"That's Entertainment, Evans Style" closed out the fifth season, again minus Jimmie Walker, while introducing precocious Gary Coleman as Gary James, who would return for one other episode ("Florida Gets a Job") before earning his own series, DIFF'RENT STROKES. Gary presents himself as Penny's headstrong boyfriend, though she prefers men who are older and taller. Even Bookman doesn't escape Gary's wrath: "watch the threads lardo!" Gary's mother Joyce (Saundra Sharp) is stunned to learn that her son's daycare center is about to close due to lack of funds. Alderman Fred Davis (Albert Reed, fourth of six) is responsible for the shut down, claiming that government assets have been frozen, so Willona comes up with the idea to 'put on a show' to raise the necessary funds. Michael and Penny duet on the recent Marilyn McCoo/Billy Davis Jr. hit "You Don't Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)," Thelma dances to Odyssey's "Native New Yorker," while Harry Belafonte, Wolfman Jack, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Carol Channing, John Wayne, Tony Bennett, and Louis Armstrong all make an appearance through the talents of 'Buffalo Butt' Bookman. Willona closes things out by singing Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life." When the series returned for season six, there would be a new addition and a happy return.
Review of That's Entertainment, Evans Style
