For all of us kids who originally saw this back in the 70s, this was hilarious. Not classic, but fun, and surprisingly the very last episode. That was the biggest shock. Friday nights would not be the same, especially when the PARTRIDGE FAMILY also ended.
Remember that?
I think for old times sake, Jack Arnold, who directed 15 episodes over the last four seasons, was called in for the last show. It makes sense.
As I had written earlier, Robert Reed and producer Sherwood Schwartz did not get along (some say because he didn't like the show) and he abruptly quit the series, and actually they had two more episodes to film. He blamed this script in particular. That said, lets face it, there have been lots of comedies (and movies) that have used hair tonic gags, an old routine.
Bobby wants to make a million bucks, investing in some fly-by-night vanity company. The stuff he buys is supposed to be good for your hair -- until it turns Greg's hair burnt orange? A must see.
Greg wearing a fright wig is off the wall. There's a goofy slash embarrassing scene where Carol takes him to a hairdresser to get a quickie dye job, and Greg just happens to meet a few gal friends? He tells them he's there for support, because his mom is actually BALD!
Child actor Robbie Rist was also brought in (as Carol's cousin Oliver). You may recall the PARTRIDGE FAMILY did the same thing at the time, with another child actor, amid a lot of hype. ABC didn't do much for Robbie, except add him to the show, which kind of left viewers in the dark.
Robbie had the last laugh. The following year he joined the top rated MARY TYLER MOORE show as Ted's adopted son, and still looking like Oliver! CBS may have hired Robbie Rist as a swipe at ABC for not promoting him. He was a talented kid and got a second chance thanks to Mary Tyler Moore and her producer husband. Robbie now was part of tv history. He later became a voice actor and musician.
I give it 9 STARS for the old days, and I felt sorry for Bobby as he meant well, and Greg was a good sport about it in the end. Barry Williams is great here.
The BRADY BUNCH returned in a few years as short-lived music/variety show, and surprisingly, Robert Reed was back.
SEASON 5 EPISODE 22 remastered color/ABC.