You have to scratch your head as to why Robert Reed did NOT like many of the series' scripts. They were fun, especially for all us kids of the 70s who grew up on this show.
Possibly the most clever of 'em all, and a good character study to boot. Christopher Beaumont, who appeared several times on the series, plays handsome rival high school quarterback Jerry --who wants to date Marcia? Could it be he's looking for Westdale High's playbook, hanging around the house somewhere, thanks to Greg?
Marcia invites Jerry over, and while she leaves him alone for a few minutes, Bobby just happens to see him snatch the magic book. The fiend!
You have to admit, Jerry's a fairly resourceful guy, even though Marcia refuses to believe it, until the truth really comes out.
In meanwhile, Carol's former high school sweetheart and football hero, called "Tank," well played by 50s TARZAN Denny Miller, comes to visit, still acting like a high school football hunk. Denny Miller steals the show, and it's a shame he didn't return to the series, laugh out loud funny. Denny appeared in many tv shows, best known as Duke on WAGON TRAIN. Legend has it he was discovered by a producer one day just walking down a street in Hollywood.
Some really good acting in this episode, and well written by Ben Gershman, series writer for MY FAVORITE MARTIAN and JULIA. Chris Beaumont later became a writer and story editor for the FAME tv series, and once married to singer Gloria Loring.
A must see for all us football addicts. SEASON 5 EPISODE 9 remastered Paramount/ABC box set. Classic final season box set with a super cover.