Episode Data

Charles in Charge

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Season 1

• _{Wednesday, October 3rd, 1984}

  1: Pilot

  Scott Baio stars as Charles, a nineteen-year-old college student and live-in family helper to three energetic children on the pilot episode of MCA TV International's "CHARLES IN CHARGE." The story was written by series producer Michael Jacobs and directed by Alan Rafkin. Jill and Stan Pembroke are a working couple whose uncertain schedules propel them into hiring a nineteen-year-old college student, Charles, to move in and help them with their three children: Lila 14; Douglas, 12; and Jason, 10. It appears Charles has the perfect arrangement while he attends school and does some growing of his own with the helpful advice of his best friend, Buddy Lembeck. Charles becomes ecstatic when his dream girl, Gwendolyn Pierce, a campus beauty, accepts a date with him. However, Jill and Stan have to go out for the night, leaving Charles in charge. Buddy comes up with the perfect solution -- invite Gwendolyn to spend the evening at home with him and the children. She accepts and sends Charles int

• _{Wednesday, October 10th, 1984}

  2: Extracurricular Activity

  Charles is put in the awkward position of helping and encouraging Lila, Jason and Douglas to seek out new and exciting extracurricular activities. The end result is that Jason dreams of soccer stardom; Lila sees herself as a cheerleader; and Douglas eyes the school band specifically the triangle instrument. Jason returns home battered and bruised and not on the team, Lila does have the cheerleader personality, while Douglas made the school band and gets to play the triangle. Stan and Jill are upset at the frustration and humiliation Lila and Jason have gone through -- and Charles is asked to straighten out the situation. Meanwhile, Gwendolyn Pierce is trying to get Charles to join the college school play, and Buddy wants him to join the swim team. Charles sets Gwendolyn and Buddy aside and coaches Lila the technique of being an exuberant cheerleader. When she succeeds, she decides to remain with the student council. He learns that a school bully would not allow Jason to try out for

• _{Wednesday, October 17th, 1984}

  3: Another Saturday Night

  Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke are spending the evening out and Charles is baby-sitting. He is busy preparing for Gwendolyn's visit, with whom he plans to study. Buddy shows up unexpectedly and wants to go to The Lamplight with him to look at girls. After all that is what guys should be doing on a Saturday night.. Gwendolyn is enraged when she finds out that Charles occasionally hangs out there with his friends. Buddy and she argue heatedly and it just makes matters worse. Meanwhile the children Lila, Jason, and Douglas are also home on a Saturday night. They are watching special election results, which unfortunately do not turn out as expected, and Michael Jackson's appearance at the victory party is canceled. When Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke come home, they help calm things down a bit. Charles realizes that Gwendolyn is very sensitive and not perfect after all, and Buddy is also a special friend who makes the college years fun!

• _{Wednesday, October 24th, 1984}

  4: War

  The Wilsons would like to hire a young lady to take care of their children. Mrs. Pembroke suggests that she spend some time with Charles to see if she's up to it. Much to Charles' embarrassment, Jane (Meg Ryan) turns out to be a very pretty girl who has heard many great things about him. The kids do not usually manage to get into big fights. But because Jane believes that they should settle their differences their own way, things get completely out of hand. This time their fight escalates into clothes swiping, chemical warfare and mental torture. All this action is being taped by Lila who has a very important school assignment. When Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke return from their trip, they find Jane in the kitchen, thinking. She realizes that children are capable of much more than she ever dreamed possible and that a "normal job" would probably be a better idea.

• _{Wednesday, November 7th, 1984}

  5: Cousin Elliott

  Charles comes home triumphant from a softball game. He is so happy with life, his job, school...Lila is getting ready for a survival trip to which Douglas was hoping to go also, all hidden in her duffel bag. Unexpectedly cousin Elliot shows up at the Pembroke house. His ideas of how to deal with children, what is permissible and what is not, does not necessarily coincide with Charles' opinions. The children drink coffee, overeat on ice cream to the point of stomach aches, Elliot even plans to take Lila - who is only fourteen years old - to a dark, smoky night club. Charles is undecided. Should he step in and stop all the "fun" or should he not get involved at all? His friend Buddy had told him that blood is thicker than water, and Elliot is family. In the end, Charles does put his foot down, and to his amazement finds out that Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke were just letting him go through this experience by himself, since they knew all along how things were going to end.

• _{Wednesday, November 14th, 1984}

  6: Slumber Party

  Charles and Gwendolyn had a fight over something rather trivial, and suddenly he feels he doesn't want to deal with the whole WOMEN issue. He's had it with women! He looks around the Pembroke house and realizes that Lila is having all her girlfriends over for a slumber party. He is trapped in the house full of women, and although Buddy drops in and has agreed to stay with him, they are outnumbered. When he and Buddy finally escape to his room to be alone, they find that they are not alone there either.

• _{Wednesday, November 21st, 1984}

  7: Discipline

  Stan Pembroke comes home expecting Jill to be dressed and ready to go to the Vice Presidents reception but the Pembroke home has suddenly turned into "Little Crisis Central". Lila and Douglas brought home grades from school that they are not very happy about. Even Charles and Buddy are grumbling about too much homework and too much pressure. Jill feels that she cannot just walk out of the house and leave the children without at least talking about their individual problems, but Stan maintains that he has confidence in Charles --Charles has his trust and he will resolve the problems, whatever they are! That is why Charles and Douglas have to go to Doug's school and Charles has to face the boy's teacher. A stunned Charles meets an absolutely gorgeous and fashionably dressed young woman - Ms. Susan McCoy. It turns out that she is also very knowledgeable. And during their meeting the other Pembroke children drop in, they are able to benefit from the valuable lesson.

• _{Wednesday, November 28th, 1984}

  8: Trick or Treat

  In Charles estimation, Diana Marks is a classy lady, and she has agreed to go on a Halloween date with Buddy. They had only talked with each other for a few minutes and suddenly Buddy is worried that Diana won't like him when they have to spend the evening together at the annual Halloween party given by a classmate. Buddy doesn't want to disappoint her, and he is worried that she might consider his costume not original enough. Charles is trying to be a good friend and agrees to meet Diana at the student union before the date. Charles approaches Diana, drops a book in front of her, and she picks it up and hands it to Charles with a smile. Gwendolyn witnesses the exchange by chance and is shocked and concerned. At that moment Buddy comes by and tries to explain what is going on. From then on things get a little confusing. At the end though, the evening might still turn out alright for Charles and Buddy. After all, this is Halloween -- Douglas explains -- it is a special night.

• _{Wednesday, December 5th, 1984}

  9: A Date with Enid

  Charles has his hands full. It is pouring rain outside and everyone in the Pembroke household is confined to the house. Stan gave everyone assignments, and he is trying very hard to catch up on all those things that get postponed. There is the fireplace that needs cleaning, the bathroom that has to be re caulked. However, all these projects get interrupted when Douglas thinks he has found the love of his life in Enid, Lila's friend. The two young girls are very busy with Enid's beauty treatment. Enid d thinks she needs a great deal of improvements. But these beauty treatments can become sticky, and Charles must lend a helping hand, It is time for Stan to have a man to men talk with his son about the woes of first love and when Enid triumphantly comes down the stairs, Douglas realizes that the "new" Enid is not the girl he has a crush on. In the end, Jason's wish comes true, the entire family goes to Pizza Play land to conclude an activity filled day.

• _{Wednesday, December 12th, 1984}

  10: Friends and Lovers

  Charles and Gwendolyn decide that college itself puts enough pressure on them and they do not need the additional ones of a serious relationship. There will be plenty of time for that once they have graduated. Charles explains to Stan and Jill Pembroke that, since they are so secure in their relationship, it will only help them appreciate each other more if they go out with other people. Then Gwendolyn has to cut her chemistry studying time with Charles short because she has been asked out on a date that evening. Charles begins fighting the first symptoms of a very serious jealousy attack. Enters Buddy who wants to help his friend overcome his sorrows and doubts, but the young ladies they meet at a gathering of foreign students do not seem to fill the gap Gwendolyn has left in Charles' life. Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke also offer good and sound advice, but nothing helps much. Charles and Gwendolyn realize how much they care for each other and promise to remain friends forever.

• _{Wednesday, December 19th, 1984}

  11: Home for the Holidays

  It is Christmas Eve and the Pembroke household is buzzing with activity. Grandma Irene, Stan's mother, is expected for her yearly three-week-stay with her grandchildren. Jill is cleaning an already immaculate house and wonders why her mother-in law's visit still upsets her in the same manner it did fifteen years ago! Charles is trying to console Jason who is depressed and sad to see him go. Charles plans to go home for the holidays; he will spend his vacation with his parents in Vermont. The phone rings, and Charles' dad informs him that they are completely snowed in. This news makes Jason suddenly feel much better, but Grandma Irene becomes more and more jealous of Charles. She has a long conversation with her son, Stan, and both explain their feelings to each other. Stan succeeds in helping his mother accept that Jill has her career,

• _{Wednesday, December 26th, 1984}

  12: Accidental Puppy

  Charles, Buddy, and Gwendolyn have just returned from two days camping out in line for tickets to a Bruce Springsteen concert. They feel that it was a worthy life experience spending the night with fifteen thousand people sleeping with their heads on the curb, but it did not get them tickets to the concert. They still would give a lot to get tickets but how? Charles is still occupied with his problem when Jason and Douglas come in the back door carrying the dog. They blame each other for 'killing' the dog. All the while, the dog is very much alive, and both boys want Charles' permission to keep it. Charles agrees that they may-- just long enough until the rightful owner has been found. In the meantime, Jill and Stan have to go to a wedding, Charles has to make decisions on how to sort dirty laundry, and what to do with the two Bruce Springsteen tickets he just won by phoning a local radio station.

• _{Wednesday, January 2nd, 1985}

  13: The Commotion

  Charles is pushed for time; the strain shows on his face; he has to meet a deadline for his school paper. His scholarship depends on it, and he has been assigned to write the paper with someone -- his friend Buddy Lembeck. He needs to concentrate, but the noise around him is deafening. Lila has a loud conversation with her girlfriend on the telephone. Stan and Jill are arguing, and Jason and Douglas are trying to put it on tape. Furthermore, Buddy shows up and tells Charles that he has finished with his part of the assignment. Gwendolyn wants to buy a used car and she would like for Charles to look at the car for her as soon as possible - like that night! Jill rushes out of the house to review a new Chinese restaurant but comes back soon, and then resumes the argument with her husband. In the meantime, Douglas made Jason disappear through what he calls a scientific experiment. Then Charles has to explain to Douglas that you can argue with someone --or disagree -- and still love each other.

• _{Wednesday, January 16th, 1985}

  14: Mr. President

  Charles can't find anything wrong with having a little fun in college, but Gwendolyn has a different opinion. She feels that whoever becomes class president will have an effect on campus life for the rest of the year! Why should Elliot Pembroke be able to turn college into a 'fun-till-you-drop' circus? Gwendolyn urges Charles to run for president against the fun-loving Elliot because he is running unopposed. Furthermore, the person running for office should be bright, caring, and responsible -- like Charles! With elections only a few days away, he agrees to run and challenges Elliot to a debate. When he loses, he follows the good advice from Stan and Jill to organize his campaign. Charles invites the opinion makers - the movers and shakers - to the house for a meeting, to listen to problems and to address the issues. Gwendolyn becomes his campaign manager, and Buddy agrees to help. Finally, the election results are in, and the best person won.

• _{Wednesday, January 23rd, 1985}

  15: Jill's Decision

  Charles has a million things to do before he meets Michelle Harris for coffee at the Lamplight. He hopes she will agree to have dinner with him soon -- maybe that night? Since Jill is suddenly called oh a special assignment that goes with the promotion to arts and fashion editor, Charles has to watch the children for the rest of the day. That means he will not be able to take Michelle out to dinner, but Buddy comes up with an excellent suggestion -- Buddy will pick up the seafood dinner at the restaurant, and Charles and Michelle can have an intimate dinner at home. Easier said than done - Jason is in a school play and has a problem with laughing when he comes to a certain line. Lila needs lessons in throwing a good softball - that is, not throwing like a girl. Douglas is invited to a party and just has to know how to dance. He doesn't want to look like a jerk. When Charles and Michelle finally sit down to dinner in the kitchen, the children come in and interrupt them...

• _{Wednesday, January 30th, 1985}

  16: Pressure from Grandma

  Charles is in charge of the Pembroke children when their parents are off on a week's vacation in Jamaica, their first one without the kids. Grandma Irene also arrives to help take care of things. She brings with her a very innovative sample of merchandise, a new kind of pizza, which she plans to launch with Charles' assistance. The offer she makes him is very tempting and Charles almost accepts it but backs out in the end, realizing that he does not need a new job. He has one already that brings him enough money to go to school, which is really all he wants. Grandma Irene decides that it would give her more privacy if she moved into an apartment close by and that she also is more than capable to handle her new pizza-selling campaign by herself.

• _{Wednesday, February 6th, 1985}

  17: Snowed In

  Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke went to the movies and, on their way out to the car, they realize that in the meantime an incredible blizzard hit the city, leaving them unable to return to their home. There, Charles, the kids plus a bubbling group of Lila's girlfriends are trapped with no food in the refrigerator and no heating. Gwendolyn and Buddy come to Charles' rescue to entertain these starving kids and teenagers with a game of monopoly and some scenes of "Romeo and Juliet" which need to be rehearse for school anyway. But the pleas for spaghetti and other nutritious foods become more and more insistent and nobody knows for certain when their ordeal will end.

• _{Wednesday, February 13th, 1985}

  18: Charles 'R' Us

  No matter how hard Charles and Buddy try, between them they do not have enough cash to even think about going out on dates. There has to be a way for them to make some extra spending money. Buddy's idea of finding household helpers and training them, then placing them for a small fee may be the answer to their cash shortage. What if they could offer somebody with the Good Charleskeeping Seal of Approval? Who would be better suited to find other Charles' than Charles himself? Buddy and Charles set up appointments with prospects from their college, and Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke give them permission to hold the interviews at the house. After some exhausting screening of a number of prospects, they decide on Megan Harker. They even give her the 'torture test', which she passes. Charles can honestly recommend her to the Wilson's for the live-in helper's job. After he offers Megan his congratulations, he tells Buddy that Megan will be the only graduate from Charles Us school.

• _{Wednesday, February 20th, 1985}

  19: Charles' Spring Break (A.K.A.: The Last Resort)

  Charles and his friends, Buddy, Gwendolyn and others, save and scrape together as much money as they possibly can to spend a few days of rest and relaxation in sunny Florida. But unfortunately, as it often happens, all sorts of unexpected problems come up just before they leave and it seems that, once in Florida, Charles cannot get off the telephone with Douglas. The poor kid has fallen prey to a "junior blackmailer" and is in desperate need of money.

• _{Wednesday, February 27th, 1985}

  20: The Wrong Guy

  Charles and Buddy are excited about their very first bachelor party. At the same time, a young man whom her parents cannot stand has asked Lila out. Lila is quite desperate to date him and asks Charles for advice and for approval. Unfortunately, his support backfires on them. Lila tries to make her parents see how phony the other guy is they want her to date, and that the young man of her own choice is not trying to impress them with all sorts of lies he is honest and sincere. Douglas also has serious problems when he is kissed for the first time by a girl in his class.

• _{Wednesday, March 13th, 1985}

  21: Mr. Brilliant

  Jill Pembroke gives Charles two tickets for a Knicks' game. Charles is so excited about this special treat, and because Mrs. Pembroke always does such thoughtful things, that he thinks of a way to do something special in return. In a conversation with Buddy, the name Max Ziegler comes up. It does not mean much to Charles, but it does to Jill. Max and her went to high school together and she has been following his brilliant career ever since graduation. She thinks of him as a genius and Charles decides to call Ziegler, a.k.a. ˜Mr. Brilliant' to invite him for dinner. When Stan Pembroke finds out who the quest of honor is, he becomes quite upset, but decides to go along with it to make his wife happy. And, just as Stan predicted, Ziegler turns out to be an unpleasant, opinionated and condescending person, who ends up on the door step when Stan and Charles have taken as much as they think they can.

• _{Wednesday, April 3rd, 1985}

  22: Meet Grandpa

  As usual, the Pembroke house is buzzing with activity. Charles and Buddy are trying very hard to find themselves summer jobs and are ecstatic when their summer job applications are accepted by a hotel at a summer resort in Pennsylvania. Jason, in the meantime, is brought home by his parents after undergoing knee surgery. At the hospital all he did was watch soap operas, which now affects his life in a very dramatic way. Douglas is trying to change his image of "skinny kid" by putting on some weight and is eating everything in sight. And, in the middle of all this coming and leaving, Jill's father "drops in" from Alaska, announcing to everyone that he is thinking of retirement, and for some reason he is having a very difficult time recognizing all the children in the Pembroke household.

• _{Sunday, March 1st, 1987}

  23: Amityville

  Charles comes back after his summer trip to find that the Pembrokes are gone and that a new family named the Powells is now occupying the house.

Season 2

• _{Saturday, January 3rd, 1987}

  1: Amityville

  In the pilot episode of the new "Charles In Charge," Charles returns from a two week camping trip with his friend Buddy, to discover a whole new household waiting for him. The Pembroke's are moving to Seattle, and the Powells are subletting the house. The mother, Jill Pembroke (Lisa Donovan) is sad to leave, but has recommended Charles to Ellen Powell and the Powell family, which includes youngsters Jamie, Sarah and Adam. If he wants, Charles can move right back into his old room and help with the Powell family just like he used to help with the Pembroke's. However, his friend Buddy has other ideas. Buddy's not enthralled with Charles' domesticity and tries to persuade Charles to move into an off campus apartment with him. At first Charles agrees and they go off, but in the end, he decides helping a nice family is preferable to the career bachelor life - at least for now.

• _{Saturday, January 10th, 1987}

  2: The Naked Truth

  Charles meets a new girl, Rebecca Stansbury (Signy Coleman), on campus who happens to be an art student. Never one to stint where romance is concerned, Charles learns about her favorite artist, even buys a print of one of his works. Then he really goes the distance and enrolls in her art class. But lo and behold, Rebecca does more than study art; she poses nude for the class. Charles is stunned, and so is little Adam who happened to go along with Charles to the class for the "cultural advantages." Now there's trouble with Ellen Powell , over Adam's early exposure to nudity, as well as trouble from Rebecca who thinks Charles was only out to ogle her fair white body. Buddy tries to help, trouble is, he isn't quite sure what the problem is. After all, this girl has a body that's a work of art itself. Will culture triumph? Indubitably, with "Charles in Charge".

• _{Saturday, January 17th, 1987}

  3: Feud for Thought

  This episode of "Charles In Charge" features Charles as a fireman, putting out fires all over the Powell household. Luckily Charles is studying for his philosophy exam, because the show provides several practical tests for Charles' own philosophy, and happily he doesn't do badly on them at all. First of all, Adam is in the middle of a pre-teen imbroglio with his erstwhile best friend who is now his worst enemy. In trying to smooth those troubled waters, Charles ends up being challenged by the youngster's giant brother, Herman (Mark Venturini), who's ready to tear Charles apart. Then there's Sarah, who needs some help because she's learning to like herself a little better, and that's not easy for a thirteen year old. And finally there's Buddy, who's got a simple philosophy about everything. He's trying to get Charles to go out with one of the ultra Del Fluvio twins, Gina (Lisa Aliff), so he can go out with the other. How do

• _{Saturday, January 24th, 1987}

  4: The Egg and Us

  Jamie and Sarah Powell have a school-project that involves raising eggs as children. Real eggs, not so real children. It's suppose to teach the girls about responsibility. The girls get involved in the concept and it brings the attention of the whole family to child rearing. Even Charles tries to help, after all, he is a professional in this field, watching the Powell kids for his room and board. Meanwhile, Walter Powell is taking out a long lost sweetheart, Gloria (Betsy Palmer). When Buddy meets Gloria, he is less then thrilled, because she turns out to be his grandmother. All's well that ends well. And in the meantime, the kids learn more about families and friends, than their eggs, and Buddy learns tolerance - sort of. But as usual, everything is scrambled, eggs and people. That's what happens on "Charles in Charge."

• _{Saturday, January 31st, 1987}

  5: The Loan Arranger

  In the latest edition of "Charles In Charge," Charles is not in charge. In fact he is totally not in charge! it is a normal fact of collegiate life that boys who are studying important things for their future, often end up studying less important things for their future, namely girls! And sometimes when those studies take precedence over the other things they should be studying, they get into trouble. In other words, Charles has been goofing off, his grades have dropped, and poof, there goes his student loan. What to do? Well, there are the necessary confrontations with Mr. Willard, the loan officer at the bank, played hilariously by well-known political columnist Ben Stein, making his first TV appearance. First Mr. Willard turns down Charles, then he turns down Ellen Powell who's trying to help by taking a loan for Charles. Meanwhile Jamie is making a home movie of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving, for a class project, with Buddy as the director.

• _{Saturday, February 7th, 1987}

  6: American Teen

  In this episode of "Charles In Charge," Charles is in love, but that's nothing new. What is new is that the self-assured Charles is nervous about calling this wonderful young lady named Louise (Nikolette Scorsese) and asking her out. The problem is that she's a French foreign exchange student, she's refined, classy and why would she ever want to go out with the likes of Charles? Buddy's advice for Charles is to be positive about himself, but Charles is still reluctant to call this lovely lady. Meanwhile Charles is telling Sarah to stand up and have confidence in herself, the same lesson he should be heeding himself! Sarah has written a beautiful essay for American Teen Magazine's huge national contest and she's embarrassed to submit it. But lo and behold, someone submits it for her, and she ends up in the finals! When Charles finally realizes he is preaching to Sarah what he is not practicing himself, he calls Louise.

• _{Saturday, February 14th, 1987}

  7: Buddy Comes to Dinner

  As if things weren't difficult enough for Charles with the Powell family needing all the tender loving care he can muster, he's not ready for an extended visit from his pal Buddy. In this episode Buddy comes for dinner, wrenches his ankles, and has to stay in Charles' room for a few days. With almost anyone else that would be a minor imposition, but with Buddy it's a major emergency. What really aggravates the situation is that Charles is about to have a date with Lauren Andrews (Maylo McCaslin in), a girl who could easily become that "someone special" in Charles" life. To make matters even worse Lauren can't stand Buddy. And there's Buddy, getting in the way, when Charles would rather be alone. But there's a catch - Lauren is starring in the school play with Buddy and she confides to Charles that she hopes Buddy stays sick forever so he will be replaced. This is tough for Charles, because after all Lauren is beautiful, but the play means the world to Buddy.

• _{Saturday, February 21st, 1987}

  8: A Fox in the Henhouse

  The latest challenge to Charles' vivid imagination is a visit by an old shipmate of the absent Commander Powell. Since the good Commander is far away, serving in the Western Pacific for another six months, Lieutenant Matty Whiteford (Stephen Parr) comes to keep Ellen Powell and the kids company for a weekend. Unfortunately, company isn't all he tries to keep, and Charles doesn't like it. Charles confides to Walter (James Callahan), who being an old sea dog doesn't understand Charles' suspicions since a Naval officer is always honorable, etc. But when Charles and Walter are hospitalized overnight with a case of food poisoning brought on by tasting contaminated clams, Matty moves in. His campaign to capture Ellen Powell's affection is first subtlety slowed by the three kids and then abruptly terminated by Ellen's own left hook.

• _{Saturday, February 28th, 1987}

  9: Pizza Parlor Protest

  Sid's Pizza Parlor, that wondrous emporium that provides Charles a nourishing home away from home, in "Charles in Charge," is under attack. It seems the college owns the land the hangout stands on, and they are reclaiming it for a parking lot. This means Charles' favorite meeting place for dates and other occasions is about to be banished, forever. Charles turns to his adoptive family, the Powells, for assistance. Jamie is studying amateur psychiatry and Sarah is studying amateur journalism for a school project, so they feel there is deeper meaning, and a lot of unrevealed facts to this whole dilemma. Buddy thinks it's a plot, but he's not sure whose. Walter Powell thinks they all ought to improve their diet by eating on board ship. . . any ship. So in true motherly fashion, Ellen Powell gets out the placards and begins writing protest legends on them.

• _{Saturday, March 7th, 1987}

  10: Trade Off

  What happens when everyone in the Powell family wants something they-don't have, but someone else does? Why it's simple, trade it! Charles has just done a term paper on bartering and applies the principals of the age old subject to a burgeoning family crisis. You see Jamie wants Sarah's video camera, and Adam wants his term paper typed, and Grandpa Powell wants his car washed, and Mrs. Powell needs Charles for an extra night of baby-sitting, and . . . you get the idea. Before they're through, the family's in an uproar trading services, but a funny one, as always, when it's Charles in Charge!

• _{Saturday, March 14th, 1987}

  11: Dating

  What do you do when you want to go out, but you can't, because someone else is going out on a date that you aren't supposed to talk about, and if you do, then your own date, which really isn't a date, will be upset? Confused? So is Charles because he is supposed to take Ellen Powell to a play as a favor to her, but if he does no one will be home to take care of the kids. Normally Grandpa Powell would be home to watch the kids, but he also has a date, only he ain't telling. Meanwhile 13-year old Sarah wants to go to a movie with her favorite boy-classmate, but her mom won't let her date until she's 14. But it isn't a date, Sarah says, it's just a movie. Neither is Walter's date a date, nor Charles', or maybe in fact, anybody's. In the Powell family, dating is so out, it's in. Charles is resourceful, though, so he resorts to reverse psychology, as practiced by Buddy.

• _{Saturday, March 21st, 1987}

  12: Music, Music, Mayhem

  There's mayhem in the Powell household and it's put some friendships on the rocks. It seems that Charles is mad at Buddy because Buddy sold him a cassette player which doesn't work and to make matters worse, that same cassette player ate Walter Powell's new tape. So Charles is mad at Buddy, Walter is mad at Charles and Charles wants his money back. Now Buddy is mad at Charles because a real friend wouldn't ask for his money back and besides Buddy already spent it. So Buddy and Charles aren't speaking and neither are Jamie and Sarah because the sisters are having a little disagreement of their own. But no one can stay mad at each other for too long in the Powell family, and in the end everyone is happy, as always, when Charles is in Charge!

• _{Saturday, March 28th, 1987}

  13: Buddy in Charge

  Charles has to visit in town when his folks arrive for the weekend, so Buddy is placed in charge of the Powell kids. Charles convinces Ellen Powell that it's okay but Grandpa Powell has some serious misgivings, and maybe rightly so. You see Buddy has some ulterior motives in trying to fill Charles' shoes. He's out to impress a current girlfriend, Debbie (Susan Ursitti), with his childbearing abilities. It results in cataclysmic confrontations between Buddy and the three Powell youngsters, in fact it gets so bad that Adam runs away. But in the end, things go well, Charles returns and the three Powell children, especially Adam, find out Buddy is a pretty terrific guy after all on "Charles In Charge."

• _{Saturday, April 4th, 1987}

  14: Isn't That What's Her Face?

  A famous young movie star, Darby Peterson (Dawn Merrick) shows up on Charles' doorstep disguised as "Dorothy," a new Copeland College student looking for some orientation advice. She finally reveals who she is to the delighted Charles and asks for his help in keeping her secret so she can go to college in privacy. When Buddy accidentally discovers her identity and is also asked to keep the secret, the stage is set for some male competition. In the meantime, Walter, takes the kids fishing, but not before he catches Charles in the living room in the middle of the night with Darby - then Dorothy. By explaining any of it - and it looks bad - Charles will be breaking his promise. It doesn't help that he discovers the sweet nothings Darby has been telling Buddy sound very familiar.

• _{Saturday, April 11th, 1987}

  15: A Date from Heck

  Count on Charles to date a girl who comes equipped with lovely eyes,a gorgeous body, and a set of huge parents, that accompany her on dates. Actually the beauteous Anna Grundov (Diane Franklin) is the thing dreams are made from - especially Charles' dreams. All he has to do is find a way to invite her to the Powell house and have the Powells invited elsewhere, all at the same time. Does it work? You know Charles. Buddy takes the family out to a concert, while Charles gets all set for a cuddly date with Anna. But when she arrives, Charles discovers that Mama Grundov and Poppa Grundov go along on Anna's dates and so does her hulking brother. They are from the Old Country, you see. If that's not bad enough, add a sudden thunderstorm so the Powells are rained out of their concert, and now we have, you guessed it - a large and unhappy crowd in the Powell home. But never fear, Charles will handle it.

• _{Saturday, April 18th, 1987}

  16: Mama Mia!

  Just when things are going real smoothly for Charles, his mother, Lillian comes to town for a brief - or maybe not so brief - visit. That's good, and it's not so good. Every son loves to see his mother, and Charles is no exception, except Charles' mom won't let him grow up. He's a dutiful son and appreciates her loving intervention, especially when she offers to baby-sit the Powell kids so he can go to a party. But the sparks fly when Charles gets home and Walter Powell is beside himself because he saw his three grandchildren coming out of a violence-ridden film he had strictly forbidden them to see. Charles knows it's his mom who's guilty, but since she was standing in for him, he takes the blame. Needless to say, there are some hard feelings between Charles and his mom, Lillian, Lillian and Walter, and Walter and Charles, but in the end everything gets worked out, and Charles, (or is it his mom,) is back in charge.

• _{Saturday, April 25th, 1987}

  17: Weekend Weary

  When Mrs. Powell decides Charles needs a weekend off, she implements her decision with a firm edict that Charles will relax and not help with the family's huge yard sale. Charles protests, but she is adamant. But when it rains on Saturday, the sale is changed to Sunday, a day when Mr. Powell and his daughter-in-law have to attend another function. So Jamie, not used to being a leader, is given a chance to show some responsibility, and is left in charge. Buddy helps her, Sarah helps her, and Adam helps her, but the weather doesn't and rain forces the mini-merchandise mart into the living room. Charles is supposed to be resting, but who do you suppose comes to Jamie' s rescue when she inadvertently sells some priceless momentous of her grandfather's and has to get them back before he returns home? Naturally, it's Charles who takes charge!

• _{Saturday, May 2nd, 1987}

  18: U.F. OH, NO!

  Adam thinks he's seen a UFO outside his window and his sisters are convinced they've seen an alien in the kitchen. Walter will have none of it and directs Charles to rid the children of such superstitious nonsense (which he says comes from "fuzzy thinking"), but when Charles sees a UFO too, he doesn't know what to believe. Then Walter sees one and becomes an instant convert, calling the local news crew to come out for an interview. In the meantime, Charles is so distraught that he even asks Buddy for advice. He accidentally finds out that the topic of Buddy's psychology term paper required the simulation of a UFO experience in a typical American household. Though Charles is angry, he is grateful that one mystery is solved. Later the kids find a guinea pig in the dryer - their "alien" - and another mystery is solved. There is one left...

• _{Saturday, May 9th, 1987}

  19: The Case of the Mock-Turtle Mystery

  There's an apparent catastrophe in the Powell household and it seems that it's not going to be an easy one to solve. Sarah is the proud parent of Ross, a pet turtle, who until recently, has lived in relative safety in the Powell back yard. But when Sarah goes away on a nature field trip she leaves Adam in charge of Ross. Upon her return, Ross is gone! Sarah assumes the worst, and accuses Adam of turtlecide. Well Adam swears he is innocent and that Ross was alive and well a few hours ago, but no one will believe him. Adam knows he is innocent until proven guilty, and requests a trial with Charles as his attorney. The only problem is Charles is supposed to be leaving with Buddy for Ft. Lauderdale. The ever-loyal Charles, unable to disappoint anyone, decides to postpone his departure and help the hapless Adam. The trial proceeds, with some surprises about the real culprit, and the real fate of Ross the turtle, and in the end

• _{Saturday, May 16th, 1987}

  20: Twice Upon a Time (1)

  Charles' first love returns

• _{Saturday, May 23rd, 1987}

  21: Twice Upon a Time (2)

  In the second of a two part series, Gwendolyn Pierce (Jennifer Runyon) tells Charles she will consider his proposal. A day later she accepts. However, when Charles suggests they announce their engagement, she hesitates, offering lame excuses. As Gwendolyn continues to delay, Charles realizes that she accepted his proposal to escape from parental pressures, and he advises her to return to California and work out her problems.

• _{Saturday, May 30th, 1987}

  22: A Job from Heck

  Ever have one of those days when you can't win for losing? Well Charles is having one of those days and it's turning into a week. First he suggests that Jamie be allowed to get a job so she can support her taste in expensive clothes, but Mrs. Powell isn't very happy with her choice, and neither is Charles. Jamie has selected waitressing at Sid's Pizza Parlor as her initiation into the working world and Charles has to play big-brother chaperon even while trying to make time with a new girlfriend in his favorite hangout. As if that weren't enough, Lillian, Charles' mom, is still in town, and doesn't seem anxious to go home. With that kind of pressure Charles has to wonder who's really running things, especially when he's hit by a whopping surprise that leaves him (and us) wondering how it will change his life...and what he'll do about it.

• _{Saturday, June 6th, 1987}

  23: Baby Doll

  Charles and Lillian are throwing a big opening night party to introduce the new chef of Sid's Pizza Parlor. Entrusted with $900 for promotion, Charles and Buddy plan to hire a famous musical group and interior decorator for the night, until the money is lost. Jamie suggests to Charles that he hire three of her friends, Tammy Townsend, Jemma Bosch and Andrea Palmer, who have formed a band called Baby Doll, to perform as the opening night entertainment. Charles angers Jamie by offhandedly rejecting her idea. Concerned with fixing up the restaurant for the gala celebration, Charles also rejects Sarah and Adam's suggestion that they assist with decorating. In desperation at the last minute, Charles agrees to both offers, and Baby Doll and the decorations contribute to a successful opening.

• _{Saturday, June 13th, 1987}

  24: Lillian Putts a Round

  Charles' widowed mother Lillian comes into town for a five-day visit, complete with motherly advice and using her favorite nickname for her son, "doodlebug." Charles is afraid that his responsible position in the household will be undermined by his mother's attention to him, which he thinks is caused by her dependence on him. He encourages her to develop an outside interest. What he doesn't count on is what develops when she takes him up on it and ends up with an attractive man she met at the golf club. Charles can't stop sneezing (a childhood symptom of anxiety) and takes to bed, too sick to eat, while his mother goes out and has a wonderful time. Buddy keeps popping in and out performing new jobs he is forced to get to replace the allowance he lost when his grades dropped. He gets into more trouble than it is worth and he decides the bringing up his grades instead might be easier.

• _{Saturday, June 20th, 1987}

  25: Her Brother's Keeper

  There are two very lovely ladies Charles and Buddy would like to date if they can find the time between studying for their physics final and taking care of the Powell household. When Stephanie (Cheryl Arutt) and Joyce (Michelle Johnson) come over for a "pre-date," Joyce suggests the boys get together with her brother Duane (David Knell) who loves to help people out with physics but who is a little backward in the social department. A trade is worked out: Duane will help them with physics if Charles and Buddy help Duane "loosen up." The fact that gorgeous Joyce will be eternally grateful if the boys can pull her brother out of his shel doesn't hurt their enthusiasm for the deal. The physics part proves to be easier than the social part, however, especially when Duane thinks honing in on the two couples is part of his education. Things start to look up when Duane calls from jail.

• _{Saturday, June 27th, 1987}

  26: The Undergraduate

  Ellen's attractive, married cousin Joan Robinson (Kay Lenz) comes to visit and puts the whammy on Charles. She is very direct about what she wants and she wants Charles. Unfortunately, Walter finds them together in the living room in the middle of the night and comes down hard on Charles. It makes it difficult when Mrs. Robinson won't take "no" for an answer and puts Charles' job in jeopardy. While Charles is trying to work out the limits of an "off-limits" relationship, Buddy achieves hero status when he saves Paula Thackery (Julianne McNamara) from a crazed water gunner. Along with hero status, however, comes hero worship, which he isn't ready for from the young high schooner. So while Charles has a problem with an older woman, Buddy has trouble with a younger one. Buddy is more than willing to trade.

Season 3

• _{Saturday, December 26th, 1987}

  1: Yule Laff

  Charles suggests the family spend the Christmas holidays in the mountains, but when a storm leaves everyone but Walter stranded in a cabin with no food, and a bear at the door, the adventure becomes more than they bargained for. Still, the family makes the best of things and manages to stir up some holiday spirit in spite of their predicament. In the middle of the night Adam wakes to see a figure who looks like Santa Claus. The next morning when Walter arrives with food and the children's presents, extra gifts left by a mysterious visitor in the night add a Christmas miracle to the very special holiday.

• _{Saturday, January 2nd, 1988}

  2: Piece of Cake

  News of the sudden arrival of Commander Powell throws the household into chaos. Walter and Ellen leave for the shipyard to meet him as Charles, nervous about the impression he will make on the Commander, desperately struggles to put the house in order. The day is a series of calamities, but Charles' unflagging efforts somehow pull everything and everyone together, just in time for the discovery that the Commander's ship has been rerouted to another city. On behalf of the Commander, Walter thanks Charles for his efforts, unaware of just how good a job he did.

• _{Saturday, January 9th, 1988}

  3: Dorm Warnings

  When Charles is named Student of the Year, local newspaper reporter Pat Walker (Barbara Rhoades) arrives at the house to interview him. When various family members overhear part of their conversation, they mistakenly conclude that Charles wants to leave the family and live in the college dorm where he would have more fun. Walter, in his typically tactless fashion, tells Charles if he wants to move out, he won't be missed. Charles takes the hint and moves in with Buddy. The fun of constant parties, however, soon wears of f and when Charles learns the kids really didn't want him to leave, he decides to move back with the Powells.

• _{Saturday, January 16th, 1988}

  4: Speechless

  When Charles' and Buddy's history teacher changes their team assignment from a written to an oral report, Charles insists that Buddy deliver the speech. Buddy, who learns about Charles' fear of speaking in public from Lillian, decides to apply his study of psychology to the problem. He feigns laryngitis after leading the cheers at Adam's football game and Charles is forced to give the speech at school, thereby conquering his fear.

• _{Saturday, January 23rd, 1988}

  5: Infatuation

  Charles becomes infatuated with Trish (Susannah Woodside), a beautiful fashion model and the daughter of Walter's friend. When he realizes this infatuation jeopardizes his relationship with his girlfriend Linda (Kris Greenberg), Charles attempts to break it of f, but not before giving Walter the impression that he will marry Trish. When Buddy finally tells Trish that Charles intends to marry Linda, and Trish passes the information on to Charles' girlfriend, Charles is almost off the hook. Linda declines his offer for now and Charles celebrates his narrow escape by taking Buddy to the dinner he wins in a raffle.

• _{Saturday, January 30th, 1988}

  6: Role Model

  When Jamie enrolls in a modeling school, a suspicious Charles decides to investigate.He and Buddy enroll in order to expose the school as a fraud, though Jamie is infuriated with his interference. While sitting in on one of the classes, however, Charles sees Jamie transformed into a figure of poise and self confidence. He finally admits he is wrong and encourages Jamie to continue the training, as long as she doesn't fall for the owner's inflated claims of instant fame and success.

• _{Saturday, February 6th, 1988}

  7: The Extremely Odd Couple

  Charles tries to end a feud between Walter and Lillian by giving them each a ticket to a swing music concert. His plan works so well that they start out together for a weekend in Atlantic City, until a minor car accident in the driveway rekindles the feud. Charles is the sole eyewitness to the collision and each wants him to testify on their behalf. It is only when Charles announces he will tell the whole truth that Walter and Lillian admit they share responsibility for the accident and patch up their differences . Meanwhile, when Jamie and Sarah have a fight over some clothes, they accidentally knock their grandfather's model shit off the table and break it. Adam sees this and blackmails them into servitude for himself. Charles tries to convince them to come clean and tell their grandfather the truth.

• _{Saturday, February 13th, 1988}

  8: Poppa, the Sailor Man

  The death of a lifelong friend causes Walter to have visions of mortality so Charles summons Walter's father, Buzz (Dabbs Greer), for a visit in order to show him his son has many years left. Buzz's arrival, however, stirs up old antagonisms between the two. Charles learns some unhappy news about Buzz which he must keep from Walter while trying to reconcile father and son. Finally the two begin to swap stories of their exploits in the Navy and when Buzz heads back to Florida a few days later, Walter is left with pleasant memories of his father and a renewed sense of life. And Charles has kept his secret.

• _{Saturday, February 20th, 1988}

  9: Bottle Baby

  When Buddy receives word that his shy sister Bunny (Mindy Cohn) is arriving for a visit, he pleads with Charles to help entertain her. On arrival, however, she confesses to Buddy that she's in trouble and then disappears for several hours, reappearing as an outgoing "˜party girl." Charles finds Bunny drinking, thus revealing his suspicions to a skeptical Buddy that his sister is an alcoholic. It's only when Bunny "totals" Buddy's car, and nearly seriously injures the children that she finally admits her illness and agrees to seek help.

• _{Saturday, February 27th, 1988}

  10: Dear Charles

  When Charles asks editor Gayle Landis (Susan Burell) for a job on her newspaper, acting as a fill—in for "‘Dear Amy" is not what he had in mind. But Gayle's persistence (and good -looks) wins him over and Charles agrees to give it a try. The hard part comes when Buddy reads a letter to Charles from a reader who sounds suspiciously like Sarah— and she's having man problems! Charles can't tell Sarah how he read her letter so he gives his advice in his column. Unfortunately, Gayle doesn't think his answer is spicy enough and she changes it considerably, making way for confusion and chaos as Charles and Buddy try desperately to keep the paper out of everyone's hands - when everyone wants to read it now! By the time Charles finds out that the letter-writer was the more mature Jamie, he's already decided journalism and Gayle Landis are not for him.

• _{Saturday, March 5th, 1988}

  11: The Pickle Plot

  Unable to decide on a college major and faced with a tuition increase, is determined to convince his Uncle Joe (John Astin) that he should be made the heir to his business. The promise of a steady income and a beautiful secretary convince Charles to quit school and accept Uncle Joe's job offer, even though the results of his aptitude test reveal he'd excel at anything he'd try. When he breaks the news to Jamie, Sarah, and Adam , Charles realizes that his real love is teaching children and decides to major in education.

• _{Saturday, March 12th, 1988}

  12: The Buddy System

  When Buddy's new girlfriend unceremoniously dumps him, he sinks into a bout of depression. Under the circumstances, Charles requests that everyone be especially nice to Buddy. Walter suggests they instead enroll their downhearted friend in the confidence-building class taught by ex-military officer Harry Hileman (Dick Gautier) . Unfortunately, the class works too well , and Buddy becomes pushy and obnoxious. Eager to get the "old" Buddy back, the family attends the class with him and profess their affection for him. When Buddy proclaims that he, too, loves the family, Hileman proudly congratulates him on graduating with honors. Relieved, everyone goes back to insulting Buddy. . .as usual.

• _{Saturday, March 19th, 1988}

  13: Sarah Steps Out

  Charles convinces Ellen to allow Adam to stay up and watch television all night, let Jamie streak her hair and allow Sarah to go on her first unchaperoned date. After one scary movie Adam ends up hiding in the closet, Jamie's hair turns out orange, blue and wild, and Sarah chooses to go out with the same shady character who sold Charles and Buddy overpriced tickets to an important playoff game. Concerned that Sarah will fall prey to this fast-talking boy, Charles and Buddy disrupt the movie theater where Gary (Scott Grimes) and Sarah are on their date, with their hilariously clumsy spying attempts. When a peeved Sarah assures Charles that her date is a gentleman, Charles has a heart-to-heart with him about the value of friends and the importance of "being yourself." Much to Charles' relief, Gary becomes likable, Adam comes out of his hiding place and Jamie fixes her hair.

• _{Saturday, March 26th, 1988}

  14: Trading Papers

  Charles is ecstatic when he scores an A on his English assignment until he turns past the cover page and discovers Sarah's poem there by mistake. She, in turn, scored an A when she mistakenly turned in his essay. At first afraid a low grade will threaten his financial assistance, Charles decides to square things with Sarah's teacher but keep the mix up a secret from his own professor. Eventually, he cannot keep up the deception and confesses all to Professor Kleeman (JACK RILEY), a somewhat shady teacher who suggests he keep the grade, since it is already in the school's computer. Insisting that he be judged on his work, Charles receives a B from Kleeman on the condition he keep it to himself, as the professor is worried that if students confessed to all indiscretions, he'd be regrading papers forever.

• _{Saturday, April 2nd, 1988}

  15: Five Easy Pizzas

  Charles calms Lillian's fears about an upcoming trip out of town, saying that he's more than able to manage the pizza parlor himself, even though she's just hired a new chef, Dine (Vito Scotti). What he doesn't mention is that an important food critic is to pay a visit. On the appointed night Charles rounds up the entire Powell family to fill the parlor and things go well until Buddy, intent on giving Dino "cooking tips", drives the temperamental chef to quit. The supply of pizzas runs low and as Charles tries to guess who is the mysterious "Roving Gourmet," he valiantly hops from table to table trying to save the last slice of good pizza for the critic. When the review comes out, Charles is relieved to learn the critic not only loved the pizza but also enjoyed the Marx Brothers style floor show. The good review even lures Dino back. . .with a raise, of course.

• _{Saturday, April 9th, 1988}

  16: Getting In

  Charles and Buddy decide to pledge a fraternity, and must put up with a series of humiliating tests and activities during "Hell Week." Just before the final initiation ceremony, one of the frat brothers informs Charles that they will be accepting him but rejecting Buddy, despite Buddy's status as a legacy. Charles must now decide if he wants to join the group or stay loyal to his best friend.

• _{Saturday, April 16th, 1988}

  17: Hero Today, Gone Tomorrow

  When Charles and Buddy foil an attempted holdup at the pizza parlor, their names appear in the local newspaper. They can't resist capitalizing on their new found popularity with the girls at the sorority house. The holdup man is released on bail, and the boys change their tune, remembering that he threatened to get even with them. A strange man then calls to say he'll be coming to the house. Everyone joins in barricading the doors and windows. When the caller, who turns out to be a reporter, arrives to interview Charles and Buddy, he is pounced on. Charles and Buddy decline the interview and send the reporter away. It is only when Jamie sees the same criminal on the 6 o'clock news arrested for another robbery, then everyone breathes easier. They realize the only thing they had to fear was, of course, fear itself.

• _{Saturday, April 23rd, 1988}

  18: Dutiful Dreamer

  When the Powells learn their house is to be sold and Ellen loses her job, Charles takes to bed with a sneezing fit and falls asleep. In his dream the family members transform into different characters; Walter becomes Long John Silver; Lillian, Auntie Maine; Ellen, Mae West; Jamie, Cinderella; Sarah, Scarlett O'Hara; Adam, a punk rocker; and Buddy an effete 18th Century landowner. Charles appears in his own dream as the Godfather and stumbles onto an idea to help the family out of their dilemma. When Charles later awakes, a chance remark by Buddy makes him wonder if it really was dream after all.

• _{Saturday, April 30th, 1988}

  19: Berkling Up Is Hard to Do

  This is just not Charles' day. He's trying to prepare for the new school year, but Buddy needs his help in planning their end of summer party, Adam has the jitters about starting junior high, and, worst of all, both Jamie and her too-possessive boyfriend, Steven Berkle (Michael Rich) , ask his advice about romance. Charles tries to give good advice, but everyone misinterprets what he suggests. Soon he's taking the heat for all the misunderstandings, even breaking up a wrestling match between Steven and Brad (J.D. Roth), a football player Jamie begins to date. Finally, Charles has a heart-to heart with Jamie and enlists Sarah to help Adam, solving everything just as Buddy shows up with his party goers in tow.

• _{Saturday, May 7th, 1988}

  20: Runaround Charles

  Charles becomes frantic when he makes too many commitments for one evening. Having promised to speak to Sarah's class, chaperon Jamie's birthday party and go out with Julie Fletcher (Courteny Gebhart) , Charles seeks Buddy's help in order to successfully proceed with all three activities. Together, Buddy and Charles strategically schedule the events of the evening, arranging just enough time for everything. As the plan takes form, all seems under control, but shortly the chaos begins. Charles' speech is postponed; Jamie's party starts early, and Julie becomes impatient and curious about why she has to wait with Buddy. The hilarious antics that occur confuse everyone, but Charles finally solves the problems by sending Sarah's class, Jamie's party and Buddy to the pizza parlor, while he and Julie stay home.

• _{Saturday, May 14th, 1988}

  21: Where the Auction Is

  Charles is outraged when he learns his mother is hosting a sorority slave auction. Outraged, that is, until he finds out that attractive new transfer student Jeanie (Lorie Griffin) intends to bid for him. At the auction, however, Jeanie is outbid by a gorgeous coed secretly acting as a buying agent for none other than Sarah , Jamie , and Adam . The trio quickly takes advantage of Charles' slave status, claiming he hasn't been doing enough for them. When Lillian remarks that a child who's waited on hand and foot grows into an irresponsible adult, the kids realize they've been too hard on him. Buddy then excitedly announces he's persuaded his owner, Jeanie, to trade, so would Charles please plead with his gorgeous owner to let them trade places?

• _{Saturday, May 21st, 1988}

  22: The Boy Who Loved Women

  Confused by the pidgin instructions that came with a new stereo component rack, Charles is frustrated trying to assemble the unit. Meanwhile, a 14 year-old fast talker named Mark (Adam Carl), who's been dating Sarah can't resist asking Jamie out. The girls eventually find out, war is declared, and guess who gets the blame? Though he feels inadequate at fixing things because of his problems with the stereo rack, Charles sets out to repair the rift between the two sisters. His hilarious attempts at getting the two girls and Mark together in the same room at the same time never quite work, yet the girls manage to straighten things out on their own. If that doesn't shock Charles, the stereo rack is finally assembled by Adam and Buddy.

• _{Saturday, May 28th, 1988}

  23: Barbelles

  After Charles is devastated at being dumped by his girlfriend, Buddy fixes him up with Beth (Brenda Swanson), a female bodybuilder at his health club. All is bliss until Beth's former boyfriend, Mike (Richard Brose), shows up and tells Charles he'd better leave Beth alone or else. When news of the threat gets around, Buddy and the Powells advise Mike not to hurt Charles. Not wanting to back down from a bully, and yet aware that he and Beth are attracted to each other only because they are both on the rebound, Charles confronts Beth and Mike, explaining his view of the situation and encourages them to get back together. All is resolved. Charles will now get a chance to date that cute girl he met in aerobics class .

• _{Saturday, June 4th, 1988}

  24: The Blackboard Bungle

  Charles seems to be the only one excited about his new post as teacher's aide. Jamie resents his sitting in on her class, and the teacher, Marvin Merken (Jerry Van Dyke) , a burnt out man living on the hope that retirement comes before insanity, can't understand why anyone would want to teach. When a nervous Charles must cover for Merken, Jamie can't resist heckling him and he assigns her detention. The next day he tries to repair the damage and encourages discussion among the students. Merken enters, during the debate, horrified to find Charles encouraging the students to talk. Jamie, having cooled off overnight, sticks up for Charles' methods and the rest of the class agrees, resulting in Charles getting a good recommendation and Merken softening his attitude.

• _{Saturday, June 11th, 1988}

  25: The Heart Burgler

  When Sarah tries to get closer to a boy that she likes by inviting him over to study, she is upset when he pays more attention to Charles than her. Buddy's girlfriend seems more attracted to Charles than him.

• _{Saturday, June 18th, 1988}

  26: May the Best Man Lose

  The kids each must find a gladiator to represent their class in the school's stunt-filled quiz contest complete with pies in the face and a dunk tank; Sarah draws Charles , Jamie gets Buddy. Meanwhile, Adam recruits the dumb but musclebound Herman (Mark Venturini) , who threatens to beat everybody up if he doesn't win. Tired of always coming in last, Adam convinces Buddy to throw the match so Sarah can win, then talks Charles into letting Buddy win. The plan almost works, until the girls call them on their obvious attempts to lose. Ironically, the boys are stumped by the last question and Herman actually wins. When Charles and Buddy accidentally drop Herman into the dunk tank, they do some fast talking to escape the humorless hunk's clutches.

Season 4

• _{Saturday, December 31st, 1988}

  1: No Nukes, Is Good Nukes

  While Commander Powell is home, Sarah is arrested for protesting the nuclear weapons on her father's ship.

• _{Saturday, January 7th, 1989}

  2: Ninny and the Professor

  Charles' professor disagrees with the grade he gives a student.

• _{Saturday, January 14th, 1989}

  3: Duelling Presleys

  Lillian hires an Elvis impersonator for the diner.

• _{Saturday, January 21st, 1989}

  4: Adam See, Adam Do

  Adam studies Charles' dating techniques.

• _{Saturday, January 28th, 1989}

  5: Yesterday Cafe

  Lillian starts a 1950's-style restaurant called the "Yesterday Cafe".

• _{Saturday, February 4th, 1989}

  6: Fatal Obsession

  A woman at camp pursues Charles.

• _{Saturday, February 11th, 1989}

  7: Walter Gets a Dodo

  Charles has to entertain his professor's sister, and he sets her up with Walter.

• _{Saturday, February 18th, 1989}

  8: Ladies' Night Out

  Jamie and Sarah want to go to a nightclub

• _{Saturday, February 25th, 1989}

  9: Chargin' Charles

  Charles can't use his credit card because of the Powell children.

• _{Saturday, March 4th, 1989}

  10: A Fish Called Buddy

  Buddy goes to the hospital right after an argument with Charles.

• _{Saturday, April 22nd, 1989}

  11: Second Banana

  Jamie thinks she will be in a commercial, but it is really Sarah who got the part.

• _{Saturday, April 29th, 1989}

  12: Still at Large

  Charles and Buddy find out Jamie's teacher (Sally Struthers) is wanted by the FBI.

• _{Saturday, May 6th, 1989}

  13: Poetic License

  Charles uses one of Sarah's poems to impress a woman, who publishes it in a magazine under Charles' name.

• _{Saturday, May 13th, 1989}

  14: Charles Splits (1)

  When Charles bumps his head, he begins acting strangely and calls himself Chaz.

• _{Saturday, May 20th, 1989}

  15: Charles Splits (2)

  Chaz gets married.

• _{Saturday, May 27th, 1989}

  16: Curing the Common Cult

  Jamie joins a cult, and Charles must prove that the leader is a fake.

• _{Saturday, July 1st, 1989}

  17: Room at the Bottom

  Walter remodels the basement.

• _{Saturday, July 8th, 1989}

  18: A Sting of Pearls

  The Powell's old babysitter comes back tries to get Charles in trouble.

• _{Saturday, September 9th, 1989}

  19: Walter's War

  Walter tries to impress a woman with war souvenirs.

• _{Saturday, September 16th, 1989}

  20: The Organization Man

  Charles uses a digital organizer to plan his schedule.

• _{Saturday, October 14th, 1989}

  21: Big Bang

  Charles writes an essay about childhood.

• _{Saturday, October 21st, 1989}

  22: Triple Threat

  Charles and Buddy go out with identical twins, but they think they are dating the same girl.

• _{Saturday, October 28th, 1989}

  23: Aunt Vanessa

  Jamie wants to move to New York and live with Charles' aunt.

• _{Saturday, November 4th, 1989}

  24: It's a Blunderfull Life

  Charles has a dream about life without him.

• _{Saturday, November 11th, 1989}

  25: Bad Boy

  Charles tutors an ex-con.

• _{Saturday, November 18th, 1989}

  26: Buddy's Daddy

  Buddy's father visits and reveals he is getting a divorce.

Season 5

• _{Saturday, December 30th, 1989}

  1: Summer Together, Fall Apart

  After complaints from the family, Charles tells the children there are no more rules in the house.

• _{Saturday, January 6th, 1990}

  2: Get Thee to a Nuttery

  Buddy decides to become a priest after a near-death experience.

• _{Saturday, January 13th, 1990}

  3: Three Dates and a Walnut

  Walter makes plans with three women on the same night.

• _{Saturday, January 20th, 1990}

  4: Out with the In Crowd

  Jamie tries to join an exclusive group of girls.

• _{Saturday, January 27th, 1990}

  5: There's a Girl in My Ficus

  Charles' girlfriend Jennifer (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen) tells a lie about Buddy in order to get rid of him.

• _{Saturday, February 3rd, 1990}

  6: Judge Not Lest Ye Beheaded

  Charles is the judge of a beauty pageant where Jamie, Sarah, and both of Charles' girlfriends are contestants.

• _{Saturday, February 10th, 1990}

  7: Baby Bummer

  Buddy offers to help out Adam with babysitting, but he ends up forgetting the little girl at the diner.

• _{Saturday, February 17th, 1990}

  8: Paper Covers Rock

  A tabloid shows pictures of Charles with a rock star (Samantha Fox), and everyone thinks they're in a relationship.

• _{Saturday, February 24th, 1990}

  9: Child Hoods

  Charles' old friends come to visit.

• _{Saturday, March 3rd, 1990}

  10: Advice and Contempt

  Jamie gets upset when she thinks Charles is trying to make her boyfriend stop seeing her.

• _{Saturday, April 28th, 1990}

  11: Daffy Doc

  Buddy enters a mental hospital to do research, but they make him a patient.

• _{Saturday, May 5th, 1990}

  12: Buddy Flips a Disc

  Buddy wins a contest to be a disc jockey for a day at the diner.

• _{Saturday, May 12th, 1990}

  13: Brain Man

  Buddy gets tested for ESP and starts to predict the future.

• _{Saturday, May 19th, 1990}

  14: Don't Rock the Vote!

  Jamie and Sarah run for class president against each other. Buddy and Charles start fighting again which leads to a food fight erupting in the diner.

• _{Saturday, May 26th, 1990}

  15: Let's Quake a Deal

  Charles invents a device that will help people prepare for earthquakes.

• _{Saturday, June 2nd, 1990}

  16: Up Your IQ

  When a boy thinks Jamie is shallow, she talks to Charles' intelligent girlfriend.

• _{Saturday, June 9th, 1990}

  17: All That Chaz

  An accidental bump on the head turns Charles into Chaz again.

• _{Saturday, August 25th, 1990}

  18: Frankie and Mommy

  Lillian sees an old boyfriend.

• _{Saturday, September 1st, 1990}

  19: Lost Resort

  Charles works at a hotel in Hawaii with Buddy's cousin. (A pilot to a possible spin-off which never materialized.)

• _{Saturday, September 8th, 1990}

  20: Dead Puck Society

  Charles is the substitute teacher in Sarah's class, and Sarah's partner lets her do all the work on an assignment

• _{Saturday, September 15th, 1990}

  21: La Cage Aux Fools

  Charles and Buddy protest animal testing at their college.

• _{Saturday, September 22nd, 1990}

  22: Teacher's Pest

  Walter takes a history class that Charles teaches.

• _{Saturday, October 20th, 1990}

  23: Almost Family

  Charles visits his aunt Sally at her car wash. (A pilot to a possible spin-off which never materialized.)

• _{Saturday, October 27th, 1990}

  24: Seeing Is Believing

  Charles gets trapped in an elevator with a blind woman.

• _{Saturday, November 3rd, 1990}

  25: Fair Exchange

  Sarah visits her relatives in Albuquerque and a foreign exchange student that is living with them. (A pilot to a possible spin-off which never materialized.)

• _{Saturday, November 10th, 1990}

  26: Charles Be DeMille

  Sarah puts on a show to raise money, and Charles directs while preparing for an interview to get into Princeton.