VERY VERY: Stock Market

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 Stock Market!

This Week's Episodes

Bewitched #55 "My Baby the Tycoon" (First Aired: January 20, 1966)

The Kravitzes give newborn Tabitha a share of stock in Poughkeepsie Woolens. When it mysteriously starts to rise, Darrin suspects Tabitha had something to do with it.

This is the first episode of Bewitched after Tabitha's birth and it's a very clever plot because none of the main plot actually involves witchcraft despite Darrin's suspicions. There are some witchcraft moments but it's all in visual jokes. The main plot is really all about paranoia and that creates some great moments for Dick York. It's also a great showcase for Alice Pearce and George Tobias. This is not m y favorite Bewitched episode but it is Bewitched at its best - a really solid story sprinkled with just a hint of witchcraft moments. You would never have seen an episode like this in the show's later years.

Car 54, Where Are You? #13 "Put it in the Bank" (First Aired: December 10, 1961)

Officer Toody is elected treasurer for the precinct and decides to put all the money in the stock market instead of the bank like he's supposed to.

I have not really watched a lot of Car 54, Where Are You? It's definitely one of the more adult-themed sitcoms of the 1960s but it's awfully silly - just in non-fantasy or kid-friendly situations. Something I love about well-written shows from this era is how much room stories are given to breathe. Here you have 25 minutes of solid comedy and plot based on one idea. It's really more impressive in many ways than the A, B, C, even D plots of comedies in more recent years. This episode has a funny plot that just snowballs into more ridiculousness.

The Jeffersons #28 "George vs. Wall Street" (First Aired: December 20, 1975)

In the middle of the night, George finds out he might have hit it big in the stock market with a late night tip while also fighting with Lionel about him turning down a promising job.

This episode is bookended by a stock market story but it does center on finance and wealth throughout the episode. Still, calling it "George vs. Wall Street" was a little strange. This episode features some of the worst instincts of The Jeffersons where most of the cast spends most of the episode just yelling at each other. The level is at a 10 for so much of the episode that there's nowhere for things to escalate to. The supporting cast, without their two best members (Florence and Mother Jefferson) certainly don't help matters in a weak episode.

Newsradio #37 "Stocks" (First Aired: December 11, 1996)

Beth inherits money and asks Mr. James for stock tips that he reluctantly gives. Bill also wants to get stock tips from Mr. James.

Like most 90s sitcoms, this episode has several plots going on. In addition to the stocks plot, there is a plot about Matthew returning from Japan and Lisa flirting with Dave to get office supplies. Newsradio has really wonderful pacing though with so many jokes that move really quickly and when the cast is on its A game, it feels frenetic in the best way. This episode works really well with some funny visual sight gags involving Stephen Root, Phil Hartman and Andy Dick. The episode dips in and out of being a stocks story but it's funny regardless.

Best Episode: Bewitched

It's not an all-timer among Bewitched episodes, but this wasn't the strongest foursome I've done on these "Very Very" features. I think is the most clever plot and has the funniest performances.

Best Fit for the Theme: Bewitched

Car 54 was close for this one but again, this is the most unique plot and a really great way of integrating a stock market story into the premise of the show.

Standout Performer: Dick York, Bewitched

Runners-Up: Stephen Root (Newsradio), Alice Pearce (Bewitched)

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

Next Thursday: Very Very Blackout!