Episode Info
Episode #20 - Season 1, Episode 20
First Aired: March 28, 1983
Title: An extra person on any endeavor is called a "fifth wheel".
Plot
Steven and Elyse attend a political rally for a candidate for the state Senate, though Elyse doesn't support him. When Alex declares the man a liberal, Elyse changes her mind. Mallory is supposed to babysit, but she has other plans with Jeff. She bargains with Alex to have him take the responsiblity for the night. He agrees, but is then invited to a poker game (to which he takes Jennifer and eventually loses her).
Funny Moments
- The candidate Steven supports wants to change the state bird to the chicken and the state song (of Ohio) to "Oklahoma".
- Alex's idea of entertaining Jennifer is to give her a booklet: "Your personal guide to tax-free municipal bonds".
- When Alex decides to go to the poker game, Jennifer says, "You're not throwing me out in the street, are you? I saw Nicholas Nickleby. I know what can happen to kids out there."
Trivia
- Parts of this episode are used as flashbacks in both "Battle of the Sexes" and "Return of the Native".
- One of Alex's friends at the poker game is wearing a #14 Cincinnati Bengals jersey (at that time a new style) that was worn by quarterback Ken Anderson from 1971-1986.