Diff'rent Strokes: Episode Guide
#1. Movin' In (Pilot) (original airdate: 11/03/78 - #101)
Multi-millionaire Phillip Drummond, who has agreed to the death-bed wish
of his housekeeper to raise her two small sons as his own, welcomes 8-year-old Arnold
and 12-year-old Willis into his lavish penthouse. Anxious to make them feel at home,
he showers them with gifts and love -- and is puzzled when he learns that the boys are
planning to sneak from the lap of luxury back to Harlem. Aiding Drummond in his
effort to make the street-wise, ghetto youngsters feel welcome in the affluent white world
are Drummond's new housekeeper Mrs. Garrett and his 13-year-old daughter Kimberly.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#2. The Social Worker (11/10/78 - #102)
Arnold's eavesdropping leads to trouble when a misunderstanding causes Willis and him
to think that Mr. Drummond no longer wants them around; he has heard Drummond tell a social
worker that "black children belong with black families."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Ellen Travolta as Ms. Aimsly, J.A. Preston as Geoffrey Thompson and
Fran Bennett as Olivia Thompson
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#3. Mother's Last Visit (11/17/78 - #103)
Mr. Drummond's socialite and rather snobbish mother arrives and finds there's a lot
she doesn't like about her son's new sons, but she soon learns a valuable lesson about
what's really important in a person.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest stars: Irene Tedrow as Mrs. Drummond and Richard Fults as Doorman
#4. The Spanking (12/01/78 - #104)
Arnold ignores warnings and continues to drop water balloons from the balcony.
Mr. Drummond's decision to punish Arnold for the prank with a spanking becomes a learning
lesson for Willis too, when he insists that he be the one to spank Arnold -- but
where's Arnold?
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest stars: Frank Farmer as Policeman, Jerry Marshak as Little Boy, and Weldon
Bleiler as Maintenance Man
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#5. Prep School (11/24/78 - #105)
When Mr. Drummond tries to get Arnold and Willis into an exclusive prep school,
it turns out to be just a little too exclusive for everyone's tastes.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Charlotte Rae, Gary Coleman, and Todd Bridges
Guest Star: Howard Morton as Miles Bordinay
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#6. Goodbye Dolly (12/08/78 - #106)
When Arnold loses his favorite doll, he makes sure that his misery is
shared equally by the various members of his household, who soon try everything
to get it back.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Charlotte Rae, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Star: Jack Riley as Miles Monroe
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#7. The Trial (12/15/78 - #107)
When Arnold is in trouble for putting his goldfish in Mr. Drummond's hot tub,
Willis insists that it is wrong to convict him without a trial. The whole family,
with Mrs. Garrett as judge, comes up with an important verdict.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Charlotte Rae, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#8. The Fight (01/05/79 - #108)
Willis puts Arnold in training to fight the local bully, but Mr. Drummond
insists more civilized solutions be employed.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Charlotte Rae, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#9. The Club Meeting (01/12/79 - #109)
Willis invites his neighborhood club from Harlem to visit, but things get out
of hand when he tries to impress them with his new wealth.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Charlotte Rae, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest stars: "Pop" Atmore as Bubba, Anthony Thompkins as Vernon, Brian
Salmon as Charles, and Tony Williams as William
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#10. The Woman (01/19/79 - #110)
Mr. Drummond's intention to marry an attractive widow doesn't meet with his children's
approval, and Arnold, Willis and Kimberly devise a scheme they hope will turn his
"romantic" proposal into a disaster.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Charlotte Rae, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Star: Elinor Donahue as Diane Sloane
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#11. No Time For Arnold (01/26/79 - #111)
A lonely Arnold comes up with a method of gaining his family's attention. Unfortunately
his plan works a little too well; he ends up with everyone's attention, including the
family doctor.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#12. The Relative (02/02/79 - #112)
LaWanda Page guest stars as a cousin of Willis and Arnold who, after seeing the boys
in their comfortable new surroundings, knows she should stay closer to her long-lost
little relatives.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Star: La Wanda Page as Myrtle Waters
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#13. The Tutor (02/09/79 - #113)
Drummond hires a tutor for Willis and Arnold who does practically everything
but teach.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Star: Barry Diamond as Danny Rose
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#14. The New Landlord (02/16/79 - #114)
The kids devise a scheme hoping to make Arnold convince the new landlord to let
the family keep the penthouse.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Jack Riley as Charles Sutton, Erica Yohn as Emily Sutton, and Deborah
Zon as Barbie
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#15. Willis' Privacy (02/23/79 - #115)
To get rid of his pesty little brother, Willis divides the bedroom in half
and spends more time at his friend's house.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Star: Anthony Thompkins as Vernon
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#16-17. Retrospective (12/29/78 - #116 / one-hour episode)
Mr. Drummond and family gather around their Christmas tree and recall the many
humorous incidents that the family has shared since Arnold and Willis moved in. This
special one-hour episode features highlights from previous shows.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Directed by Herbert Kenwith
#18. Mrs. Garrett's Crisis (03/02/79 - #117)
When Mrs. Garrett decides her life as a housekeeper is unfulfilling, she ends up
being a guest in the Drummond home, and then makes an important decision concerning
the future.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
#19. The Job (aka Willis' Job) (03/16/79 - #118)
In order to earn the money to buy disco skates, and to prove a point to Mr.
Drummond, Willis gets a job...but is fired on his first working day.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
#20. Getting Involved (04/06/79 - #119)
When Arnold is witness to a hold up, the robber tries to ensure that the
youngster will not identify him.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Ron Feinberg as Detective Morrison, Carl Byrd as Mr. Adams, Mr. Kwambe
as Lawrie Osag, John Mayer as Photographer, and Michael Lamont as Officer
#21-22. The Trip (Special with "Hello, Larry") (03/30/79 - #120 / one-hour episode / crossover with Hello, Larry)
The stars of "Diff'rent Strokes" and "Hello, Larry" get together in a special,
hilarious hour in which Phillip Drummond realizes that the purchase of a Portland
radio station could mean the loss of a job for his old friend Larry Alder.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Hello, Larry Cast: McLean Stevenson as Larry Alder, Kim Richards as Ruthie, Donna
Wilkes as Diane, Joanna Gleason as Morgan Winslow, and George Memmoli as Carl
#23. Willis' Birthday (04/13/79 - #121)
Willis is hurt when he thinks his family has forgotten his upcoming birthday.
After dropping several unsubtle hints he discovers that not only has everyone
remembered, but also his fondest wish has been granted -- a birthday party in his
old Harlem neighborhood.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Anthony Thompkins as Vernon, Brian Salmon as Tiny, Tony Williams as Charles,
LaShonna Dendy as Francine, Betty Bridges as Mrs. Brooks, Carl Mathis Craig as Policeman,
and Scorpio as Luther
Note: Betty Bridges is Todd Bridges' mother.
#24. The Girls School (aka Garrett's Girls) (05/04/79 - #122)
Mrs. Garrett visits Kimberly's school and takes on its pushy principal
with surprising results.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
The Facts of Life Cast: Felice Schachter as Nancy Olson, Kim Fields as Tootie Ramsey,
Julie Piekarski as Sue Ann Weaver, Lisa Whelchel as Blair Warner, Jennifer Rooney
as Jennifer, Peter Hobbs as Mr. Robinson, Laura Shuman as Laura, and Jack
Riley as Mr. Crocker
Notes: This was the pilot episode for The Facts of Life series.
The school was called Eastlake and not Eastland in the pilot episode. This episode
was taped April 19th, 1979.
Season 2 (1979-1980)
#25. Arnold's Hero (aka The Hero) (10/24/79 - #201)
Arnold's wildest dream is realized when he comes face-to-knee with
"The Champ" -- special guest star Muhammad Ali. When the meeting arranged by
Mr. Drummond between Arnold and his idol, Muhammad Ali, falls through, Kimberly
and Willis concoct a wild scheme to insure that Arnold's dream will come true.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Charlotte Rae, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Muhammad Ali as himself, James Cromwell as Father O'Brien, and John
Starr as the Waiter
#26. Arnold's Girlfriend (Part 1) (09/21/79 - #202)
Arnold has appendicitis and Drummond has to deal with the bigotry of Fred
Tanner, a potential housing project investor whose daughter is the key to getting Arnold
to sit still for the operation.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Dabney Coleman as Fred Tanner, Rachel Jacobs as Alice Tanner, Kip King
as Dr. Padnick, Bill Henderson as the Attendent, and Elaine Appleton as Nurse
Note: Originally aired as an one-hour episode, the premiere of the 2nd season.
#27. Arnold's Girlfriend (Part 2) (09/21/79 - #203)
Arnold's life is endangered when the kids find out they can't share a room
in the hospital and run away on the eve of Arnold's surgery.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Dabney Coleman as Fred Tanner, Rachel Jacobs as Alice Tanner, Kip King
as Dr. Padnick, Bill Henderson as the Attendent, and Rana Ford as Nurse Dener
#28-29. Feudin' and Fussin' (09/28/79 - #204 / one-hour episode / crossover with Hello, Larry)
Arnold's well-intentioned endorsement of Larry Alder's hosting talents to a New
York TV big-wig gives Larry the opportunity of a lifetime and brings the
"Hello, Larry" family to the big apple for a special one-hour episode. Larry's try-out
as a New York television talk-show house may be doomed from the start, one disaster
follows another and not everyone on the Alder team may be rooting for him to win
the job.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Hello, Larry Cast: McLean Stevenson as Larry Alder, Joanna Gleason as Morgan,
Kim Richards as Ruthie, Krista Errickson as Diane, and Meadowlark Lemon as Meadowlark
Guest Stars: Bobby Ramsen as Ted Green, Bobby Herbeck as Stage Manager, and
Gloria Carlin as Dr. Watkins
#30. Mrs. Garrett's Romance (10/12/79 - #205)
The Drummond household's curiosity over Mrs. Garrett's new beau turns first to
surprise and then to alarm. Mrs. Garrett is in a dither over her first date with
Leon, especially when it is followed by a very important question.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Star: Philip Charles MacKenzie as Leon
#31. The Adoption (Part 1) (10/31/79 - #206)
The Drummond family celebrates the day Arnold and Willis are supposed to
be officially adopted until the visit of a "relative" leaves their plans in jeopardy.
Whitman Mayo guest stars as Jethro Simpson, who sees his way to go from junk to jewels
in a last will and testament leaving a fortune to Willis and Arnold.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Whitman Mayo as Jethro Simpson, Sue Ann Gilfillan as
Ms. Harrison, Stymie Beard as the Man, James Reynolds as Mr. Payton, and
Bob Rockwell as Mr. Bishop
#32. The Adoption (Part 2) (11/07/79 - #207)
It appears that Mr. Drummond's attempts to adopt Arnold and Willis will be
aborted by a conniving junk dealer until the boys take matters into their own
hands. Whitman Mayo guest stars as "long-lost relative" Jethro Simpson who has
arrived with a letter supposedly written by the boys' father, leaving Arnold and
Willis in his custody.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Whitman Mayo as Jethro Simpson, James Reynolds as Mr. Payton,
Bob Rockwell as Tom Bishop, and Walter Stocker as the Narrator
#33. Birds and Bees (10/19/79 - #208)
Willis' fishy version of the facts of life leaves Arnold with misconceptions and
Mr. Drummond on tender hooks. Arnold repeats his "knowledge" to a neighbor's daughter,
but the girl's mother is not amused.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Star: Enid Kent as Mrs. Martino
#34. Father and Son Day (11/14/79 - #209)
Willis' cut-throat competitiveness with another boy at his gym leads him
to a decision that he will very much regret, especially after it hurts Mr. Drummond
and gives Arnold the right to say "I told you so." Baseball great Reggie Jackson makes
his acting debut playing a key, but unsuspecting role in Willis' questionable scheme.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Reggie Jackson as Larry, Mark Davitt as James Hamilton, Sr., and Erik
Moses as James Hamilton, Jr.
#35. The Rivals (12/05/79 - #210)
Arnold and Willis' relationship is threatened when a fickle female classmate, the object
of Arnold's affection, turns her attention toward Willis. Arnold's first love is also his
first lesson in jealously as he competes with Willis for the same girl.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Star: Donniece Jackson as Lurleen
#36-37. Thanksgiving Crossover (11/28/79 - #211 / one-hour episode / crossover with Hello, Larry)
The Alders and the Drummonds are together again in New York, and Arnold, Willis
and Kimberly plan a second Thanksgiving feast with friends Diane and Ruthie. But even
the huge Drummond penthouse isn't big enough to hold the exploding tempers that threaten
Phil and Larry's long-standing relationship, on a special one-hour episode featuring the
stars of "Hello, Larry." Morgan and all the kids get caught up in the feud when
Larry learns friendship doesn't necessarily make for good business.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Hello, Larry Cast: McLean Stevenson as Larry Alder, Joanna Gleason as Morgan,
Kim Richards, as Ruthie, Krista Errickson as Diane, and William Pierson as Bartender
#38. Hot Watch (12/12/79 - #212)
Discovered in the wrong place at the wrong time, Willis and Arnold become prime
suspects when their neighbor's apartment is robbed and they're caught with one of the
stolen items. Mr. Drummond is convinced of his sons' innocence even though Willis'
fingerprints are all over the place.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Gordon Oas-Heim as Mr. Hanlon, Elizabeth Talbot Martin as Mrs. Benson,
Elaine Appleton as Tenant #1, and Diane Duncan as Tenant #2
#39. The Dog Story (aka A Dog Story) (12/19/79 - #213)
Arnold saves a dog's life, is bitten and then the dog is needed to save Arnold.
The Drummond household members frantically search for the ungrateful canine, while
Arnold faces a series of rabies shots or death.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: James Hong as Mr. Lee, Dorothy Meyer as Mrs. Keith, Gracia Lee
as Woman #1, and Olive Dunbar as Woman #2
#40. The Election (01/09/80 - #214)
Drummond puts his convictions on the line to run for city council, and rooting him
on are Arnold, Willis, Kimberly, and an "unexpected" new addition to the household.
Nedra Volz plays Adelaide Brubaker, the small but sassy housekeeper who helps
Drummond mobilize the family for a "win."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, David Sheehan as Roger Murdock,
Charles Thomas Murphy as Jerry Fuller, and Jesse Goins as the Cameraman
#41. Friendly-Mate (01/16/80 - #215)
Mr. Drummond is in "double-trouble" when Willis and Arnold decide to get him a date.
Feeling a little lonely, Drummond tells the kids what he needs is a little
companionship, so they decide to call a computer dating service.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Vonetta McGee as Lucille, Bobbi Jordan as Joan, and Lee Crawford
as Robin
#42. Big Business (01/30/80 - #216)
Willis and Arnold scheme to make extra "dough" by selling brownies, only to discover
they can't stand the heat of big business and may soon have to get out of the kitchen.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Star: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker
#43. Poor Drummond (01/23/80 - #217)
A crucially important business deal keeps Mr. Drummond on edge and Arnold and
Willis wondering whether they pack for a California vacation or move back to Harlem.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Charlotte Rae
Guest Stars: Robert Rockwell as Tom Bishop and George Pentecost as E.G. Stilson
#44. Return of the Gooch (02/06/80 - #218)
The "Gooch" is back and this time he's terrorizing Arnold, but Arnold plans to be
ready when the bully strikes. In building Arnold's confidence, Willis convinces him that
his martial arts lesson has given him a "killer" foot.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Soon Teck-Oh as Mr. Kim, and Curtis
Wong as Karate Assistant
#45. Valentine's Day Retrospective (aka Valentine's Vigil) (02/13/80 - #219)
Arnold and Willis are trapped in the basement and while they await rescue they
reminisce about their recent past...both the good times and the bad. Arnold insists he
must wear his Superman outfit to the family's Valentine's Day trip to the circus;
the resultant search leads to the basement and a locked door. This show highlights some
of the best moments from the past episodes.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Star: David Bond as the Janitor
#46. Teacher's Pet (02/27/80 - #220)
Parent-teacher night leads Mr. Drummond to a romance with Arnold's teacher and
poor Arnold to the jealousy of his classmates. Arnold tries every trick in the book
to win back his classmates, including one which may have him expelled.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Nedra Volz
Guest Stars: Mary Ann Mobley as Miss Nancy Osborne, Steven Mond as Robbie Jason, and
Shavar Ross as Dudley Ramsey
Note: Mary Ann Mobley would later play the role of Mrs. Drummond in the final season.
This is the first appearance of Robbie (Steven Mond) and Dudley (Shavar Ross) as
Arnold's friends.
#47. Skip Deep or True Blue (aka Guess Who?) (02/20/80 - #221)
Kimberly's new beau, Roger, suggests pairing his sister with Willis for a double-date,
until he finds out the color of his true love's brother. When Kimberly discovers her new
friend is a bigot, her face burns red and then a far darker shade.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Grant Wilson as Roger Morehouse and Melora Hardin as Emily Morehouse
#48. The Slumber Party (03/12/80 - #222)
Leaving Willis in charge of the house for Kimberly's slumber party is a mistake
Mr. Drummond soon regrets as the ensuing chaos disrupts his own date with a lovely
lady. The Facts of Life stars Mindy Cohn, Kim Fields, Julie Anne Haddock, and Molly
Ringwald guest star.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Kim Fields as Tootie Ramsey, Molly Ringwald as Molly Parker, Julie
Anne Haddock as Cindy, Mindy Cohn as Natalie Green, Carol White as Valerie, Frank
De Vol as Sasha, Don Draper as the Captain, Anthony Thompkins as Vernon, Tony Williams
as Charles, and David Coburn as Jimmy
#49. The Will (aka Arnold Faces Fatality, or Drummond's Will) (03/19/80 - #223)
Arnold fears that his loved ones are checking out of his life when he stumbles
upon Drummond's will and then uncovers the fact that his goldfish has given up the
ghost.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker and John Starr as the Messenger
#50. The Squealer (03/26/80 - #224)
Willis seeks comradeship as a member of the Tarantulas, a street gang, but finds
only deceit as he gets caught in a web of misplace loyalties. Willis allows himself
to be arrested rather than "squeal" on his fellow-gang members by telling the truth.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Ron Feinberg as Detective Morrison, Dan Spector as Lenny, Michael
Twain as Mr. Clark, David Coburn as Jimmy, and Erik Moses as Mike
Season 3 (1980-1981)
#51. It's Magic (aka The Magician) (03/11/81 - #301)
Arnold's "famous" magic disappearing act, designed to impress a magazine
reporter and special guest star Dallas Cowboys' defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones,
leaves him dangerously high and dry, with no place to go but down -- about
30 stories.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Ed "Too Tall" Jones as himself and Veronica Redd as Ms. Buxton
#52. The Bank Job (Part 1) (11/12/80 - #302)
Willis accompanies Arnold as he sets out to withdraw some money from his bank
account to pay for his first "real" date, but two bank robbers force a change
of plans when they attempt their own, very large withdrawal, in the first episode
of a special two-part story.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest stars: Kim Fields as Tootie Ramsey, Mike Cavanaugh as Woody, Jesse Goins as Thomas, Dick
O'Neill as Captain Burns, Billy Beck as the Guard, James Reynolds as Mr. Gibson, John
Starr as the Man Teller, Elaine Appleton as Lillian, Delores Cantu as Alicia, Kurt
Smildsin as Policeman #1, and Geoff Edwards as TV Reporter
#53. The Bank Job (Part 2) (11/12/80 - #303)
Drummond offers himself and his company airplane as hostages to protect Arnold
and Willis, but his sons' future hangs in the balance when the robbers announce
their own very different choice of hostages, in the conclusion of a special two-part
story.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest stars: Kim Fields as Tootie Ramsey, Mike Cavanaugh as Woody, Jesse Goins as Thomas, Dick
O'Neill as Captain Burns, Billy Beck as the Guard, James Reynolds as Mr. Gibson, John
Starr as the Man Teller, Elaine Appleton as Lillian, Delores Cantu as Alicia, Kurt
Smildsin as Policeman #1, Geoff Edwards as TV Reporter, Justin Mastro as the Delivery Boy,
and Victor Rivas as the SWAT Man
#54. Football Father (12/17/80 - #304)
After Arnold fails to measure up to the demands of the basketball, baseball and volleyball
teams, Drummond convinces the boy to try football on for size and then pays the coach
a clandestine visit to ensure Arnold a place on the team.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Greg Mullavey as Coach Slattery, Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Le Tari
as Mr. Ted Ramsey, Pat Mulligan as Mr. Green, Shavar Ross as Dudley Ramsey, Meeno Peluce
as Miller, and Angela Newell as Cynthia Needleman
Note: This is Le Tari's first appearance as Dudley's father, Ted Ramsey.
#55. Small Claims Court (11/19/80 - #305)
Arnold has his day in court when an unfortunate "train" of events puts him at
odds with a less than understanding merchant.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Paul Kent as Judge Roscoe C. Briggs, Milt Kogan as Mr. Haskell, Lennie
Bremen as Mr. Newhouse, Jilia Calderon as Mrs. Spangler, and Shirley Neal as the Clerk
#56. Substitute Mother (11/26/80 - #306)
Arnold falls head-over-heels for a temporary housekeeper and embarks on a romantic
scheme he hopes will make her a permanent member of the Drummond household.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Denise Nicholas as Sondra Williams and Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker
#57. The Accident (Part 1) (12/03/80 - #307)
The festive family celebration of Drummond's 50th birthday suddenly becomes a
disaster after a drunk driver puts Drummond in the hospital, unconscious, his life hanging
in the balance, in the first episode of a special two-part story.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Robert Ginty as Ron Connolly,
Tom Rosqui as Dr. Benson, Gino Gallego as Nurse #1, Rana Ford as Nurse #2, and Cyndi
Cardinal as Telegram Girl
Note: Originally aired as an one-hour episode.
#58. The Accident (Part 2) (12/03/80 - #308)
When Drummond finally comes to, he is suffering from amnesia and unless he can
regain his memory, he may lose not only his business, but also custody of Arnold,
Willis and Kimberly.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Robert Ginty as Ron Connolly,
Tom Rosqui as Dr. Benson, Gino Gallego as Nurse #1, Rana Ford as Nurse #2, and Cyndi
Cardinal as Telegram Girl
#59. Count Your Blessings (01/07/81 - #309)
Arnold tries a regimen of stretching exercises and a change of diet to
speed his growth, but Drummond finds he must go to a very special source to get
the boy to accept that he will never be tall.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Melanie Watson as Kathy Gordon, Joan Welles as Dorothy Gordon,
and Rhoda Gemignani as the Doctor
Note: This is Melanie Watson's first of four appearances as Kathy Gordon.
#60. Little Mother (12/10/80 - #310)
Kimberly's efforts to help a pregnant girl friend have Willis and Arnold
convinced the Kimberly's the one expecting.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Kari Michaelsen as Ellen Marshall and Claude Earl Jones as Ed Marshall
#61. First Love (12/31/80 - #311)
Drummond orders Willis to spend more time with his studies and less time with
his "first love," but Willis and Arnold concoct a plan they're sure will fulfill the wishes
of both father and son.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Janet Jackson as Charlene DuPrey,
and Arthur Burghardy as Mr. DuPrey
Note: This is Janet Jackson's first appearance as Willis' girlfriend Charlene DuPrey.
#62. The Loan (01/14/81 - #312)
Arnold learns the true value of a dollar when Drummond turns down his request
to lend $4,000 to the apartment building doorman anxious to take part in an
attractive business deal.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Tommy Aguilar as Mannie and Dave Johnson as the Announcer
#63. Roots (01/21/81 - #313)
Willis and Arnold turn the Drummond household upside down as they try to
prove to their old Harlem neighbors -- and themselves -- that they haven't
lost tough with their cultural roots.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Lee Chamberlain as Dr. Chadway,
Erik Moses as Oscar, and Tony Williams as Charles
#64. Junk Food (aka Junk Food Junkie) (01/28/81 - #314)
Arnold's poor dental checkup and a visit by Drummond's health-conscious
sister, Sophia, launches Drummond on a campaign to have "junk" food machines
banned from Arnold's school, even though Arnold's drive for his class'
presidency may depend on keeping the machines in place.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Dody Goodman as Aunt Sophia, Lillian Lehman as Miss Rawls,
Shavar Ross as Dudley Ramsey, and Steven Mond as Robbie Jason
#65. The Bus (02/04/81 - #315)
Arnold's excitement at being one of a small group of students in an exchange
program with an all-white school is turned to fear by a threatening phone call from
a zealous busing opponent.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Hector Elias as Mr. Martinez, Cal Gibson as Mr. Davis, David Moses as
Mr. Robinson, David Partington as Picket #2, Russell Shannon as Picket #1, Saundra
Sharp as Mrs. Robinson, Perla Walter as Mrs. Martinez, and Virginia Wing as
Mrs. Chung
#66. The Older Man (02/25/81 - #316)
Through Blair's makeup artistry, 15-year-old Kimberly discovers she can pass
for 20, but when she accepts a date with a 25-year-old and the passes start
flying, she finds there may be more to being older than looking it.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Lisa Whelchel as Blair Warner, Mindy Cohn as Natalie Green, Lou
Richards as Mike, Mickey Morton as Man #1, Julia Calderon as Woman #1,
Bobby Herbeck as Man #2, Verda Bridges as Woman #2
Note: Verda Bridges is Todd Bridges' sister.
#67. Where There's Hope (03/04/81 - #317)
Arnold's tenth birthday party means a lot to him, but for some reason it
means a whole lot more to the one person he's determined won;t be invited -- a pesky
young lady who always tries just too hard to be friends.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Monika Furness as Susie Moore, Brad English as Mr. Moore, Pat
Finley as Mrs. Moore, Shavar Ross as Dudley Ramsey, and Edward Neely as Chubby
#68. Almost American (04/01/81 - #318)
Arnold's dejection at being grounded for a "D" on a history test turns
to inspiration after an immigrant studying for naturalization introduces him
to another perspective on America.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Maureen McNamara as Catherine Armstrong, Richard Yniguez as Rudy,
Rob Ari as Miles, Rosalind Chao as Ming Li, Ernie Hudson as Kwame, Anna Bjorn
as Kristin, and Brad Trumbull as Detective Simpson.
Notes: This was the unsold pilot episode of a potential series.
Rosalind Chao would later play Miss Chung, Arnold's teacher.
#69. Drummond's Fair Lady (03/18/81 - #319)
Drummond runs into some stiff competition to the candidate he's chosen to
head a new division of his company -- his board members think the attractive
young executive's sex disqualifies her -- and his family thinks he's
being used.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Wendy Fulton as Rebecca Saunders, Russell Arms as Howie,
Edward Penn as Marty, and Jimmy Weldon as Ben
#70. The Ancestors (03/25/81 - #320)
Drummond and his sister Sophia inherit a prime piece of land in Harlem from
a long lost ancestor, but their plan to dedicate it to a cultural center in his
name could spell disaster if the truth of their ancestor's life gets out.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Dody Goodman as Aunt Sophia, Rick Fitts as Jason Collins, and
Erik Moses as Oscar
#71. Room For One More (05/06/81 - #321)
A classmate, fearing his foster father's lost job means he's headed back
to the orphanage, cons Arnold into getting Drummond to consider adopting him
into their family.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Shavar Ross as Dudley, and
Le Tari as Mr. Ramsey
#72. Growing Up (10/29/81 - #322)
His friends' stories of their sexual exploits convince Willis it's time he
"became a man"--now he must convince his steady girl friend Charlene.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Janet Jackson as Charlene, Robin LaValley (off-camera voice), and
Michael Chain (off-camera voice)
#73. The Model (11/12/81 - #323)
Kimberly hopes a summer job will make her more independent, but when it becomes
an undreamt chance at international modeling, it may be more independence than her father
will agree to.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Madlyn Rhue as Tina Claremont,
Thyais Walsh as Beverly, and Laura Kamins as Carol
Note: This episode was made during season 3, but aired in season 4.
#74. The Athlete (05/13/81 - #324)
The coach of the city's top high school baseball team is after Willis and is prepared
to do anything to make it possible for Willis to attend his school.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Jack Knight as Coach Stockwood and John Starr as the Mailman
Season 4 (1981-1982)
#75. The Ski Weekend (12/10/81 - #401)
Kimberly must face the biggest decision of her life -- whether to spend a ski
weekend with a popular boy or turn down the opportunity to get away on her own and
remain, in her mind, daddy's "little girl."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Dana Kimmell as Michelle, Jon Caliri as Tony, and Mark Neely as Ron
#76. First Day Blues (11/05/81 - #402)
Willis has the normal jitters on his first day of high school, and in
his hurry to make friends, hooks up with a bad group, goes overboard to impress
them, and, for his efforts could wind up in jail.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Kim Fields as Tootie, Brian Whitley as Art, Paul Carafotes as Doug,
Michael Sharrett as Henry, Renee Jones as The Girl, Joe DeCenzo as Julio,
and Clarence Gilyard, Jr. as The Student
#77. The Team (11/19/81 - #403)
A happy household is torn by the repercussions of meeting racial quotas -- Drummond
faces a lawsuit when he hires a black man from outside his company for a prized
executive position and Willis seeks justice when told his color is the only thing
preventing him from making the school's predominantly black basketball team.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Kim Fields as Tootie, Philip Sterling as Conroy, Todd Lookinland
as Eddie, and Don Dolan as Coach Nichols
#78. Hello, Daddy (01/14/82 - #404)
Does Drummond have a third son -- there's a young man at the door who claims
he does and that he is.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Dody Goodman as Aunt Sophia, Nobu McCarthy as Hi-Sook Chun, and
Keone Young as David Chun
#79. The Big Heist (11/26/81 - #405)
Arnold is elated when he's accepted into an "elite" club at school, but his
membership could lead to consequences far beyond his wildest dreams when he learns
he must commit a crime as part of his secret initiation.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Robert Rockwell as Tom Bishop, Rhoda Gemignani as Mrs. Craig,
Fred Pinkard as Judge Biscaye, William Lanteau as the clerk, John Brandon as
the Policeman, and John Moskoff as the Baliff
#80. Double Date (aka Blind Date) (12/03/81 - #406)
Arnold's big plans for his first real "date" are quickly deflated when
parental-imposed restrictions threaten to ruin his encounter before it ever
gets off the ground.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Dena Crowder as Diane, and Bobby Herbeck
as the Waiter
#81. Health Club (12/17/81 - #407)
Arnold and Willis face a puzzling dilemma -- how to tell Drummond that the award
he worked so hard for comes from a health club with a "restricted membership."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Macon McCalman as George Endicott,
and Jack Knight as Mr. Barrett
#82. Jilted (01/21/82 - #408)
When Willis takes his steady girl friend for granted, his selfishness sends
her out with another guy -- who won't ignore her, but there may be hope for
happiness if a self-appointed Cupid succeeds in his plan.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Janet Jackson as Charlene and Dion Williams as Barry
#83. Burial Ground (01/07/82 - #409)
Arnold and Willis go on a hunger strike to save a historic landmark when they
learn construction by Drummond's company may destroy what could be an
ancient Indian burial ground.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Ned Romero as John Longwalker,
and Charles Thomas Murphy as Cliff Hammer
#84. The Squatter (02/18/82 - #410)
Drummond learns the hard way that converting apartments into condominiums
can mean hurting lots of innocent people when he becomes the unsuspecting
"victim" of an eccentric tenant he's displacing.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Audrey Meadows as Mrs. Martinson, John McCook as Tom Wallce, Sam
Ahamshak as the older Cop, Leonard Lightfoot as the younger Cop, Gary Krakower as the Cameraman,
Robin LaValley as the Sound-Woman
#85. Kathy (02/04/82 - #411)
Arnold and his friend Kathy face big challenges in their lives and each holds
the key to overcoming the other's obstacles, but when Arnold takes the first step
forward, their entire relationship takes a big step backwards.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Melanie Watson as Kathy Gordon, Rosalind
Chao as Miss Chung, Joan Welles as Dorothy Gordon, and Steven Mond as Robbie
Note: This is Rosalind Chao's first appearance as the teacher, Miss Chung.
#86. Dreams (01/28/82 - #412)
A cancelled fishing trip leaves Arnold having a series of bad dreams that the entire
family loses sleep over, until a psychiatrist's examination reveals what really
is causing his nighttime terror.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Star: Lee Chamberlain as Dr. Tucker
#87. Fire (02/11/82 - #413)
A fire traps Drummond and his family in their penthouse and has him "working"
overtime trying to protect them without letting on that there's anything
wrong.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Dody Goodman as Aunt Sophia, Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, and
Paul Kent as Chief Scott
#88. The Car (02/25/82 - #414)
When his girl friend plans on taking a drive with someone else, a "carless" Willis -- refusing
to be outdone -- gets an idea for a real joy ride neither of them will forget.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Dody Goodman as Aunt Sophia, Janet Jackson as Charlene, and Vance
Davis as the Policeman
#89. Crime Story (Part 1) (aka Crime in the Schools) (03/11/82 - #415)
Arnold and his friend Dudley are scared to death by two teenage bullies
who pose the intimidating demand "your lunch money or your life," in the
first episode of a special two-part story.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Shannon Presby as Eddie, and Sal Lopez as Roberto
#90. Crime Story (Part 2) (aka Crime in the Schools) (03/18/82 - #416)
Arnold doesn't know when to leave well enough alone -- after Willis comes to
his rescue, he gets himself involved in an "undercover" scheme to capture the
"punks" at school who have been harrassing him, in the conclusion of a special
two-part story.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Shannon Presby as Eddie, and Sal Lopez as Roberto
#91. B.M.O.C. (03/25/82 - #417)
Willis' obsession with joining an "exclusive" high school club rocks the
Drummond household and leaves several victims in its wake, including a shaken
Arnold who takes his brother's "insensitive" actions to heart.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Bobby Herbeck as the Waiter,
Tony Lettieri as Charlie, Brian Whitley as Roy, and Rick Moser as Herman
#92. Green Hair (04/01/82 - #418)
An adamant Drummond ignores sister Sophia's pleas to get involved in a group
effort to combat air pollution, until Kimberly becomes victimized by
the unnatural phenomenon.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Dody Goodman as Aunt Sophia, Damian London as Dr. Johannson, and
David Wallace as Jeff
#93. Have I Got a Girl For You (04/08/82 - #419)
Aunt Sophia's matchmaking unites an unsuspecting Drummond with her
"working-class" hairdresser, but a slip of Arnold's tongue ignites charges that
Drummond is a snob -- turning a "budding romance" into a roaring feud.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Dody Goodman as Aunt Sophia, Candy Azzara as Dolores, and Verda
Bridges as Mary
Note: Verda Bridges is Todd Bridges' sister.
#94. Lifesavers (04/15/82 - #420)
A quick-thinking, fast-acting Willis saves Arnold from a newer-fatal
accident and in doing so unleashes an adoring monster who dedicates his
life to repaying his "hero."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Sol Trager as Mike, and Jack
O'Leary as Mr. Kruger
#95. Stress? What Stress? (04/22/82 - #421)
Stress is diagnosed as the cause of hard-working Drummond's frequent attacks
of pain, but suddenly young, healthy and "normal" Willis learns that he, too,
is a prime candidate for the same debilitating "attacks."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker and James Cromwell as the Delivery Man
#96. The Music Man (05/06/82 - #422)
Willis sets what he's sure is a "cinch" audition for girl friend Charlene
to sing with his musical group, but his "big plane" hit a sour not when
Arnold's intervention threatens to destroy both Charlene's chances with the group
and her relationship with Willis.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Janet Jackson as Charlene,
H.B. Barnum as H.B., Darren Sullivan as Darren, Kerry Ashby as Kerry,
and Art Wilson as Art
#97. On Your Toes (05/20/82 - #423)
A famed choreographer encourages Arnold to learn ballet, but his youthful
dancing days could be numbered when Willis' taunting remarks convice Arnold
to drop out of an upcoming recital.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Roger C. Carmel as Dmitri Kuznetsov, Lilyan Chauvin as
Zenashkaya Rokova, Karin Vosberg as Becky, and Larry Rosenberg as Dancer
#98. Short But Sweet (05/13/82 - #424)
Arnold feels shortchanged -- he's growing older but he's not getting any
taller and he's convinced that's the reason why he doens't have a girl friend.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, and Todd Bridges
Guest Stars: Nedra Volz as Adelaide Brubaker, Janet Jackson as Charlene, Shavar
Ross as Dudley, Christy Murrill as Teresa, Dain C. Turner as Billy, Steven Mond
as Robbie, and Danyetta Hughes as Kathy
Season 5 (1982-1983)
#99. Shoot-Out at the O.K. Arcade (10/02/82 - #501)
Arnold is determined to defeat brother Willis at his own game and dethrone him
as local video game champ, but in doing so Arnold's passion becomes a destructive
"addiction" that could have serious consequences.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Rosalind Chao as Miss Chung, Shavar Ross as Dudley, and Steven Mond
as Robbie
#100. In the Swim (10/09/82 - #502)
Willis is completely supportive of Kimberly's transfer into his public school,
until his sister's "innocent" actions begin getting him into hot water.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Janet Jackson as Charlene, Duke Stroud as Christopher Miles, Annrae
Walterhouse as Muriel, and Kimberly Kodes as Jan
#101. Big Brother (10/23/82 - #503)
Arnold's got a "can't lose" plan for curing a new classmate's loneliness -- sharing
big brother Willis -- but his kind of intentions leave Arnold feeling like the lonely,
only child.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Joey Lawrence as Joey and Huntz Hall as Happy Wanderer
#102. Cyrano DeJackson (10/16/82 - #504)
Arnold's on the outs with his best friend Dudley after he innocently offers
to help his bashful buddy win the heart of a young lady -- who falls for
Arnold instead.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley and Nikki Swasey as Lisa
#103. Substitute Teacher (11/06/82 - #505)
Arnold and his buddies fabricate a "little white lie" in an attempt to
get rid of an overly-conscientious substitute teacher, but their tell tale
could result in more than just removing the teacher from the classroom -- it
could destroy his entire career.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as Mr. Wilkes, J. Jay Saunders as Mr. Langford,
Rosalind Chao as Miss Chung, Shavar Ross as Dudley, and Steven Mond as Robbie
#104. The Peacemaker (10/30/82 - #506)
Willis' personal safety is in jeopardy when his noble attempt to mediate
a feud between rival gangs backfires, forcing him to take a drastic step to
insure his protection -- purchasing a handgun.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Cosie Costa as Crazy Larry, Jesse Aragon as Heraldo, Arlee Reed as
Billy, Charles Holman Brown as Chuck, Bruce Kluger as Carl
#105. The Older Woman (11/13/82 - #507)
A false I.D. and a false bravado create real problems for Willis and a
beautiful "older" woman when an evening on the town doesn't go quite as he
had planned.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Janet Jackson as Charlene, Shari Belafonte-Harper as Monique,
Nancy Morgan as Kate, Brian Whitley as Art, and Bobby Herbeck as the Pizza Man
#106. Memories (11/27/82 - #508)
A long lost trunk returned to the boys contains a tape recording of their
deceased mother which brings to the surface a previously unrecognized problem
that triggers uncharacteristic behavior from a usually happy-go-lucky Arnold.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: John C. Becher as Jack Darcy and Betty Bridges as voice of Mrs. Jackson
Note: Betty Bridges is Todd Bridges' mother.
#107. A Case of Overexposure (aka Overexposure) (11/20/82 - #509)
Arnold must face the bare facts -- his chances of winning a prestigious school
election seem desperately slim, thanks to an "overexposed" candid campaign
photo taken by sister Kimberly.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Rosalind Chao as Miss Chung, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Steven Mond as
Robbie, and Nikki Swasey as Lisa
#108. Push Comes to Shove (12/04/82 - #510)
Arnold's unexpected confrontation with the new building manager's son leads
to a chilling series of events that could get the entire Drummond family evicted.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Edward Andrews as Mr. Sloan, William Schilling as Louis Garth, and
Brad Kesten as Bobby Garth
#109. The Executives (12/11/82 - #511)
Willis learns that even a little power in the wrong hands can be dangerous when
he oversteps the bounds of his authority in his afterschool job at his father's
office.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Art Kassul as Mr. Duffy and Erik Moses as James Hamilton
#110. Santa's Helper (12/18/82 - #512)
Arnold falls innocent victim to a beguiling street-corner Santa who has
an ulterior financial motive for hiring him as a holiday "helper."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Star: Garrett Morris as Santa (Mr. Jones)
#111. A Growing Problem (01/08/83 - #513)
At 16, Willis thinks he's man enough and old enough to "top" a few drinks with
the guys, but Drummond's objections send Willis storming out of the house intent
on proving his father wrong.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Lawrence Monson as Jerry
#112. Parents Have Rights, Too (01/15/83 - #514)
Drummond's plans for a quiet and private weekend "alone" don't quite work out as
he had intended, when a storm sends Arnold, Willis and Kimberly home from a camping
trip early -- catching him off guard in a compromising situation.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Louise Sorel as Robin Saunders
#113. Independent Woman (01/22/83 - #515)
A new job and a handsome new boss add up to trouble for an innocent Kimberly
when her new employer starts displaying a more than casual interest in her -- hoping
that his "special attention" will help land him a position within Drummond's prestigious
company.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Todd Issacson as Brian, Panchito Gomez as Julio, and Catherine Curry
as Jane
#114. The Bicycle Man (Part 1) (02/05/83 - #516)
Unaware that he's being lured into the carefully crafted trap of a child molester,
Arnold eagerly agrees to perform a simple task in return for an overly generous
reward from a "friendly" neighborhood merchant.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Gordon Jump as Mr. Horton and Shavar Ross as Dudley
#115. The Bicycle Man (Part 2) (02/12/83 - #517)
Arnold and Dudley's "friendship" with a local merchant reaches a dangerous
turning point when, unbeknownst to the boys, the man, who is actually a child
molester, is about to make his move.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Gordon Jump as Mr. Horton, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Le Tari as
Ted Ramsey, and Brad Trumbull as Detective Simpson
#116. Family on Ice (02/19/83 - #518)
Kimberly is overjoyed when Olympic Gold Medalist Dorothy Hamill sees great
promise in her as a competitive figure skater, but she's even more astounded
when Drummond agrees to let her leave the New York "nest" to train full time
with the award-winning skater -- in Los Angeles.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Star: Dorothy Hamill as herself
Note: Dana Plato was training in figure skating for the Olympics when she got the
part on Diff'rent Strokes.
#117. Hall Monitor (02/26/83 - #519)
Arnold's good intentions backfire when his efforts to help his handicapped
friend Kathy adjust to life in public school cost him the esteem of his
classmates and the friendship of pals Dudley and Robbie.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Melanie Watson as Kathy Gordon, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Rosalind Chao
as Miss Chung, Joan Welles as Dorothy Gordon, and Steven Mond as Robbie
#118. The Cricket (03/05/83 - #520)
To try to curb Arnold's run of bad luck, Drummond gives him a pet cricket, but
the Japanese "good luck charm" brings nothing but sleepless nights and dreams
of "pesticide" to the rest of the household.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Steven Mond as Robbie, and Nikki Swasey as Lisa
#119. Roommates (03/12/83 - #521)
The household's turned upside down when Drummond becomes Arnold's roommate for a
week.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
#120. The Reporter (03/19/83 - #522)
Determined to prove he didn't fabricate a story about drug abuse in his grade
school just to win a journalism contest, Arnold takes his article to the New York
City newspaper sponsoring the competition, and when they run his story on the
front page, Arnold receives some unexpected more support from First Lady Nancy Reagan.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Mrs. Nancy Reagan as herself, Rosalind Chao as Miss Chung, J. Jay Saunders
as Mr. Langford, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Steven Mond as Robbie, Nikki Swasey as Lisa,
and David Mendenhall as Sidney
#121. Romeo and Juliet (04/30/83 - #523)
Arnold's Romeo is steeped in more turmoil than Shakespeare ever intended when
he's tricked by his "best friends" into playing opposite arch-nemisis Lisa's Juliet.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Rosalind Chao as Miss Chung, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Steven Mond as
Robbie, Nikki Swasey as Lisa, Gary Waynesmith as Mr. Wether, and Paula Hoffman
as Marsha
#122. My Fair Larry (aka My Fair Lady) (05/07/83 - #524)
School "thug" Larry coerces Willis into teaching him how to "make it" with
girls, but things go from bad to worse when Larry's first target is Willis' sister
Kimberly.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Andrew Clay as Larry, Jami Gertz as Lindsey, and Stephanie Williams
as Stephanie
Season 6 (1983-1984)
#123. Rashomon II (10/22/83 - #601)
Drummond, Willis and Arnold bravely subdue a burglar who had been holding the
family at gunpoint, but the arresting officer is befuddled when the three "crime
fighters" relate differing versions of the apprehension.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Star: Terry Kiser as the Burglar
#124. Where There's Smoke (01/14/84 - #602)
Arnold and Dudley succumb to peer pressure and ignore warnings against cigarette
smoking, only to have the harsh realities brought to light by Dudley's father -- a
chronic smoker.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Le Tari as Ted Ramsey, Steve Rumph as Marty,
Patrick Brennan as Howie, D. White as Glenn, and Marc Bentley as Blake
Note: This episode was postponed from 10/08/83.
#125. The Goat (10/15/83 - #603)
Arnold's first day at junior high is emotionally devastating when he's
shunned for not measuring up to the expectations that everyone had for Willis
Jackson's brother, but Arnold devises a risky scheme that he feels certain
will elevate his prestige.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Steven Mond as Robbie, Sarina Grant as Mrs. Harris,
Martin Ferrero as the Coach, and D. White as Glenn
#126. The Lie (10/29/83 - #604)
Willis' seemingly harmless disregard for the truth turns dangerous when a self-serving
lie about knowing CPR jeopardizes Arnold's life.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley and Macon McCalman as Dr. Kalsa
#127. Coming of Age (12/03/83 - #605)
Kimberly's 18th birthday present from daddy -- a trust fund -- will make her
a wealthy woman, but her free-spirited dreams of independence could be cut short
when Drummond discovers just how she intends to spend her "fortune."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Rhoda Gemignani as Mrs. Valenti, Pierrino Mascarino as Mr. Valenti,
and Dana Kimmell as Michelle
#128. Mr. T and mr. t (10/01/83 - #606)
Arnold's ecstasy over meeting his hero Mr. T goes from elation to emulation when
the young girl he's trying to impress snubs him in favor of his idol. Former bouncer
and bodyguard Mr. T, who came to national prominence as Sylvester Stallone's opponent
in "Rocky III" and was the star of the hit television series "The A-Team," makes
a special guest appearance as "The A-Team's" B.A.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Mr. T as himself, Shavar Ross as Dudley, and Joel Brooks as the Director
#129. Assert Yourself (12/10/83 - #607)
Arnold turns a pal into an opponent when he resigns as Dudley's campaign manager
and declares his own candiacy for class president.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley and Albie Polinsky as Norman Corman
#130. Drafted (11/12/83 - #608)
When 13-year-old Arnold is notified to register for the draft, Drummond's
over reaction to the obvious error turns Arnold's dreams into nightmares.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Ken Olfson as Mr. Cribbs and Alan Blumenfeld as Doug Gordon
#131. The Van Drummonds (11/19/83 - #609)
A short visit to the United States by Phillip Drummond's Dutch cousin Anna and her
son Hans becomes an eternity for Arnold and Willis, who are made scapegoats for cousin
Hans' mischief. In the episode, Conrad Bain and Dana Plato each take on a demanding
dual role assignment. Bain, the temperate wealthy urbane widower Phillip Drummond, doubles
as the stern disciplinarian "female" country cousin from Holland, Anna Van Drummond, and
Ms. Plato, takes on the added challenge of portraying Kimberly's mischievious "male"
cousin Hans.
Cast: Conrad Bain (as Mr. Drummond and Anna Van Drummond, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges,
Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato (as Kimberly and Hans Van Drummond)
#132. Mrs. Z (12/17/83 - #610)
Drummond's provided with police protection of a most unusual kind after his
charitable philanthrophy leads to a $1,000,000 extortion threat against him.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Sheron Chambers as Mrs. Z, John Brandon as Detective Hensen,
Edward Lynch as the Extortionist, and James Gallery as Mr. Philbrick
#133. The Moonlighter (11/26/83 - #611)
Arnold is disappointed to discover that his favorite teacher moonlights as
a cocktail waitress, but he's stunned when he learns why she has to work the second
job. Actress sport commentator and film producer Jayne Kennedy guest stars as Arnold's
moonlighting teacher.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Jayne Kennedy as Mrs. Jenkins/Vickie, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Steven
Mond as Robbie, Zachary Charles as Mr. Nevins, Harvey Solin as Maitre'd, and Geri
Mamo as Tanya
#134. The Houseguest (05/05/84 - #612)
Willis and Charlene's budding young love begins to wilt when she moves in as
a temporary houseguest at the Drummond's. Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson's younger
sister, returns in her role as Willis' girl friend Charlene.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Janet Jackson as Charlene, Danny Cooksey as Sam, Renee Jones as
Rosalyn, and Calvin Mason as Ron
#135. The Senior Class Queen (01/07/84 - #613)
When Kimberly starts a campaign to open the school's Lettermen's Club to
female membership, an embarrassed Willis retaliates with chauvinistic aplomb by
becoming the first male contestant in the Senior Class Beauty Pageant.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: George Pentecost as Mr. Havermeyer, Reginald T. Dorsey as Wally,
Scott Strader as Jeff, Dawn Schroder as Vicki James, and Sherry Yi as Kitty Lee
#136. The Boyfriend (05/12/84 - #614)
Blinded by love, Kimberly takes an enormous and deceptive risk when she talks
her father into allowing her to move into an apartment, allegedly with her girl
friend.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Bob Dubac as David and Dana Kimmell as Michelle
#137. Drummond's Lady (01/21/84 - #615)
Arnold unwittingly solves his father's dilemma -- trying to make romance and
finance go hand-in-hand -- when Drummond finds himself falling for an attractive
local television aerobics instructor that his company is attempting to turn into
an international success. Veteran Broadway and television actress Dixie Carter is
introduced in the role of fitness instructor Maggie McKinney.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Dixie Carter as Maggie McKinney, Pamela Newman as Daisy, and Eric
Lantis as Rodney
#138. The Hitchhikers (Part 1) (01/28/84 - #616)
Kimberly and Arnold break a long-standing family rule and face death when, on their
return from a shopping trip, they find themselves short of cash and decide to hitch
a ride home rather than call home for assistance, in part one of a special two-part
story.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Dana Plato, and Dixie Carter
Guest Star: Woody Eney as Bill
#139. The Hitchhikers (Part 2) (02/04/84 - #617)
Hitchhiking leads to kidnapping for Arnold and Kimberly, but Arnold escapes and he
is so disoriented he is unable to remember the location of the kidnapper's apartment
so that the police can rescue Kimberly who's till being held captive, in the conclusion
of a special two-part story.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Dana Plato, and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Don Dolan as Detective Carlson, Florence Halop as Mrs. Gruber, Shashawnee Hall
as the Policeman, Lennie Bremen as the Man, and Woody Eney as Bill
#140. Hooray for Hollywood (Part 1) (02/11/84 - #618)
Upset over Maggie breaking off their relationship, Drummond chases her
to Hollywood to win back her heart, but while he woos Maggie, Arnold and Dudley
sneak away from a studio tour to find the star of "Knight Rider" and wind up in
a life threatening situation, in part one of a special two-part episode, "Knight Rider"
star David Hasselhoff makes a special appearance as himself.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Dana Plato, Dixie Carter,
and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, John Mansfield as the Director, Frank Richards as
Security Guard, Jim Hurts as Adult Monster, David Anthony as Baby Monster, Starwill
Reed as Phantom of the Opera, Johnny Silver as the Man, Robin LaValley as Tour Guide,
Myles O'Brien as Assistant Manager, and David Hasselhoff as himself
#141. Hooray for Hollywood (Part 2) (02/18/84 - #619)
Arnold's joy over being saved from an explosion by "Knight Rider's" David Hasselhoff
quickly turns to dismay when he learns his father is getting married and a little brother
comes along with the package, in the conclusion of a special two-part episode. "Knight
Rider" star David Hasselhoff makes a special appearance as himself.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, Dixie Carter, and Danny
Cooksey
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Howard Stevens as M.C., John Mansfield as the Director,
Frank Richards as Security Gurd, Bobby Herbeck as Mel, Steve Brady as the Waiter,
and David Hasselhoff as himself
#142. The Wedding (Part 1) (02/25/84 - #620)
Maggie's reaction to a proposed pre-nuptial agreement threatens to hamper
Phillip's happiness -- but could eliminate Arnold's fear about "inheriting" a strict
new mother and a pesky little brother, in part one of a special two-part story.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Dana Plato, Dixie Carter,
and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Carol Bruce as Miss Gilbert, Robert Rockwell as Tom Bishop, and Joe
Ross as Mr. Simpson
Note: This originally aired as an one-hour episode.
#143. The Wedding (Part 2) (02/25/84 - #621)
Their family and friends assembled, Phillip and Maggie meet at the altar, only
to realize each has made a major mistake, in the concluding part of a special two-part
story. Charlotte Rae, Dody Goodman, Janet Jackson and Nedra Volz, each of who had appeared
in recurring roles on "Diff'rent Strokes," return as their original characters for the
Drummond nuptials.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Dana Plato, Dixie Carter,
and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Pat Cranshaw as Mr. Clemens, Charlotte Rae as
Mrs. Garrett, Dody Goodman as Sophia, Janet Jackson as Charlene, Nedra Volz as
Adelaide, Le Tari as Ted Ramsey, Pamela Newman as Daisy, and Robert Rockwell as
Tom Bishop
#144. The Honeymoon's Over (03/03/84 - #622)
Arnold and Pearl fall into a depression when Maggie and Phillip return from
their honeymoon with a temporary eviction notice for Pearl, and orders for Arnold
to babysit for his "tag-along" little brother Sam instead of going to a party.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Dana Plato, Dixie Carter,
and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley and Andre Fox as Angela
#145. The Bar Mitzvah Boy (03/17/84 - #623)
In a quest for religion started by Maggie and his father, Arnold thinks he has
found it after attending an impressive bar mitzvah where his friend "Becomes a man"
at age 13. Milton Berle in a rare serious role makes a special guest appearance
as Rabbi Morris.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dixie Carter, and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, John Hancock as Reverend Thomas, Steven Mond as
Robbie; Robbie Preston Williams, Leona Baxter, Margaret Jenkins, Jozella Reed,
and Cynthia Wakefield as The Ladies of Song; and Milton Berle as Rabbi Morris
#146. Kathy's Olympics (03/24/84 - #624)
The money for the National Wheelchair Games that Arnold's class has raised
and entrusted to him is missing--leaving Arnold embarrassed and his family
"in the dumps." Melanie Watson returns in her recurring role as Kathy, Arnold's
classmate and chairperson of the fund-raising drive.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Dana Plato, Dixie Carter,
and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Melanie Watson as Kathy, and Steven Mond as Robbie
Season 7 (1984-1985)
#147. Bed-Wetting (10/13/84 - #701)
The Drummond household is faced with Sam's bed-wetting problem trying everything
from scolding to fawning, only to have Sam become more frustrated and hurt.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey, and
Dixie Carter
#148. Blue Collar Drummond (03/09/85 - #702)
When Drummond is accused of being out of touch with his employee, he secretly
takes a job in one of his own factories working on an assembly line. Much to
his surprise, his job is threatened when he makes suggestions to boost
morale and improve production.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey,
and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Barney Martin as Jack Perkins, Jack Riley as Pete, Lee Weaver as Joe,
Ron Karabatos as Harvey, and Marcelyn Ann Williams as Ellen
#149. Undercover Lover (10/20/84 - #703)
Willis becomes the middleman in a police effort to halt use and trafficking
of drugs at his high school.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey, and
Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Anne-Marie Johnson as Denise, Brian Robbins as Skyhigh, Nadia De Leye
as Shari, Steven Tash as Weasel, and Michael Zorek as Benjamin
#150. Arnold's Strike (10/27/84 - #704)
Arnold risks expulsion from school when he leads a strike against some new
rules he feels are "unfair."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey, and
Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Dick Sargent as Mr. Stone, Steven Mond as Robbie, Nikki Swasey as
Lisa, Zero Hubbard as Henry, and Tyren Perry as Jennifer
#151. Tonsils (12/08/84 - #705)
Drummond is a tower of strength for Sam as he prepares to have his
tonsils removed, but what will happen when Drummond finds out he is to be Sam's
roommate while having some "minor" knee surgery.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey,
and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Christian Brackett-Zika as Morty, Marla Pennington as Nurse Joan
Felming, and Tom Henschel as Dr. Glassman
#152. Arnold and Lisa's Mother (10/06/84 - #706)
Arnold thinks the school science fair is the perfect opportunity to sabotage
the project of his least favorite female classmate, but with a closer look he
wonders if her aggravating behavior is really a cry for help.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey,
and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Emily Yancy as Mrs. Hayes, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Steven Mond
as Robbie, Nikki Swasey as Lisa, and Robin LaValley as Mrs. James
#153. The Honorable Arnold J. Jackson (11/24/84 - #707)
When Arnold is appointed judge of the school court, he is suddenly faced
with jeopardizing a longtime friendship or losing a date with the school
heartthrob--everyone has their day in court.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey,
and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Dick Sargent as Mr. Stone, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Tyren Perry as
Jennifer, Steven Mond as Robbie, Nikki Swasey as Lisa
#154. A Haunting We Will Go (09/29/84 - #708)
When Arnold and Sam creep through the crevices of the neighborhood's
haunted house they find the ghost boasts a bounty of surprises--the biggest
being a love for people and contempt for war. In a rare television appearance,
Ray Bolger guest star as Clarence Markwell the supposed "late" owner of the manor.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Dixie Carter,
and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: John Astin as C.W., Shavar Ross as Dudley, Corey "Bumper" Yothers
as Matt, Ray Bolger as Clarence Markwell
#155. Arnold Saves the Squirrel (01/12/85 - #709)
When Sam visits a taping of "The Sandy Squirrel Show" he is overcome by
the news his favorite television idol is about to be cancelled, but it's big
brother Arnold to the rescue as he rallies the Boy Scouts of Manhattan to demand
the Squirrel be given a reprieve.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey, and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Chuck McCann as Sandy, Steve Franken as Anderson, LaGloria Scott as
Marilyn, and Patrika Darbo as Mother
#156. Sam's Father (11/03/84 - #710)
Sam must choose between a penthouse apartment and a honky-tonk club when
his real father comes knocking on the Drummond's door, wanting to take Sam with
him. Singer/songwriter Hoyt Axton makes a special guest appearance as Sam's
father, Wes McKinney.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey, and Dixie Carter
Guest Star: Hoyt Axton as Wes McKinney
#157. Carmella Meets The Gooch (11/10/84 - #711)
"The Gooch" returns to taunt Arnold and take on a new target--Sam, only
to face his first challenge in the Drummond's new neighbor, an Italian foreign
exchange student. Martine Allard from "The Tap Dance Kid" makes a special appearance
as the Italian student, Carmella Robinson.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Danny Cooksey, and Dixie Carter
Guest Star: Martine Allard as Carmella
#158. Arnold's Songbird (12/15/84 - #712)
In order to be elected the entertainment chairman for a school charity fundraiser,
Arnold promises to get a celebrity--but when it's time to deliver, he's forced to look
to his nemesis Carmella for help, hoping she can save the day. Martine Allard
from "The Tap Dance Kid" makes a special appearance as Arnold's rival and the Drummond's
neighbor.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey,
and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Martine Allard as Carmella, Nikki Swasey as
Lisa, Steven Mond as Robbie, and Keelie as Suzzanne
#159. Arnold The Entrepreneur (11/17/84 - #713)
Entrepreneur Arnold reluctantly allows Sam to be a part of his new scheme, when
Sam realizes only Arnold will reap the profits, he breaks up the partnership
and becomes the competition. Herve Villechaize guest stars as a "victim" of
Arnold's sales pitch.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Edie McClurg as Betty, Janna Lowell as Ellen, William McDonald as
Joe, and Herve Villechaize as himself
#160. The Gymnasts (12/01/84 - #714)
Drummond's surprise meant to encourage an Olympic hopeful felled by a
tragic accident backfires when the young man instead becomes embittered at
meeting the 1984 Men's Olympic Gold Medal-winning Gymnastics Team--until Willis
and Sam take on the challenge of setting things right. Bart Conner, Tim Daggett,
Mitch Gaylord, Jim Hartung, Scott Johnson and Peter Vidmar guest star as
themselves and display some of the moves that made them champions. Regi Green
guest stars as the embittered paraplegic.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Regi Green as Stuart Thompson, Steve Brady as the Guard; and Bart
Conner, Timothy Daggett, Mitch Gaylord, Jim Hartung, Scott Johnson, and Peter
Vidmar (The U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team)
#161. Sam Adopts A Grandparent (01/19/85 - #715)
The Drummonds are concerned when the normally lovable Sam battles with a
cynical senior who rejects the Cub Scout's "Adopt A Grandparent" program, leaving
Sam with a tainted view of older people.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey, and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Maxine Elliott as Mrs. Gail, Stephen Dorff as Scott, Robin LaValley
as Mrs. Anson, Troy Slaten as Lionel, and John McIntire as Mr. Hunter
#162. Baseball Blues (01/05/85 - #716)
Sam persuades a reluctant Mr. Drummond to become the coach of his bad news
baseball team and then regrets it after he winds up on the bench. Lance Parrish,
catcher for the 1984 World Champion Detroit Tigers, guest stars as himself
as he gives a few pointers to Sam and the rest of his desperate team.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey, and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Lance Parrish as himself, James Staley as Ted, E.E. Bell as Joe Blake,
Scooter Stevens as Clarence, Verda Bridges as Umpire, and George Fulton as Rodney
Note: Verda Bridges is Todd Bridges' sister.
#163. Sam's New Pal (02/02/85 - #717)
Sam is taken aback when he realizes his new "buddy" is a girl, but Mr.
Drummond is even more dumbfounded when the kids want to have a sleepover.
Soleil Moon Frye, the star of NBC's "Punky Brewster," guest stars in a totally
different role as Sam's new pal, Terry Harris.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Soleil Moon Frye as Terry Harris and Ron Masak as Ray Harris
#164. Happy Birthday Drummond (01/26/85 - #718)
Kimberly returns home from school in Paris to surprise Drummond on his
birthday prompting Arnold and Willis to try and match her special gift--they
decide to change their name to Drummond--until Willis suddenly has second thoughts.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey,
and Dixie Carter
Guest Star: Dana Plato as Kimberly
#165. Russian Embassy (02/09/85 - #719)
When Arnold's rocket for his school project is accidentally set off and
lands atop the Russian Embassy, the state department is led to suspect the
Drummond's participation is foul play.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Patrick Cronin as Jenkins, Leon Askin as Doshenko, and Cameron
Young as Armstrong
#166. Cheers To Arnold (02/16/85 - #720)
Arnold's attempt to stop a friend from drinking backfires as he's left
standing in the boy's bathroom holding a bottle of booze when the teacher
walks in, in a special episode dealing with teenage alcoholism.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Mary Jo Catlett, Danny Cooksey, and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Bobby Jacoby as Ricky, James A. Watson, Jr. as
Mr. Hawkins, Steven Mond as Robbie, Nikkie Swasey as Lisa, and Harry Varav as Doug
#167. A Camping We Will Go (02/23/85 - #721)
A camping trip with Arnold and Sam intended to strengthen Drummond's relationship
with Sam goes awry when Sam's real father shows up and invites himself along.
Singer/songwriter Hoyt Axton makes a special guest appearance reprising the role
of Wes McKinney, Sam' real father.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Dixie Carter
Guest Star: Hoyt Axton as Wes McKinney
#168. Beauty Is In The Eye of Arnold (03/02/85 - #722)
Arnold is faced with a dilemma when his friends insist he take a cute
cheerleader to the dance instead of the girl Arnold really likes who they
consider an "ugly duckling."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Dixie Carter
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Bobby Jacoby as Ricky, Jonnetta Thomas
as Molly, Rahkel Bouchet as Beverly, and Tammy Townsend as Sara
#169. Street Smarts (03/23/85 - #723)
Although Arnold boasts he held his own in a mugging, Drummond fears the incident
goes deeper than Arnold will admit and becomes concerned when he finds Arnold
has sought a dangerous method of protection.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Michael Tucci as Office Jim Coletta, James A. Watson as Mr. Hawkins,
Shavar Ross as Dudley, Bobby Jacoby as Ricky, Nikki Swasey as Lisa, and Steve
Brady as the Mugger
#170. A Special Friend (05/04/85 - #724)
Arnold and Sam's new friendship with a street performer gets mired in
fear and confusion when they discover she has epilepsy.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Lori Lethin as Karen Kimball, Natalie Core as Grace, Vivan Lord as
Evelyn, Rachel Wells as Officer Torres, and Dana Plato as Kimberly
Season 8 (1985-1986, now on ABC)
#171. Love on the Run (10/11/85 - #801)
Sam and Arnold fear that the time their parents are spending apart is a symptom
of an ailing marriage and the boys attempt to give them a dose of romance, hoping
it will be the cure that will keep them from divorce. Dana Plato makes a special
guest-starring appearance as Kimberly Drummond, who has returned home from being
away at school in Paris.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, Mary Jo Catlett, and Mary Ann Mobley
Guest Stars: Dana Plato as Kimberly and Charlie Brill as Joe
#172. Bully For Arnold (10/04/85 - #802)
Guarding the school bully's girlfriend, Ramona, seems like a simple task to Arnold,
until his natural Jackson "charm" creates some problems--Ramona falls head over
heels for him--and Herman, the bully, wants to rearrange his face.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Forest Whitaker as Herman, Beverly Brown
as Ramona, Marc Copage as Brad, and Jason Hervey as Charlie
#173. Arnold's Job (10/25/85 - #803)
Arnold's dream of becoming an "overnight" success as a photo-journalist run headlong
into reality when he gets his first job on a local newspaper.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Mary Ann Mobley
Gust Stars: Peter Hobbs as Sid Franklin and Beau Bishop as Jerry
#174-175. Sam's Missing (Parts 1 and 2) (09/27/85 - #804 and #805)
Sam becomes the victim of a bizarre kidnapping in the special one-hour, eighth
season premiere episode of "Diff'rent Strokes." The Drummond's worst fear is realized
when they learn that Sam's trip to the market ended when the youngster left the store
with a stranger. The distraught Drummonds seek the aid of the police in their
frantic search to find Sam before it's too late.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, Mary Ann Mobley, Mary Jo Catlett,
Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato
Guest Stars: Michael Durrell as Detective Harris, Ronne Troup as May Brown, Donald
Thompson as Bobby Brown, Michael McManus as Cal, Ernie Sabella as Ben,
Daniel Martinez as Officer Fernandez, Betty Kean as Sally Winkle, Ned Bellamy as Bum/Officer
Fletcher, Sam Shamshak as Man/Ned Cedars, Sergeant Aaron Williams as himself,
Jeanne Mori as Newscaster, and Royce D. Applegate as Donald Brown
#176. It's My Party And I'll Cry If I Want To (12/13/85 - #806)
Drummond has "insured" that Sam will have an unforgettable birthday party
by arranging for a local television personality to be the main attraction, until
the swash-buckling "Captain Jack" steals the show and the birthday boy jumps ship.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Mary Ann Mobley
Guest Stars: Bruce Mahler as Captain Jack, Ellen Regan as Louise Frankel, Ian
Fried as Freddie, Hakeem as Richie, Gabriel Damon as Timmy Frankel, and Tracey
Jones as Mona
#177. Willis Goes to College (10/18/85 - #807)
Willis takes a big step when he leave home for college, but fears his initiation
to dorm life is only one of the freshman experiences he may not be ready to handle.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, Mary Ann Mobley, Mary Jo Catlett,
and Todd Bridges
Guest Star: Gary Hays as Doug Dixon
#178. A Tale Of Two Teachers (11/08/85 - #808)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar guest stars as a high school English teacher who gives Arnold
a "classic" punishment for "goofing off" in class and the freshman quickly learns
his lesson when his penace is teaching "A Tale of Two Cities" to his rowdy
classmates.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as Mr. Wilkes, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Nikki Swasey
as Lisa, and Courtney Witas as Louise
#179. Speak No Evil (11/29/85 - #809)
Father and son are feuding over First Amendment rights when an outraged Arnold
objects to a white supremacy organization speaking at his high school and a discerning
Drummond can't support Arnold's fury on the basis of the American right to free speech.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, Mary Ann Mobley, and Todd Bridges
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Jason Hervey as Charlie, Helen Page Camp as
Mrs. Gordon, and Robert Vega as Mr. Lopez
#180. So You Want To Be A Rock and Roll Star (11/15/85 - #810)
Superstar saxophonist Clarence Clemons guest stars as a music instructor who
"backs up" Arnold after he claims to be an expert sax player in order to impress
a girl. Clarence Clemons, the "Big Man" for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
makes his television acting debut.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Todd Bridges
Guest Stars: Clarence Clemons as Mr. Kingsley, Shavar Ross as Dudley, Jason Hervey
as Charlie, Steven Mond as Robbie, Toy Newkirk as Beverly, and Steve Brady as
Jay Thompson
#181. Bulimia (01/17/86 - #811)
Arnold suspects that Kimberly has an eating disorder when his slender sister
is secretly gorging himself, but not gaining any weight. Arnold seeks Drummond's
help in confronting Kimberly with her problem and the family comes together to help
her fight the eating disorder, bulimia.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, Mary Ann Mobley, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Star: Dana Plato as Kimberly
#182. Arnold's Bad Rep (12/06/85 - #812)
Arnold succumbs to peer pressure and boasts he went "all the way" with his
girlfriend, but his lie puts him in a more awkward position once the girl
finds out about his claim to fame.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Macki Burke as Vicky, Jason Hervey as Charlie, Bobby Jacoby as
Ricky, and Steven Mond as Robbie
#183. Arnold's Initiation (01/10/86 - #813)
Arnold's initiation into the "cool" club at school jeopardizes his friendship
with the mildly-retarded dishwasher at the Hamburger Hangar, after a prank
Arnold "must" pull causes the man to lose his job.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, Todd Bridges, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: John Schuck as Carl, David Paymer as Mr. Wallace, Jason Hervey as
Charlie, Moosie Drier as Jon, and Christopher M. Brown as Randy
#184. Sam's Big Brother (01/24/86 - #814)
Arnold's preoccupation with girls and school leaves younger brother Sam alone
and bored--until Willis steps in, takes over as "big bro" and causes a row when
Arnold decides to fight back for the title.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Todd Bridges
Guest Star: Hakeem as Richie
#185. Arnold's Tangled Web (01/31/86 - #815)
To prevent Dad from seeing his "F" in geometry, Arnold arranges to have Drummond's
signature forged on his report on his report card, but the scheme backfires when
Drummond insists on a personal inspection of Arnold's grades, on "Diff'rent Strokes."
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, Mary Ann Mobley, and Todd Bridges
Guest Stars: Chick Vennera as Spider, Jason Hervey as Charlie, and Bobby Jacoby
as Ricky
#186. Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown (02/07/86 - #816)
Sam's contempt for a classmate who incessantly insults and badgers him is
pacified when he learns that the boy is an orphan who's jealous of Sam's "perfect"
family life.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, Mary Ann Mobley, and Todd Bridges
Guest Stars: Shelley Smith as Summer Hartwig, David Paymer as Mr. Wallace, Carl
Steven as Kurt, Matt Shakman as Barry, Ian Petrella as Alex, and Bill Willens
as Ray Sabille
#187. The Big Bribe (02/21/86 - #817)
A date with a gorgeous girl has Arnold walking on a cloud, until he learns she
was bribed by Willis to go out with him.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Todd Bridges
Guest Stars: Jason Hervey as Charlie, Tyren Perry as Phyllis, and Robin Givens as Ann
#188. The Photo Club (02/28/86 - #818)
Arnold is disgruntled over being partnered with archenemy Lisa in photography
class but his frustration soars when the two are accidentally locked together
in the basement darkroom.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Danny Cooksey, and Mary Jo Catlett
Guest Stars: Jason Hervey as Charlie, Nikki Swasey as Lisa, and Robin LaValley
as Mrs. Walters
#189. The Front Page (03/07/86 - #819)
Arnold's feature story about his high school football team threatens to turn
into a controversial expose for the school newspaper when he witnesses team members
buying steroids.
Cast: Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, and Danny Cooksey
Guest Stars: Shavar Ross as Dudley, Ralph Seymour as Artie, Peter DeLuise as
Darryl, Reginald T. Dorsey as Clint, and Todd Jefferies as Ted
Written by Ben Starr
Written by Budd Grossman
Written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs
Teleplay by Alan Rosen and Fred Rubin and Michael Russnow
Story by Michael Russnow
Written by Albert E. Lewin
Written by Alan Rosen & Fred Rubin
Written by Sandy Keith
Written by Tom and Helen August
Written by Ronald Alexander
Written by Albert E. Lewin
Written by Fred S. Fox and Segman Jacobs
Written by Sandy Keith
Written by Norman Liebmann
Written by Alan Rosen & Fred Rubin
Written by Budd Grossman, Howard Leeds, and Ben Starr
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