A Televisual Feast

Olivia Newton-John guest stars as herself, slowly driven from perky to pissed as she suffers through Stacey’s waitressing. This episode has a solid hold on the character–dingy but capable. I remember, back when it was first aired, I don’t think I knew who Olivia Newton-John was.

The episode deals with Stacey’s credit card debt, the pre-title opener tying nicely into the episode. For a twenty-two minute show, it works three really good scenes in (the twenty-two minute live action sitcom is, frankly, about three minutes short as a storytelling vehicle). There’s Rico figuring out Stacey’s debt, which has Greg Germann trying not to laugh. Then there’s the great scene at the bank with guest star Loretta Devine, who’s hilarious. Finally the restaurant disaster with Newton-John (and Rico’s shellfish allergy).

It’s a very well-constructed episode and allows the four principals all a bunch of good scenes. It also wisely ends on a laugh, instead of going out on syrupy (with Ned helping Stacey).

Though, I wish someone had thought to bring Devine back as a date for Ned. Thomas Haden Church works really well with everyone, but the contrast of his gravely voice and her kewpie-doll one, it was just a great match.

3.5