document_title: List of Step by Step episodes

question_text: who plays beavis and butthead on step by step

text: List of Step by Step episodes

text: Series overview[edit]

text:
Season
Episodes
Originally aired

First aired
Last aired
Network

1
22
September 20, 1991 (1991-09-20)
April 24, 1992 (1992-04-24)
ABC

2
24
September 18, 1992 (1992-09-18)
May 21, 1993 (1993-05-21)

3
23
September 24, 1993 (1993-09-24)
May 20, 1994 (1994-05-20)

4
24
September 23, 1994 (1994-09-23)
May 19, 1995 (1995-05-19)

5
24
September 22, 1995 (1995-09-22)
May 17, 1996 (1996-05-17)

6
24
March 7, 1997 (1997-03-07)
August 15, 1997 (1997-08-15)

7
19
September 19, 1997 (1997-09-19)
June 26, 1998 (1998-06-26)
CBS

text:
September 1991–August 1993, ABC Friday 8:30–9:00
August 1992–September 1992, ABC Tuesday 8:30–9:00
August 1993–March 1996, ABC Friday 9:00–9:30
March 1996, ABC Friday 9:30–10:00
April 1996–September 1996, ABC Friday 9:00–9:30
March 1997–May 1997, ABC Friday 9:30–10:00
June 1997–August 1997, ABC Friday 8:00–8:30
September 1997–March 1998, CBS Friday 9:30–10:00
June 1998–July 1998, CBS Friday 9:30–10:00

text: Episodes[edit]

text: Season 1: 1991–92[edit]

text:
Peggy Rea is absent for 6 episodes.
Patrika Darbo is absent for 4 episodes.
Christopher Castile is absent for 1 episode.

text:
No. in
series
No. in
season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Production
code

1
1
"Pilot"
Richard Correll
William Bickley & Michael Warren
September 20, 1991 (1991-09-20)
475049

We meet the Lamberts - divorced contractor Frank and his three children: athletic J.T., tomboy Alicia (aka Al), and carefree Brendan; and the Fosters - divorced beautician Carol and her children: arrogant Dana, glamourpuss Karen, and brainy Mark; each living in their separate homes. Carol and Frank devise a plan to date and then get married, so the kids don't find out about them getting married in Jamaica. They plan a barbecue at the Fosters' home. Carol's sister Penny does not know about the plan and ends up blurting out that Frank and Carol are married. The Lamberts pack up everything and move into the Fosters' home. The two families try their best to deal with the uncomfortable situation, but can't get along. The next day, Al tells her dad that her stomach hurts; Frank thinks she's trying to avoid school, but Carol believes her and takes her to the doctor(Bruce Jarchow) -- a good thing, as her appendix was about to burst.

2
2
"The Dance"
Richard Correll
John B. Collins
September 27, 1991 (1991-09-27)
447004

Steve Urkel crash-lands in the Foster-Lamberts' yard as they are picnicking. He turns out to be Mark's science-fair partner. After the science fair, he talks to Al, who has been dumped by a boy she likes. Frank had told Al that everyone gets dumped at some point, and to move on. Steve reinforces that point and convinces Al to ask him to the school dance, where she tells off her originally-planned date and learns to "Do the Urkel".
This episode picks up where the Family Matters episode "Brains Over Brawn" leaves off, with Steve's jet-pack sending him out of Chicago.
Guest star: Jaleel White as Steve Urkel.

3
3
"Rules of the House"
Richard Correll
Alan Eisenstock & Larry Mintz
October 4, 1991 (1991-10-04)
447001

Carol's household-management style drives the Lamberts crazy, particularly the rule about having to cash in special tokens to watch only 30 minutes of TV, and a 6-hour-a-week restriction. Frank and his children make their opinions clear, but when Carol won't listen, Al decides her new stepmother might get the message when she threatens to move to Milwaukee to live with her grandmother.

4
4
"First Anniversary"
Richard Correll
Julia Newton
October 11, 1991 (1991-10-11)
447003

Frank's nephew Cody moves in with the family. Cody's oddball ways infuriate Dana, which delights J.T., who offers Cody $20 to ask her out. When Dana finds out, she agrees to shun her pride and go out with him. Meanwhile, Al and Brendan try to trap Mark with baseball questions; and Frank has trouble with Carol because of their one-month anniversary.
Note: This episode marks the first appearance of Sasha Mitchell as Cody Lambert.

5
5
"Frank & Son"
Richard Correll
Robert Griffard & Howard Adler
October 18, 1991 (1991-10-18)
447002

J.T. goes to work for Frank's company, but things don't work out, and still in need of extra cash he turns to Carol. She makes him her "shampoo boy," which he enjoys since he gets to be around pretty girls. Meanwhile, Dana and Al each become frustrated with their school assignments: Dana needs to build a birdhouse for shop class, while Al needs to write a book report on Tom Sawyer. The two agree to switch assignments, but Brendan prods their consciences.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

6
6
"Pulling Together"
John Tracy
Ross Brown & Joe Fisch
October 25, 1991 (1991-10-25)
447006

Frank and Carol decide to enter the newly-blended family into the "Port Washington Games," but the Lambert kids object since the Fosters aren't very athletic, and the Fosters find the games too barbaric. Eventually the Fosters decide to participate, but even with predictable results, they keep the Lamberts close, and Karen ties things up in the pie-eating contest because her competition cannot eat around her. Eventually, Cody provides the family some much-needed help in the final tug-of-war event, and the Fosters and the Lamberts emerge victorious!
Note: Cody Lambert (Sasha Mitchell) becomes a recurring character until the end of the first season.

7
7
"Yo-Yo's Wedding"
John Tracy
Meredith Siler
November 1, 1991 (1991-11-01)
447005

When their marriage is declared illegal, Frank wants to marry at City Hall. Although she isn't thrilled with the idea, Carol goes, but must wait for Frank who shows up late and filthy from work. She tells him she doesn't want to marry him and storms off. They then decide to have a ceremony at their house on the day of Brendan's birthday party. The clown Carol hired cancels at the last minute and Frank hastily steps in, but he doesn't have time to change out of the costume before the ceremony because the reverend (Bryan O'Byrne) must rush to catch a flight. Meanwhile, Cody enjoys Yo-Yo the clown because he saw him several years ago.

8
8
"Just for Kicks"
Larry Mintz
Alan Eisenstock & Larry Mintz
November 8, 1991 (1991-11-08)
447009

Dana and her friend Bernice (Ami Foster), go to a seedy nightclub to hear a folk singer perform. But they don't know what to do when some of the bar's regulars, including "Psycho" (Anthony Mangano), get a little too rough with them. Luckily Cody shows up and protects Dana until Frank (who had forbidden her to go) and Carol arrive. Frank and Cody proceed to beat up the thugs.

9
9
"Into the Woods"
Richard Correll
Ross Brown & Joe Fisch
November 15, 1991 (1991-11-15)
447008

The Fosters and Lamberts go camping in the woods. The attempt at family bonding doesn't go well at first; Frank's truck goes into the lake, so the family must wait for the Ranger to make his weekly check. Eventually everyone gains an appreciation for each other. Meanwhile, Penny looks after the house after getting lists from Carol.

10
10
"Mixed Messages"
James O'Keefe
Seth Weisbond
November 22, 1991 (1991-11-22)
447010

Carol buys an answering machine and instructs the kids to write down the messages since the machine erases them upon playback. Karen gets a call from a potential boyfriend, then neglects a call telling Frank to not show up for a remodeling assignment at work since they're demolishing the building instead. Frank doesn't get that message and barely escapes with his life, and arrives home very angry when he finds that his boss did leave a message. Upset, Carol grounds Karen. Meanwhile, Cody takes a job filling coin machines for children, but loses it for only supplying the machine with the good toys.

11
11
"A Day in the Life"
John Tracy
Robert Griffard & Howard Adler
November 29, 1991 (1991-11-29)
447007

A crew from the TV series America Up Close does a documentary on the new Foster-Lambert blended family, but all they can capture is the usual stepsibling friction. While Frank and Carol struggle to salvage the documentary, Dana advises siblings and stepsiblings to put their hostilities aside until the crew finishing taping. They try to get along during a Monopoly game, but before long the paper money is flying. Meanwhile, Cody and Penny attempt to become superstars.
Absent: Peggy Rea as Ivy Baker.

12
12
"The New Car"
John Tracy
Julia Newton
December 6, 1991 (1991-12-06)
447011

Carol goes to buy a new car and Frank tries to work a deal with his "friend" the salesman, Mel Fensky (Steve Vinovich), but Carol just buys the one she wants, which an unlicensed J.T. promptly borrows for a date, during which it disappears and J.T. worries that it's been stolen. He asks Cody to help him find it, but Cody didn't know about the new car, so he brings back their old one. It turns out that Frank had seen J.T. driving it and had taken it to teach him a lesson. But Dana also gets into trouble for knowing J.T. would take it and not saying anything. Meanwhile, Penny has finally found a boyfriend.

13
13
"Getting Organized"
John Tracy
Robert Griffard & Howard Adler
December 13, 1991 (1991-12-13)
447012

Frank reluctantly enlists Carol's help in organizing his messy office. Carol decides to transfer some of Frank's files to a computer database, which is fine until she accidentally erases the information on the computer. She failed to make a back-up copy, and what's worse, she told Frank to throw away the hard copies of his files. Frank and Carol scramble to retrieve the information from the dumpster before the garbagemen come. They find the files, but not in time. They are loaded into the back of the truck, and come home covered in Chinese food (a Chinese family had gotten rid of their trash right on top of Carol and Frank), and laughing. Meanwhile, J.T. and Cody become obsessed with UFOs, which annoys Dana and Karen. Eventually, the Foster sisters decide to play a trick on the gullible Lambert duo, but Cody and J.T. get the last laugh.
Absent: Patrika Darbo as Penny Baker, Peggy Rea as Ivy Baker

14
14
"Home Alone"
John Tracy
John B. Collins
January 3, 1992 (1992-01-03)
447013

Frank and Carol leave for a lovers' retreat. Dana is in charge, with a "no guests allowed" rule in effect. However Dana says since she invited two friends over, everyone else (even Mark, whose only guest is Cody) can invite two friends each, and eventually it's a huge party. Frank throws out his back at the hotel (which turns out to be a dump), so they cut their trip short and head home, where they find the party going on and J.T. trapped in the chimney flue.
Absent: Patrika Darbo as Penny Baker, Peggy Rea as Ivy Baker

15
15
"Drive, He Said"
Richard Correll
Joe Fisch
January 17, 1992 (1992-01-17)
447014

Dana and Frank each take driving tests - hers to get her first license, his as a renewal condition after missing renewal by 1 day. Dana passes her, but Frank flunks his and is unable to drive until he can pass another test. Then Dana suddenly suffers from "driver fear" and he tries to reassure her. Meanwhile, Al learns to play the drums; and Cody makes Brendan an unusual ice-cream sandwich.

16
16
"Bully for Mark"
James O'Keefe
Story by : Diane Ayers & Susan Sebastian
Teleplay by : Julia Newton
February 7, 1992 (1992-02-07)
447016

Al comes to Mark's rescue when a bully called Max (Erika Flores) forces him to do her homework. Meanwhile, school-newspaper editor Dana writes a negative article on J.T., but J.T. finds out and convinces one of the girls on the staff to replace it with an article that makes him sound good. Also, Cody buys a new perfume for Dana.

17
17
"The Boys in the Band"
Richard Correll
Joe Fisch
February 14, 1992 (1992-02-14)
447018

Al and some of her friends form a rock band, Chicks With Attitude, and hire J.T. as their manager. He gets them a gig at a bowling alley Frank has been renovating. But on the night of their debut, Al scrambles to find replacements for ill members, and Dana and Karen agree to fill in. This would not be the last time Dana, Karen, or Al would sing together, although J.T. and Cody (who dresses in drag) would not remain part of the act. Meanwhile, Frank tries to catch a mouse.

18
18
"School Daze"
Richard Correll
Meredith Siler
February 21, 1992 (1992-02-21)
447015

Embarrassed about leaving college four classes short of her degree, Carol goes back to school. She soon realizes that as well as a student, she's also a committed mother, wife, and beautician, and soon everyone's ready to be committed when Frank takes over the housework. Nobody can seem to remember to pick up Brendan either. All the kids decide to chip in so the house will be run smoothly while Carol realizes her dream. Also, Cody tries to scare Brendan and Mark with horror stories.
Absent: Peggy Rea as Ivy Baker.

19
19
"Country Club"
John Tracy
Alan Eisenstock & Larry Mintz
February 28, 1992 (1992-02-28)
447019

Carol is invited to a country club with the family. Frank is reluctant to go until developer John Patterson invites him to join his golf team for a tournament, with the promise of a job as contractor for a large office complex he's building. Trying to win the eye of Patterson's handsome teenage son Greg (David Lascher), Dana becomes frustrated with Frank's oafish ways and bluntly tells him how she feels. Meanwhile, Frank is instrumental in helping Patterson's team win the golf tournament. Later, Dana overhears Patterson talking to his friends saying that he had no intention of giving Frank the job; he was just using him to get him to help with the tournament. Dana defends Frank, and then blows off Greg Patterson, thinking he is just like his father. Greg later comes to Dana's house to apologize for his father, and to give Frank the trophy. Mark, Brendan, Al, Karen, and J.T. also have fun at the club.
Absent: Patrika Darbo as Penny Baker, Peggy Rea as Ivy Baker

20
20
"Daddy's Girl"
Richard Correll
Robert Griffard & Howard Adler
March 6, 1992 (1992-03-06)
447017

Grandpa visits, bringing his younger fiancée (Sherry Hursey). Frank recognizes her as a stripper from a bachelor party he went to a year ago, but his father storms off when he breaks the news. Then they postpone the wedding when he finds out that she really was a stripper. Meanwhile, Dana makes J.T. run errands for her all week if he wants her to fix him up with her pretty friend (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen); and Cody celebrates his 19th birthday.
Absent: Patrika Darbo as Penny Baker, Peggy Rea as Ivy Baker

21
21
"He Wanted Wings"
John Tracy
Joe Fisch
March 27, 1992 (1992-03-27)
447021

As Frank gets close to turning 40, Carol worries that he'll have a midlife crisis and run off with a younger girl. She asks him if he has unfulfilled dreams, and when he mentions he used to want to get his pilot's license, she gets him flying lessons. But his instructor (George Wyner) is going through a rough time and almost crashes the plane trying to end it all. Carol knocks him out and Frank must take control of the plane. When they land safely, she apologizes for trying to give him a midlife crisis when he didn't have one. Meanwhile, the girls fight over making Frank's cake, and Cody and J.T. try to install a showerhead for him.

22
22
"Beauty Contest"
John Tracy
Sally Lapiduss & Pamela Eells
April 24, 1992 (1992-04-24)
447020

Carol and Karen enter a mother-daughter beauty contest. They are both improperly hit on by judges, and Karen learns that it is more important to have pride and self-worth than to win. Also, Cody tries to join Frank's hunt club but Al's pig eats the duck's head he makes from cheese. hu
Note: This is the final appearance of Patrika Darbo and Peggy Rea in the series, although they also appear in a flashback episode.

text: Season 2: 1992–93[edit]

text:
Patrika Darbo and Peggy Rea no longer appear in the series.
Sasha Mitchell is now a series regular.
Staci Keanan is absent for 1 episode.
Brandon Call is absent for 1 episode.

text:
No. in
series
No. in
season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Production
code

23
1
"S.A.T. Blues"
Joel Zwick
Matt Ember
September 18, 1992 (1992-09-18)
447901

When Dana goes to take her SATs, Cody joins her, explaining that each month he does something new and this is this month's challenge. Dana does very well - 91st percentile - but Cody does better. Dana cannot accept this and insists that they both take it again. Dana improves her score, but Cody still beats her. She is infuriated, and Cody worries that with his impressive results, he'll be expected to become a brain surgeon. Cody and Dana later decide that their lives may take them on unexpected paths. Meanwhile, the other kids borrow Frank's clothes.
Guest star: Kathy Kinney, famously known for playing Mimi Bobeck on The Drew Carey Show, appears as the S.A.T. proctor.

24
2
"To B or Not to Be"
Joel Zwick
Meredith Siler
September 25, 1992 (1992-09-25)
447902

Carol convinces Frank to help J.T. study for his Shakespeare test. They try a tape but it gets lost. When they realize it's all about sex and violence, they stay up all night studying and J.T. goes into the test with a good feeling, but he receives a bad grade. When Frank and Carol talk to his teacher (Pat Crawford Brown), they discover that she gave J.T. a bad grade because she thought he wouldn't know the material because he's a jock. Infuriated, Carol makes her sit down and regrade his test. He gets a B+. Meanwhile, Mark and Al don't appreciate their new subjects.

25
3
"Stuck on You"
Richard Correll
Robert Griffard & Howard Adler
October 2, 1992 (1992-10-02)
447904

J.T. wants to date a girl (Devon Odessa) way out of his league and goes to Karen for help but she ruins his chances. When Al becomes friends with both a girl her age and the girl's dad, Frank feels like he's losing her. Cody and Frank join a human-fly competition.

26
4
"J.T.'s World"
Richard Correll
Julia Newton
October 9, 1992 (1992-10-09)
447903

In a nod to Wayne's World, J.T. starts his own local Public-access television show, J.T.'s World and hires Cody as his sidekick. He invites pretty classmate Lisa (Elizabeth Berkley) onto his show, but she falls for Cody instead. Also, Frank and Carol let differing answers on a compatibility test get to them.

27
5
"It's a Dog's Life"
John Tracy
Matt Ember
October 16, 1992 (1992-10-16)
447905

Al and Brendan agree to take care of a neighbor's oversized St. Bernard for the weekend, but the job quickly becomes more than they can handle. They get further annoyed when they learn the neighbors have decided to move away and no longer want the dog; however, Carol is overjoyed because she has fallen in love with the dog. Eventually, Frank puts his foot down and tells Carol to take it to a kennel.
Note: Patrick Duffy's previous series is referenced. When Frank's doing a crossword puzzle, he can't figure out a Texas city with 6 letters. Carol tells him the answer; Dallas.

28
6
"The Boss"
James O'Keefe
Robert Griffard & Howard Adler
October 23, 1992 (1992-10-23)
447908

Dana learns a humbling lesson about being the boss and overseeing a group of employees when she is given a managerial job at a 1950s-style restaurant owned by Mr. Passarelli (Al Molinaro). She was too bossy and controlling, so Karen and J.T. quit, as did the two cooks, who only wanted the job so they could see Karen. Frank and Carol take over their jobs and challenge Dana's condescending demeanor. Also, Mark invents a lie-detector machine.
Note: Carol told Frank the restaurant reminded her the 1973 movie American Graffiti directed by George Lucas. Frank added that he was still looking for the blonde in the T-bird, who was actually portrayed by Suzanne Somers herself.

29
7
"Model Daughter"
Richard Correll
Chuck Tately
October 30, 1992 (1992-10-30)
447906

A modeling job in Chicago may be Karen's dream come true — and the worst possible news for overbearing mother Carol, who tags along and meddles at every turn. Karen makes many new friends, but her job is cut short when another model, Cindy (Paula Trickey) advises her to stay in school and enjoy being a teen, as she had forfeited that life by going into modeling as a teen. At home, Dana comes down with the flu, followed by the other kids, and they make Frank their butler.
Note: Oliver Muirhead photographer makes his first of 3 appearances, each time as a different character.

30
8
"Someone to Watch Over Me"
Jeffrey Ganz
Bob Rosenfarb
November 6, 1992 (1992-11-06)
447909

Frank suspects that Dana's new boyfriend Mike Walters (Michael Landes) is out for nothing more than sex. Despite his misgivings, he allows Dana to go out with "Mike the Mover", but he gets Cody to drive him to Make-Out Point (where the two have gone to enjoy the moonlight and kiss). Frank rejects Cody's ridiculous idea to dress in a beaver costume to spy on them, instead climbing a tree to get a closer look, but the branch breaks under his weight and he literally drops in on them. Dana is embarrassed, but when Mike shows up the next day and tries to get her to go upstairs with him, she is infuriated, and Frank immediately kicks him out. Also, J.T. asks Brendan to wash Frank's car.

31
9
"The Making of the President"
Richard Correll
Ernest Banks
November 13, 1992 (1992-11-13)
447907

Annoyed that only dorks and geeks — in particular, Dana — are running for class president, J.T. announces that he will run. The campaign divides the Foster-Lambert home, then J.T., having run on a campaign that suggests that regular students' needs aren't me, actually wins. Eventually he wilts under the pressure and, having a new appreciation for the responsibilities that being class president brings, decides to turn over responsibilities to Dana. Meanwhile, Brendan tries to do magic.
Note: John Mallory (Gary Wallace from Weird Science TV series) appears as a student in this episode.

32
10
"Virgin Territory"
Judy Pioli
Julia Newton
November 20, 1992 (1992-11-20)
447910

J.T. and Cody get dates with two girls who have "easy" reputations. The girls invite them back to their house, but Cody leaves - he wants to hold on to his virginity until he meets the right girls. This upsets both girls and J.T., although he eventually realizes that Cody is right. Meanwhile, Frank gets put on a low-cholesterol diet.

33
11
"Back to Basics"
Judy Pioli
Joe Fisch
December 4, 1992 (1992-12-04)
447911

When a long-overdue video is found under Brendan's bed, Carol imposes a severe crackdown on family spending, and when the kids refuse to cooperate, she takes everything away. Brendan's siblings blame him unfairly, and when their alternating silent treatment and verbal abuse become too much, he decides to run away — to Cody's van. Cody eventually exposes Brendan's whereabouts, and Frank and Carol help their youngest realize that he wasn't to blame for anything.

34
12
"Boys Will Be Boys"
Patrick Duffy
Matt Ember
December 11, 1992 (1992-12-11)
447913

Frank's old high school friend Scooter (Philip Charles MacKenzie), who still hasn't grown up nearly 25 years later, visits and keeps Frank out until 3 AM and takes 16-year-old J.T. to the Boom-Boom Room. Meanwhile, Cody wins a turkey in a supermarket raffle which is delivered alive (Ron Karabatsos appears as the deliveryman), and deals with his conscience when he is asked to have it butchered.
Note: This episode marks Patrick Duffy's Step by Step directorial debut.

35
13
"If I Were a Rich Man"
Richard Correll
Julia Newton
January 8, 1993 (1993-01-08)
447917

Cody learns that Walter, a friend from the local nursing home, has died and left him $250,000. When the Lambert and Foster kids pester him for a share of the inheritance (to spend extravagantly), Cody decides to give all but $500 of it to the nursing home. Cody spends the $500 on a new video camera for the family after the cheap one Frank purchased breaks down in spectacular fashion.
Note: Nedra Volz (Where's the beef commercials) makes an appearance as Shirley.

36
14
"Happy Birthday, Baby"
Judy Pioli
Meredith Siler
January 15, 1993 (1993-01-15)
447912

Dana wants to celebrate her 17th birthday with a no-adults-allowed bash. When Frank and Carol say no, Dana decides to rent a hotel room with the help of her friend Traci to have a party. It turns out Frank and Carol decide to spend a romantic weekend in the same hotel — in a room directly across from Dana's suite. This naturally leads to conflicts, however everything works out when Carol realizes Dana is growing up. Also, Karen and Al get into a huge fight when Al screws up trying to wash Karen's blouse for a big date. In a parody of The People's Court, Judge Cody listens to the evidence ... and determines everything worked out well, as Karen's date loved the new look of the blouse.

37
15
"One of the Guys"
Mark Linn-Baker
Richard P. Halke
January 22, 1993 (1993-01-22)
447916

Frank is looking for a replacement on his contracting crew and may have to hire a woman, which he does. Frank then has a job where he and Aggie get snowed in at a hotel. Carol proceeds to drive thru the blizzard to confront Frank about what she thinks is going on. Meanwhile, Mark, J.T., Karen, Al and Brendan play the stock market after getting Cody's help, or so they think.
Note: This is the first of three episodes in the series in which Melanie Wilson guest starred in. In this episode she plays the character of Aggie.

38
16
"No Business Like Show Business"
Richard Correll
Matt Ember
February 5, 1993 (1993-02-05)
447920

J.T.'s World becomes a huge local hit, drawing the attention of a national television syndicator. J.T., sensing a huge windfall about to come his way, agrees to go along with the new producer's (David Graf) suggestions (including firing his siblings), and begins neglecting his schoolwork and speaking freely to his parents. In the end, J.T.'s dreams of success are ruined when the producers hire actors to play both J.T. and sidekick Cody. A humbled J.T. starts focusing on his school work, and apologizes to his dad. Also, Frank and Carol begin an art class together, after the two of them realize they don't have time for each other because they are both really busy. The class turns out to be drawing a nude model of a man which annoys Frank.

39
17
"Love, Port Washington Style"
Richard Correll
Scott Spencer Gordon
February 12, 1993 (1993-02-12)
447918

In a foul mood when her boyfriend dumps her right before Valentine's Day, Dana works a double shift at the '50's Café and meets a guy who's her spitting image. Meanwhile J.T. tries to impress a girl (Kelly Packard) with Cody's help. Meanwhile, during a busy stretch Carol recruits Frank to be a hair stylist.

40
18
"Aloha (Part 1)"
Richard Correll
Robert Griffard & Howard Adler
February 19, 1993 (1993-02-19)
447914

The Lamberts and Fosters win a trip to Hawaii, including Cody (who has to pay his own way). Carol wants to go on a whirlwind tour of the islands; Al, Brendan, and Mark enter a sandcastle-building contest; and Cody searches for buried treasure; J.T. chases after a pretty Hawaiian girl; and Dana meets the man (Josh Hoffman) of her dreams, who presents her with a 6-carat (1,200 mg) solataire in a Tiffany setting.

41
19
"Aloha (Part 2)"
Richard Correll
Robert Griffard & Howard Adler
February 26, 1993 (1993-02-26)
447915

Dana considers eloping with her rich boyfriend (Josh Hoffman) from Hawaii when Carol objects to her plan to marry. They get into a huge quarrel, where it is brought out that Carol married when she was just 17 and that quickie romances rarely work out in the end, and Dana reminds her mother that she married Frank and that they are still together. In the end, Dana realizes that they aren't right for each other because she is only 17 and still has a lot she wants to do, and they sadly part. After J.T. can't find the Hawaiian girl he is looking for, he decides to help Cody discover the real treasure (which in part was tied to a pretty Hawaiian girl J.T. was trying to pursue), while Al, Brendan, and Mark win a helicopter tour of Hawaii, the result of their victory in the sandcastle-building contest.

42
20
"No Way to Treat a Lady"
Richard Correll
Bob Rosenfarb
March 12, 1993 (1993-03-12)
447919

J.T. enlists Mark for advice on how to treat his new girlfriend, a brash biker babe. Meanwhile, Carol takes 13-year-old Al shopping for her first bra, but Frank shows up uninvited and embarrasses his daughter.

43
21
"The Un-Natural"
Patrick Duffy
Bob Rosenfarb
April 2, 1993 (1993-04-02)
447923

Just when Al's Pony League baseball team reaches the championship game, one of the players suffers a tragic season-ending injury. Coach Frank is forced to ask Mark — who is "not even good enough to be bad" — to join the team, and considers sitting him until the game is decided. However, the game is tight all the way and comes down to the final out. Out of substitutions, Frank must allow Mark an at-bat. Mark is very nervous, and the crowd is furious that Frank put in Mark. He wants to go back to the bench, but Al threatens him with bodily harm if he doesn't go back to the bat. He gets two strikes, but he ends up hitting a game-winning homerun! Also, Cody and J.T. bet that they can stay awake longer than Karen and Dana.

44
22
"The Psychic"
Joel Zwick
Julia Newton
April 30, 1993 (1993-04-30)
447924

J.T. publishes an unflattering baby photo of Karen in the high-school yearbook. Hell hath no fury like a Foster scorned, and she takes full advantage of J.T.'s worry that a brunette will stab him to death at the stroke of midnight. J.T. hadn't believed the news when the psychic warned him, but Cody reinforces it by pointing out that everything the psychic said would happen before he died is happening. Meanwhile, Frank and Carol's new massaging bed provides them anything but a good night's sleep.
Absent: Staci Keanan as Dana Foster

45
23
"This Old House"
Richard Correll
Robert Griffard & Howard Adler
May 7, 1993 (1993-05-07)
447922

When Frank gets a job building a new multi-million-dollar office complex, he must hire someone to demolish the old buildings and Carol wants him to hire Cody for the job. Then Cody realizes he can't complete the assignment because the homeowners - unemployed parents of three children, who are unable to afford new housing or obtain new jobs fast enough — are still living inside. Frank is further thrown into a dilemma when Carol joins Cody in protesting the home's demolition ... and the financer (Bruce Jarchow) of the office project threatens to sue Frank for breach of contract if the house demolition is not completed by the deadline. Also, J.T becomes Al, Brendan, and Mark's manager and forces them to lick envelopes.

46
24
"Double Date"
Richard Correll
Meredith Siler
May 21, 1993 (1993-05-21)
447921

Carol sets up Karen with Freddie, who is new to town and also just (a 142) on Karen's grading scale. Karen prefers a jock named Jeffrey and accepts a date with him, and Carol catches her dumping Freddie by lying to him over the phone. She sneaks out to go with Jeff and they win Perfect Couple ... right after Freddie confronts Karen. She refuses the award and finishes the evening with Freddie. Meanwhile, Carol does not like the way Frank organizes his money and tries unsuccessfully to make him use a male purse. When a stereo is stolen out of Cody's van, Lucille, Frank concentrates his efforts into putting an alarm in it, but it's so good that Frank gets stuck in the van while demonstrating it.
Absent: Brandon Call as J.T. Lambert

text: Season 3: 1993–94[edit]

text:
Christopher Castile is absent for 4 episodes.
Christine Lakin is absent for 1 episode.
Josh Byrne is absent for 1 episode.

text:
No. in
series
No. in
season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Production
code

47
1
"Way-Off Broadway"
Richard Correll
Bob Rosenfarb
September 24, 1993 (1993-09-24)
455453

Dana really likes the director (Shawn Levy) of a local play so she decides to sign up. As fate would have it, Cody knows him, so Cody and Dana are cast as Romeo and Juliet in the play. Also, Frank believes he has lost his wedding ring while playing golf after telling Carol he wouldn't play for a while.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster

48
2
"The Apartment"
Richard Correll
Julia Newton
October 1, 1993 (1993-10-01)
455451

Dana moves into an apartment down the street to gain independence, but soon realizes she misses the family, even J.T. Also, Frank buys a new TV and tries to hide it in his room but becomes addicted to it.

49
3
"Never on Sunday"
Richard Correll
Brian Bird & John Wierick
October 8, 1993 (1993-10-08)
455452

Carol invites the new pastor and his wife for lunch after church one Sunday. Frank worries because he feels like he is being watched by an informant to God. He nervously promises the pastor that he'll go to church the next Sunday; the Lambert children are upset because a big Packers game will be on! Frank drags them all to church, but J.T. sneaks up to the attic to watch the game with the pastor's son (Eric Balfour) after the sermon starts. When Al and Brendan attempt to follow J.T.'s lead, Frank realizes something is up and makes them tell him where J.T. is. When Frank goes upstairs to find his son, he gets into the game and ends up falling through the old floorboards, landing right behind the pastor. Cody and his friends Slasher (Donald Gibb) and Death attend church as well.
Note: Donald Gibb, Ogre from Revenge of the Nerds movies, makes the first of his six appearances, four as Slasher and two as Moose.

50
4
"Paper Chase"
Richard Correll
Richard P. Halke
October 15, 1993 (1993-10-15)
455454

J.T. sells essays to the football team, Dana finds out and tells Mark, and the two have an idea. Also, Cody cares for Slasher's (Donald Gibb) son, which makes Carol want to have another child.
Note: This episode marks the first appearance of Jason Marsden, who would later become a regular in the series as J.T.'s best friend, and later Dana's boyfriend, Rich. In this episode, he plays a character named Doug.

51
5
"Trading Places"
Patrick Duffy
Meredith Siler
October 22, 1993 (1993-10-22)
455455

It's the old "Whose job is easier?" game, played Foster-vs.-Lambert style. This time, parents Frank and Carol swap roles with J.T. and Dana when the comment is made that parenting is easier than being a teenager. Also, Cody looks for true love by placing an ad in a biker magazine.

52
6
"Video Mania"
Richard Correll
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
October 29, 1993 (1993-10-29)
455456

Mark starts playing video games to relieve stress from receiving an A instead of an A+ on a test, but he soon becomes addicted, his whole attitude changes, and he's eventually sent to a support group. Dana is annoyed at Cody's way of relieving his cold; and Karen tries to hide something from Carol.

53
7
"Hog Wild"
James O'Keefe
Julia Newton
November 5, 1993 (1993-11-05)
455457

Frank and Carol go crazy searching for anniversary gifts. J.T creates an motorcycle enterprise for Cody who tries to get a loan from the bank's loan officer (Michael Milhoan), unsuccessfully until one of his biker pals helps out, but Cody doesn't like what J.T. has changed.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster

54
8
"Down and Out in Port Washington"
Patrick Duffy
Maria A. Brown
November 12, 1993 (1993-11-12)
455458

When Cody's van, Lucille, which doubles as his home and mode of transportation, breaks down and needs major repairs, he moves into the house and drives everyone crazy, hanging laundry in the kitchen, and then his ant farm is a problem when the ants get loose. When Cody learns that his van is beyond repair, Carol, thinking he'll become a permanent houseguest, threatens to move out. Eventually Cody decides to keep living in Lucille even if he can't drive her. Meanwhile, Karen falls in love with one of Dana's coworkers and learns 1. he has a girlfriend; 2. she (Karen) might be shallow.

55
9
"The Marrying Dude"
Richard Correll
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
November 19, 1993 (1993-11-19)
455460

Cody meets a blind date through a biker magazine dating advertisement: Bonnie (Jensen Daggett), is a single mother looking for the perfect father for her 8-year-old son. When Cody and Riley hit it off, Bonnie sees that Cody is the right man and asks if they can get married. Cody at first accepts, but then realizes things are moving too fast. Cody and Bonnie decide that they should take things slow and see what happens, instead of rushing into marriage. Al is concerned about not getting asked out because of her small breasts. Also Frank and Carol want to redecorate the living room.

56
10
"Sister Act"
Patrick Duffy
R.J. Colleary
November 26, 1993 (1993-11-26)
455461

Karen desires to date a 21-year-old man named Michael (Sean Kanan) and enlists Dana to help set up the date, but it's Dana who hooks up with Michael. Later, Dana is on the phone with a friend, unaware that J.T. is secretly taping the conversation, in which she reaffirms that Michael isn't Karen's boyfriend. Not wanting to cause trouble between the normally-close Karen and Dana, J.T. plays the phone conversation to Karen, who angrily tells Michael that Dana is only 14; at The 50s Diner, Michael breaks up with Dana, citing their "age difference." That night, Karen accuses Dana of stealing her boyfriend, but the argument quickly dies out when Karen admits she is jealous of Dana's virtues, and the two make up. Also, after not dancing with Carol at a wedding, Franks learns how to dance, thanks to Cody.

57
11
"Christmas Story"
Patrick Duffy
Brian Bird & John Wierick
December 10, 1993 (1993-12-10)
455463

Frank and Carol wind up in jail on Christmas Eve when they are caught inside a toy store by a know-it-all deputy sheriff (Don Knotts). Frank had recently remodeled the store and was given a discount on the store's merchandise. They had gone there after hours because he and Carol had forgot to purchase a train set for Brendan and stocking-stuffers for the kids. Meanwhile, the kids do not know that their parents are in jail, and rip through all of their presents. Cody sets them straight, and when they learn that Frank and Carol are in jail, they all go down there to celebrate Christmas with them. Also Cody gets ready for a Christmas-decoration contest.
Note: Don Knotts' character and actions are a direct reference and link to his character on the Andy Griffith Show. He and Suzanne Somers co-starred on Three's Company.

58
12
"Close Encounters of the Marital Kind"
Richard Correll
Bob Rosenfarb
December 17, 1993 (1993-12-17)
455459

Frank's hesitant after Carol purchases a marriage-improvement book; Carol has a secret she has been keeping from Frank and she finds out Frank has one too. Now that they're all drivers, Dana, J.T., and Karen ask Frank and Carol to buy them a car, and when they don't, the young drivers scrounge up money to buy an old Volkswagen Bug which is so dangerous that they must sell it for parts to get the money back. Meanwhile, the guys from Frank's company find something meant only for Frank.
Note: The song playing on the eight-track player Cody salvages from J.T.'s car is "I Got You Babe", which becomes Dana and Rich's song when they become a couple later in the series.

59
13
"Bad Girls"
Richard Correll
Maria A. Brown
January 7, 1994 (1994-01-07)
455462

Al falls into a bad group of girls led by Jackie Campbell. They dress in military fatigues, skip school, and stay out late at night, among other things. Al's new attitude angers Frank and the two get into a huge argument. But what hurts Al even more is losing Cody's trust when she tries to take his air guitar without permission. Al finally realizes she needs to be herself and take her time in choosing friends (and wisely, at that). Also, Carol tries to make family time when the TV is broken.

60
14
"Read All About It"
Richard Correll
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
January 14, 1994 (1994-01-14)
455465

When Frank learns that Carol makes more money than he does, he gets a job at a chicken restaurant, passing out flyers while dressed as a chicken. Cody gets a temporary job as a storyteller in the children's section of the public library. He learns that Brendan's friend Ryan (Phillip Van Dyke) can't read, so he teaches him to read for the next storytime session.
Absent: Christine Lakin as Al Lambert, Christopher Castile as Mark Foster

61
15
"Thirteen With a Bullet"
Patrick Duffy
Patrick Duffy & Bob Rosenfarb
January 28, 1994 (1994-01-28)
455466

Mark, who is celebrating his 13th birthday, develops a huge crush on a pretty classmate Marissa (Marla Sokoloff), he dances with her, gets his first kiss during a game of spin-the-bottle, and sends her flowers...and she rejects him. Also, J.T obtains an excellent grade in his mechanics exam and forces Dana to repair a car in order to prove to her that he can beat her at manual work.

62
16
"My Bodyguard"
Patrick Duffy
Meredith Siler
February 4, 1994 (1994-02-04)
455468

Cody annoys the family with his recollections of weird dreams. First, he pictures Al "behind bars" and "wearing a striped shirt," but she's just wearing a striped soccer jersey and showing off her hamster cage. After he annoys Dana by telling her about a dream in which a man in suit attacks her, he tags along on her college interview in Chicago and assaults the Dean of Admissions(Brian George), thinking him to be Dana's assailant (he was embracing her as they were leaning out the window to look at the Chicago skyline). Dana angrily tells Cody she wants nothing more to do with him; however, Cody can't shake his seemingly-ridiculous bad vibes. That night at a bus station, a man (Michael Bryan French) in a suit corners Dana, and Cody runs him off before he can do anything. Dana breaks down in Cody's arms and thanks him. Also, Frank and the kids are concerned about Carol's snoring problem which keeps them up all night so Frank comes up with a solution.

63
17
"Pretty Woman"
William Bickley
Richard P. Halke
February 18, 1994 (1994-02-18)
455467

Karen loses out on a coveted modeling job for a jeans advertising campaign, but her disappointment is nothing compared to learning who does get the job: Al, whom the nationally-renowned photographer says has the look they were searching for. A vengeful Karen bitterly tries to upstage her stepsister by destroying her self-assurance, but in the end realizes that Al deserves support. Meanwhile, Cody struggles with his good-luck "curse". He also shows Dana, Brendan, and J.T. the true value of karate.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

64
18
"Nightmare Weekend"
Patrick Duffy
Maria A. Brown
February 25, 1994 (1994-02-25)
455469

After Mark ruins a scary movie for J.T., Brendan, and Al, they decide to scare him, but in the end everyone - except one - of the kids is sent screaming. Frank takes Carol out to a cabin where he had brought an old girlfriend, and doesn't realize it until Carol tells him. When they arrive Frank tries to get another hotel but has no luck, and to make things worse, the bellman (Patrick Bristow) calls Frank by name and makes things worse the more he talks.

65
19
"Birth of a Salesman"
Patrick Duffy
Julia Newton
March 11, 1994 (1994-03-11)
455464

Carol is worried when J.T. gets a job at a used-car lot, and says he'll do that rather than go to college. But when she comes to the lot and sees him in action and that the owner (Steve Vinovich) is very impressed with J.T., she concedes that maybe he's doing what's best for him after all. Dana uses Cody as a subject for an essay in her psychology class, he starts to talk about his 1st memories.
Note: Nedra Volz makes an appearance as Mrs. Slezak.

66
20
"Feeling Forty"
Richard Correll
R.J. Colleary
March 25, 1994 (1994-03-25)
445471

Carol is feeling every bit her age after shopping for a new dress and talking to the saleswoman as the big 4-0 approaches, so she decides to invest in diet pills, and she quickly becomes hooked on the amphetamines. Meanwhile, Cody tries helping Al with a research project about Abraham Lincoln (Larry Hankin). Instead of going to the library and looking up the information, Cody suggests consulting a psychic who supposedly has connections with the 16th president. When Al sees Cody talking with "Honest Abe" as though he were right there in the room, she realizes she needs to do the work herself.

67
21
"The Case of the Missing Diary"
Richard Correll
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
April 29, 1994 (1994-04-29)
455473

Cody gets some inspiration for a class writing project when Karen can't find her diary. He uses her plight to spin a 1940s-style detective yarn about who took it: Dana, Al, Carol, or one of the guys?
Note: Somers' previous show is referenced; When Frank says "Three's a crowd", Carol says "I always thought Three's Company."

68
22
"Great Expectations"
Patrick Duffy
Brian Bird & John Wierick
May 6, 1994 (1994-05-06)
455470

Cody's father (Edward Winter) pressures him into a job as executive vice-president of his real-estate company. On his first day he is typical Cody talking with Jackson (Beau Billingslea), one of his co-workers. With a little help from Frank, Cody tells his father he's simply not interested and would rather continue working in demolition. Meanwhile, Carol (as a favor for a customer) sets up Dana and Karen on blind dates, against their expressed wishes. The guys turn out to be living images of Beavis and Butt-Head. After Frank gets rid of them, he helps his stepdaughters set up a "get even" prank on Carol.
Guest star: John Stamos makes a cameo.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert

69
23
"Prom Night"
Patrick Duffy
Julia Newton
May 20, 1994 (1994-05-20)
455472

On prom night, J.T. is set up with a 13-year-old girl as a joke. Meanwhile, Dana's date with the school hunk also doesn't go well (he got back together with his ex-girlfriend), and Karen isn't going because she is dating a college guy. The two constantly-at-odds stepsiblings are left to share a dance... and gain grudging mutual respect and appreciation. Also, after Brendan fights with a classmate, Frank and Carol invite him and his parents (Nancy Lenehan and(Troy Evans) over, only to discover that the son is like his parents after Frank catches them cheating at a board game.

text: Season 4: 1994–95[edit]

text:
Josh Byrne is absent for 2 episodes.
Christopher Castile is absent for 1 episode.

text:
No. in
series
No. in
season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Production
code

70
1
"Karate Kid"
Richard Correll
Bob Rosenfarb
September 23, 1994 (1994-09-23)
456352

Trying to improve his self-esteems, Mark enrolls in a karate class, but the jockish instructor keeps belittling him for his "wimpy" attitude. He wants to drop out, but Cody helps him stand up to Tommy, the "class pet" and star student. During a challenge match, Tommy quickly gains the upper hand, but Cody, who happens to be a black belt, helps Mark exploit Tommy's weakness and rally to force sudden death. Tommy wins the match, but Mark wins Tommy's respect. But the coach keeps taunting Mark - and then Cody. Cody tries to leave, but the instructor goes too far and Cody hastily subdues that loudmouthed coach. Meanwhile, Frank installs an intercom in the house.

71
2
"College Bound"
Richard Correll
Julia Newton
September 30, 1994 (1994-09-30)
456351

Upset about not going to Harvard, Dana learns a hard lesson in humility when a tough English professor (Oliver Muirhead) at local EWU gives her a D on her first term paper for using too many "big words" and not focusing enough on the paper's content. She complains to her teacher but gets no sympathy, then she must endure humiliation from her stepsiblings. She vows to improve her attitude ... then learns that Cody has enrolled at EWU. Meanwhile, J.T. is somehow able to obtain a credit card, then many more, and goes on a shopping spree, and Carol falls in love with one of his purchases.

72
3
"Animal House"
Patrick Duffy
Brian Bird & John Wierick
October 7, 1994 (1994-10-07)
456355

Wanting to be cool, Cody decides to join a college fraternity, but he re-examines his desire to fit in when his frat brothers want to go too far with Karen at a party. Also, Brendan joins the school band, but his trumpet-playing skills are lacking.

73
4
"Spoiled Sport"
William Bickley
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
October 14, 1994 (1994-10-14)
456354

Frank auditions to become a part-time sports broadcaster for the local radio station, but Carol wins the job. Frank is disappointed, but soon realizes that he is a star in Carol's eyes. After Carol tell the kids to buy their own junk food if they want it, they refuses to share and start a food fight, even attacking Cody.

74
5
"Revenge of the Nerd"
Patrick Duffy
Bob Rosenfarb
October 21, 1994 (1994-10-21)
456358

Karen is desperate to be voted homecoming queen. When she learns that the deciding vote is from a nerd named Irwin Bird, she tries to convince him to vote for her. He blackmails her into going out with him, but at the end of the night, she refuses to kiss him so he votes for Tiffany Rogers. Meanwhile, after being struck by lightning while trying to install an antenna on his van, Cody gets amnesia.

75
6
"Something Wild"
Richard Correll
Julia Newton
October 28, 1994 (1994-10-28)
456357

On Halloween, Mark's crush, J.J. Jenkins (Michelle Williams), encourages him to dress as a punk rocker — and commit vandalism by throwing eggs at a house. Also the guys Beavis and Butt-head played by (Bodhi Elfman) and (Rob Moore) who were set up to go out with Karen and Dana in (season 3 episode 22) attend the party, to the girls' dismay. Meanwhile, Cody wants to create the biggest Jack-O-Lantern in the world.

76
7
"Growing Up Is Hard to Do"
Richard Correll
Maria A. Brown
November 4, 1994 (1994-11-04)
456353

Al sets up a date with class hunk Kevin Lewis (Will Estes), which doesn't turn out well. She goes to J.T. for advice first, but he wants nothing to do with her "sex life", so she turns to her stepsisters, who give her conflicting advice. Instead of just being herself, Al accepts Karen's advice to agree with everything Kevin says... Meanwhile, Carol learns that she's pregnant and tells Frank, and one of the kids overhears.

77
8
"Beyond Therapy"
Richard Correll
Meredith Siler
November 11, 1994 (1994-11-11)
456356

Carol has the Fosters and Lamberts visit a psychiatrist (Jerry Stroka), for each to discuss his/her feelings about the new baby; after the session, Carol asks the kids for 24 fight-free hours. Meanwhile, Cody thinks he is turning into a werewolf.

78
9
"The Ice Cream Man Cometh"
Patrick Duffy
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
November 18, 1994 (1994-11-18)
456360

Cody's friend (John Astin) wants to commit suicide after his wife Marge dies; he leaves Cody a note and heads off to jump out of a plane so Cody chases after him. Meanwhile, the kids fuss about the baby's room, and Frank and Carol make a final decision that they don't like.

79
10
"Letting Go"
Patrick Duffy
Larry Kase & Joel Ronkin
November 25, 1994 (1994-11-25)
456361

Cody brings Dana home from school because she is sneezing all the time. Mark realizes that she only sneezes around Cody, so they think she's allergic to him. Very upset, Cody wants to leave and even starts to pack up his van, but Dana begs him to stay, and finally discovers she's just allergic to his shampoo. Also, Frank thinks Al's new boyfriend Zack (Michael Sullivan) is a "freak" until they get better acquainted.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert

80
11
"Make Room for Daddy"
John Tracy
Maria A. Brown
December 9, 1994 (1994-12-09)
456359

Frank takes Carol away for a romantic weekend where he tells Carol he feels like he lost his best friend in her, while Karen, Al and Dana have a girls' night talking about guys. Meanwhile, Mark dates a genius; at first he's disappointed, but as they night goes on he likes her more and more.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert

81
12
"I'll Be Home For Christmas"
Joel Zwick
Brian Bird & John Wierick
December 16, 1994 (1994-12-16)
456362

J.T. decides he has grown out of celebrating Christmas with the family and decides to go skiing with his friends. He eventually misses Frank when he realises that his friends have no Christmas spirit. Carol's Aunt Edna (Doris Roberts), but she is actually very angry and grumpy. Mark misses his girlfriend.
Note: The two living images of Beavis and Butt-head played by (Bodhi Elfman) & (Rob Moore) from the episodes "Great Expectations" and "Something Wild" re-appear in this episode at J.T.'s ski cabin with a pornographic film, much to J.T.'s dismay.

82
13
"Can't Buy Me Love"
Patrick Duffy
Julia Newton
January 6, 1995 (1995-01-06)
456364

While borrowing his boss' luxury car, J.T. meets a pretty girl named Shelly (Rebecca Herbst) at her father's diner and decides to impress her by claiming the car is his. Also, Frank and Carol go to the gynecologist (Francesca P. Roberts).
Note: This is the first of two episodes in the series entitled "Can't Buy Me Love". The second episode with this title is from season 7.

83
14
"Thirtysomething"
William Bickley
R.J. Colleary
January 20, 1995 (1995-01-20)
456363

Pregnant Carol binges on odd food combinations; Cody makes a film about a goldfish for his filmmaking class; Dana comes to terms with her much-older boyfriend Paul (John Clough) after meeting his friends including someone she knows from college, and that's not the only surprise Paul has.

84
15
"The Honeymoon Is Over"
Patrick Duffy
Maria A. Brown
February 3, 1995 (1995-02-03)
456366

When Mark's girlfriend Gabrielle stays for the weekend, Mark takes advice from J.T. as Gabrielle tries to make Mark eat more vegetables, and dress a certain way, and a battle of the sexes fight breaks out, Frank doesn't like his birthday present from Carol: red French-cut bikini briefs.

85
16
"One Truck, Al Dente"
Richard Correll
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
February 10, 1995 (1995-02-10)
456367

Al pressures J.T. to teach her how to drive and they borrow Frank's new truck for the lesson, but Al is involved in a minor accident. They try to plaster the truck's side to cover up their activities, but Frank soon learns that the truck was damaged. Dana gets loopy on painkillers after the removal of her wisdom teeth and annoys Cody by eating his ice cream, singing blues with his guitar, and dancing the limbo. Also, Frank and Carol take a prenatal class.
Note: This is the first episode where the family's garage is shown.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster

86
17
"Head of the Class"
John Tracy
Bob Rosenfarb
February 17, 1995 (1995-02-17)
456365

Cody and Dana have conflicting teaching styles when they are recruited to teach a remedial history class. Their unlikely efforts result in their students upsetting a team of academic intellectuals on a TV quiz bowl. Also, Carol makes everybody crazy with her obsessions, worrying Brendan so that he does housework at night.
Note: Two of the students are played by Seth Green and Walter Emanuel Jones, who are of Family Guy and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers fame respectively.

87
18
"Back to School"
Richard Correll
Meredith Siler
March 3, 1995 (1995-03-03)
456368

J.T. realizes he needs a college education to land a decent-paying job. After struggling on an early test, his academics soon overwhelm him, but it is a tipoff that he may have dyslexia. Meanwhile, Carol - and Frank, to a much lesser degree - invite the administrators of an upper-class preschool over to try to get the Lamberts' unborn child pre-enrolled; however, the selectors obnoxiously sneer at the Lamberts' lifestyle.

88
19
"She Came in Through the Bedroom Window"
William Bickley
Brian Bird & John Wierick
March 17, 1995 (1995-03-17)
456370

When Cody's professor becomes fed up with his constant use of the word "dude", he agrees to be shocked every time he says the word. Dana agrees to deliver the shock therapy... and takes full advantage of this. Meanwhile, a very pregnant Carol is so insecure about her appearance that when Frank starts working with his very attractive ex-girlfriend Pam (Susan Blakely), she spies on them.

89
20
"Indecent Proposal"
Richard Correll
Bob Rosenfarb
March 31, 1995 (1995-03-31)
456371

J.T. gets a higher grade than Dana on an ethics-class assignment, then Dana learns why: his teacher has feelings for him! J.T. becomes angry when Dana tries to tell him about the teacher's motives but he decides to ask her anyway. When she makes a move on him at her apartment J.T. realizes Dana was right and leaves. Also, Cody annoys the family with his sleepwalking; and Frank buys a Meat Master 5000 and puts it together himself...and it explodes.

90
21
"Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio?"
Richard Correll
Julia Newton
April 28, 1995 (1995-04-28)
456373

Cody takes Brendan to a baseball game featuring his favorite player, Kenny Barton. After the game, Cody distracts the security guard (Tommy Lister) so Brendan can meet his hero and ask him to autograph his baseball; however, Barton is rude to Brendan and demands $50 for an autograph. After consoling Brendan, Cody confronts the egotistical Barton during a TV interview and exposes his demeanor. The interviewer, Hall of Fame player and broadcaster Harmon Killebrew, is equally outraged and offers to sign Brendan's baseball at no charge; Brendan gladly accepts the offer. Also: Carol and Dana make a bet with Frank and J.T. that they can't handle how pregnancy feels for one weekend, so they wear pregnancy suits!
Note: There is an overt reference to Suzanne Somers' previous series Three's Company: in the scene, Carol in the living room watching Three's Company, and remarks how she likes Chrissy.

91
22
"Adventures in Babysitting"
Patrick Duffy
Maria A. Brown
May 5, 1995 (1995-05-05)
456372

To help Al earn money to go on a trip with her friends, J.T. suggests helping her run a babysitting service. They soon learn there's no such thing as easy money (as Frank had warned them) when they're overwhelmed by the horde of kids they must babysit. Also, Carol tries to help Karen find a prom dress; and Frank gets a cellphone and temporarily hires Cody as a foreman.

92
23
"Big Girl on Campus"
Patrick Duffy
Larry Kase & Joel Ronkin
May 12, 1995 (1995-05-12)
456369

Karen and Al convince Dana to take them to a college party. Karen has her eye on a cute guy named Jeremy, but Jeremy decides to dance with Al instead. Karen is fuming, even though she had caught the eye of others at the party ... until Dana learns that Jeremy is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and she and Karen rescue Al just in time, teaching Al that she's not as grown up as she thought. Meanwhile, Carol has a yard sale; and Cody writes a song about Port Washington for a contest.

93
24
"A Foster/Lambert Production"
John Tracy
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
May 19, 1995 (1995-05-19)
456374

Carol goes into labor and gives birth to a baby girl, whom she names Lilly Foster-Lambert. At the hospital, the Lambert and Foster children continue their petty squabbling, especially after J.T. forgot to bring the Fosters to the hospital. Through the use of flashbacks, Cody reminds them they have been happier in the times when they got along, and now they have something they can all share: a little sister.

text: Season 5: 1995–96[edit]

text:
Kristina Meyering and Lauren Meyering play Lilly Foster-Lambert in season 5.
Jason Marsden becomes a recurring cast member and appears in 9 episodes.
Sasha Mitchell is absent for 5 episodes.
Angela Watson is absent for 1 episode.

text:
No. in
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No. in
season
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Production
code

94
1
"Little Sister Don't Cha"
Joel Zwick
Brian Bird & John Wierick
September 22, 1995 (1995-09-22)
457152

J.T. and Rich (Jason Marsden) go on a drive-in double date: J.T. with Pepper (Jennifer Aspen)...and Rich with Al. J.T. is seriously troubled and he and Al have a talk, in which she tells him she no longer needs him to protect her. Cody sets a thrilled Dana up with Brad Pitt from Legends of the Fall, but it turns out to be the Brad Pit that played Dead Body #3. Depressed about their controlling mothers, Mark and his friends try to prove their manhood by smoking stogies and Mark gets sick, so Frank offers to take him and his friend camping to do manly things.
Note: This is the first appearance of Jason Marsden as Rich Halke, who would become a regular starting with season six.
Absent: Angela Watson as Karen Foster

95
2
"Three Girls and a Baby"
Joel Zwick
Julia Newton
September 29, 1995 (1995-09-29)
457151

Stressed by caring for their new daughter, Frank and Carol go out for a romantic evening, leaving Lilly home with the girls for the first time. Dana is convinced that childcare will be simple, until Lilly accidentally gets locked in her room and the girls must call the Port Washington Fire Department to break down the door. After reading his name in the obituaries, Cody is convinced that he will die, so he decides to give away all of his belongings, but soon realizes he needs them after all.

96
3
"Party Animal"
Patrick Duffy
Bob Rosenfarb
October 13, 1995 (1995-10-13)
457154

Dana has the opportunity to move into a house with her friends, and at their first party she goes wild with her new freedom! Karen and Al take photos of her getting drunk, dancing, kissing random boys, but when Carol shows Dana a picture of her swinging topless from the chandelier, even Dana is surprised and decides that living at home might not be so bad. Meanwhile, Cody mistakes a toupee creator (Alan Blumenfeld) for a jewel thief and sets out to catch him after he sees him on America's Most Wanted; and Frank argues with Carol that Lilly should have her own room.

97
4
"Midnight Caller"
Patrick Duffy
Larry Kase & Joel Ronkin
October 20, 1995 (1995-10-20)
457153

J.T. and Dana are stuck doing a community project together for a class, working at a Family Help Line where they meet Howard (Todd Susman), who doesn't seem to care. A boy named Todd calls, saying he's about to commit suicide because he's about to enter a stepfamily situation. Also, Cody seems to be the only one who can soothe Lilly.

98
5
"Maid to Order"
Patrick Duffy
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
October 27, 1995 (1995-10-27)
457155

Frank decides to hire a housekeeper, so he and J.T. interview potential employees. After having no luck whatsoever, Frank leaves to run an errand and tells J.T. to do the last interview himself: aspiring actress Carrie. J.T. hires her although she has no experience. Meanwhile, Carol encourages Karen in a head-cheerleader competition and is in for some surprises; and Cody teaches old women aerobics.

99
6
"Don't Ask"
Joel Zwick
Casey Maxwell Clair
November 3, 1995 (1995-11-03)
457156

Frank and Carol become frustrated with their children constantly asking them to run their errands and small favors. Eventually, they lose their patience and implement a rule that the children must do everything for themselves. The rule is put to the test when Brendan — wanting to go on a trip with his soccer team to watch a Green Bay Packers game — decides not to "bother" his parents to have them sign a permission slip for him. Meanwhile, aspiring country singer Karen is approached by a man claiming to be a record producer, who promises to take her demo tape to a major studio in exchange for a $500 fee. However, the naïve Karen later realizes she was ripped off and that she will probably never recover her money ... or ever become a big star. Dana gives her sister solace by getting her song played on a local radio station. Also, Cody orders a Kalashnikov but gets Russian bride Ludmilla (Mary-Pat Green) instead.
Note: Angela Watson covers the Patty Loveless song "Blame It on Your Heart".
Note: This is the last storyline for the character of Brendan Lambert. Josh Byrne's character would be reduced to 30-second, one-liner-type appearances before being dropped entirely in season 7.

100
7
"Hello, Mister Chips"
Patrick Duffy
Bob Rosenfarb
November 10, 1995 (1995-11-10)
457160

Al has just lost another job and Frank encourages her to be a "team player." Karen tells Al of a job at the mall. Al gets the job at a cookie store called Mr. Chips run by Mr. Sloan (Richard Kline) and named after a monkey she ends up having to bring home. Carol wants Frank to play Tarzan for a little show but Frank makes up an excuse not to, so Carol finds another guy, Troy (Jerry Penacoli), while J.T. and Rich bet that Mark can beat a great pool hustler (Peter Spellos).
Note: Richard Kline played Larry on Three's Company along with Suzanne Somers who played Chrissy.

101
8
"Roadie"
Patrick Duffy
Larry Kase & Joel Ronkin
November 17, 1995 (1995-11-17)
457161

Mark's favorite singer, Christi Rose (Debbie Gibson), is coming to town. Cody gets a job as her roadie and introduces her to Mark, who promptly passes out. Christi falls for Cody and offers him a fulltime job as her bodyguard. Frank finally buys a car for the teenagers but refuses to let them use it.

102
9
"The Wall"
Patrick Duffy
Julia Newton
November 24, 1995 (1995-11-24)
457159

Fear of ending up on the "loser wall" is enough to get Mark Foster to work out. However, working out is not enough to keep Mark Foster off the "loser wall." Despite this, Mark is asked to a dance by Tawny Spencer (Julie Benz), the prettiest girl in school. When her bullying ex Chuck (Brad Hawkins) threatens Mark, Mark stands up to him. Meanwhile, Carol and a (begrudgingly) Frank go on a free trip to the spa, where Frank encounters Inga, the Swedish "strong-arm" masseuse. When Dana's feminist group votes Cody in and one girl Lauren (Senta Moses) thinks he is very cute, he brings the group success, but what's the catch?

103
10
"Baby Come Back"
Joel Zwick
Cary Okmin
December 1, 1995 (1995-12-01)
457158

While babysitting Lilly, J.T. and Al take her to an audition in Milwaukee, for a baby-food commercial, but they return home with the wrong baby. Also, Carol and Frank try to spend more time with each other at Hair Spectacular '95 but Frank hates it and he and Carol fight, while Cody and Dana get trapped in a magic box.

104
11
"The Fight Before Christmas"
Joel Zwick
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
December 15, 1995 (1995-12-15)
457162

Frank's old friend Mitch Crawford (David Graf) comes to town so Carol and Frank set Al up with Mitch's son Matt (Andrew Keegan). Both Al and Matt come in with a bad attitude, but they soon discover they have a lot in common and start having fun - so much fun that they end up making out in the driveway as the car gets covered with snow. When Frank discovers them, he kicks Matt, his mom (Mariangela Pino), and his dad out of their house. Al goes with them because she thinks her father is being unreasonable. The owner of the tree lot where J.T. works is not into the Christmas spirit so Cody's friend George (John Astin) teaches J.T. some true Christmas values. Cody has an accident while creating a new invention for his van.

105
12
"What's Wrong with This Picture?"
Joel Zwick
Brian Bird & John Wierick
January 5, 1996 (1996-01-05)
457163

Dana admires feminist abstract artist Jayne McNeil (Melanie Wilson) and is honored to be chosen to pose for her, and knowing she'll be part of a great work, she agrees to pose nude. Convinced that the work will be abstract and she won't be recognizable, she proudly invites Frank, Carol, Karen, and Al to the charity auction where it will be unveiled. Unfortunately, McNeil decided to change to Photo-Realism style and Dana is very recognizable. Carol is determined to outbid the "perverts," but Frank forbids her to top $100,000. Also, Frank tries to kill a rat (Cody's advice doesn't help); and J.T. dates a Mafia man's daughter, Casey (Robyn Bliley).
Note: This is the second of three episodes in which Melanie Wilson guest-starred.

106
13
"Beautiful Ladies of Wrestling"
Patrick Duffy
Casey Maxwell Clair
January 12, 1996 (1996-01-12)
457164

J.T. and Frank will do anything for Super Bowl tickets, even dress up like women and wrestle Assault (Spice Williams) and Battery for 10 rounds to claim them. Meanwhile, Mark's principal Mrs. Whitney (Jeanette Miller) wants to place him in a school for the gifted. On his first day at the new school, Mark gets a "C" on a pop quiz. He neglects his friends and stays up all weekend studying. Also, Cody invents food clothes in order to survive in the woods; and Karen sneaks in well past her curfew.

107
14
"Torn Between Two Mothers"
Joel Zwick
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
January 26, 1996 (1996-01-26)
457157

Frank's mother (June Lockhart) comes to town to see Lilly and tells Carol how to do everything. While everyone else is enjoying "Nana", Carol grows more and more frustrated with her as her advice becomes more and more personal. Finally, because of a talk with Carol, Frank stands up to his mother. Meanwhile, J.T. becomes a target in girls' self-defense lessons whose instructor (Diane Delano) show no mercy for any attacker; and Cody takes a job having brain experiments done on him.

108
15
"Snow Bunnies"
Patrick Duffy
Bob Rosenfarb
February 2, 1996 (1996-02-02)
457168

Al, her boyfriend Matt (Andrew Keegan), and some other friends plan a ski trip, but Frank refuses to let Al go, so Stephanie (Paige Peterson) "The Love Boat", takes her place and after talking to J.T., Al gets worried. J.T. and Al go up to check on Matt and "The Love Boat", but Matt proves he only cares for Al. Cody suffers from a bad case of hiccups while Carol has nightmares after reading horror books.

109
16
"Secret Admirer"
Patrick Duffy
Julia Newton
February 9, 1996 (1996-02-09)
457166

Frank buys Carol a Swiss Rolet watch for Valentine's Day and pretends it is the real thing. Carol feels badly about Frank spending too much money so she tries to return it, but the saleslady (Nancy Linari) thinks it's a scam and she gets thrown in jail, and when Frank comes to get her she refuses to leave with him. Cody writes love letters to Dana, in order to prove that love is real. Dana thinks she knows who has been writing the letters, but is surprised when she finds out the truth and what comes from it.

110
17
"Forever Young"
Joel Zwick
Brian Bird & John Wierick
February 16, 1996 (1996-02-16)
457167

Frank and Carol go to a class with Lilly for parents of young kids, and wonder if they're too old. They try to be "young" like some of the other parents. Kenny and Bonnie (Andrea Elson) from the parenting class invite Carol and Frank out to a grunge club with the parents of another kid and they realize that they don't need to change their entire lifestyle for Lilly's sake. Karen is upset about a guy, so J.T. and Rich bet with Dana that they won't argue for a girl. Cody invents new greeting cards for ordinary days.

111
18
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"
Patrick Duffy
Cary Okmin
February 23, 1996 (1996-02-23)
457169

Cody's cheesehead gives him the ability to predict the winning lottery numbers, so Karen, Mark, and Brendan try to take advantage of that and get the numbers from him. Thinking it's not fair to keep it all to himself he puts the numbers up on the big video board at the Packers game and it makes the ESPN Play of the Day — making a lot of winners and the prize basically worthless. Also, J.T meets a girl named Laura who believes that he is Lilly's father, while Dana introduces Frank and Carol to her new boyfriend Fleming (Michael B. Silver) who is very rude and insensitive and has a surprise for Dana.

112
19
"Do the Right Thing"
Joel Zwick
Meredith Siler
March 8, 1996 (1996-03-08)
457165

J.T. has a huge test coming up, and Rich is able to get a copy of it. J.T. decides not to cheat on the test, but to study for it, and he ends up getting a B. When he and Rich get their books mixed up, Dana finds the cheat sheet, and when Frank finds it he tells J.T. he's pulling him out of school. Later, Frank overhears Rich returning for the book and he apologizes and they make up. Carol tries to prevent Al from doing something crazy with her friend Tina (Bonnie Morgan); Cody buys some cookies from Girl Scouts.
Note: This episode marks Sasha Mitchell's final appearance in the series, until he makes a guest appearance in the seventh season.

113
20
"The Bodyguard Formerly Known as Prince"
Patrick Duffy
Larry Kase & Joel Ronkin
March 15, 1996 (1996-03-15)
457170

Dana, Karen, and Al go to a ski lodge for a weekend and meet three good-looking guys, including the Prince of Calderone. The prince (Karen's) wants people to like him for who he is, and henceforth makes his bodyguard (Dana's) claim to be the prince. Also, Rich gives the family a good-luck chain letter while Carol gives everyone shampoo. At the end, Rich and Brendan were the only ones who respected the chain and didn't use the shampoo while the rest of the family end up with orange hair.
Note: Beginning with this episode, Sasha Mitchell is no longer on the show, although his picture continues to appear in the opening credits.
Absent: Sasha Mitchell as Cody Lambert

114
21
"Major Pain"
Patrick Duffy
Bob Rosenfarb
April 26, 1996 (1996-04-26)
457171

Dana cannot determine what to do in college and J.T. and Rich are not able to major in "Nude Volleyball," so they all take a career-placement test from a clueless proctor (Billy Stevenson). The results of the placement test say J.T. and Rich should become doctors and Dana should become a guard at a women's prison. Livid with these results, Dana demands a retest and discovers that the test center run by Mr. Newton (Rick Scarry) is a fraud. Also, Frank hires a hyperactive new worker named Flash who has never worked in construction before.
Note: This episode marks the first of four appearances of Jeff Juday as Flash, a character who was intended to be a replacement for Sasha Mitchell as Cody Lambert.
Absent: Sasha Mitchell as Cody Lambert

115
22
"We're Going to Disney World (Part 1)"
Richard Correll
Brian Bird & John Wierick
May 3, 1996 (1996-05-03)
457173

Frank's mother (June Lockhart) offers the entire family a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort on Frank and Carol's anniversary weekend. Flash shows up to return Frank's hammer and ends up staying the weekend, determined to ride all the rides and visit all the attractions to break the record held by a Russian. J.T. and Rich dip into their apartment fund so Rich can come, but posing as J.T. Disney (Walt Disney's nephew), J.T. spends the whole fund trying to attract two beautiful girls for him and Rich. Karen thinks of entering a country music contest with Dana and Al as backup singers.
Absent: Sasha Mitchell as Cody Lambert

116
23
"We're Going to Disney World (Part 2)"
Richard Correll
Casey Maxwell Clair
May 10, 1996 (1996-05-10)
457174

After arguing with her sisters, Karen tries to sing alone but finally realizes she has stage fright, and Dana and Al help her overcome it. Frank and Carol can finally have their private moment thanks to Frank's mother. Flash wins his challenge with Mark and Brendan's help (even if instead of break his record as quickly as possible he decides to play Indiana Jones to make a little boy's day). J.T. and Rich want to end their friendship but realize they are acting dumb and finally reconcile.
Absent: Sasha Mitchell as Cody Lambert

117
24
"Men at Work"
Joel Zwick
Scott Spencer Gordon
May 17, 1996 (1996-05-17)
457172

J.T. and Rich eagerly apply and are hired at a restaurant run by Mr. Packwood (Perry Anzilotti), who employs sexy waitresses. Dana and her feminist friends had planned to protest against the place, and while working there J.T. and Rich realize how bad harassment really is, and Dana is proud of both of them. Frank converts part of the basement into a lounge using items he bought from a closed tavern. While the men love it, Carol has an accident with one of the lounge's "toys". Flash stays with the Lamberts while his apartment is being fumigated.
Note: This is the last appearance of Jeff Juday as Flash, although Carol and Frank invited him to move into their house to avoid driving eight hours back and forth from Kansas City to Port Washington. This was also Flash's first time seeing the Lambert-Foster house.
Absent: Sasha Mitchell as Cody Lambert

text: Season 6: 1997[edit]

text:
Emily Mae Young replaces Kristina Meyering and Lauren Meyering as Lilly Foster-Lambert.
Sasha Mitchell no longer appears in the series (except for one episode in season 7).
Bronson Pinchot joins the cast as a series regular.
Jason Marsden is now a series regular.
Alexandra Adi becomes a recurring cast member and appears in 9 episodes.
Christopher Castile is absent for 3 episodes.
Christine Lakin is absent for 1 episode.
Bronson Pinchot is absent for 1 episode.
Emily Mae Young is absent for 8 episodes.
Josh Byrne is absent for 9 episodes.
Because of the tenuous position of a midseason replacement, the episodes were not aired in the order they occurred in the Step by Step universe. Therefore, if viewed in the original airdate order, things happen out of sequence.

text:
No. in
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Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Production
code

118
1
"Crazy Love"
Joel Zwick
Brian Bird & John Wierick
March 7, 1997 (1997-03-07)
465352

Dana is told she must tutor another student. As she goes on about what "moron jock" she will tutor this time, she discovers it's Rich, whom she loathes. But the first thing they learn is that opposites attract, and sparks fly and they start dating. Meanwhile Carol and Frank are eager to be alone and away from the ever-present Jean-Luc, but when they escape for a much-needed romantic weekend, they find Jean-Luc awaiting them.
Note: This episode marks the first appearances of Bronson Pinchot (as Jean-Luc) and Emily Mae Young (as Lilly Foster-Lambert), who was age-advanced to 5 years old). Young is credited only for the episodes she appears in, while Pinchot is credited for all episodes, even the ones in which he doesn't appear. Starting with this episode, Josh Byrne will also be credited only for the episodes he appears in. For this season, the cast and some producers' names are now shown during the teaser scene at the beginning of the show.

119
2
"Road Trip"
Joel Zwick
Casey Maxwell Clair
March 14, 1997 (1997-03-14)
465357

J.T. and Rich convince Frank that they're mature enough to drive down to Mexico. After traveling almost the whole way, they discover that Dana has stowed away in the backseat. In the border town of Tejada, they end up in jail, with Rich giving all his money to Dana, leaving the guys unable to pay for the burritos they just ate. Dana's mouthing off to the officer (Carlos Lacamara) over what she sees as him trying to take advantage of her only makes things worse. In the meantime, Carol has a bright idea: Frank should teach Jean-Luc how to drive. But for once he refuses, and Carol takes her life in her own hands when she attempts to teach Jean-Luc herself.

120
3
"Sex, Lies and Videotape"
Joel Zwick
Adam Markowitz
March 21, 1997 (1997-03-21)
465354

J.T. accepts a hasty marriage proposal from Michelle (Francoise Robertson), a sexy French woman 10 years his senior, but Jean-Luc discovers that serious hidden strings are attached. Michelle is trying to get J.T. to marry her so she can stay in America because she's about to lose her visa and must return to France. Meanwhile, after Frank refuses to let him go see Showgirls, Mark and his friends go the video store and discover Naughty Nurses in a video case of The Little Mermaid. After they get caught watching it in the garage, Frank has a long talk with Mark.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert

121
4
"Just Say Maybe"
Patrick Duffy
Brian Bird & John Wierick
March 28, 1997 (1997-03-28)
465360

The kids all head off to Rockfest '97, causing Carol (as usual) to worry they might misbehave. Just as she had feared, Al's friend Will (Josh Keaton) tempts her to try marijuana. Meanwhile, Carol's friend from high school, Patti (Karen Austin), develops a crush on Jean-Luc after her husband Dave (David Graf) ignores her.
Absent: Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

122
5
"The "L" Word"
Joel Zwick
Shelly Landau
April 4, 1997 (1997-04-04)
465361

Frank and Jean-Luc go camping to do some "male-bonding". Frank tells Jean-Luc not to tell anyone he's a contractor because he doesn't want everyone asking him to fix everything that breaks down. So Jean-Luc tells the couple next door that "we're certainly not hairstylists, but brain surgeons". The wife goes into labor just as the husband goes fishing, so Frank and Jean-Luc must deliver the baby. Back at home, Dana begins to question her relationship with Rich when an old high-school friend, now attending Harvard University, tries to woo her away. Rich gets jealous and forbids her to see him, which only makes Dana laugh. She accepts her friend's invitation to visit the Harvard campus for a weekend, and Rich unexpectedly shows up.
Note: Sam (Alexandra Adi) makes her first appearance at this episode's end although she won't be introduced until the next episode, "She's the One". This episode, like several in this season, is aired out of order.
Absent: Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert.

123
6
"She's the One"
Joel Zwick
Bob Rosenfarb
April 11, 1997 (1997-04-11)
465358

J.T. finally meets the girl of his dreams: tow-truck driver Sam (Alexandra Adi). They have everything in common, and after some urging from his siblings, J.T. asks her out. They go to a Green Bay Packers game, and from then on it's love. J.T. is initially confused about his feelings for Sam until he has a conversation with Jean-Luc, and it becomes clear: He is in love with Sam. Also, Karen's big music break finally comes when she is selected to appear in a video with one of country music's biggest stars, Jimmy Ray Johnston. So Frank, Carol, and Karen all travel to Chicago for the big shoot. But Jimmy Ray only wants Karen to look good - not actually sing. So she quits.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert, Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

124
7
"Independence Day"
Joel Zwick
Adam Markowitz
April 18, 1997 (1997-04-18)
465365

J.T. asserts his independence by moving out of his parents' house to a not-so-joyful Jean-Luc's. After some problems there, he then moves into his own apartment, which is totally rundown. After Sam and Frank visit and talk to J.T., Frank decides to makes an apartment for J.T. at the house. Meanwhile, Carol wants to spend more quality time with the girls and must trick them into "girls night out" and take them to a karaoke bar where they perform "I'm So Excited".

125
8
"Reality Bites"
Patrick Duffy
Jill Cagerman
April 25, 1997 (1997-04-25)
465364

When J.T. and Rich squander their money and can't pay the rent on their new apartment, they are evicted by their landlord Frank a.k.a. Mr. Lambert, Sir. Meanwhile, because his daughter Danielle is in France and her birthday is coming, Jean-Luc spoils Lilly with an abundance of gifts to ease his pain over not being able to be with Danielle. In the end, Carol works it out so Danielle can come stateside and see him.
Note: This is the only appearance of Jean-Luc's daughter Danielle.

126
9
"Locket Man"
Patrick Duffy
Cary Okmin
May 2, 1997 (1997-05-02)
465368

A clueless Rich gives Dana a piece of recycled jewelry for her birthday, even after J.T. warns him it's a bad idea - especially since it's a locket containing a picture of him with his ex-flame! He goes to surprise Dana while she's out with Al and Karen. Meanwhile, Carol and the kids must endure Frank's rite of passage of going through a mid-life crisis: After being called Grandpa by the ice-cream man, he hurts his back while getting a drink.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert

127
10
"How the West Was Won"
Richard Correll
Larry Kase & Joel Ronkin
May 9, 1997 (1997-05-09)
465374

Frank's disappointment over the kids not cleaning up the house leads him to dream he's in the "Wild West," circa 1880, where it's up to the inebriated Sheriff Frank to clean up and rid the town of the vile French gunslinger Black Bart (aka Jean-Luc), who has a mind for trouble and his eyes on the Sheriff's girl - the lovely Miss Kitty (aka Carol). All of the kids are in the dream as townsfolk.

128
11
"Absolutely Fabio"
Joel Zwick
Meredith Siler
May 16, 1997 (1997-05-16)
465366

Jean-Luc keeps the kids in suspense when he tells them he's cutting the hair of a famous celebrity: Fabio. Meanwhile, Rich and Dana try to control Lilly's birthday party after Dana and Carol make a bet.
Note: Fabio appears as himself.

129
12
"Loose Lips"
Patrick Duffy
Adam Markowitz
May 23, 1997 (1997-05-23)
465370

When Mark's date overhears him bragging to his friends about the so-called "special moment" they shared, she calls his bluff in front of his schoolmates, branding him a wimp. Meanwhile, after being dumped by her own date, Karen feels that her "imperfect" body is the culprit and takes drastic measures to improve it. Also Frank has a surprise for J.T. and Rich, who keep stealing food.
Absent: Bronson Pinchot as Jean-Luc Rieupeyroux, Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

130
13
"The Big Date"
Patrick Duffy
Shelly Landau
May 30, 1997 (1997-05-30)
465371

Al discovers that her blind date is overweight and carrying an even heavier chip on his shoulder. Meanwhile, Carol's "worry-meter" jumps off the scale when Dana, Rich, J.T., and Sam check into a Chicago hotel unsupervised. J.T. thinks it's his lucky night as does Rich, but the ladies have other plans.
Absent: Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

131
14
"Future Shock"
Patrick Duffy
Casey Maxwell Clair
June 6, 1997 (1997-06-06)
465369

When Rich and Dana go to a wedding with J.T. and Sam, they're teased that someday soon they too will be married. Dana doesn't even try to catch the bouquet, but it lands in her lap! She and Rich each have terrible visions about what that might entail, and become very scared and agree: no more weddings for a while. Meanwhile, Frank and Jean-Luc build Lilly's new jungle-gym despite Frank's terrible cold. Jean-Luc suggests some homemade cold medicine made by a customer "from all-natural juniper berries" and both become completely intoxicated.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster, Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert

132
15
"Show Me the Money"
Patrick Duffy
Brian Bird & John Wierick
June 13, 1997 (1997-06-13)
465372

When J.T. and Rich take a job as sports agents for an up-and-coming college hockey player Eric Barnes (Scott Gurney), they find themselves becoming his personal servants—and dating service—with Karen as the main course. Meanwhile, the battle between the hairdressers and the contractors begins when Carol and Jean-Luc challenge an overly-macho Frank and his pal Moose (Donald Gibb) to a game of bowling, with the losers having do something the winning team picks.
Note: Moose (Donald Gibb) was previously Slasher in season 3.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert, Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

133
16
"It Didn't Happen One Night"
Joel Zwick
Cary Okmin
June 20, 1997 (1997-06-20)
465359

Frank orders a new sports channel, and he and Rich spend so much time watching it that they ignore Carol and Dana. Jean-Luc gives the girls makeovers, and helps the guys plan a romantic evening. Kyle, the school hunk, goes on a date with Al, and the date goes well. They seal it with a kiss... but Kyle wants to take things one step further, and tries to sexually assault Al. The petite Al fights him off and tells him it is over. The next morning, Karen is complaining when Al keeps getting calls from guys, but Al finds out she has a new reputation she doesn't want. Al is harassed at school by guys, who begin overtly suggesting they get romantic afterward, but when Karen refuses to stick up for her stepsister, she runs off in tears. Karen then realizes she owes it to Al to ask questions, find out what happened, and expose Kyle as a liar.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert, Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

134
17
"Macho Man"
Joel Zwick
Larry Kase & Joel Ronkin
June 27, 1997 (1997-06-27)
465362

J.T., Sam, Rich, Dana, and Al play miniature golf, and Sam wins. She also wins at Ping-Pong, in the video arcade, batting cage, and at billiards. Then Sam runs to J.T.'s aid when he is threatened by a pool-house bully. He begins to feel inadequate, and his dream about marrying Sam turns into a strange nightmare, with Sam's machismo — and Rich's ribbing — getting the best of J.T. Meanwhile, Jean-Luc escorts a fearful Lilly to the doctor for a tetanus shot. Jean-Luc promises to be there with her and hold her hand during the shot, and that she will get a lollipop afterward. But Jean-Luc has a cut on his hand, and also needs a shot, so Jean-Luc and Lilly help each other be brave. J.T. has a dream about marrying Sam but he is the bride and she is the groom.

135
18
"Ain't Misbehavin'"
William Bickley
Liz Sage
July 4, 1997 (1997-07-04)
465373

When Sam's hours and wages are cut at work and she loses her roommate, she chooses a male coworker named Jamie to be her new roommate. J.T. is hesitant to trust them leading to a break-up between him and Sam. He returns to say he's sorry to Sam but gets the wrong idea about what is going on. Also, Jean-Luc borrows money from Carol (even after Frank objects) to pay his taxes but refuses to return it.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert, Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

136
19
"The Facts of Life"
Patrick Duffy
Bob Rosenfarb
July 11, 1997 (1997-07-11)
465367

Lilly sees Dana and Rich kissing, and proudly announces to Frank and Carol that Rich and Dana are going to have a baby. Lilly's parents tell her the facts of life, which she then shares during "show and tell" at school. This causes a conflict between Frank and Carol and Devon (David Kaufman) and Tiffany (Lisa Picotte, Kaufman's real-life wife), the parents of Lilly's best friend Joey. They agree to overlook their differences for their children. Meanwhile, after Jean-Luc tutors Al in French, he notices that J.T. and Rich are into horse-racing and helps them win some money. But when they want to empty their college funds, he's forced to teach them an invaluable lesson about gambling and introduces them to a bookie, Tony (Tony Longo).
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster, Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert

137
20
"Talking Trash"
Joel Zwick
Liz Sage
July 18, 1997 (1997-07-18)
465363

Frank buys Carol a birthday present that stresses security rather than romance. J.T. warns him, but he doesn't listen. Carol does not appear to be thrilled about it after getting jewelry and cashmere from Jean-Luc and the kids, respectively. Frank tries to make it up to her, but Carol believes the fact that he loves her and gave her the gift with that love was enough. Dana chooses a "brain" to team up with for the recycling contest, rather than Rich. To retaliate, Rich picks a "bimbo" cheerleader as his teammate. Wanting to show Dana he's not a "flyweight intellectual," he proves that creativity is just as important as book smarts (and wins!!).
Absent: Christine Lakin as Al Lambert.

138
21
"Walk Like a Man"
Patrick Duffy
Liz Sage
July 25, 1997 (1997-07-25)
465353

Mark's basketball team has made it to the championship and Mark and Frank, the coach, ban Carol from attending. She takes it personally and Jean-Luc helps her disguise herself so she can go. But she gives herself away when she starts a fight with a fan (Mary-Pat Green) who insults Mark. J.T. tells Rich that he lets Dana control the relationship, so Rich and J.T. go to a weekend party and Karen and Al coincidentally drag Dana to the same party.Rich dances with another girl, so Dana dances with another guy to make him jealous.

139
22
"Shear Madness"
Patrick Duffy
Larry Kase & Joel Ronkin
August 1, 1997 (1997-08-01)
465355

Carol and Jean-Luc's new salon is about to open and Jean-Luc is asked to cut Hillary Clinton's hair, and he's nervous enough to want to decline. He is finally able to decipher (through a conversation with Carol) that it all stems from his depression from his divorce. After disapproving of yet another of Al's dates, Frank meets a guy just like himself; they go shopping and Frank sets him up with Al. Al goes on the date but then makes Frank agree not to interfere with her dates. However, she does let him chase off a particularly bad one.
Absent: Josh Byrne as Brendan Lambert

140
23
"The Kissing Game"
Patrick Duffy
Shelly Landau
August 8, 1997 (1997-08-08)
465356

J.T., Al, and Dana are having problems finding privacy when J.T. comes up with the idea to use Carol's new salon as a place for privacy; he also sells the key to friends for the same purpose. But everyone wants it at once so they end up having a party. Carol tries to set up Jean-Luc with her friend Julie.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

141
24
"Bonjour Jean-Luc"
Joel Zwick
Ross Brown
August 15, 1997 (1997-08-15)
465351

Carol comes back from Hair Spectacular '96 with Jean-Luc, who is to become her new business partner. As they start a new business, Frank must do all the chores. He is happy to do them, but becomes very picky about his cookies. Jean-Luc helps J.T. by teaching him how to dance, but J.T.'s date is a disaster anyway. Jean-Luc tells Karen, Al, and Dana (on separate occasions) that he thinks they are beautiful. Also, Lilly learns to write her name, and Cody calls from his new job in Russia, but Frank has no time to talk to him.
Note: This is where the audience finally finds out Cody is in Russia for a new job he acquired. This episode, like several in this season, is aired out of order. This was intended to be the season opener, but ABC never aired it until late summer as the last new episode of the season as well the last episode to air on the network. This explains why we are suddenly introduced to Jean-Luc while Rich asks several girls number phones (although he was with Dana in the beginning of this season.) This is the final episode to air on ABC before (just like Family Matters) it moved to CBS for its seventh and final season.

text: Season 7: 1997–98[edit]

text:
Bronson Pinchot no longer appears in the series.
Josh Byrne no longer appears in the series.
Sasha Mitchell returns as a special guest-star to reprise his role as Cody Lambert for 1 episode.
Christopher Castile is absent for 11 episodes.
Emily Mae Young is absent for 5 episodes.
Christine Lakin is absent for 1 episode.
Alexandra Adi appears in only 4 episodes.

text:
No. in
series
No. in
season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Production
code

142
1
"Making the Grade"
Patrick Duffy
Adam Markowitz
September 19, 1997 (1997-09-19)
466501

It's the first day of school for all the kids, and Karen is off to college. Feeling like she has nothing to do, Carol registers for college, signing up for all of Karen's classes and following her around, embarrassing her, and telling a story in class about when Karen was a baby. She finally realizes that she's ruining Karen's life. Meanwhile, Rich is happy about getting a "C" on his pop quiz, but Dana tells Rich that if he doesn't start taking something seriously, they don't have much of a future together. So, after talking to J.T., Rich stays up all night studying (instead of watching Xena: Warrior Princess with J.T.), and gets an "A", while Dana only gets a "B".
Note: This was the first episode to air on CBS. A new opening sequence is used starting with this episode, featuring photo booth-style photos of the individual cast members as each one is introduced. The chorus of the theme song is used.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

143
2
"A Star is Born"
Patrick Duffy
Mindy Schneider
September 26, 1997 (1997-09-26)
466502

After explaining to the guys the various virtues of getting the role in the next 'Jeremy Beck' (Scott Foley) movie, Karen, Dana, and Al audition for the part. Karen and Dana are not quite what the producer (Ray Abruzzo) wants, but Al is just what they are looking for. Al also has great acting talent, and does such a fantastic job that they re-write the script to include her in another scene. Al loves it, and decides she wants to quit school and move to Hollywood. She and Frank agree that she can join the drama club and, if necessary, move to Hollywood after she finishes school.
Note: Jaleel White makes his second appearance as Steve Urkel. It's only a cameo and his first-season appearance is not mentioned.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

144
3
"Your Cheatin' Heart"
Richard Correll
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
October 3, 1997 (1997-10-03)
466503

Dana and Rich are going to a wedding and Rich begins making stupid excuses for skipping out on Dana. Karen and Al convince Dana that he is cheating on her after they follow him to a girl's house. The three of them see Rich dancing with another woman. Dana barges in, but realizes that he is taking dance lessons to impress her. After being too distracted for romance, Frank and Carol are finally able to get together for a distraction-free evening, but they're too sick to enjoy it.

145
4
"Take This Job and ..."
Patrick Duffy
Brain Bird
October 10, 1997 (1997-10-10)
466504

J.T. loses his fourth job of the month and can't even afford a date with Sam. He convinces her to get her boss Mr. Evans (Ellis Williams) to hire him as an apprentice mechanic at the garage where she works. J.T. is terrible, and Sam is forced to fire him on the second day after he nearly kills the boss - twice. J.T. is frustrated and angry, but the only sympathy he gets is from the people who lost the pool of how many days he would last at the job. After a talk with Carol he decides to talk to Sam and apologize, but she won't listen. He finds a job in the food industry. Meanwhile, Frank becomes obsessed with a boat and Carol just doesn't see why.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

146
5
"Poetic Justice"
Patrick Duffy
Fred Rubin
October 17, 1997 (1997-10-17)
466505

A teaching assistant tries to date Karen by influencing her with good grades. When Karen tells Dana about it, Dana has the perfect plan to catch him in his own deceitful web. Also, Mark dates a thrash girl and changes his own look.
Note: It seems that Mark now has his own room, as J.T. and Rich have their apartment while Brendan has mysteriously left the show at the beginning of the season.
Absent: Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

147
6
"Can't Buy Me Love"
William Bickley
Robin J. Stein
October 24, 1997 (1997-10-24)
466507

Frank's company is struggling and he's seeking work. One of Carol's former high-school classmates hires him as contractor for a new hotel complex, but he crosses the line with unwanted advances on Carol, so Frank must choose between his job and his family. Meanwhile, Karen and Dana are invited to pledge a sorority known for its vanity and vacuity. Dana isn't interested in joining an organization that Karen longs to be part of ...but Dana is the one the sorority leader really wants.
Note: This is the series' second episode entitled "Can't Buy Me Love". The first with this title is from season 4. (Shannon Elizabeth) appears as Cindi a sorority girl.
Absent: Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert, Christopher Castile as Mark Foster, Christine Lakin as Al Lambert

148
7
"Dream Lover"
Joel Zwick
Adam Markowitz
October 31, 1997 (1997-10-31)
466506

After the big town Halloween party is cancelled, J.T. and his sisters host a costume party at a decrepit old mansion. J.T. and Sam haven't been getting along, and after a costume mixup forces them to go tandem as a horse, she dances with someone else. Fuming about his predicament, J.T. meets Abby, the ghostly 19-year-old inhabitant of the mansion, who committed suicide after a bad breakup many years back. Abby convinces J.T. that his relationship with Sam might have reached its end and it's nobody's fault, and later he and Sam decide to part. Also, Lilly organizes her first Halloween fest.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

149
8
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"
Patrick Duffy
Mindy Schneider
November 7, 1997 (1997-11-07)
466508

When Rich's old friend Cassie Evans (Linda Cardellini) moves back to town, they start hanging out which makes Dana jealous. Rich enjoys playing billiards and video games with Cassie, so Dana asks J.T. to teach her how she can have fun like that with Rich. Meanwhile, Frank's con-man cousin Bert (Fred Willard) shows up and gives the family a gift.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster, Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

150
9
"Goodbye, Mr. Chip"
Richard Correll
Howard Adler & Robert Griffard
December 5, 1997 (1997-12-05)
466509

Karen's boyfriend Chip takes Carol's advice and stands up to Karen, then surprises everyone by breaking up with her. Karen is furious with her mother for interfering and giving Chip advice, then wants to talk to Chip. Dana has better luck helping J.T. and Rich, who are fighting about everything, with the use of her "A" in psychology - and sock puppets.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster, Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

151
10
"Too Many Santas"
Joel Zwick
Robin J. Stein
December 19, 1997 (1997-12-19)
466512

To earn extra money, Rich and J.T. take jobs as department-store Santa Clauses. Lilly instantly recognizes her brother as Santa, and concludes that Santa doesn't exist. To reassure his 5-year-old daughter, Frank - and just about everyone else, without consulting one another - dresses as jolly ol' St. Nick and visits Lilly. Meanwhile, J.T. pines for Sam after finding a Christmas present that he bought for her when they were still dating. When J.T. goes to her apartment to surprise her, he sees a guy going inside, then sees her hugging him and kissing them on the cheek. This makes J.T.'s Christmas terrible ... or does it?

152
11
"Phoney Business"
Joel Zwick
Brian Bird
January 9, 1998 (1998-01-09)
466510

Al takes a job as a model in a commercial she thinks is for suntan lotion, but when she sees the ad on TV she's outraged that it's for a phone-sex hotline! She and Al try to make the corrupt producer admit the truth but get nowhere. But Frank, who had seen the ad and gotten Rich to explain, shows up and makes the producer see things "from his point of view." Meanwhile, Carol and Dana try to force healthier food on the family after taking a nutrition class, but even Carol and Dana can't stand it.

153
12
"Goin' to the Chapel"
Joel Zwick
Fred Rubin
January 16, 1998 (1998-01-16)
466511

Dana wants to take her relationship with Rich one step further and gets into a big argument with Carol when she fears that Dana is planning to have sex ... and forbids it. So she asks Rich to elope. Meanwhile, J.T. pretends to be a fitness fanatic to impress aerobics-instructor Monica (Portia Dawson), but he later learns that being himself is a better idea. In a heart-to-heart, Carol admits that she needs to accept that Dana is a young woman who should be able to make her own decisions.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster, Emily Mae Young as Lilly Foster-Lambert

154
13
"Feet of Clay"
Patrick Duffy
Garrett Donovan & Neil Goldman
January 23, 1998 (1998-01-23)
466514

Rich and Dana enroll in a pottery class, but Dana has no talent and Rich does. Meanwhile, Carol and Frank's sexual role-playing makes J.T. and Karen think Carol's cheating in Frank and decide to follow them around.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

155
14
"Pain in the Class"
Patrick Duffy
Adam Markowitz
January 30, 1998 (1998-01-30)
466515

Frank worries about attending his upcoming 25th class reunion and seeing old nemesis Roy Tucker (Edward Edwards). Sure enough, Roy brags about his chain of tire stores, shows off his date for the evening, and humiliates Frank. But Carol finds out that Roy is actually assistant manager of one store and paid an attractive cashier to be his date. Meanwhile, J.T. is focused on watching a pay-per-view bikini contest with Rich and a bunch of their friends on a night that he is supposed to be babysitting Lilly. When he grows tired of her whining, J.T. tells his sister to go outside and play. She does ... and she doesn't come home.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

156
15
"The Half Monty"
Joel Zwick
Liz Sage
February 27, 1998 (1998-02-27)
466513

J.T. and Rich are broke but want to go on a skiing trip with Sam and Dana, so they take jobs as male strippers at a local nightclub. Meanwhile, Frank and Carol counsel young couples by sharing their secrets, but may need counseling themselves when they reveal too much.
Note: With this episode, CBS decided to cancel Step by Step. The series was then put on a three-month hiatus, returning to burn off episodes beginning June 5, 1998.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

157
16
"And Justice for Some"
Patrick Duffy
Shelly Landau
June 5, 1998 (1998-06-05)
466519

Frank and J.T. attend a Milwaukee Bucks-Chicago Bulls game, but switch seats when the man sitting in front of J.T. refuses to remove his tall cowboy hat. Then a drawing for a new truck is held and J.T. wins. This sparks a father-son feud that turns bitter, until Carol invites a judge over to settle matters. Before he makes the ruling, Carol makes an impassioned speech about father-son relationships, and Frank and J.T. realize to sell the truck and split the profits evenly. Meanwhile, Al and Karen have little interest in Dana's self-defense class until they see their handsome instructor.
Absent: Christopher Castile as Mark Foster.

158
17
"The Understudy"
William Bickley
Larry Kase & Joel Ronkin
June 12, 1998 (1998-06-12)
466517

When she gets only an understudy role after auditioning for the lead in a local theater production, Al refuses to learn her part, and ends up in hot water when the star falls ill on opening night. Meanwhile, after Lilly gets an exceptional score on an aptitude test, Dana tries to help her fulfill her destiny as a genius. Dana also awaits word on an internship.

159
18
"We're in the Money"
Richard Correll
Brian Bird
June 19, 1998 (1998-06-19)
466516

Cody returns from his self-described World Tour, bringing strange gifts for Karen and J.T. and a large check for Frank and Carol, who argue over how to spend the money and dream of what it would do to the family. J.T. gives his gift to Mark, and Carol tells Frank something about her father and her childhood.

160
19
"Movin' On Up"
Steve Witting
Meredith Siler
June 26, 1998 (1998-06-26)
466518

When a yuppie couple, the Adlers (Dan Gilvezan and Melanie Wilson), tour the house, they make an offer that Frank and Carol can't pass up. Everyone is excited, particularly since they'll finally be able to move from their undersized home. But Lilly likes her house and makes it clear to her folks that she will not move, and their attempts to reason with her fail. When the yuppies return, they show their true colors, disgusting the Lamberts so much that they cancel the sale.
Notes: This is the series finale, and the last of the three episodes in which Melanie Wilson guest-starred.