VERY VERY: High Society

Back in the mid-1990s, Nick at Nite ran a programming block on the weekends called "Very Very Nick at Nite," which looked at four episodes with a similar theme. Now I will look at four sitcom episodes from across the decades that have a similar plot or theme. This week's topic is Very Very High Society!

This Week's Episodes

Happy Days #98 "My Fair Fonzie" (First Aired: November 22, 1977)

Fonzie is interested in a snobby woman and she schemes with her cousin to embarrass him at the country club.

I liked this episode of Happy Days because it put Fonzie in a little bit of a defensive and vulnerable position as opposed to the usual strategy of him saving the day. The show does a good job of keeping Fonzie out of the loop longer than normal to the point that it feels almost a little sad when he's at the party (even if the jokes are pretty predictable and repetitive). It actually elevates Fonzie's eventual heroics though Fonzie is a little more oblivious than usual. Guest stars Morgan Fairchild (yes, that Morgan Fairchild) and Sam Freed play the snobby roles well. 

I Love Lucy #81 "The Charm School" (First Aired: January 25, 1954)

Lucy and Ethel get upset when Ricky and Fred pay more attention to a friend's date than them so they enroll in charm school to impress the boys.

The plot for this episode is a little dated, even for an etiquette storyline but that doesn't mean it's not a funny one. This is a wonderful showcase for Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance to do what they do best. I actually think Vance even outshines Ball here with frumpy Ethel being thrown completely out of her comfort zone. The reveal of Vance all glammed up is truly an incredible moment with a great reaction from the studio audience. Future Gilligan's Island star Natalie Schafer also turns in a really strong guest performance.

Laverne & Shirley #1 "The Society Party" (First Aired: January 27, 1976)

Laverne and Shirley feel out of place when they are invited to attend a fancy party by their boss's son and have to wear dresses Lenny and Squiggy got for them.

This is the first episode of Laverne & Shirley but it doesn't feel that way because the "pilot" was really the backdoor one on Happy Days. Henry Winkler does appear to give the premiere a little oomph though I don't know if his presence was actually necessary from a story standpoint. That's because the characters are pretty well developed for a first episode and some of the regular bits ("High Hopes," Lenny & Squiggy's entrance on a funny line, etc.) are already present. Penny Marshall already displays her gift for physical comedy and timing and Cindy Williams is harder edged than she becomes later in the series.

Taxi #86 "Elegant Iggy" (First Aired: March 18, 1982)

After going with Jim to an opera and running into a powerful friend, Elaine worries about bringing Jim to her high society dinner.

Is there a better character in sitcom history to clash with high society than Jim Ignatowski? Christopher Lloyd is fantastic as usual with his great character, Jim Ignatowski. Taxi always did a great job of putting a character like this in an unusual situation and yet always giving it a lot of humanity. A show in less capable hands would turn these kinds of episodes into pure comedy. It's a really great chance for Marilu Henner and Lloyd to have strong scenes together as characters who didn't share a lot of plots. Christopher Lloyd's "I must have had music lessons" after playing the piano brilliantly is hilariously delivered.

Best Episode: Taxi

I think I already went through most of the reasons above but this is the best one because Jim Ignatowski is the best clash for high society so the comedy is naturally there and then it's done extremely well.

Best Fit for the Theme: Laverne & Shirley

All of these episodes fir the theme pretty well, but I think Laverne & Shirley deals with the definition of "high society" the most - they seem the wealthiest and snobbiest of the many rich snobs in these four episodes.

Standout Performer: Christopher Lloyd, Taxi

Runners-Up: Penny Marshall (Laverne & Shirley), Vivian Vance (I Love Lucy)

Tomorrow: The Friday Five - Top 5 TV news stories of the week!

Next Thursday: Very Very First Meeting!