When the manager of Janet's flower ship takes a powder, it seems only natural that the very capable Janet would get promoted to that position. But the owner of the shop, Compton (J. J. Barry, "This is Spinal Tap"), is a sleazy, handsy type who can't help but notice the ample bosom of new employee Chloe (an appealing Sandra de Bruin, a veteran of episodic TV). So, Chloe gets the job, leaving a resentful Janet to ponder the seedy, horny nature of men - and it also makes her think about getting breast surgery to help give her an edge.
'Janet's Promotion' is a typically very funny episode of this great series, which not only delivers some hearty laughs, but it *does* also make us think about the tendency to focus on a person's attractiveness or physical attributes rather than any value they may have as a human being. Poor Chloe visits the roommates at their apartment, sick that she can't seem to get taken seriously and that men only seem to want to harass or ogle her.
The Ropers don't figure as strongly into this episode, except to put forth the subplot that Helen considers getting plastic surgery in the attempt to restore amorous feelings in her husband. But this does lead to a fairly sweet moment when Stanley overhears her plans, and assures her that he does prefer her to be just the way she is.
Some of the biggest laughs: Jack teaching Chrissy about "karate", and getting his butt whupped by Janet, as she manages to toss him over that iconic couch, and some of the comments by ever-naive Chrissy. When she and Jack try to give Janet a pep talk, they launch into a "cheering" routine, which Chrissy then won't stop. Twice Jack pops a piece of cheese into her mouth to get her to pipe down.
Good fun for any 'Three's Company' fan.
Eight out of 10.
