SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 22:00 Min.
This short-lived 1984-85 NBC-TV series first aired this Arlando Smith-directed episode on October 17, 1984. Having paid off Norman’s (Garrison) overdue phone bill, Matthew (Bateman) seemingly has a future favor to lord over his neighbor. Neglecting to find Eli (Sadowsky) a guaranteed date for their school’s Harvest Dance, Matthew grants his buddy’s wish by arranging a pity date with 16-year-old sister Julie (Cast) – through extortion, of course.
Yet, where does that leave Eli’s promise to a lonely Joyce (Beth) after he successfully relied upon Norman’s sympathetic dating advice? Once Joyce confronts a guilt-ridden Matthew for some answers, he must improvise fast.
Matthew Burton: Jason Bateman
Eileen Burton: Caren Kaye
Julie Burton: Tricia Cast
Lou Donatelli: Ernie Sabella
Norman Lamb: David Garrison
Eli: Adam Sadowsky
Joyce: Leanna Beth
Fred: Stuart Charno
Angela: Lisa Alpert
Girls at Dance: Dawn Schneider, Martha Nix, & Brenda James
Notes: This single-season series ran for a total of only eighteen episodes. The producing duo of Ron Leavitt & Michael G. Moye later created the Fox Network’s Married With Children (co-starring Garrison for its first four seasons).
REVIEW:
Considering only Garrison’s ‘Norman’ and guest star Leanna Beth’s ‘Joyce’ resemble likable human beings (as far as plot relevancy), the simplistic “Dating Games” fails to impress. Its best moment, as with the pilot episode, is a last-second bit of clever zip implying the scriptwriters were not merely typing these stories.
It’s Your Move sports funnier episodes, but “Dating Games” tries touching upon how fickle and insensitive me-first teens can be. Given its less-than-hilarious storytelling, this third episode is skippable.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3½ Stars
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