This is Part 1 of a two-hour season premiere and is better than most episodes because they go on location to Alaska.
I just watched this episode last night and it is still such a fun watch as it is simple and cheery and you know there will be a positive message for everyone by the end of the story.
It's great to see Eleanor Parker (who played The Baroness in THE SOUND OF MUSIC amongst many other roles in CAGED, DETECTIVE STORY, and THE NAKED JUNGLE) again on the screen. She plays a character not so different from The Baroness as she is a wealthy lady whose son (Mark Harmon) is getting married. She is wonderful and graceful and a treat to watch. You could almost see this as an extension to her character from THE SOUND OF MUSIC. She is still absolutely beautiful and while the story starts out rather simply, there is a scene near the end which totally grabs you when she is speaking with her ex-husband.
Ray Milland (X, THE MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES, PANIC IN YEAR ZERO, LOVE STORY, THE LOST WEEKEND, DIAL M FOR MURDER) is in this as well and plays the ex-husband. He also has a very nuanced role which could have been a throwaway storyline, but he brings heart and dignity to a character which could have easily been forgettable. His story is about his past drinking problem and reconciliation with his family.
Mark Harmon (NCIS, FREAKY FRIDAY (2003), MOONLIGHTING, SUMMER SCHOOL, 240-ROBERT, ST. ELSEWHERE) and Lisa Hartman (KNOT'S LANDING, WHERE THE BOYS ARE (1984) are so young and beautiful in this episode as an engaged couple about to be married. Caren Kaye (MY TUTOR) also looks as stunning as ever especially in the flowing dresses she wears (and the bikini she jumps out of a cake in).
Audra Lindley (THREE'S COMPANY) has a fun storyline with Lorne Greene (BONANZA, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA).
Donny Most (HAPPY DAYS) also shares a story with Julie (Lauren Tewes). It's a rather heartfelt story about romantic rivalry. This story could have easily ended in a rather predictable Hollywood manner, but credit should go to the writers for writing a poignant ending.
All in all you know you will get lighthearted fun fare when you board the Love Boat. There are many cheesy jokes, but it is great nostalgia to a simpler time and a true reflection of the time period, rather than a forced remake full of 70s and 80s references.