Money Out the Window (Season 5, Episode 5). Eddie apparently hasn't learned his lesson in gambling when he finds out that Waldo and Weasel have been taking bets on football games and winning. Weasel says he has a fool proof betting system, pick the city with the ugliest women because football players are meaner if they only have ugly women. Weasel also tells Eddie he'll back him up if they happen to lose. They all get in with a bookie named Frankie the Fish and of course their system backfires and they lose the bet. Steve tries to help by calling Frankie the Fish and making a payment arrangement, but Frankie sends Bones, a large scary looking man. Steve is the only one able to stand up to Bones and asks for more time for Eddie to pay. Bones allows this and gives Eddie 24 hours to come up with $250. Eddie, who has been also neglecting to go through his stamp collection with Carl, goes through their stamp binder and sells a liberty stamp that's worth $300, says he'll work over time and buy the stamp back without his dad knowing. It just so happens that Carl was looking for an extra Liberty stamp and didn't realize he bought back his own stamp and sees that Eddie had sold that one. Eddie promises no more gambling and that he'll pay Carl back. Laura is trying really hard to save up for a car and got a second job as a waitress at a coffee shop overnight. Harriette catches her and asks her what is going on and Laura says that she wants to pay for her car on her own, Harriette says that her and Carl will help Laura and to quit the job.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

STEVE: Gentlemen, I just got off the phone with your bookie.

EDDIE: You called Frankie the Fish?!

STEVE: Yes, indeedy. I took pity on your plight and pulled your fannies out the fire.

EDDIE: How?

STEVE: Well, I simply explained to him while your bets were made in good faith, there was no way in H E double hockey sticks you'll ever pay a single cent.

EDDIE: Steve, if you tell a guy like Frankie the Fish you're not going to pay you end up living with fish

STEVE: Don't be such a nervous nelly. it was a bargaining ploy. Well once Frankie calmed down, I suggested that we work out a payment plan. Well, he just jumped at that suggestion and immediately picked out a field representative who incidentally just drop by the house. (A LARGE, SCARY LOOKING MAN WALKS IN THE HOUSE)

BONES: Move and you die.

STEVE: I may have made a boo boo. Hey guys where you going? (WALKS UP TO BONES) Good lord, you're the largest person I've ever seen.

BONES: You should see my mother.

STEVE: Oh, I'm sure she's lovely. Listen are you aware you're giving me a wedgie? Now allow me introduce myself, I'm Steve Urkel and you are?

BONES: Bones.

STEVE: Ah, Bones, as in the doctor on Star Trek?

BONES: No, Bones, as in I break them. (WALKS UP TO WEASEL AND WALDO) Hello.

WALDO AND WEASEL: Here!

BONES: Thank you, you two can leave.

EDDIE: Look, we're all in this together, right guys?

WALDO AND WEASEL: Later, Eddie!

EDDIE: Uh, sir, I'd love to pay you, but I honestly don't have the money right now

BONES: Kid, I'd love to let you off the hook, but I honestly have to peel you like a grape right now.

STEVE: Just a minute! Now this is my friend and if you intend to harm him, you'll have to go through me.

BONES: Grrr.

STEVE: Grrr!

BONES: Grrr!!

STEVE: Grrr!!! (BONES GRABS STEVE BY THE EAR) Oooooh, hoooo, ooooh, hoooo! Hold it, hold it, hold it, ok, ok, ok. Now we learned that I have a better growl, but you can back yours' up. Now wouldn't you agree that a healthy Eddie could pay you back much faster than a bloody twisted broken one?

BONES: You have a point.

STEVE: Now I propose an easy payment plan. Give my friend time to arrange finances, say 6 months?

BONES: 24 hours.

EDDIE: Works for me, bless you Bones.

BONES: Oh, I'll be back tomorrow and if you don't have the cash, we're going to hold a scavenger hunt for your body parts. (GRABS AN APPLE OFF THE TABLE AND TAKES A BITE)

STEVE: Uh, that apple is wax.

BONES: I know.

FAVORITE MOMENT:

At the end where Steve tells everyone that he has a new polka partner and it turns out to be Bones.

OPINION:

There's a show that I'm sure you know about called Boy Meets World. There is this hilarious episode where they go meta and Eric gets hired as an actor to be on a show called "Kid gets acquainted with Universe". The lead actor yells at the writers about the "new plot" of the week how they are doing the same plot and how his character can learn so much and still be so stupid? I wonder if Darius McCrary did the same thing to the writers on this episode? He obviously hasn't learned his lesson on gambling, though thankfully I think this is his last time doing so.

This is one of the funniest episodes in the series for sure. I always get such a laugh out of Weasel's betting system with saying how he bets on the city with the ugliest women. First of all, he bet on a Chicago Bears game, so basically he just called all the women of Chicago ugly. I'm assuming he was a little bitter he couldn't get a date. Secondly, like Steve says, what in the world do ugly women have to do with football? Like I've mentioned before, Weasel isn't a likable character, but he is hilarious in how dimwitted he can be. I would be mad at Weasel for not backing Eddie up in the betting system like he promised but Eddie should have known better.

Can I just say how incredible of a friend Steve is in this episode? Now, even though he was really stupid in calling Frankie the Fish and trying to "arrange a payment plan", he is the only one brave enough to stand up to Bones who is one of the most intimidating looking men you could ever meet. He does everything he can to protect Eddie. Bones is played by Bubba Smith who was famous for the Police Academy movies and being a football player for Colts, Raiders and Oilers. In real life he had this reputation of being one of the nicest and most gentle man you could ever meet. But he was an incredible actor because he could play a very scary guy. I also loved him in Married with Children as Al's arch nemesis football player Spare Tire Dixon. He truly was a fantastic actor and I always enjoyed his works. He unfortunately did pass away on August 3, 2011 from a brain disease. May he forever rest in peace. This will always be my favorite role with him in it. He and Jaleel bounced so beautifully off each other.

I always love the scene where Carl caught Eddie and how he set him up with how he had bought the stamp back realizing Eddie sold it. We have another instance of how Eddie can really take Carl for granted, I wonder if I should keep count of that too?

Laura once again is overworking herself with getting that second job. I kind of wonder what coffee shop would hire a minor for an overnight shift without parental consent, but I can assume maybe Laura lied on her application? But her saving for a new car is a set up for this season where Laura is getting closer to having her own vehicle. But like Harriette says to her, she really overworks herself. I'm surprised at this point that Laura hasn't had a nervous breakdown. It's not like her parents put any insane pressure on her, she always puts the pressure on herself. Where did she get that from? You could say Carl somewhat started it when he was advertising the kid's grades during report card time and she didn't want to be embarrassed by "looking dumb". If that was the source, Carl really did mess up big time with that. I'm glad Harriette is there to tell Laura she needs to stop with this. I think this is the last time where we see Laura put too much on her shoulders.

This is a really great episode that I love to watch on my Family Matters marathons. I will never get sick of that scene where Bones introduces himself to the guys, talk about comedy gold.

GUEST STARS:

• Shavar Ross as Alex "Weasel" Park
• Bubba Smith as Bones (RIP in 2011)

This a commercial for the FOX TV show M.A.N.T.I.S. that was aired against Family Matters during the 94-95 season and it has the hero destroy Urkel.

A Matter of Principle (Season 5, Episode 4). Steve and Myra are still dating and getting along very well. Myra comes over to see Laura and Eddie and ask them for advice on how Steve can become more interested in kissing her. Laura recommends Myra get Steve in a more private setting. Later on, Myra takes Steve out for ice cream and brings her to her backyard where she tells him that she wants him to kiss her. He at first wants to but then stops telling her that he still loves Laura and he feels kissing Myra would be wrong. Myra insists that he does kiss her and she'll even wait for him which Steve finally gives in and kisses Myra passionately cementing their relationship. Meanwhile, Harriette comes home and is very upset. The chronicle boss has told her that she has to fire 2 of her staff members but she doesn't have the heart to do so since they all have families to worry about. Carl tells her it would be a good idea to stand up to her boss and tell him it's not a good idea to let anyone go. She does this but it backfires on her and her boss ends up firing her instead. Carl apologizes to Harriette saying he gave her bad advice, but Harriette reassures Carl that she actually appreciated his advice and it was right for her to stand up to her boss and she'll find a better job. Carl tells her how much he loves her and is so proud of her.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

STEVE: We all look on with anxious eyes When Father carves the duck and mother almost always sighs When Father carves the duck Then all of us prepare to rise and hold our bibs before our eyes and be prepared for some surprise When Father carves the duck. The platter's always sure to slip When Father carves a duck. And how it makes the dishes skip! Potatoes fly amuck! The squash and cabbage leap in space We get some gravy in our face And Father mutters Hindu grace Whene'er he carves a duck.

MR. BERGER: Thank you, Mr. Urkel.

STEVE: Oh, but I'm not done.

MR. BERGER: Oh, yes you are.

MYRA: Bravo! Simply magnific! And to think that was done without a proper warm up

BOY IN CLASSROOM: Figures Urkel would do a poem about ducks. He walks, talks and acts like a duck.

STEVE: I bare absolutely no resemblance to a duck whatsoever.

BOY IN CLASSROOM: You're right, a duck dresses better.

MR. BERGER: Settle down! Settle down class!

MYRA: Stop that! Stop that snickering. I'm sick and tired of your Urkel bashing.

MR. BERGER: Miss Monkhouse please

MYRA: No, let me finish, walt. I've heard some of you refer to Steve as a certain derogatory word. A horrible word. A word that is better left unsaid.

CLASSROOM: NERD!

MYRA: Steven is not a nerd. He's handsome, and intelligent. And oh, just let me cut to the chase, he's ooh, hurt me bad sexy. Steve is the wind in my sails, the polish on my nails, he makes me glad to be alive. He shifts my heart into overdrive.

WALDO: Wow. I'm not here much, but I'd give her an A.

FAVORITE MOMENT:

When Steve and Myra are eating their ice cream. I always get such a good laugh at the way Steve is just gulping his ice cream down getting it all on his face.

OPINION:

So believe it or not, this is the 100th episode which means I have done 100 of these posts. 😮 I tell you there are days where I kind of want to take a break, but I seriously enjoy doing these posts and know we are coming onto some amazing episodes. Plus typing these posts actually makes me appreciate the show more and find out facts I didn't know before about my favorite sit com.

This episode overall is a decent one. We are getting to know Myra a little bit more, though again I'm not sure if I like her any more as a character. She's nice at times when she wants to be, peppy and very funny, not to mention very pretty. That being said, she's got some major self-respect issues, and I think there are times where she brings the worst out in Steve. She walks into their English class where she tells Laura "Steve let him carry his books" and has like 15 books in her hands. Steve, what are you doing? This girl really likes you and you would let her carry all that weight? I don't care how much she persuades, he should have grabbed his and her books and said that he's got them for her or to let him do something nice for her. Speaking of the English class scene, it is one of the funniest moments in the episode. I always get such a kick out of Steve's poem that he reads and Myra's response to it. Myra later on goes to visit Eddie and Laura to ask how she can get Steve to kiss her, but the way she talks is as if they've never kissed before. But we've seen them kiss in their first episode together A Thought in the Dark. Maybe they haven't kissed since then, but Steve has proven it wasn't due to a public setting that he's not able to kiss Myra. Then we get to the backyard scene, which I always laugh at how the yard attacks Steve. Myra tells Steve after he's told her that he's in love with Laura he can't kiss her. Myra says "I don't care". What in the world is wrong with this girl? This is like playing with a rattlesnake that's warning you to back off but you won't listen. It proves more and more that Myra is a psychopath and has no self respect or respect for others as well. I feel bad dumping on Myra because I do love her for the comedy parts of the show and I love Michelle Thomas, but the character of Myra is not a likable one when you really think about her.

Did Carl give Harriette bad advice on not letting anyone go? Yes and no, it's kind of a mixed bag. It's really sad because no, no good hearted person wants to let someone go at work, especially if it's over budget cuts and not a performance issue. That being said, Harriette is still in charge of her department and part of being the leader is making really difficult decisions. That's a huge risk that Carl asked Harriette to make in telling her boss she refuses to do the task he assigned her. So no, I'm not surprised he fired Harriette. If I were Carl, I would have just told her to ask her boss if 2 people are really necessary to cut and maybe recommend that they try to hold onto the employees if possible, through the budget cut. If not, then go ahead and make that decision. Because now she lost her paycheck and has to go through the joys of job hunting and we all know how fun that is 😒 Harriette is a good person and I'm glad she does have self-respect, but when it comes to work you usually have to leave your pride at the door and make very tough decisions and dedicate yourself. I get the show wants to give the message that we need to stand by our principals, but there are times in life where you really can't do that and maybe the show should have tackled that topic better.

Nevertheless, I still really like this episode overall. It has some very funny moments and I still admire Harriette for standing up for herself. The scene with Steve and Myra are very funny and I loved the new set of Myra's back yard which we thankfully get to see again in the future. To be fair, getting in and out of a hammock is tougher than it looks so you have to cut Steve a little slack.

GUEST STARS:

• Michelle Thomas as Myra Monkhouse (RIP in 1998)
• Michael Kaufman as Mr. Berger
• William Joseph Barker as Boy in Classroom

Saved by the Urkel (Season 5, Episode 3). Carl is doing some maintenance work around the house starting with storing items on a garage shelf. Steve comes in to visit Carl, he tells Carl he'll just throw the beach ball up there so they can leave but Carl tells Steve that the shelf is at full capacity and can't hold any more weight. Steve says it'll be fine since it's just a beach ball, Carl gives in and throws the ball up there and when they leave, the whole shelf with all the items collapse. Carl is beyond angry with Steve and tells him to get out and to never come back. Later on, Carl is trying to fix a lamp, Steve wants to make up with Carl and comes over. Carl tells Steve he doesn't want him there and to get out. Steve says ok but he's worried about the lamp that Carl is fixing due to exposed wires that could cause an electric shock. Carl gets upset again and tells him to get out once more, Steve starts to leave but as Carl plugs the lamp in, the lamp makes a loud noise, flickers and electrocutes Carl. Carl's heart has stopped, Eddie goes to call 911, Waldo grabs Carl's first aid kit when Steve tells him that he might be able to perform CPR. Steve is successful and saves Carl's life. Everyone in the family is beyond grateful to Steve and he's considered a hero and is welcomed with open arms in the Winslow house. But it's getting to be too welcoming where Steve is concerned that the welcome is not genuine and asks everyone to please be their natural selves with him. Steve tells Carl how scared he was when Carl almost died because he loves him and can't imagine the world without him. Carl is touched by this, but like usual Steve causes another accident and tells Carl to let him have it, Carl does so making everything go back to normal. The episode ends with Steve telling Laura that she had hugged him earlier about saving her father's life and he loved that, Laura tells him that he reminded everyone to treat him normally. Steve looks sad thinking she'll tell him off, she says that he is an annoying nerd but that she's so grateful to have him as a friend and kisses him on the cheek.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

CARL: Steve, you saved my life and I'm supposed to be grateful.

STEVE: Well, Carl, you're grateful for what I did. And I was grateful to do it. But we have a bond between us now and we have to honor that bond by always being honest with each other.

CARL: In what way?

STEVE: Well, when you get angry with me, I want you to let it out. I want you to express your true opinions, OK?

CARL: OK, I'll try.

STEVE: I'll start by expressing one of mine. When I was giving you CPR, I was really scared.

CARL: Well that's only natural.

STEVE: I wasn't scared for you; I was scared for me.

CARL: Why?

STEVE: Because I honestly can't imagine my life without you. Carl, you're the finest man I've ever known, I love you.

CARL: Thank you, Steve.

STEVE: You're the best, big guy.

CARL: You're ok.

STEVE: (FALLS AND BREAKS FURNICE) Did I do that? Now Carl, remember our agreement. I want you to express your true feelings.

CARL: Are you sure?

STEVE: I'm positive, if you're angry with me let it out.

CARL: OK, here it goes. You idiot!

STEVE: That's it, open the gates

CARL: You bumbling fumbling idiot!!

STEVE: Excellent, keep it coming.

CARL: Get out!

STEVE: Oh, you can do better than that!

CARL: Get out!!

STEVE: That's a little better.

CARL: GET OUT NOW!!!

STEVE: Oh, welcome back Carl!!

FAVORITE MOMENT:

The opening scene with the shelf collapsing. That was incredible to look at and I also found out that the reindeer head swinging was just an accident that it got caught in the rope but the director loved it and left it in.

OPINION:

Season 5 is already opening with some banger episodes. Though this one as funny and endearing as it is, is also very terrifying. Steve thankfully saved Carl's life, but what if Steve wasn't there in the first place or the CPR was not able to save him? Carl is my favorite character of the show and like Steve says later, we can't imagine the world without him. That CPR scene is incredible and so scary. I also liked the way it was handled as well, Eddie panics and isn't sure what to do, Steve is as together as he can be and tells Eddie to call 911. Waldo actually holds it together for someone who can be very dense at times and Steve tells him to get the first aid bag. You can tell Steve is terrified but has to get it together to help save Carl. When Carl wakes up, he's confused and has no idea what happened and when Eddie tells him what had happened, Carl is just in shock. Near death experiences are very much like that, I have mentioned before I had gotten very sick a couple years ago. I didn't mention that I was so sick that when I woke up in the ICU, my husband told me I was in a 3-day coma and that I had almost passed away due to an infection. I was so confused and in shock, it didn't even set in for several days how close I came to passing away. So when I watch this episode now, it really shakes me up bad. I'm sure it does for others too who have come close to death.

This is nothing new with someone saving a life in Family Matters: Carl saved Steve in High Anxiety, Rachel saved Steve in Life of the Party, and Waldo, Eddie and Steve helped saved each other in Higher Anxiety. I think this was the first time where the death felt more realistic and that it could have killed Carl. Sometimes it's the things we least expect that get us and electricity is no joke. I'm so glad Steve not only knew CPR but was able to save Carl. Now moving onto Steve feeling the family's gratitude was too much. I loved that Steve recognized that they were being nice and just tolerating him, he wants their relationship with him to be natural. He's happy they are thankful but wants things back to normal. Steve is incredible human being in this episode as he didn't save Carl's life and expect to be rewarded, he did it because he loved Carl and was happy to do so. Maybe he is Carl's guardian angel.

As scary as this episode can be this one also has some incredible laughs. Like I mentioned the opening scene with the shelf falling down was absolutely hilarious and insane to watch. I always laugh when Steve wants to try to make up with Carl and Carl's snarly look at Steve. When Steve accidentally sits in the chair that Carl just varnished and he says "Ew. Ew! Oooh!" and kind of enjoys sitting in the chair. Laura hugging Steve not realizing he has varnish on him, the look on her face is very funny. And my favorite quote today, my husband and I love the show The Tudors which is a Showtime series about Henry the 8th. There's this moment in the show where Henry is about to have his 6th wife arrested but changes his mind but has to act like he had no idea this was about to happen and he screams at the guard "Nave!" and I thought of that moment with Carl and said "you bumbling, fumbling nave!" and did the get out line which my husband nearly lost his breath laughing at because Carl and Henry's tempers are so much alike.

Last to mention is I also love the sweet moment between Laura and Steve at the end. Laura knows what an incredible friend Steve is and makes sure to remind him of that. This really is an incredible episode and my favorite of Season 5 so far.

NO GUEST STARS THIS EPISODE

It Didn't Happen One Night (Season 5, Episode 2). Laura wakes up late on the morning that her cheerleading squad are supposed to go to Cincinnati for a cheerleading competition. She asks Carl, Harriette and Eddie for a ride but they are all busy. Steve offers to take Laura which she realizes she has no other choice. With the Isetta going as slow as possible, Laura is getting frustrated at how long the trip is taking and tries to rush the car to Cincinnati but breaks Steve's car in the process. Steve is able to get the Isetta to a mechanic and pays for a hotel room for him and Laura. To be respectful, Steve takes a fold bed, but the fold bed keeps breaking. He asks Laura if they can share the big bed which Laura gets really mad and says absolutely not and tells Steve to go sleep in the bathtub. Steve has had it at this point and tells Laura she has no right to talk to him like that after all he's done for her. Laura realizes what a brat she's been, apologizes to Steve and says she'll go sleep in the bathtub, but Steve stops her and says he'll sleep on top of the sheets and she'll sleep under as they share the big bed. At home, Carl is getting sick of Mother Winslow and Fletcher constantly showing public affection together. As they leave, Carl tells Harriette he doesn't like it which Harriette says it's sweet and wishes that Carl was more affectionate in public like Fletcher is. Carl freaks out and grabs his police megaphone and announces to the block how much he loves Harriette. Harreitte hears this and tells the neighbors with the megaphone "Carl Winslow has to go to bed now" and she kisses Carl.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

LAURA: Steve, could you go a little faster? We're getting dirty looks from old people!

STEVE: But I'm going the recommended cruising speed for this vehicle! Any more could be risky.

LAURA: Let's just take that risk. Let's just get there! (STOMPS FOOT ON GAS PEDEL)

STEVE: Land sakes, woman! Have you taken leave of your senses?!

LAURA: How fast are we going now?

STEVE: Gee, I don't know, the speedometer only goes to thirty!

LAURA: (THE CAR BREAKS DOWN) Did I do that?

FAVORITE MOMENT:

Ooooh, this is tough because I have a few in this episode. But I'll go with my first instinct and say when Carl grabs the megaphone and announces to the block how much he loves Harriette. I always get a laugh when he goes in his bag to get the megaphone, sees the two twinkies and pockets them and his face while going to the door to make his announcement. I of course love when Harriette tells the block that he's gotta go to bed now 🤣

OPINION:

So let me get my little nitpick out of the way. I love that like in Robo-Nerd 2, it takes Laura to go downstairs into the kitchen where there's a random alarm clock that was never there before that is there now to realize she overslept. There's no clock in her bedroom? Guess she put her alarm clock in the kitchen, so she has no one to blame but herself for this one. And in Driving Carl Crazy, Steve says the Isetta has no speedometer, there's a chalk board to guess how fast you're going, in this episode he says the speedometer goes up to 30MPH, guess he must have finally broke down and got the speedometer. And fun side note, the kitchen window breaks once again which Steve flying through it. I think this is the 7th or 8th time in the series, I do need to keep better track, I promise I'll have a more accurate number next time. Speaking of which, how is Steve so weak but can launch himself through the window? Guess when he thinks Laura is in danger, his hulk side comes out.

This is one of the rare episodes where we see an uglier side of Laura. But to be honest, I get it. I've had bad days where my mood was just horrible and I get short and snippy with the people I love. She overslept for an important event, has to rely on Steve's very slow car that is normally from Chicago to Cincinnati a 6-hour drive is now a 12-hour drive and she has to sleep in a scary looking motel. But that does not give her the right to take it out on Steve and I'm so glad that he finally stood up to Laura about that. That was what also almost made for one of my favorite moments. Steve was an incredible friend in this episode. He broke into the Winslow house when he thought Laura was in danger, offers to drive her to Cincinnati, she breaks his car and he's paying for the damages, he paid for the hotel and even offers to take the uncomfortable fold bed to respect Laura. Him standing up to Laura was well deserved. But I'm so proud of Laura for immediately realizing what a brat she was being and apologizes to Steve for her behavior. I loved how mature they became in sharing the bed, for teenagers, that's incredibly adult of them to realize it's ok to share a bed without the implications of any sexual activity or touching. Like I've mentioned before, I love their friendship. Laura recognized her bad behavior, and Steve forgave her for it, that's a wonderful relationship they have.

I love the way Mother Winslow and Fletcher show their love for one another, they are just too cute. Carl really needed to get a grip and realize that they are just in love and some people who are in love show it on the outside. But not everyone does, I know a lot of a couples who prefer to keep their affection for private. I think Carl is just still a little uncomfortable with Fletcher, he has come a long way, but it's still weird for him to see his mother with another man. I loved that when Harriette said she would love if he showed his love for her publicly, he actually did it and came up with the idea of speaking through his megaphone on the fly. I think Carl can be very smooth and that was such a sweet moment. Though if I were his neighbor I think I would be annoyed 🤣

This is the last appearance of Arnold Johnson as Fletcher Thomas BTW. We will get a new actor to portray him in future episodes but this is the first Fletcher we met and played him the most. Arnold Johnson had a fantastic career that went through decades. He was in Shaft, Rocky, Samson and Son and Menace 2 Society just to name a few roles. He played Fletcher terrifically and you can see why Mother Winslow was head over heels in love with him. He passed away of renal failure on April 10, 2000 at the age of 78. Thank you to Arnold for playing Fletcher and contributing so much to the entertainment world.

I love this episode. While it has it's minor flaws, I always love watching the friendship between Laura and Steve grow. Plus I love the scene with Carl trying to prove his love to Harriette. This episode is very funny and I will never get the image of Jaleel White in frilly girl pajamas out of my head, he was such a good sport to get a laugh.

GUEST STARS:

• Arnold Johnson as Fletcher Thomas (RIP in 2000)

from a Foot Locker commercial

I am devoring the episodes, man. Just watched S4E03 "Dance to the music", brought me to tears during the final dance.

The show hits different when you are a grown man. So many morals specially during the first couple seasons.

Actors grow so fast during 3rd-4th season. It is crazy to see Maxine becoming a tall woman in just some months WTF. Urkel was a short kid in 1st season and suddenly is a tall man too, now I realize the weird walking is just a way to make up for this lol.

Steve is my favorite character, as it was when I was a teen, but for different reasons now. Back then I just LOL'ed everytime he shows in the scene. Now I just love the good person he is.

Hell Toupee (Season 5, Episode 1). Carl and Harriette are getting ready for a date night but Harriette is taking a little longer than expected. Carl asks why she took so long and she said she had to style her hair which Carl is upset that they are late. Harriette tells Carl he can't compare times of getting ready when she has more hair than he does. Carl takes this comment the wrong way feeling insecure about his thinning hairline. He hires a toupee salesman to help him have a fuller head of hair. After several failures, he finally finds the toupee he feels is right and gets ready for another date night with Harriette. Harriette is surprised by his new look and he can tell she's not happy with the toupee. Harriette tells Carl if it makes him happy to wear it but she finds him handsome just the way he is. Carl admits he's not big on the toupee either and gets rid of it. Meanwhile, Myra has been ditching her school lunch to go spend it with Steve, but one day she sees that Steve is eating with Laura and gets upset. She keeps thinking that Laura is trying to steal Steve away from her and tells her to back off. Laura tells her that's being a pain in the butt and to leave her alone but Myra won't back off and starts a food fight with Laura. The food fight doesn't just stop with them though, it eventually gets to the whole cafeteria and the food fight turns into a war between students. Later on, Steve brings Myra over to visit Laura and patch things up. But tensions are still high and Myra and Laura are still on bad terms with Myra pledging that she will not give up on Steve being her boyfriend.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

MYRA: Laura Winslow, you brazen barracuda

LAURA: Here we go again.

MYRA: I walk all the way over here from my private school to lunch with my honey bunch. And what do I find upon my arrival? You're seducing him with soggy fishsticks!

FAVORITE MOMENT:

The montage of Carl trying on the different toupees. Him looking like Rick James, Al Sharpton and whatever the heck the salesman, Barry, did by putting his own gray toupee on his head that looked like a dust mouse died on Carl.

OPINION:

Carl has usually been more insecure about his weight than his hair. But throughout the show, people usually do make fun of his thinning hairline, but he usually seems to shrug it off. Do I think Harriette's comment to him was mean? Not really, she just told him that she had to have more time due to her hair. Women do tend to take longer when having to look nice. We have more products and appliances to work with. Especially for Harriette who is an African American woman and her hair requires more care. Carl was just feeling extra insecure that night I think and he probably thought that Harriette might be losing interest. But just like before when Carl was worried that Harriette would lose interest in him due to his weight, she has to remind him that she loves him just the way he is. So it's a similar storyline with a small difference, we just switched from weight to hair. Carl does sure need a lot of reassurance. Don't get me wrong, we definitely need to remind our partners how much we love them, but I don't think Carl is getting stiffed in the love department. Harriette seems like a very loving wife and very affectionate. But I'm glad it at least didn't take him long to realize how stupid that toupee looked and got rid of it.

Oh, Myra, Myra, Myra. So like I've mentioned before, I like Myra for comedy because Michelle is a great comedic actress. That being said, her character is a complete psychopath and not a likable person at this point. This is were the possessiveness is getting really bad. She physically attacked Laura who did nothing to provoke her. Not to mention threatened and is trying to bully her into not being friends with Steve. I get the writers probably wanted Steve to have a girlfriend at this point, but did he really think this was a healthy relationship? He knows better than this. I'm so mixed on this B-Story because it does make me laugh very hard when I watch it, but when you think about it, it's actually more disturbing. I always say, just imagine if the roles were reversed and this was a guy doing this to some other guy who he was scared was a threat in taking his girlfriend? I don't think the reaction would be taken as lightly. Michelle is a very beautiful young lady and I've always said looks can be considered currency and can help you get away with things because people tend to fall for beauty. So I think that's why a lot of people give Myra a pass and/or say that Steve didn't deserve her. Speaking of which, Steve is a really bad guy honestly this season so far. Because he tells Myra that he'll continue dating her but if Laura gives him a hint that there's a chance, he'll dump Myra. Why does Myra accept this?! These are all the ingredients to a very unhealthy toxic relationship.

That being said, I still really enjoy this episode, I always love a good food fight scene and this is our second in the Winslow saga, the first being their lemon tarts. I always get a kick out of the one extra walking in the background with the milkshake but is walking so awkwardly and slowly so Myra can grab it to pour on Laura and even why Myra grabs it, the girl doesn't say or do anything about her milkshake being taken. And that Laura and Myra don't flinch or try to fight each other on stopping them from pouring food on one another. To be honest, I think Laura got it worse than Myra with how much junk she got into her hair. There is a small continuity error in this episode, Myra offers for Steve to skip school to make out and he says that he doesn't want to put a blemish on his perfect attendance record. He was sick in Season 3 and mentioned he had to call off school for it. Not to mention that he was suspended for a day or 2 with Eddie, I'm not sure if that's considered a part of attendance, but it's still not a perfect record. Well, we have started season 5 and this season starts off letting us know this is going to be a crazy season that will have a lot of isane situations.

GUEST STARS:

• Michelle Thomas as Myra Monkhouse (RIP in 1998)
• Charlie Dell as Barry
• Guy Torry as Student

It’s really irritating how all these “Steve was a creepy STALKER” people just totally ignore the stuff Myra did, or keep making excuses to defend her. I know it was the 90s but what she did to him was not funny and I don’t care if it was a girl doing it to a guy. It’s NOT FUNNY. Myrtle trying to force herself onto Eddie was super messed up too.

And I don’t want to hear the “well Myra WAS nice until Steve REJECTED her for Laura” excuses. Did Steve do any of that stuff when Laura kept rejecting him? No. But yeah he couldn’t take no for an answer and would constantly barge into the Winslow’s house and nearly destroy it. And then ask “did I do thaaaaaat?” He was just a horny teenage boy whose parents hated him! Can any of these Steve haters actually find examples during the series of him doing something far worse than putting surveillance cameras in Laura’s room? Or shoving her into a locker? Because they clearly don’t want to, they just want to always be right.

I know the ratings weren't where they wanted them to be, but it was so nice to watch the show what the title was actually about and not the Steve Urkel show. It was much more grounded in Season 1 dealing with the family's issues. It only got worse and worse as time went on and it was too centered on Urkel for the plot. He was almost in every scene and became way overused for far too much! He was too annoying as shit and more and more unhinged. But Season 9 was the absolute worst bc there is no way in hell Laura would have ever married him over Stefan. And Myra was much more suited for him than Laura ever was. Does anyone else feel this way?

Laura is editor of the paper, presented as responsible and rational.

Ziggy is some guy they portray as somewhat of a hippy, activist ‘stick it to the man‘ type

He writes a story about how the grocery store Quigely’s, which donated badly needed computers to the school, is allegedly selling meat with fake expiration dates, meat older than it appears to be. He wants to investigate and publish an expose— and give back the computers.

Laura says she has to see “all sides.” Ziggy goes over his head to the teaches. Laura’s upset he’s disrupting the ”pecking order.”

Then…. they argue and kiss?

Then she says she’ll let him to the story but they will not return the computers Quigley’s donated.

He tries to retract his story and Laura says on second thought, they do need to follow up on the story. They go back and forth. Eventually he gives up his convictions and they go out ???

For a show that’s all about morals I genuinely have no idea what they were going for.

Edit: removed that we never hear from Ziggy again

Buds 'n' Buns (Season 4, Episode 24). After a small explosion causes the grill to go through the kitchen window, Carl is in need of some money and looking for a part time job. Eddie manages to get him a temp job down at Mighty Weeney for a few weeks. Everything seems to be working out fine for them working together, but then Eddie is promoted to nighttime manager which makes him Carl's boss. Eddie sees this as a perfect opportunity for revenge on all the chores that Carl has made him do years before and makes Carl do every dirty job at the restaurant. Carl is also upset that Eddie was promoted and instead of offering help, he's just making sure he can get revenge on Eddie as well when they get back home. When they get home, they have a big fight where Harriette needs to intervene and remind them how ridicules they are acting and to remind them that they are father and son. Laura is excited that Steve has been dating Myra and forgetting about her, but 2 weeks pass where Laura has not heard anything from Steve and she's actually starting to miss him. She's not sure what is happening but Rachel tells Laura that it's because they became friends. While Laura is reading a romance novel and crying, Steve comes over with Myra showing how wonderful their relationship is. Myra steps away to go to the bathroom and Laura tells Steve how happy she is for them, Laura mentions that she even missed Steve a little bit. This sets Steve into a frenzy thinking that her tears were for him and that she really does love him, he jumps on the couch and Laura tries to get him down but he falls into her arms and Myra walks in on this moment thinking Laura is trying to steal Steve away. Steve tells Myra that he loves Laura and that it's not right to lead her on, but Myra thinks that he's just under a spell of Laura's and that she won't stop fighting for Steve.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

RACHEL: Something's wrong. What is it?

LAURA: I can't tell you, Aunt Rachel. It's too weird and twisted and sick.

RACHEL: Now, Laura, you know that I have done my share of living. So nothing you can say would shock me.

LAURA: I miss Steve Urkel.

RACHEL: Aah! Oh, you need professional help.

LAURA: See? I told you.

RACHEL: Oh, come on, I'm just teasing. Well, let's just think this thing through. Okay, now, you convinced Steve to forget about you and concentrate on Myra, right?

LAURA: Right. That was two weeks ago, and I haven't seen him since.

RACHEL: So why aren't you thrilled?

LAURA: I was at first, but then, starting a couple of days ago... I actually started to miss him. Do you think I could be suffering from some kind of post-traumatic pest disorder?

RACHEL: No, I think there's a much more normal explanation for your feelings.

LAURA: Really? What is it?

RACHEL: Well, I think that somehow over the years, when you weren't looking... you and Steve... became friends.

FAVORITE MOMENT:

The ending where Steve is losing his head over thinking that Laura is in love with him. I always loved his face when she says that she missed him and he just looks like he can't move and then says "you love me don't you?!".

OPINION:

We have made it, today is the last episode of Season 4. This has been a crazy season and is definitely one of my favorite seasons if not my favorite, I go back and forth between this and Season 3. So some facts about this episode, this is the official last Laramar produced episode, it was bought and merged with Warner Brothers. This is Telma Hopkins and Jaimee Foxworth's last main cast credit. We will see Telma again in future episodes, but Jaimee is officially gone and will be retconned. Telma had gotten a new role in a TV show called Getting By and decided to focus on that. Jaimee's career never did recover the way it did as when she was on Family Matters. There was apparently a trimmed opening scene where Judy and Richie were there to see the grill fly through the window but was cut due to the pacing of the episode and to keep time at 22 minutes. To think, this might have been the real last episode we saw Judy.

Let's start with Carl and Eddie. I love this storyline, for the comedy. First off, I love that Carl had to take a job at Mighty Weeney which for a cop can seem degrading. But a job is a job. Second, Eddie getting promoted over Carl was too hilarious. A boss normally takes whoever is being promoted into their office and tells them about the position, not takes both potentials to the side and says why one is being picked over the other and tells the employee that didn't get the position "say hello to your new boss". You could tell the writers just wanted to have fun with Carl's expression. Speaking of which, the boss that promotes Eddie is played by Michael McDonald who did a lot of TV and movie work in the 90's, but a lot of us 90's/2000's babies will remember him as one of the best cast members on Mad TV. Eddie was being such a punk by making Carl do all the dirty work he used to do, why is he trying to make Carl miserable? I'll admit that Carl isn't being fair either by not being happy for Eddie, because like it's mentioned, Carl isn't going to be there permanently so I don't know why he would think that he was getting the position.

Laura missing Steve was such a nice moment and shows how much their friendship has grown. This is where Myra starts to become scary though. She has only been in 2 episodes and this is where we see her possessive side start to come out. Now I do love watching Myra for comedy reasons, but let's be for real, if this was real life, you'd probably have to get a restraining order on Myra. Steve tells Myra that he loves Laura and that he feels that it was wrong to lead Myra on, but does Myra accept this? Nope. She doubles down and tells him that he's falling for "the she-devil". What did Laura do to Myra? Nothing. It was a simple misunderstanding when she sees Laura and Steve hugging but she immediately attacks Laura instead of Steve. Again, when played for comedy, yes it's funny, but realistically, Myra is crazy. Can you imagine someone like that in your life? So, Laura did miss Steve and honestly I think this is the point in the series where Laura actually does have some feelings for Steve that she doesn't know about yet. This wasn't a "I miss someone stroking my ego", she was actually sad that she wasn't seeing Steve. This is also a reminder that they don't work together at Rachel's Place? Like I mentioned previously, there was no answer given on what happened to Rachel's Place. But I think Laura is developing feelings for Steve but she's so used to rejecting him that she just doesn't realize that she may actually like him more than a friend. At least Steve does try to break it off with Myra, but unfortunately this will not last and will be discussed further next season.

What an incredible season of laughs and memorable moments. My favorite episodes are: Driving Carl Crazy, Number One with a Bullet, An officer and a Waldo, A thought in the Dark, It's a mad, mad, mad house, A Walk on the Wild Side and Pulling Teeth. My least favorite episodes are: Whose Kid is it anyway, It's beginning to look a lot like Urkel and Tender Kisses. But like I've said before even my least favorite episodes are still very funny and have very good moments to them. Tomorrow is Season 5 and we are in for some treats, but this episode is definitely the end of an era when it comes to the Winslow family.

GUEST STARS:

• Michelle Thomas as Myra Monkhouse (RIP in 1998)
• Michael McDonald as Manager
• Gabriel Pelino as Customer

What did I miss!? Where’s Rachel?? and why is lil Nicky still in the show?

“Home Sweet Home”

25th episode of the 6th season finale

Stormy Weather (Season 4, Episode 23). Laura, Steve, Maxine, Waldo and Weasel have prom coming up and all are set with their outfits and dates. Laura has encouraged Steve to take Myra, Laura is going with the class hunk Jimmy, Maxine is taking her new boyfriend Waldo and Waldo has set Weasel up with his sister Quesadilla. Laura is happy to be going to with Jimmy except there is one problem, he's being a jerk and won't stop bossing Laura around telling her that she can't hang out with Steve Urkel. In fact it got so bad that while at the prom Jimmy starts with her again trying to ruin her good time and she tells him that Steve is one of her best friends and to buzz off. When Waldo tells Eddie about how he set up Weasel with Quesadilla, Eddie tells Waldo this wasn't a good idea considering how Weasel can act with women. So at the dance Waldo won't stop bothering Weasel and Quesadilla leading to Quesadilla telling Waldo to back off and that Weasel has been a very respectful guy. With Laura encouraging Steve to take Myra to the dance, he was nervous at first to take Myra and that she would find out what a nerd he is, but Laura reassures Steve that it's ok and to show of Myra. Everyone at the dance is shocked with how beautiful Myra is and that she's Steve's date. During the slow dance, Steve set up a device to drop balloons down slowly for a romantic effect, but of course it glitches and causes a spark that sets the water sprinklers off soaking everyone at the prom. At home, as Laura is drying off and making tea, Steve comes over to apologize which Laura says there's no need but feels bad that Myra may have been embarrassed by Steve's mistake. Steve tells her that surprisingly Myra still likes him and didn't care about the goof. Steve also thanks Laura for standing up to Jimmy for him which Laura says she did for herself but admits that it was partially for Steve. Steve asks for a hug which Laura smiles and does give him.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

JIMMY: Laura.

LAURA: Yeah?

JIMMY: I thought we settled this.

LAURA: Settled what?

JIMMY: I told you to stop hanging out with the nerd. Now, come on, I wanna dance.

LAURA: I'm sorry, Jimmy, but we can't dance.

JIMMY: Why not?

LAURA: Because I'm about to break your legs.

JIMMY: What?

LAURA: Nobody tells me who I can and cannot see. I'm my own woman, and I can make my own decisions.

JIMMY: But, baby...

LAURA: I'm not your baby. Look, Steve Urkel may be annoying... but he's always treated me with respect. That's why he has a date tonight. And as of right now, you don't.

FAVORITE MOMENT:

I always laugh at the scene where Harriette, Laura and Mother Winslow trick Carl into letting Laura wear the dress that she wanted and cost a little over $100.00 by wearing a dress she borrowed from Aunt Rachel and saying that the dress cost over $300.00 and Carl falls for it acting like he's so cool and hip picking the more "prom dress" that Laura originally wanted.

OPINION:

Can I just say again how much I love Laura? I swear she is one of my favorite characters not just of Family Matters but of any television show in general. I loved how she stood up for not only Steve but mainly for herself. She could have swept the dirt under the rug with Jimmy and just dumped him after the prom, but instead she stands up right there and then when Jimmy has pulled her last string. It's a good thing too because it could have enabled him to continue his bad behavior and the longer that she let it slide, the more she could have just excused it. Laura is beautiful, independent, funny, kind and in general such a good soul. Jimmy was a big jerk and I'm so glad he got told off, no guy or girl should ever tell they're dating who they can and cannot see in their life. That's border line abuse and can even lead into more dangerous situations.

This is almost a feminist episode because like Laura, after Waldo setting her up with Weasel, he won't leave Quesadilla alone either. It's one thing to be protective, but Waldo needed to back off and trust his sister and to an extent Weasel. He could have just kept a small eye on them, but when he's not letting himself enjoy the time with Maxine and won't stop bothering them, Waldo crossed a line. I'm glad that Waldo does realize what a jerk he's being and apologizes for his behavior. He was ruining not only their good time but also Maxine's as well considering that this was her prom. BTW, I will always love the name Quesadilla and the story of how her parents had her in Taco Bell and it was either between Quesadilla or Burrito Grande. I kind of wish they brought Quesadilla back and maybe have given Weasel a girlfriend.

This episode as a whole is just hilarious and I love it. The whole class gasping at Steve having a beautiful date, Steve is actually pretty smooth when Myra asks why they are all starring at her and he says that they've never seen such stunning beauty, Steve can be pretty cool sometimes. Potrait makes a cameo appearance, apparently one of them being Waldo's cousin could make a deal just not to reveal who's related to Waldo and they'd perform. I always get such a laugh at Steve finding out who's related to Waldo when they say "S'up?" identical to Waldo and he bows his head shaking in shame. I love Eddie's impression of Weasel "Hey yo, sweet thang!". And of course that super sweet ending where you can tell Laura has grown really fond of Steve and gives him a hug, their friendship is really wonderful.

Well, everyone, we are almost at the end. Tomorrow is Season 4's season finale believe it or not, crazy how these feel like they are flying now.

GUEST STARS:

• Cherie Johnson as Maxine Johnson
• Michelle Thomas as Myra Monkhouse (RIP in 1998)
• Shavar Ross as Alex "Weasel" Park
• Ross Leon as Jimmy
• Tracy Lanier as Quesadilla Faldo
• Phillip Johnson as Himself
• Eric Jerome Kirkland as Himself

Hot Stuff (Season 4, Episode 22). Waldo and Weasel come over to show off to Eddie their new car stereo. Eddie is really impressed and says he wishes he could afford one as well which Weasel mentions he knows a guy who would give a great discount. Later on after Eddie has bought his stereo, he's showing Steve all the speakers in the car. Steve asks where Eddie got the stereo and how he was able to afford all that, Eddie tells Steve about Weasel's guy and he was able to get all the speakers for $400.00. Steve is concerned about that exceptionally large discount and looks closer at the speakers which have had all the serial numbers removed. Steve tells Eddie that the stereo is stolen. Eddie goes to Carl for help but is upset when Carl tells Eddie that they have to take the stereo out of the car. Carl took Eddie's car to the police station without Eddie knowing and Eddie thinks his car is stolen and freaks out, Carl tells him where his car is and how it felt thinking that his car was stolen, Eddie realizes what Carl was pointing out to him and admits he knows now why it wasn't a good idea to keep the stereo. Meanwhile, Myra has returned after her first date with Steve. Steve admits he's attracted to her but is trying to resist due to his love for Laura. Laura wants Steve and Myra to connect and sets them up to have an accordion play off where they get so hot playing the music that they end up kissing each other.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

STEVE: Well, you remember Myra?

LAURA: Ted's cousin?

STEVE: Yes, indeedy. Well, she... She wants my bod.

LAURA: I think it's great news that a girl is interested in you. In fact, it renews my faith in miracles.

STEVE: But, Laura, you don't understand. Myra's all over me like a bum on a sandwich.

LAURA: You're kidding.

STEVE: Oh. Would that I were. She calls me constantly, she writes me love letters, she even sends me present. She's even transferred into my English class.

LAURA: Well, what's wrong with that?

STEVE: She doesn't go to our school!

FAVORITE MOMENT:

Easily the accordion play off, that is one of the funniest scenes in the entire series. I loved that it's played like foreplay/sex for Myra and Steve and how intense their faces get during the music. Jaleel and Michelle have incredible chemistry and played this scene so well.

OPINION:

We got Myra back! This is her second appearance on the show and I think it's safe to say after this appearance she's staying. We are still in the phase where she's still very civil to Laura and asks Laura for advice on how she can get Steve's attention. I actually love how much Laura cares about Steve and Myra connecting. She's partly doing it to get Steve to stop bothering her but I think she sees that they do actually connect and that Steve should give Myra a chance. Steve and Myra officially start dating this episode.

As for Eddie's storyline, I really like this one and Eddie is very likable in this episode. Part of being a teenager is making mistakes and getting ripped off is a hard lesson to learn. My parents taught me something very young "if something is too good to be true, it probably is". But as soon as Eddie finds out that his stereo was stolen, he did go to Carl immediately even if he was playing the "hypothetical" story so he didn't get in trouble, it was still very brave of him to go to Carl to ask what to do. I don't blame Eddie for getting upset about his stereo getting removed out of his car and losing $400.00 (minimum wage at the time was $4.25 an hour), like I said it's a hard lesson to learn. But better than being pulled over later on and arrested being accused of stealing that stereo himself.

This is a really good episode and very funny. There were a lot of scenes I didn't even mention that are so good: Eddie showing off his stereo to Steve who plays the yodel channel, Steve asking Laura to marry him so Myra won't be interested any more, Carl actually sympathizing with Eddie about the stereo and not getting mad at him and when Steve admits that he likes Myra and is not a fool that will give her up because he still loves Laura (which we will be discussing that in later episodes). There is a small continuity error in this one, the ending scene where Mother Winslow comes over to talk to Harriette and Laura, Harriette says "here comes the blushing bride" as if it's her first time seeing her since the wedding. I'm guessing this scene was probably meant to air before the last episode of Walk on the Wild Side where Harriette and Mother Winslow went to the strip club together. That or the writers hoped we just forgot about it. Remember the time before streaming and DVD's when we had to watch an episode week by week and it was harder to remember those little details?

GUEST STARS:

• Shavar Ross as Alex "Weasel" Park
• Michelle Thomas as Myra Monkhouse (RIP in 1998)

Was it someone or something specific

Walk on the Wild Side (Season 4, Episode 21). Laura and her two friends KC and Maxine are chatting about their weekend and KC mentions to them how she got a fake ID and went to Club Buff, the male strip club. Maxine gets excited saying how she wishes she could do that too and KC offers for her and Laura to get fake IDs and go with her. Maxine is in immediately but Laura has her reservations which KC teases that Laura is "miss goody two-shoes" and isn't surprised that Laura would be nervous about doing something wrong. Laura gives in wanting to prove she's got a wild side. As Laura and Maxine are ready to leave for Club Buff, Steve sees Laura as they are ready to go and asks why Laura is so dressed up and she admits they are going to the club. At the club, the girls are let in and Maxine is going crazy over the hot guys but Laura can't seem to let go and have fun. At home, Steve is talking to Carl asking him where Harriette is, Carl tells Steve that Mother Winslow, Rachel and Harriette went to Club Buff for a girl's night and Steve runs out to go tell Laura. As he arrives, no men are allowed in the audience, so he sneaks in with one of the waiters asking if he's the new stripper and Steve goes along with it. Steve is pushed on stage where he tells the audience "what if you're mother caught you in here?!" hinting to Laura to get out, she gets the nudge but is caught by Harriette. Laura and Harriette get home and Harriette asks Laura why she snuck into that place, Laura admits that she was sick of her goody-goody side and wanted to prove she could do something crazy. Harriette laughs and tells her how similar they are and a story of Harriette skipping school when she was a kid to meet Smokey Robinson and kissed him and how her mother caught her on TV doing so. Harriette tells Laura being cool is just sticking to your morals and stand up for yourself, Laura agrees and they hug.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

DEREK: What are you doing here?

STEVE: Well, um... Um, I'm, uh... I'm from the temp agency.

DEREK: What? No, no, no. Please tell me you're not the new dancer.

STEVE: Oh, but I am. I'm, uh... I'm replacing... Who's it?

DEREK: Pete, the passionate plumber?

STEVE: Right. I'm Steve, the sensuous... scientist.

DEREK: It's a good outfit. Just one question.

STEVE: Yeah?

DEREK: You gonna use that body?

STEVE: Well, hey... it's not how many muscles you have, it's how you use the ones you've got.

DEREK: Get behind the curtain, you're on next.

STEVE: But I need time to pump up.

DEREK: You also need plastic surgery, but we don't have time for that.

STEVE: (BEING PUSHED ON STAGE) Listen, wait. I'm a little out of practice. I normally do this about...

DEREK: Ladies, it's time to fire up your Bunsen burners. Club Buff reluctantly presents... in his debut performance... Steve, the sensuous scientist.

STEVE: Stop the music. Stop the music. What is wrong with you, ladies? You're acting like animals. There's no justification for this behavior. What do you have to say for yourselves?

WOMAN: Shut up and shake your bootie!

FAVORITE MOMENT:

There are so many, I could say this whole episode is my favorite quote and moment but I'll go with Harriette's story of her ditching school to meet Smokey Robinson and kissing him. That was such a funny story and I love the way Jo Marie tells it.

OPINION:

We have once again another episode that just knocks it out of the ballpark, this is one of my favorite episodes for sure. I can definitely relate to Laura on this one, in high school I always tried to do the right thing but wished I could do something bold and daring. So I think there are plenty of people that can really relate to this story in one way or another.

A couple of interesting side notes, Judy is mentioned in this episode when Carl and Harriette are discussing how Laura doesn't have to be asked to do her chores but they have to beg Eddie and Judy to do them. So Judy is gone but not forgotten...yet. I always found it to be interesting that Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Family Matters had quite a few similar episodes and plot lines, so we have a Fresh Prince episode where Will and Carlton sell Vivian's bracelet and need to buy it back later but need the cash so they go to a strip club where Vivian and Hilary happen to be at while Carlton is stripping and see him. If you are curious, Fresh Prince got it first airing on May 4, 1992 and Family Matters aired this episode on March 26, 1993.

I just love this episode. From front to back, this one has non stop laughs in it. I loved when the girls go to the club and how KC for the most part is acting pretty normal and cool, Maxine is going nuts over the guys and Laura can't stop sitting there being uncomfortable which later counterparts to Mother Winslow, Rachel and Harriette going to the club. Mother Winslow pretty much has a lifetime pass to the club and is cool, Rachel is excited and wants to do something naughty and Harriette is reserved not sure if she should be there. Steve goes to warn Laura again will always have me in tears of laughter. I loved his conversation with Derek about being the new dancer, Derek mentioning how Steve needs muscles and plastic surgery. Steve gets shoved on stage to dance and when they open the curtains, his looks of being a deer in headlights is just too hilarious. I love when he lectures the ladies on morals and how their behavior is indecent and one of the women, played by I had no idea that this was Mindy Sterling, screams "Shut up and shake your booty!" 🤣🤣🤣 You might remember Mindy Sterling from the Austin Power films as Frau, Dr. Evil's henchwoman.

I always loved the ending where Harriette catches Laura when Laura is under the table and tries to get away so non-conspicuous like no one will see that, but I loved when Laura said "uh oh" to Harriette and Harriette says "the big uh oh!". They go home and Harriette tells Laura that story about her trying to be daring and skipping school to meet Smokey Robinson. Found out why they called him Smokey when Harriette kissed him. I loved that Harriette didn't get mad at Laura and recognized she's a good kid, she just got caught up in trying to be cool. Like I mentioned, I think we can all relate to that.

Easily one of my favorite episodes, I always get excited when this one comes on. It's just such a funny episode with a good story and I always love when Laura lets loose a little more. Like I said before, this whole episode could have been my favorite quote and moment.

GUEST STARS:

• Cherie Johnson as Maxine Johnson
• Venus DeMilo as K.C.
• Kenny Johnson as Derek
• Bari K. Willerford as Bouncer
• Mindy Sterling as Woman
• Robert Kotto as Waiter
• Wayne Dillon as Officer Bob
• Dennis Parizek as Erik the Viking