After an unfortunate scene in the apartment when Jack and Chrissy return home while Janet entertains a date, it creates inevitable friction. This motivates Jack to put some "ground rules" into motion, involving any of the roommates' rights to private time when they are with dates. One will have to let the other two know, 24 hours in advance, when they want the apartment to themselves. This causes a problem for Jack when Janet ends up getting the first night, and Jacks' current date informs him of a change to her plans.
Although not as uproarious as this series was capable of being, the episode 'Ground Rules' shows all cast members in fine form, and generates decent laughs throughout. The undeniable highlight occurs when Chrissy comes home, and Jack, seeing her from behind, mistakes her for his date, and surprises her - and the date, as well. But as funny as these escapades are, some of the best moments actually belong to the Ropers. Stanley complains to Jack about Helens' sexual needs (using the priceless euphemism "putting up shelves"), and obviously has enough time to think about it. Because, by the end of the episode, once he's gotten good and ready, he announces to Helen that he has "one more job" to do. It's worth it just for her reaction. Although the through line about the Ropers' lack of a romantic life could get old, at least here it's paid off in likeable enough fashion. (In that way, Stanley and Helen serve as a predecessor to Al and Peg on the later sitcom Married with Children.)
John Ritter also has an amusing, ridiculous moment when, as Jack is desperate to entertain his date (a ravishing Jenifer Shaw), he does this "wind up my hand" routine. More of the great physical comedy for which Ritter was beloved.
Seven out of 10.
Although not as uproarious as this series was capable of being, the episode 'Ground Rules' shows all cast members in fine form, and generates decent laughs throughout. The undeniable highlight occurs when Chrissy comes home, and Jack, seeing her from behind, mistakes her for his date, and surprises her - and the date, as well. But as funny as these escapades are, some of the best moments actually belong to the Ropers. Stanley complains to Jack about Helens' sexual needs (using the priceless euphemism "putting up shelves"), and obviously has enough time to think about it. Because, by the end of the episode, once he's gotten good and ready, he announces to Helen that he has "one more job" to do. It's worth it just for her reaction. Although the through line about the Ropers' lack of a romantic life could get old, at least here it's paid off in likeable enough fashion. (In that way, Stanley and Helen serve as a predecessor to Al and Peg on the later sitcom Married with Children.)
John Ritter also has an amusing, ridiculous moment when, as Jack is desperate to entertain his date (a ravishing Jenifer Shaw), he does this "wind up my hand" routine. More of the great physical comedy for which Ritter was beloved.
Seven out of 10.
