NO question this fab episode was dedicated to all us kids back in the day who protested, stamped their angry feet, yelled and screamed -- about the closing of their favorite hangout! All rings sooo true.
Here, poor Gidge and the gang surround, protect and defend beloved Socrates (poker faced Lew Parker) who owns the Shaggy Dog, THE burger and shake joint at the beach which is in danger of closing and being replaced by some new, trendy property, like an art museum?
Making matters worse, Professor Lawrence is on the committee to bring in the wrecking ball to demolish the property and start rebuilding ASAP.
Thus begins INTENSE begotiations between Gidge and her dad... and you know what that gets her, a NOTHING burger.
By the way.... one curious foot note here. Socrates is presumably being offered a reasonable amount of money to buy out his property. Legally, he doesn't have to sell the Shaggy Dog to anyone. He could also hold out for a fortune and end up being a very wealthy man. Remember, this is beach front property.
OF COURSE... the episode takes a different slant and Gidge and her pals band together to set in motion every kooky PR stunt (balloons?) they can to save the joint. The super big community meetings naturally take place at Gidget's house -- the same meeting place for her dad's VIP guests who prefer bulldozers.
The question: "How can you do this to a man you don't really know. I thought you had compassion?" ..... So professor Lawrence pays a little visit to see the old Sock Man. The scene with Socrates and one of his old customers --who became a doctor and thanked HIM -- kinda' changes things.
Well directed by the master of comedy, Hal Cooper. Lew Parker, fondly remembered comedian, soon became Marlo Thomas' complaining father on THAT GIRL. In fact, part of Gidge's living room set was also used for Parker's home on the show.
Watch this one for old times. SEASON 1 remastered color dvd box set. Thank you METV.
