You have to admit, this was a daring episode, all about the "downside" of watching too much tv. Hopefully, the show didn't lose many viewers! Series writer John McGreevey wrote this story, probably inspired from personal events, ya think, later writing for FAMILY AFFAIR and THE WALTONS.
Bottom line. Too much arguing and noise from Chip and Ernie... so Uncle Charley bans watching tv in the house for one week! That also includes HIM, and that's a stiff penalty to pay! The big question is how long will all of this drag on and on?
There's also a rather poignant side story, involving Robbie, who meets a fellow college classmate called Vanessa (played by Jenny Maxwell). She claims tv is a waste of time, and decides to create a reality tv show, and something she could relate to. The amazing part (although it was years away), Vanessa's ideal program is one about a family who insults each other, sort of in the tradition of ALL IN THE FAMILY! Needless to say, Robbie is not impressed.
To note, Jenny Maxwell was a popular actress at the time, and within a few years died very tragically. She was caught up in a bitter divorce case and may have been shot and killed by hitmen hired by her husband. Ironically, her husband was also killed.
This became a national story and one that loomed over Hollywood for years.
Look for popular actor John Howard as Steve's good friend, Dave. John was a star back in the day, best known as detective BULLDOG DRUMMOND in the 30s. He was also a real life WWII hero, awarded the Navy Cross and Croix de Guerre for valor. Great trivia question.
Not to be missed, and maybe with a few lessons to be learned. You be the judge.
SEASON 7 EPISODE 18 remastered dvd box set.