada | John Markus | November 3, 1982 | 407 | ||||||
|
Eastland's oldest living graduate, Marie Thornwell (Amzie Strickland), a wealthy eccentric, decides to leave her money to Eastland until Jo inadvertently changes her mind. Note: Margaret Hamilton was originally cast in the role of Marie Thornwell. The TV Guide ad for this episode even featured her picture. An editor's note was added under the encapsulated description which said that Amzie Strickland was her "last minute replacement." | ||||||||||||
| 58 | 5 | "Different Drummer" | Asaad Kelada | Dianne Messina & Lou Messina | November 10, 1982 | 408 | ||||||
|
Blair thinks she is doing a good deed by tutoring an intellectually disabled young man, but the student misinterprets her good intentions after Blair pushes him too far. | ||||||||||||
| 59 | 6 | "Dearest Mommie" | Asaad Kelada | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | November 17, 1982 | 409 | ||||||
|
Natalie gets an opportunity to write a column for a newspaper in New York City and gets into an argument with her mother (Mitzi Hoag) over how it could affect her schoolwork. Her mother eventually reveals the name of Natalie's biological mother. | ||||||||||||
| 60 | 7 | "A Woman's Place" | Asaad Kelada | Story by : David Chambers and Ruth Bennett Teleplay by : David Chambers | November 24, 1982 | 410 | ||||||
|
Jo lands a new job as a mechanic alongside her boyfriend, but problems arise when she is promoted as his supervisor. | ||||||||||||
| 61 | 8 | "Daddy's Girl" | Asaad Kelada | Howard Meyers & Paul Haggis | December 1, 1982 | 402 | ||||||
|
Blair's close relationship with her father (Nicolas Coster) is tested when a tax audit uncovers her father's questionable accounting practices. | ||||||||||||
| 62 | 9 | "The Big Fight" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | December 8, 1982 | 406 | ||||||
|
A friend invites Natalie to watch his match at Stone Military Academy. He originally did the match to oblige his father, but learns that his father will not even show up. | ||||||||||||
| 63 | 10 | "For the Asking" | Asaad Kelada | Nick Gore & Jerry Jacobius | December 15, 1982 | 411 | ||||||
|
Natalie boycotts the Sadie Hawkins dance claiming it's wrong for a girl to ask a boy out. | ||||||||||||
| 64 | 11 | "September Song" | Asaad Kelada | Bob Peete | December 22, 1982 | 405 | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett receives a marriage proposal from her elderly boyfriend Henry (Murray Matheson), who later hurts his back. The girls help take care of him and find him to be insensitive. | ||||||||||||
| 65 | 12 | "A Royal Pain" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | January 5, 1983 | 413 | ||||||
|
Excitement reigns when royalty enrolls at Eastland, until Tootie accidentally discovers that the new student, a young princess, is a runaway who is getting ready to skip out again. Guest-starring Heather McAdam as Princess Alexandra 'Alex' Lambarti | ||||||||||||
| 66 | 13 | "Magnificent Obsession" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | January 12, 1983 | 412 | ||||||
|
Jo is concerned by Blair's infatuation with a boy who asks Blair to a dance, but leaves with another girl. | ||||||||||||
| 67 | 14 | "Under Pressure" | Asaad Kelada | Sandra Kay Siegel | January 19, 1983 | 414 | ||||||
|
When Mrs. Garrett is diagnosed with high blood pressure, the girls do anything to shield her from stress. But their good intentions lead to a lie, a cover-up and big trouble. | ||||||||||||
| 68 | 15 | "Teacher's Pet" | Asaad Kelada | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | January 26, 1983 | 415 | ||||||
|
Jo learns that her favorite teacher (Deborah Harmon) is terminally ill. | ||||||||||||
| 69 | 16 | "Let's Party" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | February 9, 1983 | 417 | ||||||
|
The girls learn a frightening lesson about drinking and driving when they join Tootie's college-age brother Marshall (Kevin Rodney Sullivan) and his friends for a party. | ||||||||||||
| 70 | 17 | "Best Sister: Part 1" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | February 16, 1983 | 418 | ||||||
|
Blair's stepsister Meg (Eve Plumb), a nun, visits Eastland, and inspires Jo. | ||||||||||||
| 71 | 18 | "Best Sister: Part 2" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | February 23, 1983 | 419 | ||||||
|
When Jo decides that she wants to become a nun along with Meg, Blair sees herself as the only one who can talk them out of it. However, Blair's true feelings toward Meg come to the surface when Blair gets into another argument with Meg and Jo that ends with a violent outburst by Jo against Blair. | ||||||||||||
| 72 | 19 | "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" | Asaad Kelada | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | March 9, 1983 | 416 | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett's cooking instructor from Paris visits Eastland. Meanwhile, the girls try to deal with a squirrel that enters their bedroom. | ||||||||||||
| 73 | 20 | "Who's on First" | Asaad Kelada | Kimberly Hill | March 30, 1983 | 420 | ||||||
|
Natalie devotes all her time to her new beau, prompting a slighted Tootie into a deceitful course of action to regain her attention. | ||||||||||||
| 74 | 21 | "Help from Home" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | April 6, 1983 | 421 | ||||||
|
Jo and Blair have both been accepted to Langley College, but Jo does not tell anyone because she does not plan to attend due to her family's financial situation. However, when Jo returns home for the weekend, she discovers that her entire family knows about her acceptance and are counting on her to do well. | ||||||||||||
| 75 | 22 | "Take My Finals, Please" | Asaad Kelada | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | April 27, 1983 | 422 | ||||||
|
In spite of Mrs. Garrett's opposition, the girls settle in for an all-night study session for their final exams. As the hours pass, every imaginable distraction impedes their studies. | ||||||||||||
| 76 | 23 | "Graduation" | Asaad Kelada | Kimberly Hill and Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | May 4, 1983 | 423 | ||||||
| 77 | 24 | 424 | ||||||||||
|
Blair and Jo finally achieve a common bond when their graduation from Eastland causes a flood of preparations and overreactions from their parents and friends. Mrs. Garrett, Natalie and Tootie are reassuring and calm during the hectic last-minute graduation preparations and Blair and Jo see how much more they learned at Eastland than just academics. | ||||||||||||
Season 5 (1983–84)
editBlair and Jo start college, and Mrs. Garrett quits Eastland and opens her own gourmet food shop and catering business. Blair, Jo, Tootie, and Natalie all move in with her. Pamela Segall joins the cast this season, beginning with the episode "Just My Bill". Her final appearance is in the episode "Seems Like Old Times", and her character is dropped following that episode. Blair and Jo have been kicked out of the dorms and placed on probation. Mrs. Garrett offers Jo a place to live and a job in her store. Tootie and Natalie also move into the apartments above the store. Blair is reluctant to move in and decides to pledge a sorority.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78 | 1 | "Brave New World" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | September 21, 1983 | 501 | ||||||
| 79 | 2 | 502 | ||||||||||
|
Blair and Jo start at Langley College while Mrs. Garrett leaves Eastland to open her own gourmet shop called Edna's Edibles, with help from her son Raymond (Joel Brooks). The girls wonder what their housing situation will be. Note: This is the final episode to feature Eastland Academy as the main setting of the show. | ||||||||||||
| 80 | 3 | "Gamma Gamma or Bust" | Asaad Kelada | Story by : George Tricker & Neil Rosen Teleplay by : George Tricker & Neil Rosen and Andy Borowitz | September 28, 1983 | 503 | ||||||
|
Blair is nominated to pledge the Gamma Gamma sorority at Langley. Jami Gertz makes the first of four appearances as Blair's sorority sister Boots St. Clair.[note 10] Note: This was the last episode of the Eastland backdrop in the opening credits. This was also the last episode showing Mindy Cohn and Nancy McKeon's scenes from the two previous seasons. | ||||||||||||
| 81 | 4 | "Just My Bill" | Asaad Kelada | Dianne Messina & Lou Messina | October 12, 1983 | 505 | ||||||
|
Jo's in love, but becomes resentful when her guy turns out to be wealthy. Note: Edna's Edibles was marked the season's new backdrop at the beginning of the opening credits until the 3rd episode of the show's 7th season. Mindy Cohn and Nancy McKeon were marked new original scenes in the opening credits of this episode. Starting this episode, Pamela Segall joins the on-and-off regular blockage as Kelly Affinado. | ||||||||||||
| 82 | 5 | "What Price Glory?" | Asaad Kelada | Alan Spencer | October 19, 1983 | 506 | ||||||
|
Tootie discovers that her boyfriend Jeff, a school athlete, is illiterate. Note: Geri Jewell guest stars as Blair's cousin, comedian 'Geri Tyler'. | ||||||||||||
| 83 | 6 | "The Halloween Show" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | October 26, 1983 | 507 | ||||||
|
On Halloween, Mrs. Garrett appears to be possessed, and a customer disappears without explanation. | ||||||||||||
| 84 | 7 | "Advance Placement" | Asaad Kelada | Bob Myer & Bob Young | November 2, 1983 | 510 | ||||||
|
Although Natalie is still a junior in high school, she gets an opportunity to enroll in a course at Langley and develops an ego that puts a strain on her friendship with the other girls.[note 11] | ||||||||||||
| 85 | 8 | "I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can" | Asaad Kelada | Jim Geoghan | November 9, 1983 | 509 | ||||||
|
Blair and Jo take Mrs. Garrett to a male strip club for her birthday, where they discover Blair's boyfriend Cliff (Woody Brown) on stage. | ||||||||||||
| 86 | 9 | "Small But Dangerous" | Asaad Kelada | Andy Borowitz | November 16, 1983 | 508 | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett and the girls deal with a sudden outbreak of vandalism of the store and discover a young girl named Kelly Affinado may be responsible. They are surprised at the reasons for her actions. | ||||||||||||
| 87 | 10 | "Store Games" | Asaad Kelada | Story by : Andy Borowitz and Howard Meyers Teleplay by : Andy Borowitz | November 30, 1983 | 512 | ||||||
|
A competing store run by Pete Dawson (William Windom) takes a big bite out of Mrs. Garrett's business so the girls investigate and discover the store has been copying Mrs. Garrett's recipes after being tipped off by Kelly. They try some tactics to fix that. | ||||||||||||
| 88 | 11 | "The Second Time Around" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | December 14, 1983 | 511 | ||||||
|
Jo gets excited when it looks as though her parents (Alex Rocco and Claire Malis) might reconcile. | ||||||||||||
| 89 | 12 | "The Christmas Show" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | December 21, 1983 | 515 | ||||||
|
The girls prepare to go their separate ways for Christmas vacation. | ||||||||||||
| 90 | 13 | "The Chain Letter" | Asaad Kelada | Bob Myer & Bob Young | December 28, 1983 | 504 | ||||||
|
Edna's Edibles is threatened with closure by the health department because of constant neglect by the girls. After Mrs. Garrett decides to fire the girls, they rally together to try to prove to her they will not disappoint her again. | ||||||||||||
| 91 | 14 | "Next Door" | Linda Day | Milt Rosen & Glenn Padnick | January 4, 1984 | 513 | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett and the girls befriend a latchkey kid (Taliesin Jaffe) whose single mother (Jean Smart) does not have time to take care of him. When a gas leak occurs in the neighborhood, Tootie must help Mrs. Garrett persuade the boy to leave the apartment in order to get him out of harm's way. | ||||||||||||
| 92 | 15 | "Crossing the Line" | Mark W. Travis | Andy Borowitz | January 11, 1984 | 516 | ||||||
|
Tootie is at odds with Natalie over the latter's desire to date Tootie's cousin and confronts her own views on race and wonders if she is racist herself. | ||||||||||||
| 93 | 16 | "All or Nothing" | Asaad Kelada | Bob Myer & Bob Young | January 18, 1984 | 518 | ||||||
|
Jo is elected to Langley's board of regents and learns quickly about the politics of the financial decisions they make and who could be hurt by them. | ||||||||||||
| 94 | 17 | "A Death in the Family" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | February 1, 1984 | 519 | ||||||
|
Natalie's father dies from a sudden heart attack and she has difficulty coming to terms with his death. | ||||||||||||
| 95 | 18 | "Big Fish/Little Fish" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | February 8, 1984 | 520 | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett and the other girls help comfort Natalie who is still reeling from her father's death. Meanwhile, Blair is realizing she is not the "big fish" she used to be. | ||||||||||||
| 96 | 19 | "Star at Langley" | Asaad Kelada | Andy Borowitz | February 15, 1984 | 521 | ||||||
|
When a famous movie star enrolls at Langley, Blair becomes jealous of the attention she lavishes on Blair's boyfriend Cliff (Woody Brown). | ||||||||||||
| 97 | 20 | "Dream Marriage" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | February 22, 1984 | 522 | ||||||
|
Blair receives a marriage proposal and she dreams of what her life might be like in the future (namely, the year 2000). | ||||||||||||
| 98 | 21 | "Mother and Daughter" | Norman Cohen | Jerry Mayer | February 29, 1984 | 517 | ||||||
|
Tootie and her visiting mother Diane (played by Kim Fields' mother Chip) discover how big the gap is in their relationship. | ||||||||||||
| 99 | 22 | "All by Herself" | Judi Elterman | Story by : Bob Myer & Bob Young and Cheri Eichen & Bill Steinkellner Teleplay by : Bob Myer & Bob Young | March 14, 1984 | 514 | ||||||
|
Geri (Geri Jewell) gets a chip on her shoulder about her abilities when she asks Blair to assist her in a fundraising for a school for disabled children. Note: This episode marks Geri Jewell's final appearance. | ||||||||||||
| 100 | 23 | "Seems Like Old Times" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | March 21, 1984 | 524 | ||||||
|
Jo's former boyfriend Eddie (Clark Brandon), returns to rekindle their relationship but harbors a devastating secret: he's married. Note: This is Pamela Segall's final appearance in the series. | ||||||||||||
| 101 | 24 | "Joint Custody" | Asaad Kelada | Bob Myer & Bob Young | May 2, 1984 | 523 | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett's son, Raymond (Joel Brooks), who also owns the building where Edna's Edibles is located, visits with his wife Doris (Kim Darby). It becomes apparent that the couple is headed towards divorce unless Mrs. Garrett and the girls can help save their marriage. | ||||||||||||
| 102 | 25 | "The Way We Were" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | May 9, 1984 | 525 | ||||||
| 103 | 26 | 526 | ||||||||||
|
As the girls prepare for their summer vacations, they look back on the past, as seen in clips from previous episodes. Blair and Jo ultimately get into a major argument, so Natalie and Tootie try to patch things up between the two. Note: The clips shown are taken from "Rough Housing", "I.Q.", "Overachieving", "Emily Dickinson", "Running", "Dope", "The New Girl: Part 1", "The New Girl: Part 2", "Double Standard", "Who Am I?", "Teenage Marriage: Part 1", "Gossip", "The Secret", "Front Page", "Dear Me", "Green-Eyed Monster", "The Four Musketeers", "New York, New York", "Kids Can Be Cruel", "September Song", "Let's Party", "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?", "Take My Finals, Please", "Crossing the Line" and "Big Fish/Little Fish". | ||||||||||||
Season 6 (1984–85)
editMrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae) was absent from several episodes in season 6 per Rae's request for reduced appearances. Deidre Faye & Stuart Wolpert are now executive producers until season 8.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 104 | 1 | "The Summer of '84" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | September 26, 1984 | 605 | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett and the girls return home to tell each other about their respective summer vacations. John Astin (Mackenzie Astin's real life father) appears in this episode as Mrs. Garrett's summer love. | ||||||||||||
| 105 | 2 | "A Slice of Life" "Slices of Life" | Asaad Kelada | Jerry Mayer | October 3, 1984 | 604 | ||||||
|
Jo decides to take her mother's incredible pizza recipe and create a business from it. The business succeeds but at a price. | ||||||||||||
| 106 | 3 | "Love at First Byte" | Asaad Kelada | Bob Myer & Bob Young | October 17, 1984 | 606 | ||||||
|
In order to complete an experiment for school, Natalie tricks Jo and Blair into joining a computer dating service. | ||||||||||||
| 107 | 4 | "My Boyfriend's Back" | Asaad Kelada | Bob Myer & Bob Young | October 24, 1984 | 601 | ||||||
|
Tootie is dismayed when her boyfriend Jeff returns from college and seems to have outgrown her. She then feels that she must sleep with him in order to keep him. Note: Nancy McKeon does not appear in this episode. This is her first absence in the season. This is also the first taped episode of this season. | ||||||||||||
| 108 | 5 | "Cruisin'" | John Bowab | Paul Haggis | October 31, 1984 | 609 | ||||||
|
The girls take Blair's father's car and go cruising in downtown Peekskill. Notes: This is the first episode to feature Kim Fields without her braces since season three. Nancy McKeon returns after her first absence from the previous episode. This is also the first and only episode that premiered without a laugh track and live audience. Due to that reason, this episode was filmed in single-camera format for the only time. | ||||||||||||
| 109 | 6 | "Taking a Chance on Love" | Asaad Kelada | Gail Honigberg | November 7, 1984 | 607 | ||||||
| 110 | 7 | 608 | ||||||||||
|
Jo falls in love with her photography instructor Sam Hall (Kristoffer Tabori). | ||||||||||||
| 111 | 8 | "E.G.O.C. (Edna Garrett on Campus)" | John Bowab | Janis Hirsch | November 14, 1984 | 610 | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett feels out of place when she decides to go back to college and joins Jo and Blair in one of their classes. | ||||||||||||
| 112 | 9 | "Dear Apple" | John Bowab | Story by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert Teleplay by : Paul Haggis | November 21, 1984 | 611 | ||||||
|
Jo thinks about her friendship with Blair with the aid of a talking computer. | ||||||||||||
| 113 | 10 | "Talk, Talk, Talk" | John Bowab | Bob Myer & Bob Young | November 28, 1984 | 614 | ||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett and the other girls assist Jo when she must work the graveyard shift at Langley's radio station. | ||||||||||||
| 114 | 11 | "Smile" | Asaad Kelada | Story by : Mark Miller Teleplay by : Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | December 5, 1984 | 602 | ||||||
|
Natalie's odd behavior after losing a coveted newspaper position confuses her new boyfriend. Note: This is Nancy McKeon's second and final absence in the series. This is the second episode filmed for the season. | ||||||||||||
| 115 | 12 | "The Rich Aren't Different" | John Bowab | J.P. Duffy | December 12, 1984 | 613 | ||||||
|
Blair takes Jo to small claims court over a broken watch. | ||||||||||||
| 116 | 13 | "Christmas in the Big House" | John Bowab | Jerry Mayer | December 19, 1984 | 615 | ||||||
|
As a result of a mix-up, the girls perform a Christmas show at a men's prison instead of a boys' home as scheduled. | ||||||||||||
| 117 | 14 | "Me and Eleanor" | John Bowab | Paul Haggis | January 2, 1985 | 616 | ||||||
|
Tootie writes and performs a play about Eleanor Roosevelt. Note: Mackenzie Astin marks his first appearance as Andy Moffett in this episode. He is credited as a guest star in four other episodes (16, 18, 21, 24) in the season and departs after the twenty-fourth episode. Starting in the seventh season, he is added as an semi-regular and becomes a main cast member in the eighth and ninth seasons. | ||||||||||||
| 118 | 15 | "Working it Out" | Asaad Kelada | Linda Marsh & Margie Peters | January 9, 1985 | 603 | ||||||
|
Blair's rebellious behavior after breaking up with her boyfriend Cliff has everyone confused, especially Mrs. Garrett. | ||||||||||||
| 119 | 16 | "Jazzbeau" | Ellen Chaset Falcon | Rick Lombardo & Patrick Cleary | January 16, 1985 | 617 | ||||||
|
Natalie and Tootie reminisce about a former jazz legend they met while working at a resort in the Poconos after learning he recently died. Guest starring Bill Henderson as Art 'Jazzbeau' Jackson. | ||||||||||||
| 120 | 17 | "Two Guys from Appleton" | John Bowab | Paul Haggis | January 23, 1985 | 618 | ||||||
|
An old boyfriend of Mrs. Garrett's arrives in Peekskill with his college-age son, Kevin. Note: Ryan Cassidy marks his first appearance as Kevin Metcalf in this episode. He is the guest star in episodes 18–, 21, 24 in the season and departs the series after the twenty-fourth episode. | ||||||||||||
| 121 | 18 | "With a Little Help from My Friends" | John Bowab | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | January 30, 1985 | 619 | ||||||
|
Blair is torn between her friends' concern and her new boyfriend, who has let his addiction to cocaine affect him. Note: This is the first episode that marks Mackenzie Astin as a guest star. He is the guest star in episodes 21 and 24 along with Ryan Cassidy. | ||||||||||||
| 122 | 19 | "Gone with the Wind: Part 1" | John Bowab | Kimberly Hill | February 13, 1985 | 621 | ||||||
|
The girls spend their spring break in Florida when a hurricane hits. Note: Charlotte Rae was absent in this episode. This is her first absence in the season. She was absent in the five following episodes. Michael Damian makes his first appearance as rock singer Flyman. | ||||||||||||
| 123 | 20 | "Gone with the Wind: Part 2" | John Bowab | Kimberly Hill | February 20, 1985 | 622 | ||||||
|
While staying at Natalie's grandmother Mona's house in Florida, the girls each find new relationships. Note: This is Charlotte Rae's second absence in the series. | ||||||||||||
| 124 | 21 | "Man in the Attic" | John Bowab | Paul Haggis | February 27, 1985 | 623 | ||||||
|
Kevin moves into the attic and quickly becomes a nuisance to the girls. Note: This is Charlotte Rae's third absence in the series. | ||||||||||||
| 125 | 22 | "The Last Drive-In" | John Bowab | Paul Haggis, Kimberly Hill and Stuart Wolpert | March 13, 1985 | 624 | ||||||
|
The girls pile into Mrs. Garrett's car and spend the evening at the local drive-in, which is about to be closed down. Note: This is Charlotte Rae's fourth absence in the series. | ||||||||||||
| 126 | 23 | "Sisters" | John Bowab | Bob Myer & Bob Young | March 20, 1985 | 625 | ||||||
|
Jo and Blair become concerned when Jo's father Charlie and Blair's mother Monica appear to be getting very close. Note: This is Charlotte Rae's fifth absence in the series. | ||||||||||||
| 127 | 24 | "It's Lonely at the Top" | John Bowab | Jerry Mayer | March 27, 1985 | 626 | ||||||
|
Blair learns the hard way when she tries to take over and run Edna's Edibles "her" way. Note: This is Charlotte Rae's sixth absence in the series. This is also Ryan Cassidy's final appearance on the show. After this episode, he was quietly dismissed. Mackenzie Astin also marks his final guest star appearance in this episode before returning in season seven. This is the final episode taped for the sixth season. | ||||||||||||
| 128 | 25 | "Bus Stop" | Judi Elterman | Story by : Brian Pollack & Rick Shaw Teleplay by : Kimberly Hill | May 8, 1985 | 620 | ||||||
|
When Natalie graduates from Eastland, she shocks her mother and her friends by deciding not to go to college. Note: Charlotte Rae returns in this episode after her six-episode absence. | ||||||||||||
| 129 | 26 | "The Interview Show" | John Bowab and Stuart Wolpert | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | May 15, 1985 | 612 | ||||||
|
A former student who is planning on writing a book on Eastland interviews Mrs. Garrett and the girls. | ||||||||||||
Season 7 (1985–86)
editMrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae) was again absent from several episodes per Rae's request for reduced appearances. Starting this season, Mackenzie Astin, who plays Andy Moffett, and George Clooney, who plays George Burnett, receive billing in the opening credits.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 | 1 | "Out of the Fire..." | John Bowab | Paul Haggis | September 14, 1985 | 701 |
|
The girls return home from summer vacation to find Edna's Edibles - and their home - gutted by fire. Note: Starting this season, Mackenzie Astin as Andy Moffett becomes a main character. The Edna's Edibles backdrop is used only for the first three episodes in this season. Also, starting with this episode, the writing and directing credits are moved to the beginning and the producer credits are moved to the end. | ||||||
| 131 | 2 | "Into the Frying Pan" | John Bowab | Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | September 21, 1985 | 702 |
|
After deciding to rebuild the shop with a new business, Mrs. Garrett and the girls must find an affordable contractor. Note: George Clooney as George Burnett starts his recurring character run in this episode. | ||||||
| 132 | 3 | "Grand Opening" | John Bowab | Bob Bendetson & Howard Bendetson | September 28, 1985 | 703 |
|
Mrs. Garrett and the girls find that the grand opening of their new business, Over Our Heads, isn't quite so grand. Note: This is the last episode of the Edna's Edibles backdrop in the opening credits. In the next episode, Over Our Heads become the series' new backdrop. | ||||||
| 133 | 4 | "Teacher, Teacher" | John Bowab | Story by : Cheri Eichen & Bill Steinkellner Teleplay by : Bruce Ferber & David Lerner | October 5, 1985 | 705 |
|
After doing a stint of student teaching, Jo becomes torn between becoming a teacher or working at a corporation developing educational software. Irene Tedrow and Joyce Bulifant guest star as Jo's coworkers at the elementary school. Note: Over Our Heads is marked the season's new backdrop at the first scene of the opening credits in this episode until the show's series finale. | ||||||
| 134 | 5 | "Men for All Seasons" | John Bowab | Fredi Towbin & Larry Strauss | October 19, 1985 | 704 |
|
A controversial calendar of the Langley men's swim team puts Mrs. Garrett and the girls in hot water when they refuse to stop selling it. | ||||||
| 135 | 6 | "A New Life" | John Bowab | Linda Elstad | October 26, 1985 | 706 |
|
Blair's mother Monica informs her that she is pregnant by her soon-to-be ex-husband. She considers having an abortion, but Blair insists she keep the baby. | ||||||
| 136 | 7 | "Doo-Wah" | John Bowab | Bob Bendetson & Howard Bendetson | November 2, 1985 | 709 |
|
Andy gets the girls involved in a singing/songwriting contest where the winners get to sing backup for El DeBarge. Siedah Garrett also guest stars. | ||||||
| 137 | 8 | "Come Back to the Truck Stop, Natalie Green, Natalie Green" | John Bowab | Michael Maurer | November 9, 1985 | 708 |
|
Natalie, trying to get writing ideas by travelling around the country, comes up with a wild one while waiting for a bus at a small diner. Charo appears in this episode. | ||||||
| 138 | 9 | "Born Too Late" | John Bowab | Bob Brush | November 16, 1985 | 710 |
|
Andy develops a crush on Tootie when she helps him prepare to audition for a role in his school's production of West Side Story. | ||||||
| 139 | 10 | "3, 2, 1" | John Bowab | Paul Haggis | November 23, 1985 | 711 |
|
Jo and Blair are assigned to work at the campus TV station, but they end up arguing over the content of news stories and editorials. | ||||||
| 140 | 11 | "We Get Letters" | John Bowab | Story by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert Teleplay by : Susan Beavers | November 30, 1985 | 707 |
|
Mrs. Garrett's old friend Gwen (Anne Jackson) visits and accuses her of having an affair with her late husband. | ||||||
| 141 | 12 | "Ballroom Dance" | John Bowab | Story by : Carlo Allen Teleplay by : Deidre Fay & Stuart Wolpert | December 7, 1985 | 712 |
|
Jo takes up ballroom dance lessons. | ||||||
| 142 | 13 | "Christmas Baby" | John Bowab | David Lerner & Bruce Ferber | December 14, 1985 | 715 |
|
Blair's mother Monica goes into labor on Christmas Eve - six weeks before her due date - and gives birth to a baby girl, Bailey. | ||||||
| 143 | 14 | "Tootie Drives" | John Bowab | Story by : Paul Haggis and Stuart Wolpert Teleplay by : Paul Haggis | December 21, 1985 | 713 |
|
Tootie drives everybody crazy when she gets her learner's permit and wants help learning how to drive. | ||||||
| 144 | 15 | "Stake-Out Blues" | John Bowab | Jake Weinberger & Michael Weinberger | January 11, 1986 | 716 |
|
The girls don't want Mrs. Garrett to worry when the police plan a stakeout at the shop to catch criminals selling counterfeit bus passes. Note: Mrs. Garrett is planning on meeting her sister Beverly (who has just been divorced). Beverly will take over Mrs. Garrett's place in Season 8. | ||||||
| 145 | 16 | "The Agent" | John Bowab | Jack Elinson | January 18, 1986 | 717 |
|
In order to boost the career of an aspiring comic, Tootie stages a performance where Jim McCawley, the talent coordinator for 'The Tonight Show', will be in attendance. | ||||||
| 146 | 17 | "The Reunion" | John Bowab | Racelle Friedman | February 1, 1986 | 719 |
|
George takes Jo to his high school reunion where he passes her off as a duchess to impress a girl he once admired. | ||||||
| 147 | 18 | "Concentration" | John Bowab | Martha Williamson | February 8, 1986 | 718 |
|
Blair learns a valuable lesson when she becomes trapped in an elevator with her baby sister Bailey and a concentration camp survivor (Nehemiah Persoff). | ||||||
| 148 | 19 | "Atlantic City" | John Bowab | Paul Haggis | February 15, 1986 | 721 |
|
The girls travel to Atlantic City to see Flyman, Jo's fling from spring break. Michael Damian makes his third and final appearance as Flyman. | ||||||
| 149 | 20 | "The Lady Who Came to Dinner" | John Bowab | Story by : Patrick Cleary Teleplay by : Bart Lindsay & Robert Billson | February 22, 1986 | 722 |
|
After a misunderstanding about Blair's birthday wishes, the party performer herself (vaudevillian Betty Kean) ends up staying with the girls. Note: Mindy Cohn is absent for the first and only time. This is Charlotte Rae's fourth absence in the season and overall her tenth absence in the series. This is also George Clooney's last episode in the season. He made four guest star appearances in Season 8, and did not appear in Season 9. | ||||||
| 150 | 21 | "The Candidate" | Valentine Mayer | Michael Maurer | March 1, 1986 | 723 |
|
Blair and Natalie go head-to-head when Natalie learns a big political secret about the current mayor. | ||||||
| 151 | 22 | "Big Time Charlie" | Steven Robman | Bob Myer & Bob Young | March 29, 1986 | 720 |
|
Jo's father Charlie goes on an extravagant shopping spree after winning $300,000 in a magazine contest. Also, Natalie returns from Florida with the wrong suitcase, losing Tootie's new camera in the process. | ||||||
| 152 | 23 | "The Graduate" | John Bowab | Barry Vigon | May 3, 1986 | 724 |
|
In part one of the season seven finale, Mrs. Garrett returns for Tootie's graduation in time to learn what she and Natalie plan to do about their own futures. Note: This is Mackenzie Astin's final episode as a recurring character. Starting in the eighth season, he becomes a series regular. | ||||||
| 153 | 24 | "The Apartment" | John Bowab | Jane Anderson | May 10, 1986 | 725 |
|
In the conclusion of the season seven finale, Natalie and Tootie move into a new apartment and quickly learn that living on their own is not all it's cracked up to be. Note: This is Charlotte Rae's last episode as a main cast member. Rae made her final appearances in the eighth season two-part premiere "Out of Peekskill Part 1" and "Out of Peekskill Part 2". | ||||||
Season 8 (1986–87)
editMrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae) remarries and leaves the series after the two part season premiere. Her sister, Beverly Ann Stickle (Cloris Leachman), moves in to care for the house and business. George Burnett, played by George Clooney, becomes a recurring character. Richard Gurman is the executive producer for this season.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 154 | 1 | "Out of Peekskill" | John Bowab | Michael Maurer, Richard Gurman and Paul Haggis | September 27, 1986 | 801 | ||||||
| 155 | 2 | 802 | ||||||||||
|
Mrs. Garrett becomes reacquainted with Dr. Bruce Gaines (Robert Mandan), a man she met when she was serving in the Peace Corps. He proposes marriage to her, and she accepts. Her sister, Beverly Ann Stickle (Cloris Leachman), comes to the wedding in her Winnebago. In spite of a scare at Depressed Person's Cliff, Mrs. Garrett and Bruce are married, and they rejoin the Peace Corps, leaving for Africa. Beverly Ann takes over Edna's duties at Over Our Heads. Notes: Starting this season, both Cloris Leachman and Mackenzie Astin become main cast regulars. Charlotte Rae made a guest star appearance and departs the series after this two-part one hour season opening. | ||||||||||||
| 156 | 3 | "Ready or Not" | John Bowab | Jane Anderson | October 4, 1986 | 803 | ||||||
|
Beverly Ann and the girls are concerned that Tootie is getting much too serious about her new boyfriend Rudy. | ||||||||||||
| 157 | 4 | "Another Room" | John Bowab | Story by : Katherine Green Teleplay by : Michael Maurer & Martha Williamson | October 11, 1986 | 805 | ||||||
|
Fed up with having no privacy, Jo considers moving out, until Beverly Ann suggests remodeling the attic into a room, but Jo has concerns about the construction costs. | ||||||||||||
| 158 | 5 | "Off-Broadway Baby" | John Bowab | Martha Williamson | November 1, 1986 | 807 | ||||||
|
Beverly Ann and the girls head for New York City, when Tootie decides to audition for her first Broadway show. However, when she arrives, she quickly learns that she has plenty of competition working against her. Pop star Stacey Q guest stars as Cinnamon. | ||||||||||||
| 159 | 6 | "The Little Chill" | Valentine Mayer | Phil Doran & Douglas Arango | November 8, 1986 | 808 | ||||||
|
Three of the original Eastland girls (Cindy, Nancy, and Sue Ann) return for a reunion and Jo feels left out because she didn't know them very well.[note 12] | ||||||||||||
| 160 | 7 | "The Ratings Game" | John Bowab | Ross Brown | November 15, 1986 | 809 | ||||||
|
Blair's computerized date-rating system is the focus when she makes a bet with Jo dealing with whether or not the system really works. However, when Beverly Ann accidentally erases a computer disk, Jo tampers with some of the ratings. | ||||||||||||
| 161 | 8 | "The Wedding Day" | John Bowab | Story by : Shirley Brown Teleplay by : Ross Brown and Michael Poryes | November 22, 1986 | 811 | ||||||
|
Jo offers to marry an immigrant so he can stay in the country. Note: George Clooney's character George Burnett appears in this episode and three others this season. Episode #15 A Star is Torn is his last appearance. | ||||||||||||
| 162 | 9 | "Fast Food" | Marian Deaton | Michael Maurer | November 29, 1986 | 810 | ||||||
|
Natalie hires Blair as an employee at Señor Sombrero, the Mexican restaurant where she is assistant manager. | ||||||||||||
| 163 | 10 | "Where's Poppa?" | John Bowab | Micki Raton and Irma Kalish & Phil Doran & Douglas Arango | December 6, 1986 | 804 | ||||||
|
Blair is distraught after her father pleads guilty to charges of insider trading. | ||||||||||||
| 164 | 11 | "Write and Wrong" | John Bowab | Jane Anderson & Ross Brown | December 13, 1986 | 806 | ||||||
|
A furious Natalie is determined to identify and sue the plagiarist who sold her short story to a magazine. Vaudeville comedienne Billie Bird appears as Andy's grandmother. | ||||||||||||
| 165 | 12 | "Seven Little Indians" | John Bowab | John Boni | January 3, 1987 | 812 | ||||||
|
On a dark and stormy night, the girls and their friends are stalked by a mysterious killer. Maurice LaMarche appears as "Rod Sperling" in this The Twilight Zone-ish episode. | ||||||||||||
| 166 | 13 | "The Greek Connection" | John Bowab | Sara V. Finney & Vida Spears | January 10, 1987 | 813 | ||||||
|
Assigned by the newspaper to investigate Pledge Week at Langley College, Natalie crashes the rush party of the sorority Tootie wants to join. Penelope Ann Miller guest stars. | ||||||||||||
| 167 | 14 | "Post-Christmas Card" | John Bowab | Matt Gellar | January 17, 1987 | 815 | ||||||
|
As a post-Christmas gift, Natalie gets her first credit card and promptly goes on a spending spree. | ||||||||||||
| 168 | 15 | "A Star Is Torn" | John Bowab | Martha Williamson | January 31, 1987 | 816 | ||||||
|
Cinnamon (Stacey Q), who bested Tootie in the audition for a Broadway rock musical, arrives. She claims that she has been replaced in the show, but it is not the real story. Note: George Clooney marks his final appearance on the show, billed as a special guest star. | ||||||||||||
| 169 | 16 | "A Winter's Tale" | John Bowab | Bob Underwood | February 7, 1987 | 814 | ||||||
|
The girls go to a ski resort. Doug Savant guest stars as an engaged young man who falls in love with Blair. | ||||||||||||
| 170 | 17 | "Cupid's Revenge" | John Bowab | John Boni | February 14, 1987 | 817 | ||||||
|
Romantic perversity occurs when all the girls' old boyfriends happen to show up just before the Valentine's Day dance. | ||||||||||||
| -- | -- | "The Facts of Life Down Under" | Stuart Margolin | Gordon Cotler | February 15, 1987 | -- | ||||||
|
A cultural exchange program sends Beverly Ann and the girls (with Andy) to Australia where they find love and intrigue: Blair and Jo dodge a couple of jewel thieves, Natalie gets lost in the outback, Tootie makes friends with a handsome stranger (Mario Van Peebles), and Beverly Ann and Andy visit a sheep ranch. Note: Originally a two-hour movie, is shown in four half-hour episodes in syndication. | ||||||||||||
| 171 | 18 | "'62 Pick-Up" | John Bowab | Phil Doran & Douglas Arango | February 21, 1987 | 819 | ||||||
|
A flashback to the early 1960s, replete with teen idols, beatniks, and girl groups. Bobby Rydell and Fabian guest star. | ||||||||||||
| 172 | 19 | "Boy About the House" | John Bowab | Austin and Irma Kalish | February 28, 1987 | 818 | ||||||
|
Beverly Ann decides to adopt Andy when his foster parents divorce. Jay Johnson appears in this episode's sub-plot. | ||||||||||||
| 173 | 20 | "Ex Marks the Spot" | John Bowab | Story by : Katherine Green & Richard Gurman Teleplay by : Michael Maurer & Michael Poryes | March 7, 1987 | 820 | ||||||
|
Beverly Ann's ex-husband, Frank Stickle (Dick Van Patten), comes to visit and suffers a heart attack. Lois Nettleton guest stars. | ||||||||||||
| 174 | 21 | "Younger Than Springtime" | John Bowab | Lawrence H. Levy | March 21, 1987 | 821 | ||||||
|
Jo is unhappy that Blair is playing matchmaker for Jo's father Charlie, but she is really upset with the final results. | ||||||||||||
| 175 | 22 | "This Is Only a Test" | Valentine Mayer | Ross Brown & Martha Williamson | April 18, 1987 | 822 | ||||||
|
Blair discovers that even she cannot buy admission to law school if she does not pass a four-hour admissions test for which she has not studied. | ||||||||||||
| 176 | 23 | "Rites of Passage: Part 1" | John Bowab | Matt Geller & Racelle Friedman | May 2, 1987 | 823 | ||||||
|
After her commencement speech is rejected, Jo refuses to make a speech at all, but then learns that her grandfather (Sheldon Leonard) has come all the way from Poland to hear it. | ||||||||||||
| 177 | 24 | "Rites of Passage: Part 2" | Marian Deaton | Michael Poryes | May 9, 1987 | 824 | ||||||
|
Summer offers a variety of options for everyone, especially Jo, who is offered a tempting job in Los Angeles. | ||||||||||||
Season 9 (1987–88)
editPippa McKenna, played by Sherrié Austin, is introduced as a recurring character. Irma Kalish is the executive producer for the final season.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 178 | 1 | "Down and Out in Malibu: Part 1" | John Bowab | Martha Williamson | September 26, 1987 | 903 |
|
Jo is stranded in Malibu for the summer and gets a job housesitting for Richard Moll. | ||||||
| 179 | 2 | "Down and Out in Malibu: Part 2" | John Bowab | Ross Brown | October 3, 1987 | 904 |
|
Richard Moll has Beverly Ann, Blair, Tootie and Natalie arrested when he discovers his house has been damaged. | ||||||
| 180 | 3 | "Rumor Has It" | John Bowab | Michael Poryes | October 17, 1987 | 901 |
|
Things get interesting in Blair's law class when a rumor goes around campus about her and the professor. | ||||||
| 181 | 4 | "Before the Fall" | John Bowab | R.J. Colleary | October 24, 1987 | 905 |
|
Natalie lands a freelance assignment from the local newspaper to do an undercover article on Langley's ROTC, which may lead to more assignments. But she must face her fears when the job entails skydiving from an airplane. Dennis Haysbert has a small role as a drill sergeant. | ||||||
| 182 | 5 | "Sweet Charity" | John Bowab | Phil Doran & Douglas Arango | November 7, 1987 | 907 |
|
Jo goes looking for a job only to find one in the least likely place, and it is up to Blair to save the community center from going under. | ||||||
| 183 | 6 | "Up from Down Under" | John Bowab | Austin and Irma Kalish | November 14, 1987 | 910 |
|
Pippa McKenna, a teenage girl from Eastland's Australian sister school Colunga Academy, enrolls at Eastland as part of its exchange program. Notes: Sherrie Krenn marks her first appearance as Pippa McKenna in this episode, she is marked on/off regular in few episodes and then becomes a main regular in the thirteenth episode. This episode also features new opening credit sequences for Lisa Whelchel and Mackenzie Astin. | ||||||
| 184 | 7 | "The More the Marrier" | Valentine Mayer | Lawrence H. Levy | November 21, 1987 | 908 |
|
It's winter carnival time and Tootie has her hands full when her boyfriend Jeff shows up. Natalie's boyfriend Snake (Robert Romanus) is introduced. | ||||||
| 185 | 8 | "A Rose by Any Other Age" | John Bowab | Mark Tuttle & Barbara Berkowitz | November 28, 1987 | 902 |
|
Blair has the hots for her study partner, but he is more interested in Beverly Ann. Meanwhile, Andy tries to get help with a bully. | ||||||
| 186 | 9 | "Adventures in Baileysitting" | John Bowab | Story by : Jeri Barchilon & Michele Gendleman Teleplay by : Jeri Barchilon | December 5, 1987 | 912 |
|
Blair's baby sister Bailey gets lost while in the girls' care; Tootie gets her engagement ring. | ||||||
| 187 | 10 | "It's a Wonderful Christmas" | Valentine Mayer | Marily Anderson & Renee Orin | December 12, 1987 | 909 |
|
Beverly Ann feels unwanted at Christmas and wonders what it would be like if she had never come to Peekskill. | ||||||
| 188 | 11 | "Golden Oldies" | John Bowab | John Boni | January 2, 1988 | 906 |
|
The girls imagine what their lives will be like decades in the future. Bill Macy appears as Jo's "ex-husband." | ||||||
| 189 | 12 | "A Thousand Frowns" | John Bowab | Harvey Weitzman and David DiGregorio & Arnie Wess | January 9, 1988 | 911 |
|
Jo meets Rick Bonner (Scott Bryce in his first of four appearances) at a community center while trying to find Andy a male role model. Rick is turning 30, and believes he will die soon, as no men in his family have lived longer than his upcoming age. Note: This is Sherrie Krenn's last episode as a recurring character, becoming a main cast member in the next episode and for the rest of the season. This is also the final episode showing the eighth season cast scene at the end of the opening credits. | ||||||
| 190 | 13 | "Something in Common" | John Bowab | Michael Poryes | January 16, 1988 | 917 |
|
Jo's dad comes for a visit and finds Rick has more in common with him than he likes. Meanwhile, after consulting with the girls and Mrs. Garrett, plans are made by Beverly Ann to close unprofitable Over Our Heads and convert the retail space into bedrooms for Pippa and Andy. Notes: Kim Fields is absent for the first and only time in this episode. Sherrie Krenn continues the season as a main cast member in this episode. A new ninth season cast scene set around the piano is seen at the end of the opening credits and continues the rest of the season. This is also the final episode to feature the Over Our Heads store set. | ||||||
| 191 | 14 | "Peekskill Law" | John Bowab | Mark Tuttle | January 23, 1988 | 918 |
|
Blair gets involved in a big law case but the lawyer ends up being her ex-professor. | ||||||
| 192 | 15 | "A House Divided" | John Bowab | Mark Tuttle | January 30, 1988 | 913 |
|
Natalie and Tootie plan the perfect evening with their boyfriends, only to have the two end up fighting and causing the girls to take sides. | ||||||
| 193 | 16 | "The First Time" | Marian Deaton | Ross Brown | February 6, 1988 | 915 |
|
Natalie loses her virginity to her boyfriend Snake (Robert Romanus) on their one-year anniversary. Note: This is the only episode of the series in which Blair does not appear, said to be on a trip to Beverly Hills with her mother. The show’s producers originally planned for Blair to lose her virginity in the episode; however, actress Lisa Whelchel refused and had been written out of that controversial episode to take part due to her religious beliefs. | ||||||
| 194 | 17 | "Let's Face the Music" | John Bowab | Phil Doran & Douglas Arango | February 13, 1988 | 916 |
|
A slip-up at a beauty parlor turns Jo's hair blonde and Blair's hair green, causing problems at a fundraiser event. Later, in a fantasy sequence, Pippa's band and the girls perform at the event. | ||||||
| 195 | 18 | "Less Than Perfect" | Valentine Mayer | Martha Williamson | February 20, 1988 | 914 |
|
Blair gets into a serious car accident when she falls asleep at the wheel, and she is devastated when it results in a large cut across her forehead. Note: The ninth season cast piano scene from the opening credits was taken during the filming of this episode. | ||||||
| 196 | 19 | "Till Marriage Do Us Part" | John Bowab | Ross Brown | February 27, 1988 | 922 |
|
Rick proposes to Jo and after some thought and reflection she accepts, becoming the first of the girls to get married. | ||||||
| 197 | 20 | "Present Imperfect" | John Bowab | Kathy Lette | March 5, 1988 | 920 |
|
When Jeff's grandmother (Beah Richards) gives Tootie an ugly pendant, Pippa loses it and then it gets damaged. Tootie then has to stand up to Jeff's grandma to get her blessing. | ||||||
| 198 | 21 | "On the Edge" | John Bowab | R.J. Colleary | March 12, 1988 | 919 |
|
Jo finds herself in a tough spot when the suicide counselor decides she wants to die, and it is up to Jo to talk her out of it. | ||||||
| 199 | 22 | "Big Apple Blues" | John Bowab | Martha Williamson | March 19, 1988 | 921 |
|
Natalie moves to an apartment in SoHo, where she meets some eccentric characters. David Spade and Richard Grieco guest star. | ||||||
| 200 | 23 | "The Beginning of the End" | John Bowab | Austin and Irma Kalish | April 30, 1988 | 923 |
|
When Blair discovers that Eastland is in dire financial straits, she decides she has to make a tough decision about her future: she uses her trust fund to buy the school and save it from closing – and Eastland becomes coed. Juliette Lewis, Mayim Bialik, Seth Green, Meredith Scott Lynn and Kathleen Freeman appear in this two-part finale. Note: This is part one of the two-part series finale, with less focus on the core group and the introduction of many new characters in what seems to be the set up for a spin-off that never happened. It is also the 200th episode of the show and Mackenzie Astin's final appearance. | ||||||
| 201 | 24 | "The Beginning of the Beginning" | John Bowab | Austin and Irma Kalish | May 7, 1988 | 924 |
|
Blair faces her first challenge as headmistress of Eastland as she helps a student who is trying to get expelled. Note: This is the conclusion of the series; the girls end up going their own ways: Blair is at Eastland, Tootie is off to acting school in London, Natalie has moved to SoHo to pursue her writing career, and Jo's husband Rick returns from his European tour to start their married lives. | ||||||
Reunion
edit| Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "The Facts of Life Reunion" | Charles Herman-Wurmfeld | Max Enscoe & Annie de Young | November 18, 2001 | |
|
Blair, Natalie and Tootie reunite in Peekskill, New York to spend Thanksgiving with Mrs. Garrett, but trouble soon starts when Natalie receives two different marriage proposals and her two boyfriends unexpectedly show up. Nancy McKeon was unable to reprise her role as Jo due to scheduling conflicts with her then-starring role in the Lifetime series The Division. Note: Originally aired as a presentation of The Wonderful World of Disney. | ||||
Notes
edit- ^ I.Q. is the last episode to feature Jenny O'Hara as Eastland teacher Miss Emily Mahoney.
- ^ Last episode to feature Mr. Steven Bradley, Molly Parker, Sue Ann Weaver, Cindy Webster and Nancy Olson as main cast regulars.
- ^ Molly Parker (Molly Ringwald) makes a return appearance in this episode, but it is her last in the series.
- ^ a b Felice Schacter, Julie Piekarski and Julie Ann Haddock make return guest appearances as Nancy, Sue Ann, and Cindy, respectively.
- ^ Felice Schacter makes a returning guest appearance as Nancy Olson.
- ^ Roger Perry appears as Eastland's new headmaster, Charles Parker.
- ^ Julie Piekarski and Julie Ann Haddock make their final guest appearances (until season 8) as Sue Ann Weaver and Cindy Webster.
- ^ Felice Schacter guest-stars as Nancy Olson.
- ^ Final guest appearance (until season 8) by Felice Schachter as Nancy Olson.
- ^ "Gamma Gamma or Bust" is the first episode to feature Edna's Edibles as the show's new setting.
- ^ "Advance Placement" marks Roger Perry's final guest appearance as Mr. Parker.
- ^ Felice Schachter, Julie Ann Haddock, and Julie Piekarski reprise their roles as Nancy Olsen, Cindy Webster, and Sue Ann Weaver.
References
editExternal links
edit- Fuller, Todd. "The Facts of Life: Episode Guide". Sitcoms Online.
- "The Facts of Life at TV.com".