
**Jessica Walter.** The a-story dominates. In it, Karen’s college friend offers her a job in New York. We never think she’s really going to leave, so we spend the hour waiting for the inevitable conflict (which will scupper the plans). The b-story only gets a couple of short scenes. We learn that Laura is having an affair, and she learns that she’s pregnant! Really good. Should have been the a-story. _Dec 1981-Mar 1982: CBS on Thursdays after Magnum PI, before Nurse. Against Barney Miller + Taxi (ABC); Diff'rent Strokes + Gimme a Break! (NBC)._ 6/10

**William Joyce.** Karen tentatively starts dating again; Ginger wants to become a professional singer. The Karen story plays out exactly as you’d imagine it would. Meanwhile, the conflict between Ginger and Kenny, in a script written by Mona Houghton and James Houghton (who plays Kenny), feels authentic. Best part of episode. And it ends in a deliberately vague manner. _Dec 1981-Mar 1982: CBS on Thursdays after Magnum PI, before Nurse. Against Barney Miller + Taxi (ABC); Diff'rent Strokes + Gimme a Break! (NBC)._ 7/10

**Bert Rosario.** This is a key episode. Gary seizes a business opportunity. Abby is all in, too. They must travel to Mexico together. They kiss. Richard is there, too. (Laura’s idea.) There’s a great scene where he tries to warn Gary. It’s a gripping episode. Watching Abby reel him in, watching Val slowly lose him. Damn. MVP: Ted Shackelford. _Dec 1981-Mar 1982: Aired by CBS on Thursdays after Magnum, PI, before Nurse. Against it: Barney Miller + Taxi (ABC), Diff'rent Strokes + Gimme a Break! (NBC)._ 10/10

**Kevin Hagen.** I’ve always loved this episode. Lots of non-fantasy dramas have done ghost episodes. But few have committed to it quite the way KL did. First half finds the ladies in a creepy old mansion, and it successfully builds tension. Second half goes for it in a big way. Val and 3 little girl ghosts(!) running around for ages playing games. Then, Val feels she should die and join them! Not for everyone, but I’ve always been impressed that they didn’t hold back. I also love how distinct the characters are. Karen, Abby and Laura, for example, have very different reactions to the house. _Dec 1981-Mar 1982: Aired by CBS on Thursdays after Magnum, PI, before Nurse. Against it: Barney Miller + Taxi (ABC), Diff'rent Strokes + Gimme a Break! (NBC)._ 9/10