Basil Wilson LAST UPDATE: 10/11/95 ........................................................................... Airing dates: Sept. 9, 1975 - Aug. 10, 1979 Cast ---- Gabe Kotter.....................................................Gabe Kaplan Julie Hansen Kotter........................................Marcia Strassman Mr. Michael Woodman....................................John Sylvester White Vinnie (Vincent) Barbarino....................................John Travolta Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein....................Robert Hegyes Freddy Percy "Boom Boom" Washington..................Lawrence Hilton Jacobs Arnold Dingfelder Horshack......................................Ron Palillo Rosalie Totsy (1975-76)......................................Debralee Scott Judy Borden (1975-77).......................................Helaine Lembeck Todd Ludlow (1975-77)..........................................Dennis Bowen Maria (1975-76)............................................Catarina Cellino Angie Grabowski (1978).......................................Melonie Haller Carvelli (1978-79)........................................Charles Fleischer Wilbur "Murray" (1978-79).....................................Robert Harcum Mary Johnson (1978-79)........................................Irene Arranga Beau (Beauregard) De Labarre (1978-79)....................Steven Shortridge ........................................................................... Production Credits ------------------ Opening: Produced by......................................................Alan Sacks Created by.........................................Gabe Kaplan & Alan Sacks Produced by.......................................George Yanok & Eric Cohen Executive Producer.............................................James Komack Supervising Producer.........................................Peter Meyerson End: This varied somewhat from episode to episode, but as I did not have time to catalog the entire credits for every episode, here is one I picked at random. Music Composed and Performed by...........................John B. Sebastian Executive Story Editor..........................................Nick Arnold Executive Script Consultants.....................Jerry & Jewel Jaffe Rannow Executive Script Supervisors.....................George Tricker, Neil Rosen Story Editors..................................Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo Developed for Television.....................................Peter Meyerson Based on Characters Created by.......Eric Cohen, Gabriel Kaplan, Alan Sacks Production Consultant.......................................Michael Manheim Art Director................................................Roy Christopher Associate Producer......................................Claire Barret Young Assistant to the Producer........................................Diane Katz Dialogue Coach.................................................Laura Zucker Casting................................................Jorge Luis Rodriguez Original Casting............................................Lynn Stalmaster Costumes........................................................Toni Vitale Associate Director..................................................Jim Cox Assistant Art Director.........................................Jim Shanahan Unit Manager....................................................Julie Noyes Stage Managers.................................Jennifer Cobb, Lee Fairchild Make-Up..........................................................Holly Bane Engineering Supervisor........................................Chris Cookson Studio Supervisor...............................................Bob Agrella Technical Director..............................................Jim Ralston Lighting Director...............................................Marc Palius Audio.........................................................Ron Cronkhite Camera...................Diane Biederbeck, Jack Denton, John Lee, Bill Pope Video Tape Editor..............................................David Foster Post Production Supervisor........................................Dick King Executive in Charge of Production...........................Conrad Holzgang Production Staff.....................Ann Fiske, Marica Govons, Liz Kohlman, Mei Ling Moore, Pam Ryan, Phillips Wylly Sr. Videotaped at ABC Television Center in Hollywood A Production of the Komack Company, Inc. and Wolper Productions A Warner Communications Company (Interesting note: On some episodes the "o" in the Komack logo is drawn to look like Mr. Kotter's frizzy hair-do and mustache.) ........................................................................... Miscellaneous points of interest -------------------------------- The high school is called Buchanan High (named after the US president). In the first part of the series, the Sweathogs are in the 10th grade. In the remainder they are in the 11th grade, and near the end they are in the 12th grade. What does Mr. Kotter teach? Social studies and history. He has a total of 8 classes, including the Sweathogs for these 2 subjects, as well as homeroom which starts off each school day. The home room class period is very short. One of his other classes ends right before lunch. Mr. Kotter was also a Corporal in the army. He has one brother named Melvyn who is a high-paid doctor (and whom he hasn't seen since he was age 5). How long since Gabe graduated as a Sweathog? 10 years at the start of the series. How long have Gabe and Julie been married? About 3 years. Do we ever see any of Mr. Kotter's other classes? Do we ever see any of the Sweathogs in any of their other classes? Do any of the other Sweathogs who sit in the background ever say or do anything? No. No. Almost never. Mr. Woodman has been the vice-principal for 27 years. Later in the series he replaces Principal John (Jack) Lazarus (never shown on camera) and Gabe becomes vice-principal. Barbarino's mother's name is Maria Teresa Angelino Barbarino. Barbarino's father calls her "Margie". Epstein wears a red rag in his right back pocket. The name Horshack means "the cattle are dying". "Ranking" is a competition between two people where each tries to top the other's insults. Charles Fleischer (Carvelli) is the stand-up comedian who did the voice of Roger Rabbit. Why was Welcome Back Kotter so popular? In my opinion, Gabe Kaplan, John Travolta, and Robert Hegyes were extremely funny to begin with. When you combine that with lots of silly antics, creative insults, jokes, many great one-liners and catch-phrases, you have a very memorable show. ........................................................................... * Total number of episodes: 95 * Each episode is approximately 22 minutes long, usually including: 1. Opening joke by Gabe 2. Theme song and opening credits 3. Actual episode 4. Closing joke by Gabe 5. Theme song and end credits Notes are included for episodes which do not follow this format. Episode Descriptions in Chronological Order ------------------------------------------- 1975 ---- 01. "Welcome Back, Kotter" (Pilot) Written by: Peter Meyerson. Directed by: James Komack [No opening/closing jokes] Gabe is introduced to the Sweathogs. DETAILS: On the first day of Gabe's new teaching job, he is introduced to the Sweathogs and finds out that Mr. Woodman still thinks of Gabe as a trouble- making Sweathog rather than a teacher. Gabe is frustrated on his first day and nearly quits, but Julie convinces him to try again. To Woodman's dismay, Gabe comes back. 02. "The Election" Written by: Eric Cohen & Tiffany York. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Catarina Cellino Jeff Martin Vinnie runs for student body president. 03. "Basket Case" Written by: Jerry Ross. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Freddy wants to play basketball instead of pass his classes. DETAILS: Freddy is convinced he will become a basketball star, so he decides to draw pictures on Gabe's test instead of trying to pass it. Gabe refuses to pass him even though he is the school's basketball star. When Gabe offers Freddy a make-up exam, Freddy still refuses. Gabe then offers to play a one-on-one game against Freddy to convince Freddy he's not as good as he thinks. If Gabe wins Freddy agrees to take the test, and if Freddy wins Gabe agrees to pass Freddy. Freddy naturally wins, but Gabe's score of 16 to 21 makes Freddy realize that he'd better complete school rather than rely on becoming a big basketball star. 04. "Whodunnit?" Written by: Jerry Rannow & Jewel Jaffe Rannow. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Rosalie Totsy..........................Debralee Scott A girl (Rosalie Totsy) claims one of the Sweathogs got her pregnant. 05. "The Great Debate" Written by: Rick Mittleman, Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Rosalie Totsy..........................Debralee Scott Todd Ludlow............................Dennis Bowen Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Alex Wells (debate teacher)............James Woods Eric Suter The Sweathogs debate another class. DETAILS: After continually being put-down by Mr. Woodman and the debate teacher, Gabe challenges Mr. Well's class to debate the Sweathogs. The chosen topic is that "man is naturally agressive". The Sweathogs take the pro argument, of course. When Todd is providing his rebuttal, the Sweathogs continue to taunt him causing Todd to go into a rage and attack them, thus proving their point. Mr. Woodman calls off the debate on account of "dumbness". 06. "No More Mr. Nice Guy" Written by: George Yanok. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Rosalie Totsy..........................Debralee Scott Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Mr. Woodman temporarily becomes a nice guy. DETAILS: Mr. Woodman accuses Epstein of stealing his favorite yellow chalk. When he discusses this with Gabe, Gabe feels sorry for himself and lets Woodman invite himself over to Gabe's for dinner. There Gabe suggests that Woodman try teaching war history -- Woodman's speciality -- to the Sweathogs the next day. Woodman gets back into his element, does a good job, and suddenly becomes a nice guy. Gabe, on the other hand, becomes more like Mr. Woodman. However, when Gabe and Woodman discover the stolen yellow chalk in Gabe's desk, Woodman quickly reverts to his old self. 07. "One of Our Sweathogs Is Missing" Written by: Marilyn Miller. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Todd Ludlow............................Dennis Bowen Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson Epstein loses a fight and runs away. DETAILS: Epstein insults Todd's date whom Epstein was hitting on, so Todd challenges Epstein to a fight. Todd decks Epstein who gets a black eye. Gabe convinces Epstein that he should tell his friends instead of run away because they will understand. Instead, they tease him and Epstein calls Gabe a liar. When Epstein disappears for a couple days, the Sweathogs set up a missing person's bureau in the classroom. Finally Julie calls Gabe to tell him that Epstein is hiding in their bathroom. Gabe rushes home and talks Epstein out. He convinces Epstein that he should not worry about the fight and use his mind instead of muscle. The Sweathogs all apologize to Epstein. 08. "Classroom Marriage" Written by: Bill Raynor & Myles Wilder. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Rosalie Totsy..........................Debralee Scott Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson The Sweathogs try to stop Freddy from getting married. 09. "Mr. Kotter, Teacher" Written by: Jerry & Jewel Jaffe Rannow. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Gabe is accused of not following standard teaching procedures. DETAILS: When Mr. Woodman discovers Gabe is not teaching from the standard textbook, he registers a complaint against him requiring him to be brought on trial before a judge of the school board. The Sweathogs barge into the trial and demonstrate (in their unusual way) how well Gabe has taught them. This convinces the judge to forego any action against him as long as he agrees to use the textbook. Gabe agrees, and when the Sweathogs tell him he copped out, he shows them how he intended to use them -- to help improve their walking posture. 10. "Barbarino's Girl" Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Vinnie is tutored by Judy. DETAILS: After Vinnie's grades continue to slip, Gabe suggests that he gets a tutor. Judy offers to tutor him, but it quickly develops into a ranking session. Soon Judy and Vinnie get to like each other, but when the Sweathogs see him talking to her, they make jokes about Vinnie and Judy. Since Judy is not up to his normal standards for looks on a date, Vinnie insults Judy. Gabe tells Vinnie how he's failing life, so Vinnie apologizes to Judy and asks her out. She turns him down, but when the Sweathogs are planning a trip to Coney Island, he brings Judy along and stands up for her. 11. "The Reunion" Written by: George Yanok. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Lyle Flannigan.........................Michael Taylor Mary Flannigan.........................Bridget Hanley Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson Gabe isn't happy about seeing an old schoolmate. 12. "California Dreamin'" Written by: Michael Weinberger. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Bambi..................................Susan Lanier Includes: Barbarino song and dance A new Sweathog girl distracts all the Sweathogs. DETAILS: A new student named Bambi pretends to be a "far-out" surfer girl from California. The Sweathogs do everything they can to try to impress her. Meanwhile, Bambi comes onto to Gabe. He keeps resisting and when she won't listen, he asks her to step outside where he tells her he's looked through her records and knows that she is a trouble-maker and really from Texas. She admits the whole thing is an act to be liked, and he convinces her to tell the truth to the Sweathogs and be herself. 13. "Arrivederci, Arnold" Written by: Jerry & Jewel Jaffe Rannow. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson Horshack gets promoted out of the Sweathogs. DETAILS: Mr. Woodman announces that Horshack has performed well enough to be promoted out of the Sweathogs. Everyone is proud of Horshack, but Horshack is too attached to his friends to leave, so Gabe convinces them to give Horshack the cold shoulder in an attempt to get him to make new friends. Instead, Horshack skips his other class and does everything he can to get back in the Sweathogs class. Gabe and the class put on a dramatization for Woodman to show him how much they miss Horshack. Finally, Woodman agrees to let Horshack back into the class. 14. "The Sit-In" Written by: William Bickley & Mike Warren. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Todd Ludlow............................Dennis Bowen Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson The Sweathogs protest the cafeteria's liver. DETAILS: The Sweathogs come to school dressed in protective clothing for a planned food fight in the cafeteria to protest the cafeteria's liver. When Gabe finds out, he convinces the Sweathogs to use peaceful means to change school policy, so they stage a sit-in and spend all night at school. However, this has no effect on Mr. Woodman until the "real students" (Judy and Todd) join the Sweathog's protest. He then decides he will swap the school's 3 year liver contract with another school's chipped beef ("and wait till you taste the chipped beef... ha ha"). 15. "The Longest Weekend" Written by: Carl Kleinschmitt, Directed by: Bob LaHendro Julie goes away on a ski trip to Vermont. DETAILS: After a single recently-divorced friend flaunts her freedom in front of Julie, she complains to Gabe about how she feels she must ask him for his permission to do anything -- such as go on a ski trip to Vermont. When Gabe says she doesn't have to do that and can go on the trip, Julie says she already told her friend she would. As this is the first time Julie is away, Gabe is lonely and paranoid. Mr. Woodman's story about a Vermont ski instructor named Max Schlick that stole Woodman's only love-interest frightens Gabe even more, so he decides to pack and visit her in Vermont, but Julie shows up while he is in the middle of packing. 1976 ---- 16. "Doctor Epstein, I Presume...?" Written by: George Yanok, Ann Gibbs, Joel Kimmel. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Ms. Helms (career counselor)...........Laura Zucker Epstein takes care of his sick hamster. DETAILS: After Epstein brings in his sick hamster for show and tell, Gabe suggests that he get career guidance counseling to become a veteranarian. However, the career counseler says that Epstein is unqualified because of his school performance, which prompts Epstein to abandon all of his pets into the care of the Kotters. When the hamster becomes worse in Gabe's care, Epstein realizes it is going to have babies which he delivers. After witnessing this, the career counselor changes her mind and asks Epstein to come back to her office for re-evaluation. 17. "Follow the Leader" (Part 1) Written by: Jerry & Jewel Jaffe Rannow. Directed by: Bob LaHendro [1 opening joke; Includes preview of part 2 at the end of this episode.] With: Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson Julie complains that Gabe never spends any time with her, part 1. DETAILS: After continual interruptions with the Sweathogs, such as Horshack joining the Kotters for breakfast every day, Julie complains that Gabe spends more time with his students than with her. In a discussion of leadership at school, Gabe prompts the Sweathogs to vote for leader of the Sweathogs since Vinnie was never officially elected. Epstein is the last to vote and with the votes tied, he decides to elect Freddy instead of Vinnie. This causes Vinnie to quit school and his parents to throw him out of the house. Feeling somewhat responsible, Gabe lets himself be pressured into letting Vinnie stay with him. This angers Julie so much that she leaves to go stay in a hotel. 18. "Follow the Leader" (Part 2) Written by: Jerry & Jewel Jaffe Rannow. Directed by: Bob LaHendro [1 closing joke (by Julie); Includes clips from part 1 at the beginning of this episode.] With: Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson Julie complains that Gabe never spends any time with her, part 2. DETAILS: Gabe tells Vinnie to get a job so he won't have to stay at Gabe's apartment any longer. However, Vinnie's outing as the Tidy Didy Man doesn't last very long. Meanwhile, Freddy becomes a dictator at school and the Sweathogs, as well as Mr. Woodman, want Vinnie back. When Vinnie comes back, the Sweathogs vote for no leader, though Vinnie quickly resumes that position. Julie comes back to Gabe and decides to try to work out their problems. 19. "One Flu Over the Cuckoo's Nest" Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Todd Ludlow............................Dennis Bowen Gabe has to combine the Sweathogs with Ms. Fishbeck's class when a flu epidemic goes around. 20. "The Telethon" Written by: Pat Proft & Bo Kaprall. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson Miles Oliver (director)................Jerry Rannow (the writer) The Sweathogs put on a telethon. 21. "Kotter Makes Good" Written by: Eric Cohen & George Yanok. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Gabe has to take tests with the Sweathogs. DETAILS: As final exams are approaching, Mr. Woodman comments on the terrible performance of the Sweathogs and then says he can't find Gabe's senior exams in front of the class. Under pressure from the Sweathogs, Gabe feels he must take them to prove he is capable as their teacher. The Sweathogs are inspired to help Gabe study at home. In the middle of the exams, Woodman admits that Gabe's records were found and he doesn't have to take any more exams, but when the Sweathogs appear disillusioned, Gabe tears up his proof and takes the rest of the exams. Mr. Woodman reports that all of the Sweathogs passed, but there was one very low score in algebra -- Gabe's. 22. "Father Vinnie" Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Bambi..................................Susan Lanier Vinnie's grandmother wants him to become a priest. DETAILS: Vinnie's grandmother dies and as a last request asks Vinnie to become a priest. In order to honor her, Vinnie tries to be a priest and avoid conflict with the other Sweathogs, while teaching people how to get along. However, when he has to give up all of his dates, he can't stand it any more and abandons this fruitless pursuit. 23. "Sweatside Story" Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Bill Persky With: Carvelli...............................Charles Fleischer The Sweathogs try to form a gang. DETAILS: While searching lockers, Mr. Woodman discovers a "Sweathogs" gang member jacket in Vinnie's locker. Because gangs are against school policy, Woodman gives Vinnie detention. Freddy tells how some gang members gave him a scare, so the Sweathogs decide to scare them back. Horshack wants to join the gang which consists of Vinnie, Freddy, and Epstein, but he is afraid. Gabe warns him against joining, but after school at night, Horshack is initiated anyway. However, he brings along Gabe and Mr. Woodman who also want to join. When Carvelli and his gang come into the school yard, Gabe acts tough enough to scare both gangs out of any violence. Gabe: "Arnold, now that you've greased my shirt, how about oiling my shoes?" Carvelli: "That's got to be the oldest punk I ever seen." 24. "A Love Story" Written by: Jerry & Jewel Jaffe Rannow. Directed by: James Komack With: Carmen Epstein.........................Lisa Mordente Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Vinnie tries to go out with Epstein's sister. 25. "Gabe Under Pressure" Written by: George Yanok. Directed by: Jay Sandrich Gabe is afraid to go to the doctor for a stomach pain. 26. "The Museum" Written by: Bob Shayne. Directed by: Bill Davis With: John Astin The Sweathogs get trapped in a museum. 27. "Career Day" Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Bill Hobin With: Mr. Takahasi...........................Pat Morita Mr. Ferguson (radio DJ)................George Yanok (the writer) Gabe is offered a job by a wealthy Oriental. DETAILS: On Buchanan High Career Day, Mr. Takahashi discusses his inventions, such as AM/FM radio underwear, to the unappreciate and taunting Sweathogs. After Gabe forces the Sweathogs to apologize, Takahashi decides Gabe is a "can-do" man and offers him a job at 3 times his current pay. The Sweathogs are surprised when Gabe seriously considers it. Meanwhile, Woodman fawns over Takahashi to try to get a job. Gabe decides teaching the Sweathogs is more important to him than the money. 28. "Inherit the Halibut" Written by: George Tricker & Neil Rosen. Directed by: Bill Hobin With: Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson The Sweathogs accuse Freddy of stealing some money. DETAILS: The Sweathogs had been building up a fund from late-to-class fees instituted by Gabe. A total of $8 was stored in a rubber halibut in the fish tank, but when Epstein checks it the money is gone. Freddy, who was elected treasurer of the halibut, happens to be late to class and comes in with a new bicycle which cost him $8. The suspicious circumstances lead the Sweathogs to accuse Freddy of stealing the funds. To prevent mob rule, Gabe insists on a trial and acts as Freddy's laywer, while Horshack is the prosecuting attorney and Vinnie is the judge. When the Halibut is examined during the trial, $32 falls out. Gabe gets the Sweathogs to admit that they each put $8 in so that Freddy wouldn't be found guilty. Gabe calls Freddy to the stand, but Freddy refuses to say anything in his defense other than he's not guilty. After the verdict of "guilty" is handed down, Freddy then produces a bank receipt for the $8 and everyone apologizes for not trusting him. 29. "Sweathog Clinic for the Cure of Smoking" Written by: Eric Cohen & Steve Hayden. Directed by: Bob LaHendro The Sweathogs try to stop Epstein from smoking. DETAILS: When Epstein starts smoking in the school bathroom, he is caught by Gabe and Mr. Woodman. Epstein sweet talks his way out of trouble with Principal Lazarus and promises to stop smoking, but he does it again. Gabe tells Epstein a story about how he was hooked on potato kanishes. Later, Gabe and the Sweathogs decide to give Epstein "aversion therapy" including trying to shock him by building up static from the carpet. After seeing Gabe eat a potato kanish which he claimed to have given up, Gabe agrees to give up potato kanishes if Epstein gives up smoking. They both spend more than a minute walking around the classroom pulling out dozens of hidden potato kanishes and cigarettes and dumping them in the trashcan. 30. "Chicken a la Kotter" Written by: Raymond Siller, Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Owner..................................Stephen Pearlman Gabe has to work as Captain Chicken to pay for a root canal. DETAILS: Gabe has three abscessed teeth which need to be treated, but he does not have enough money to afford a root canal, so he gets a nightime job playing Captain Chicken at a restaurant. Julie thinks Gabe's having an affair until he finally shows her the costume. At the restaurant, Gabe's performing is not appreciated and then he is embarrassed when the Sweathogs show up. His unsympathetic boss does not like him taking time out with the Sweathogs, so Gabe quits and decides to stick letters in envelopes with Julie to make money. 31. "The Fight" Written by: Jerry & Jewel Jaffe Rannow. Directed by: Bob LaHendro [1 joke] Vinnie doesn't do Freddy's homework causing the Sweathogs to have a fight. DETAILS: For some unknown reason, Freddy asked Vinnie to do his "show and tell" homework for him, but Vinnie forgets. So Freddy pretends to show Howard the Flea. Vinnie only shows his little black book of girl's phone numbers. Epstein shows a dinghy he built out of toothpicks, but Horshack sits on it. This causes the Sweathogs to fight and stop speaking to each other. At home, Gabe and Julie fight over Julie's tuna casserole and Gabe's terrible uncle jokes. After fighting with Julie, Gabe convinces the Sweathogs to make up. 32. "Sweathog, Nebraska Style" Written by: George Yanok. Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Jenny Hansen (Julie's sister)..........Susan Pratt Julie's visiting sister goes out with Epstein. DETAILS: Julie's sister Jenny comes for a surprise visit from Nebraska while Epstein is at Gabe's home. Jenny and Epstein appear to like each other. Gabe has Jenny temporarily admitted into the Sweathogs where she asks for Epstein to be her new-student guide. Epstein and Jenny stay out all night and Julie becomes furious, afraid that Epstein will turn Jenny into a Sweathog. Jenny shows up dressed and acting exactly like Epstein. Epstein says he wants to go back to Nebraska with Jenny, but before he can make a decision Jenny gets a phone call from her boyfriend Roger Abernathy whom she had a fight with and dumps Epstein. 33. "Sadie Hawkins Day" Written by: Steven Clements & Joyce Gittlin. Teleplay by: Eric Cohen Directed by: Bob LaHendro With: Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Vernajean Williams.....................Vernee Watson Paula Victor, Dinah Manoff, Wendy Schaal Includes: Barbarino song and dance Vinnie doesn't have a date for the Sadie Hawkins dance. DETAILS: For the upcoming Sadie Hawkins dance, all the Sweathogs have dates except Vinnie. Even Mr. Woodman has a date with Ms. Fishbeck. Vinnie gives Horshack dating pointers, but when a girl tries to ask Vinnie out, he brushes her aside not realizing what she is trying to do. Insulted, the girl asks out Horshack in front of Vinnie instead. Unable to find a date, Vinnie sits alone in the class watching the dance in the schoolyard. Gabe convinces him to face his friends and admit he doesn't have a date. Judy Borden is also without a date, so Barbarino dances with her. 1977 ---- 34. "Hello Ms. Chips" Written by: Royce D. Applegate & Ira Miller. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Story Editors: Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo [1 closing joke] With: Ms. Wright.............................Valeria Curtin A new student-teacher tries to teach the Sweathogs. DETAILS: A new student teacher, Ms. Wright, fresh out of college, tries to teach the Sweathogs. She is very nervous and uses her handbook, talking to the Sweathogs like children. When she has the Sweathogs read essays, Epstein refuses so she reads his anyway. She finds it very poetic and touching, but the class makes fun of Epstein. Epstein acts hostile toward her and she runs out of the room. Gabe convinces her not to give up and to try again. However, she tries to act like Gabe instead and tells dumb jokes. Gabe coaches her again to be herself, and she finally is able to get the Sweathogs to listen to her and learn. 35. "Whatever Happened to Arnold" (Part 1) Written by: Peter Meyerson & Nick Arnold Story Editors: Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo Directed by: Bob LaHendro [1 opening joke] With: Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Barbara Deutsch Vinnie replaces Horshack as Cyrano de Vergeac in a school play. DETAILS: Gabe encourages the Sweathogs to join in the school play of Cyrano de Vergeac as an extracurricular activity. Horshack takes the part of Cyrano with Judy Borden as Roxanne. During rehearsal, Vinnie, Epstein, and Freddy heckle and tease Horshack until he runs off. When Gabe tells them Horshack was doing it for the Sweathogs, they feel guilty and search for Horshack. To keep the Sweathogs involved during Horshack's absence, Gabe drafts Vinnie to play Cyrano. [Vinnie's performance is hysterical, especially his "Stella!" finale.] 36. "Whatever Happened to Arnold" (Part 2) (1976) Written by: Jerry & Jewel Jaffe Rannow Directed by: James Komack & Bob LaHendro [No opening/closing jokes] With: Mrs. Horshack..........................Ellen Travolta (John's sister) Uncle Harry Orshack....................James Komack (the producer) Arnold's family: Judy (older sister), Doris (younger sister), Manny (younger brother) Elyssa Daralos, Susan Lawrence, Andrea McArdle, Dean M. Solomon, Robert Stoneman, Charin Hale When his fifth father dies, Horshack gets a part-time job from his uncle to help support his family. Note: This episode was supposed to be a pilot for a spinoff series about the Horshack family, which no one should be surprised to hear didn't sell. DETAILS: After being gone for 2 days, Horshack finally shows up at class, explaining that his absence was due to his fifth step-father, Mr. O'Hara the taxi-cab driver, dying. At home (the first time we see the Horshack family), Horshack tries to take over as head of the household and plans to get a job to support the family, in spite of his mother's insistence he is too immature and she'd rather find another husband to support the family. Horshack then goes to his uncle Harry 'Orshack' who runs Orshack's of Fifth Avenue. When Horshack sees Harry, Harry insists there is no relation until Horshack remembers some of Harry's embarrassing past and Harry gives him a job in return for his silence. 37. "Horshack vs. Carvelli" Written by: Gary Shandling. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Story Editors: Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo With: Carvelli...............................Charles Fleischer Murray.................................Robert Harcum Horshack wants to fight Carvelli DETAILS: The upcoming rival high school boxing matches have the Sweathogs trying to decide who should fight Carvelli. Horshack is offended when nobody considers him because of his puny size, so when Carvelli shows up Horshack purposely ranks him to make Carvelli challenge him. Though everyone is against Horshack fighting Carvelli, Horshack insists he must prove himself and Gabe finally agrees. Mr. Woodman wants the trophy for the school and is very disappointed when he finds Horshack is the school's chosen boxer. In the actual fight, Carvelli plays around with Horshack until Horshack manages one lucky punch which angers Carvelli who knocks Horshack out with one hit. 38. "Hark, the Sweatkings" Written by: Peter Meyerson & Nick Arnold. Directed by: Bob LaHendro The Sweathogs want to help a homeless man. 39. "Sweatgate Scandal" (1976) Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Story Editors: Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo With: Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Todd Ludlow............................Dennis Bowen The Sweathogs work on the school newspaper to investigate a burglary. DETAILS: When the school newspaper, The Buchanan Bugle, criticizes Freddy's recent performance in a basketball game, Gabe suggests that the Sweathogs join the school newspaper to defend themselves. After a break-in to Principal Lazarus' office in which confidential records were stolen, Vinnie and Epstein become investigative reporters ("Vinstein") and then Mr. Woodman tells them to "cork" the story after the cafeteria's liver supply is robbed. However, Horshack finds a lead from a note inside his twinkie -- from Deep Throat. In a take-off of All The President's Men, the Sweathogs investigate and write a story to expose the liver scandal with information from Deep Throat, who turns out to be Mr. Woodman. 40. "Caruso's Way" Written by: Jim Parker, Directed by: Bob LaHendro Story Editors: Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo With: Lou Caruso (gym teacher)...............Scott Brady Vinnie is slapped by his gym teacher. DETAILS: Vinnie is late for class because Mr. Caruso slapped him in front of the girl's locker room during gym class. Caruso claims that Vinnie was cracking wise jokes and doing the Barbarino dance on a saw horse. Vinnie feels humiliated and plots revenge against Caruso. However, Gabe works a deal with Caruso where Vinnie and Caruso will apologize to each other in front of the class. After Vinnie apologizes and stuns the class, Caruso refuses to apologize and instead insists on an arm wrestle. Caruso lets Vinnie win to impress the class and win his honor back. 41. "Kotter & Son" Written by: Peter Meyerson & Nick Arnold. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Story Editors: Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo [Closing joke by Charlie Kotter] With: Charlie Kotter (Gabe's father).........Harold J. Stone Gabe's father comes for a visit. DETAILS: Gabe is very upset and unable to keep his mind on his class when his father Charlie comes for a spur of the moment visit from Ft. Lauderdale. Charlie was hoping to have Gabe come work for him at his store. When Gabe declines, Charlie insists on seeing Gabe's chosen profession -- teaching the Sweathogs. Though he can't easily admit it, Charlie is proud of Gabe. 42. "The Littlest Sweathog" Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Gabe finds out that Julie's pregnant. 43. "I'm Having Their Baby" Written by: George Tricker & Neil Rosen. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Story Editors: Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo [Opening joke by Gabe; closing joke by Mr. Woodman] With: Mr. Overly (first substitute)..........Ned Wertimer Second substitute......................Frank Corsentino Third substitute.......................Larry Brooks While Gabe is away, the Sweathogs disturb Julie. DETAILS: When Gabe leaves for a week, the Sweathogs try to help Julie do every little chore thinking she needs help because she is pregnant. Instead of helping, they manage to get in her way, eat her food, and destroy the apartment. 44. "Radio Free Freddie" Written by: Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo, George Yanok Teleplay by: George Yanok, Peter Meyerson, Nick Arnold Directed by: Bob LaHendro [1 joke] With: Wally Wechsel..........................George Carlin Andy...................................Fred Grandy Freddy becomes a DJ at a local radio station. DETAILS: Wally "The Wow" Wechsel, an ex-Sweathog known as "The Weasel" to Gabe, invites the Sweathogs over to his radio station, KBAD, to go on the air and discuss issues. Horshack and Epstein are too nervous to speak and Vinnie has nothing to say, so Wally thanks them for coming by. Freddy, who was overlooked, goes on the air and is an instant success. The Sweathogs become jealous are Freddy becomes very popular going on the radio every day. Freddy decides to quit to make his friends happy, but they make up with him. 45. "I Wonder Who's Kissing Gabe Now" Written by: Peter Meyerson & Nick Arnold. Directed by: Bob LaHendro Story Editors: Mark Evanier, Dennis Palumbo With: Ms. Paula Holzgang (art teacher).......Denise Galik The art teacher falls in love with Gabe. DETAILS: Epstein draws a nude portrait while in art class, so when Ms. Holzgang comes to talk to Gabe, he thinks it is about Epstein's portrait. Instead, she comes onto Gabe and confesses she loves him though they've hardly ever spoken. Gabe resists, though she kisses him, while Epstein listens at the door. Trying to be honest, Gabe tells Julie about the incident but forgets to mention the kiss. Julie overreacts as usual, and Gabe asks Epstein to relate the story. Gabe claims to have forgotten the kiss. After the Sweathogs leave, Gabe and Julie have an argument which they finally resolve. The next day the art teacher changes her mind and says she was wrong about being in love. 46. "Buddy Can You Spare a Million?" Written by: Peter Meyerson & Nick Arnold. Directed by: Bob Claver. With: Wendy (Epstein's girlfriend)...........Wendy Rastatter Nurse..................................Robin Riker John J. Fox Vinnie and the Sweathogs almost win the lottery. DETAILS: While Vinnie is in the hospital after having his tonsils removed, Gabe contributes a quarter for Vinnie's share of the weekly lottery. Epstein's lottery ticket then wins $1000 which they split 4-ways, giving $250 to Vinnie instead of Gabe whose quarter it was. When Gabe talks to Vinnie in the hospital about this, Vinnie gives him a quarter, but Gabe is not satisfied until Vinnie offers to split his share. When the $1 million dollar drawing comes up, the Sweathogs watch anxiously to find out the winner is Juan Epinger instead of Juan Epstein. 47. "And Baby Makes Four" (Part 1) Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Bob Claver [1 opening joke; Includes preview of part 2 at the end of this episode] Julie goes into labor. DETAILS: The Sweathogs come back from summer vacation into the 11th grade, except for Vinnie who was left back because he didn't take his make-up exam. When Gabe said he'd "take care of it", Vinnie assumed that meant he'd forge the grades and he could skip the make-up exam. Mr. Woodman notices Vinnie in the class and pulls him out. Meanwhile, Julie is pregnant and Gabe is worried that she will go into labor at any time. After Woodman keeps interrupting Gabe over and over, Gabe tells Woodman to stay out of his "ship". Vinnie goes to Julie for advice, when she starts to go into labor. When Woodman comes in to tell Gabe that Julie is at the hospital, Gabe keeps throwing Woodman out, so he announces it over the school loudspeakers. 48. "And Baby Makes Four" (Part 2) Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Bob Claver [No opening/closing jokes; Includes clips from part 1 at the beginning of this episode. Includes preview of part 3 at the end of this episode.] With: Dr. Ferguson...........................Alan Openheimer Nurse..................................Kathleen Doyle Exptectant Father......................Ken Sansom Julie has twins. DETAILS: The Sweathogs join Gabe at the hospital where he is waiting for Julie to give birth. Vinnie keeps bugging Gabe about getting Woodman to let him back into the 11th grade with the rest of the Sweathogs, but Gabe's mind is preoccupied with Julie. Finally, Julie gives birth to twins. 49. "And Baby Makes Four" (Part 3) Written by: Gabriel Kaplan. Directed by: Bob Claver [No opening/closing jokes; Includes clips from parts 1 and 2 at the beginning of this episode.] With: Mr. Hansen (Julie's father)............Jack Dodson Mrs. Hansen (Julie's mother)...........Alice Backes Julie's parents come for a visit to see the twins. DETAILS: Mr. Woodman substitutes for Gabe while he is out with Julie and the new twins. Vinnie and the Sweathogs drop by Gabe's home, then Julie's parents drop by unexpectedly. Though Gabe hints he wants them to go to a hotel, they insist on staying there forcing Gabe to sleep on the fire escape. After a few days, they end up driving Gabe crazy because he can't do anything in his own house, see Julie, or get near the twins. The Sweathogs help Gabe practice telling Julie's parents to get out of his home, but when he finally gets up the courage and goes home, he finds they are gone. The Sweathogs drop by to give the twins some gifts, then Woodman also brings a present. As a present to Gabe, Gabe asks for Woodman to give Vinnie a make-up exam and Woodman agrees. 50. "Just Testing" Written by: George Bloom & Beverly Bloomberg. Directed by: Bob Claver Vinnie crams for a school test. 51. "The De-Programming of Arnold Horshack" Written by: Mike Barrie & Jim Mulholland. Directed by: Bob Claver With: Mrs. Horshack..........................Ellen Travolta Horshack joins a religious cult. DETAILS: After being continually put-down by the Sweathogs, Horshack joins a religious cult known to brainwash and take total control of people's lives. Horshack changes his name to Abu and talks in vague spiritual terms no matter how hard the Sweathogs try to convince him to give up his new "religion". Finally when his sheet-wearing comrades show up in front of the school, Horshack says goodbye and the Sweathogs finally admit that they "love" him. This finally persuades Horshack to stay with his friends. 52. "What a Move!" Written by: Peter Meyerson & Nick Arnold. Directed by: Bob Claver Epstein finds an apartment for the Kotters. 53. "A Novel Idea" Written by: George Bloom & Beverly Bloomberg. Directed by: Nick Havinga [Gabe is not in this episode except for the opening and closing jokes.] Mr. Woodman writes a novel about the Sweathogs. DETAILS: While Gabe is away, Mr. Woodman shows Julie his completed novel entitled "The Swamprats of Savannah" which he has been working on for 3 years. She is less than impressed, and when the Sweathogs drop by and start to read it they are even less impressed when they find the characters are all based on them. There's Julie-Lou, Clobberino, Thorshack, and Baltimore (which is close to Washington) to name a few. After an unsuccessful protest to keep Mr. Woodman from publishing the book, the Sweathogs retaliate by writing their own book about Mr. Woodman called "The Spacehogs of Buchania". Mr. Woodman is the evil Woodnose Dimento in their story. By fighting fire with fire, the Sweathogs are able to force Mr. Woodman to change his story and characters in return for not publishing "The Spacehogs of Buchania" in the Buchanan Bugle. 54. "Barbarino in Love" (Part 1) Written by: Peter Meyerson & Nick Arnold. Directed by: Bob Claver [Includes "stay tuned for" segment about part 2 at the end] With: Cassy..................................Amy Johnston Lou....................................Martin Garner Daniel Chodos Vinnie spends time with a girl instead of rehearse with the Sweathogs, part 1. DETAILS: For the upcoming school talent competition, the Sweathogs form an act called "Three Do's and a Don't" (Vinnie is the Don't). They win the school competition and will go to an inter-school competition where Mr. Woodman hopes to get a trophy finally. A girl named Cassy, who is a competitor from another school, shows up and catches Vinnie's eye. His manners frustrate her, so she goes out with him to teach him how to be a gentleman, but inevitably she falls for Vinnie's charm and Vinnie spends all of his time with her instead of practice with the Sweathogs. When the Sweathogs give him an ultimatum ("it's either us or her") and remind him that Cassy is also in the competition, Vinnie decides to quit because he doesn't want to compete against her -- which upsets her. 55. "Barbarino in Love" (Part 2) Written by: Peter Meyerson & Nick Arnold. Directed by: Bob Claver [Includes clips from part 1 at the beginning of this episode.] With: Cassy..................................Amy Johnston Lou....................................Martin Garner Vinnie spends time with a girl instead of rehearse with the Sweathogs, part 2. DETAILS: Vinnie decides to go back to the Sweathogs' singing group, but Gabe and Mr. Woodman inform them that the judges have disqualified them because they heard the act broke up. After speaking to the judges, Gabe returns to tell them the judges rescinded and will allow the group back in. Vinnie makes up with Cassy and though both the Sweathogs and Cassy perform well in the competition, a kid who does bird calls wins. 56. "Kotter for Vice-Principal" Written by: Steven Clements & Joyce Gittlin. Directed by: Bob Claver With: Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Robin and Rachel Kotter................Beth & Kay Kearney Mr. Jan (from the school board)........Ernest Harada Gabe considers becoming vice-principal. DETAILS: As Mr. Woodman's contract is coming up for renewal, the Sweathogs circulate a petition to have Gabe become vice-principal instead. Woodman tries to be nice to the Sweathogs to get them to drop the petition, but they refuse. However, Gabe tells Woodman he isn't interested in being vice-principal. When Woodman refuses to believe that and provokes Gabe by telling him he doesn't have the guts to try, Gabe decides to try. However, Gabe dreams he is in the year 2050 where Vinnie and Freddy are very old and still in the class, while Horshack is their teacher. Epstein is a jester to his highness and king, Vice- Principal Kotter. Gabe comes in his king outfit and taunts the Sweathogs, telling how he exiled Woodman. In his dream, Gabe learns of a plot to overthrow him led by Julie. Only Gabe's two daughters Robin and Rachel stick up for him. In his dream, an Oriental keeps showing up for the "Fairchild Wedding". After he wakes up, Gabe decides he doesn't want to let power corrupt him. Back at school, even though more than half of the school body signed Gabe's petition (1407 signatures, not including forgeries), the Sweathogs find out they missed the deadline and Mr. Woodman's contract was renewed. Mr. Jan, the head of the schoolboard drops by, and it is the Oriental from the dream. 57. "Swine & Punishment" Written by: Nick Rossner & Bob Silberg. Directed by: Bob Claver Freddy cheats on an English test. 58. "Epstein's Madonna" Teleplay by: Eric Cohen. Story by: Earle Doud. Directed by: Bob Claver With: Ms. Paula Holzgang (art teacher).......Denise Galik Frank O'Brien Stan Ross Epstein paints a nude on the school wall. DETAILS: For art class, Epstein is chosen to paint a mural on the school wall and decides to paint a nude female. Mr. Woodman is strongly opposed to the mural, but Gabe sticks up for Epstein to Mr. Woodman and to a reporter until he finds out that the familiar looking face on the mural is actually Julie -- at which point he changes his mind and chases Epstein away. Late at night, Gabe finds that Mr. Woodman painted a bikini on the nude, so Epstein stays up all night to repair the mural so it can be graded by the art teacher the next day. Amidst the local media and protesters, the art teacher gives Epstein a B+ and decides the mural should stay up for a week, much to Mr. Woodman's dismay. 59. "Angie" Teleplay by: George Bloom & Beverly Bloomberg. Story by: James Komack & Paul Mason. Directed by: Bob Claver With: Angie Grabowski........................Melonie Haller A new girl wants to join the Sweathogs. DETAILS: A girl named Angie who is transferring from the Bronx acts very excited to be in the Sweathogs' class. She keeps saying that she wants to be a Sweathog, but they insist that girls are not allowed. To try to prove herself to them, she plays a prank on Mr. Woodman by setting off the sprinkler system in his office. Mr. Woodman plans to expel all of them for her trick, but the Sweathogs realize that the fire alarm didn't go off with the sprinkler system and demonstrate the system's failure to Mr. Woodman who is supposed to make sure the system works. In return for their silence, Mr. Woodman agrees to not follow through with his expulsion threat. 60. "Sweatwork" Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by: Alan Myerson [Vinnie is not present or even mentioned in this episode.] Horshack becomes a fanatic on the school radio station. DETAILS: In order to win a prize, Mr. Woodman decides to start up a school radio station with Freddy as DJ. Epstein does the consumer reports show and Horshack does the 4 o'clock news (usually around 4:30). The ratings are very good except for Horshack's poorly delivered news segment. Mr. Woodman forces Freddy to remove Horshack from the programming, so in his last show Horshack goes on a fanatical complaining tirade. The next day Horshack is a big success as a rabble-rouser and Mr. Woodman cuts down on Freddy and Epstein's time to give it to Horshack -- until Horshack starts to criticize vice-principals. Next program Horshack attacks teachers as overpaid. Gabe, who is anything but overpaid, convinces Horshack he is dealing in half-truths and should research both sides of the story first. When Horshack follows this advice and stops acting like a fanatic, his popularity plunges and he is back where he started. 61. "Meet Your New Teacher: Batteries Not Included" Teleplay by: Garry Ferrier and Aubrey Tadman. Written by: Judy Skelton & Tony Schurer. Directed by: Bob Claver With: Mr. Jan (from the school board)........Ernest Harada Sonny Melendrez [Though mentioned, Vinnie is not present in this episode.] Gabe is afraid of being replaced by a computer DETAILS: Mr. Woodman brings a computer into Gabe's classroom as an experiment to see how well the Sweathogs can learn from it -- and hoping that its success will earn him a promotion to Principal. The Sweathogs quickly become used to the computer and their test scores jump dramatically. Gabe finds himself no longer teaching and has all sorts of free time at school and home. Soon, the Sweathogs become bored of the computer's monotonous lectures and when they hear that Mr. Jan from the school board is considering letting them keep the computer longer if Mr. Woodman's demonstration goes well, they sabotage the computer. This convinces Mr. Jan that the computer shouldn't be used to replace the teacher. 1978 ---- 62. "Epstein's Term Paper" Written by: Eric Cohen. Directed by Bob Claver With: Angie Grabowski........................Melonie Haller Carvelli...............................Charles Fleischer Murray.................................Robert Harcum The Sweathogs turn in phony term papers. DETAILS: Instead of writing their own term papers for Gabe's class, the Sweathogs choose to buy old "guaranteed A papers" for $5 each from Carvelli. Epstein's paper is on Franklin D. Roosevelt ("a mighty knight who fights for what's right"), Horshack's is on Joseph Stalin, Freddy's is on the Dust Bowl, and Vinnie's is on the Irish Potato Famine ("Great French Fry Phantom"). When Gabe grades Epstein's paper, he recognizes it as the same paper he handed in 11 years ago, so he gives all of them F's. Epstein then demands Carvelli refund their $20 per his guarantee, but Carvelli weasels out of that. Gabe tells Epstein he knows that Carvelli is selling used term papers and to thwart future use of the papers, Gabe passes around a list of them to all teachers and schools. Gabe then gives the Sweathogs one more chance to do the paper because, as he admits, he may have turned in that paper on FDR 11 years ago -- but he never said he WROTE it. 63. "There's No Business..." (Part 1) Teleplay by: Gabriel Kaplan. Story by: Richard Eckhaus Directed by: Bob Claver [1 opening joke; Includes "stay tuned for" segment about part 2 at the end of this episode.] With: Angie Grabowski........................Melonie Haller Peter Charnoff (agent).................Sam Weisman Eddie Mitzer (nightclub owner).........Michael Preminger Gabe tries being a stand-up comedian, part 1. DETAILS: After Vinnie goes to the "Comedy Connection", the Sweathogs convince Gabe to pursue his dreams and try a stand-up comedy act. At his first performance, Mr. Woodman shows up as a heckler and nobody laughs at Gabe's relative jokes. However, a talent agent tells Gabe he thinks he's a good performer but needs different material. They decide Gabe should talk about the Sweathogs instead. The Sweathogs help Gabe learn how to imitate them in class, and Gabe's later stand-up performances are a smash. Gabe's agent offers him $500 a week to perform at a big nightclub. Going on Epstein's advice, Gabe decides to grab for the "brass ring" and give up teaching. Julie is surprised and the Sweathogs feel betrayed. 64. "There's No Business..." (Part 2) Teleplay by: Beverly Bloombery & George Bloom Story by: Richard Eckhaus. Directed by: Bob Claver [1 opening joke; Includes clips from part 1 at the beginning of this episode.] With: Angie Grabowski........................Melonie Haller Peter Charnoff (agent).................Sam Weisman Gabe tries being a stand-up comedian, part 2. DETAILS: While Gabe is away with his agent, Julie stops by class to see how disappointed the Sweathogs are. At home, Gabe tells her that he is going to take a 32 week cross-country tour and she becomes angry. They make up and Gabe promises to include her in all future decisions. After Gabe's first performance -- but before his big one in front of the boss -- the Sweathogs drop by to tell Gabe that they don't miss and like their new female teacher. However, Mr. Woodman drops by afterwards to tell him how everyone really misses him and Woodman begs for him to come back. Gabe doesn't feel he can quit without disappointing the Sweathogs, but he decides he'd rather teach, so he bombs out in his big performance on purpose. 65. "What Goes Up" Written by: Nick Arnold. Directed by: Jeff Bleckner Freddy takes drugs. 66. "Goodbye Mr. Kripps" Written by: Aubrey Tadman & Garry Ferrier. Directed by: Bob Claver With: Angie Grabowski........................Melonie Haller Norman Alden Jack Fletcher Bryan O'Byrne Vinnie blames himself for his shop teacher's heart attack. DETAILS: Vinnie's short-tempered shop teacher, Mr. Leonard Kripps, insists on interrupting Gabe's class to take Vinnie outside to scream at him after he misbehaved in his class. Vinnie and the nurse come back quickly to tell everyone that Mr. Kripps had a heartattack while screaming at Vinnie and is dead. Vinnie then feels guilty and blames himself for everything wrong in the world. Everyone tries to cheer him up, except Mr. Woodman, to no avail. To clear his conscience, Vinnie turns himself in for murder at the police station to detective Eddie Lasky. After investigating Vinnie's story, Gabe convinces Vinnie and the detective that Vinnie is not to blame. Vinnie is released and as the detective is about to leave, Mr. Woodman relates how he dented the fender of a car that was in his way -- which turns out to be the detective's, who then gives Mr. Woodman a good scare. 67. "Horshack & Madame X" Written by: Peter Meyerson. Directed by: Al Schwartz With: Angie Grabowski........................Melonie Haller Horshack falls in love with Julie. DETAILS: While Gabe is away teaching a class at NYU, Horshack mopes about because he has been turned down by yet another girl. At the Kotter's apartment, Horshack washes dishes and cleans up while the rest of the Sweathogs watch TV. Julie feels sorry for the way Horshack is being treated and how he feels, so she talks to him and gives him advice about girls. She asks him over to dinner as a treat and then kisses Horshack on the cheek to thank him for the work he did. Horshack then falls in love with her and comes back as a Romeo. She finally convinces Horshack that she's not in love with him. Of course the Sweathogs and Gabe all get the wrong impression at first when they find out. 68. "The Kiss" Written by: Peter Meyerson & Max Wynne Goldenson. Teleplay by: Peter Meyeson. Directed by: Bob Claver With: Judy Borden............................Helaine Lembeck Laura Stevens..........................Sally Hightower Mr. Jan (from the school board)........Ernest Harada "Baby" Stevens.........................Demetre Phillips Gabe is accused of kissing a girl who fainted. DETAILS: Gabe asks a Sweathog girl named Laura to stay after class to tell her not to distract the other Sweathogs by putting make-up on during class. Instead she faints and Gabe starts to give her mouth-to-mouth when Mr. Woodman walks in. With great delight Mr. Woodman immediately tells the school board that he was molesting the girl and tries to get him fired. Laura claims she can't remember anything and doesn't defend Gabe. Laura's brother "Baby" also stops by the Kotter's apartment to threaten Gabe. The Sweathogs find out that Laura has been eating a bean sprouts only diet and has been fainting often. They insist she tell Mr. Jan of the school board what really happened. While she is waiting outside the door where Gabe is being interrogated, Laura faints again and this time Mr. Woodman gives her mouth-to-mouth as Judy, Mr. Jan, and Gabe walk in. This convinces Mr. Jan that Gabe is innocent. 69. "Close Encounters of the Carvelli Kind" Written by: George Bloom & Beverly Bloomberg. Directed by: Robert Hegyes [Freddy tells closing joke.] [Though mentioned, Epstein is not in this episode because he's directing.] With: Carvelli...............................Charles Fleischer Murray.................................Robert Harcum Carvelli tells stories about aliens. DETAILS: In a student exchange program, Epstein goes to another school while Carvelli and Murray come to the Sweathogs' class. The next day Carvelli comes in telling stories about aliens called the "Yorkslights" from the planet Yorksel, and this convinces Gabe to send Carvelli to Mr. Woodman's office. After class, Gabe sits by the window and daydreams about Carvelli's story. In the dream, Mr. Woodman believes Carvelli's story and prepares for a landing in the schoolyard because the Yorksels need belts for their pants from Earth. At the much hyped landing, Carvelli sells merchandise and makes a lot of money. When the Yorksels don't come at his countdown he tries to skip off with the money, but suddenly a ship lands and an alien gets out to take Carvelli away. Carvelli admits it was a scam and gives back the money, then the alien pulls off its mask to reveal it's Julie. 70. "The Return of Hotsy Totsy" Written by: Gabriel Kaplan. Directed by: Bob Claver. With: Rosalie Totsy..........................Debralee Scott Olga...................................Marlise Pieratt The Sweathogs try to help a drop-out Sweathog get a good job. DETAILS: The Sweathogs go to the Torso Trap which features exotic dancers, one of whom happens to be Rosalie Totsy, who dropped out of the Sweathogs class 2 years earlier. She is embarrassed to see the Sweathogs and stops her act. When Horshack comes back to apologize and talk to her, she tells him that she got married, had a child, and then her husband ran off. She took the job which pays $200 a week to support her sixth month old child. Gabe and the Sweathogs try to help her find a respectable job, but it is Mr. Woodman who finds her a secretarial position at Brooklyn College. (Rosalie is supposed to be 17 years old in this episode.) 71. "Sweathog Christmas Special" Written by: Eric Cohen & Mel Stewart. Directed by: Bob Claver The Sweathogs share Christmas memories. 72. "Sweathog Back-to-School Special" (1977) Teleplay by: Peter Meyerson & Nick Arnold. Story by: Paul Mason. Directed by: Dick King [No opening/closing jokes] The Sweathogs remenisce about past episodes as they start a new semester. DETAILS: About to start a new semester, the Sweathogs gather around in the classroom to talk about the past via flashbacks from previous episodes. [Julie is shown pregnant here, though chronologically this should be after she gave birth to the twins.] == From this point on, Gabe and Vinnie were rarely present in episodes. As a result, there are no opening/closing jokes. Also, Julie took over Gabe's class and most episodes took place outside the classroom. == 73. "Frog Day Afternoon" (title included in episode) Written by: George Bloom & Earl Barret. Directed by: Nick Arnold Horshack refuses to dissect a frog in biology class. == From this point on, Beau De Labarre was a regular in each episode. == 74. "Beau's Jest" (title included in episode) A new student, Beau De Labarre, sets up Epstein with a bad date. 75. "The Sweatmobile" (title included in episode) Written by: Rich Hawkins. Directed by: Norman Abbott The Sweathogs try to buy a used car from Vinnie's uncle. 76. "Don't Come Up and See Me Sometime" Written by: Liz Sage & Rich Hawkins. Directed by: Nick Arnold Vinnie throws the Sweathogs out of his new apartment. 77. "The Drop-Ins" (Part 1) Written by: Bill Richmond & Gene Perret. Directed by: Norman Abbott [No opening/closing jokes. Vinnie only present at end of episode.] With special guest star......................John Travolta With: Carvelli...............................Charles Fleischer Murray.................................Robert Harcum The Sweathogs are upset when Gabe becomes vice-principal. DETAILS: Principal Lazarus finally retires and the school board chooses Mr. Woodman to become Principal. Mr. Woodman also announces that Gabe is now Vice Principal before Gabe can tell the Sweathogs about this big surprise. At the same time, unwelcome Carvelli and Murray transfer permanently into the Sweathogs' class. Thinking that they can now get away with anything because Gabe is VP, the Sweathogs tie up Carvelli and Murray in the classroom. This prompts Gabe to call them to his office and give them a week of detention. The Sweathogs threaten to quit school because he has turned on them, but Gabe convinces them to take a job training class for credit by operating the school store and they bargain the detention down to two days. When the Sweathogs make a shambles of the store and school equipment, Gabe reprimands them again just as Vinnie shows up in new clothes announcing he has a good job. The Sweathogs then decide to drop out of school and get a job like Vinnie. 78. "The Drop-Ins" (Part 2) Written by: Bill Richmond & Gene Perret. Directed by: Norman Abbott [No opening/closing jokes.] With special guest star......................John Travolta With: Carvelli...............................Charles Fleischer Murray.................................Robert Harcum Nurse Baker............................Marian Collier The Sweathogs decide to come back to school. DETAILS: The Sweathogs try to get jobs at the hospital where Vinnie is basically a janitor, though he pretends to be an important orderly to impress the guys. The Sweathogs soon realize they aren't qualified, and after finding out what Vinnie does, that he's grossing only $68.50 per week and his opportunity for advancement is small, they all decide to go back to school, though Vinnie keeps his hospital job. 79. "Once Upon a Ledge" Written by: Rich Hawkins & Liz Sage. Directed by: Nick Arnold Horshack stops a student from comitting suicide. 80. "Barbarino's Boo Boo" Vinnie loses Mr. Woodman in the hospital. 81. "Washington's Clone" (title included in episode) A student imitates Freddy. 82. "X-Rated Education" (title included in episode) The Sweathogs try to watch an X-rated film. 83. "The Barbarino Blues" (title included in episode) Vinnie is depressed when his girlfriend dumps him. 84. "A Little Fright Music" (title included in episode) The Sweathogs want to change Mr. Woodman's school song. 85. "Bride and Gloom" (title included in episode) Written by Earl Barret & George Bloom. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Gabe is not present in this episode.] With special guest star......................John Travolta With: Sally..................................Linda McCullough Angelina...............................Rachel Levario Epstein asks Vinnie to marry his immigrant cousin. 86. "The Goodbye Guy" (title included in episode) Teleplay by: Susanne Gayle Harris, Rick Hawkins, and Liz Sage Story by: Susanne Gayle Harris. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Gabe and Vinnie are not present in this episode.] With: Kelly Woodman..........................Georganne LaPierre Alston Ahern Corey Fischer Epstein almost moves in with Mr. Woodman's niece. 87. "A Winter's Coat Tale" (title included in episode) With special guest star......................John Travolta Vinnie's new coat is stolen. 88. "Barbarino's Baby" (title included in episode) Written by: Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Gabe is not present in this episode.] With special guest star......................John Travolta With: Nurse Bonney...........................Jane Dulo Mrs. Myrna Fishbein....................Mary Jo Catlett Mr. Sydney Fishbein....................Henry Corden Barbarino has to deliver a baby in an elevator. 89. "Sweat Smell of Success" (title included in episode) Written by Earl Barret & George Bloom. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Gabe and Vinnie are not present in this episode.] With: Carvelli...............................Charles Fleischer Murray.................................Robert Harcum Mary Johnson...........................Irene Arranga Epstein turns the school newspaper into a tabloid. 90. "I'm Okay, But You're Not" (title included in episode) Written by: Rick Hawkins & Liz Sage. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Gabe and Vinnie are not present in this episode.] Beau plays pranks on Mr. Woodman. 1979 ---- 91. "The Gang Show" (title included in episode) Written by: Bill Richmond & Gene Perret. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Gabe, Vinnie, and Julie are not present in this episode.] With: Carvelli...............................Charles Fleischer Murray.................................Robert Harcum Jean Tremaine..........................Della Reese Epstein and Freddy enter a talent show. 92. "Come Back, Little Arnold" (title included in episode) Written by: Rich Hawkins & Liz Sage. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Gabe, Vinnie, and Julie are not present in this episode.] With: Carvelli...............................Charles Fleischer Murray.................................Robert Harcum Mary Johnson...........................Irene Arranga Jean Tremaine..........................Della Reese Horshack develops a drinking problem. [In my opinion, by far the worst episode of the entire series.] 93. "Oo-oo, I Do, Part I" (title included in episode) Written by: Bill Richmond & Gene Perret. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Gabe and Vinnie are not present in this episode. Ends with upcoming clips of part 2.] With: Mary Johnson...........................Irene Arranga Horshack proposes marriage. 94. "Oo-oo, I Do, Part II" (title included in episode) Written by: Bill Richmond & Gene Perret. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Vinnie is not present in this episode. Begins with clips from part 1.] With: Mary Johnson...........................Irene Arranga Ancel Cook Richard Dimitri Kenneth White Dick Winslow Horshack gets married. 95. "The Bread Winners" (title included in episode) Written by: Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo. Directed by: Norman Abbott [Vinnie is not present in this episode. Julie and Gabe have a cameo.] With: Mary Johnson...........................Irene Arranga Mrs. Gladstone Trevors-Smythe..........Priscilla Morrill Kelly Woodman..........................Georganne LaPierre Samson Malone..........................Henry Beckman Epstein gets in a fight when Freddy takes his job. ........................................................................... Lyrics to the theme song ------------------------ >From: bigk@access.digex.net > >* Following are the complete lyrics to the John Sebastian theme song, as they >appeared in the record release which became a big hit in 1976. This version >is two minutes, fifty seconds in length. > > >Welcome back, >Your dreams were your ticket out. >Welcome back, >To that same old place that you laughed about. > >Well, the names have all changed since you hung around, >But those dreams have remained and they've turned around. > >Who'dve thought they'd lead ya >(Who'd have thought they'd lead ya) >Back here where we need ya? >(Back here where we need ya?) > >Yeah, we tease him a lot, >Cuz we got him on the spot. >Welcome back. > >Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. >Welcome back, welcome back. > >Welcome back. >We always could spot a friend. >Welcome back. >And I smile when I think how you must've been. > >**(The remaining lines not included in television version)** > >And I know what a scene you were learnin' in. >Was there something that made you come back again? > >And what could ever lead ya... >(What could ever lead ya...) >Back here where we need ya? >(Back here where we need ya?) > >Yeah, we tease him a lot, >Cuz we got him on the spot. >Welcome back. > >Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. >Welcome back, welcome back. > >(Instrumental interlude lead by harmonica rendition of "Welcome Back" theme >music.) > >And I know what a scene you were learnin' in. >Was there something that made you come back again? > >And what could ever lead ya... >(What could ever lead ya...) >Back here where we need ya? >(Back here where we need ya?) > >Yeah, we tease him a lot, >Cuz we got him on the spot. >Welcome back. > >Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. >Welcome back, welcome back. > >Yeah, we tease him a lot, >(Welcome back, welcome back) >Cuz we got him on the spot. >(Welcome back, welcome back.) > >Yeah, we tease him a lot, >Cuz we got him on the spot. >Welcome back. > >Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. >Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. >Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. Some Quotes ----------- Epstein: "I got a note." Epstein: "I refuse to testify on the grounds it might incinerate me." Freddy: "Hi there." Freddy: "I don't happen to have it HANDY." Horshack: "G'he. G'he." (Contraction of "Go ahead. Go ahead.") Horshack: "Hellooooo. How're ya? I'm Arnold Horshack." Horshack: "Ooooo-ooooo!" Horshack: "Very impressive, Mr. Kotter." Vinnie: "Hey, guys, I got my astigmatism removed!" Vinnie: "I'm SO confused!" Vinnie: "Off my case, toilet face!" (also "potato face") Vinnie: "Ooookay, fine." Vinnie: "Up your nose with a rubber hose." Vinnie: "Well, you little snow-capped leprechaun, it looks like somebody played Danny Boy on your face with an ugly stick." Vinnie: "What? Where? When?" Woodman: "What? Where? Barbarino, the only reason you have a head is to separate your two ears!" Other Information ----------------- >From: Dan McCormick > >* Gabe Kaplan: > >Gabe had a minor film career in the early 80's. All of his films >flopped at the box office. (EX: "Fast Break", "Nobody's Perfekt", >and "Tulips".) > >He also had a short-lived series on NBC called Lewis & Clark. One episode >had a cameo appearance by Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Freddie Washington) and >Robert Hegyes (Epstein). > >He was amazingly successful in "Gabe Kaplan as Groucho", a stage biography of >the life of Groucho Marx. It started as an HBO special, but went on to tour >the country, and the U.K. I remember having a front row seat for the show >here in Madison, Wisconsin (I think I was about 12 then). While attendance >of the Madison show was shockingly low (under 300), it was a hit because it >had material not seen in the HBO special. (In all likelihood, I think it was >the repeated exposure on HBO which hurt attendance.) > >Gabe is a fan of cards, and has held poker tournaments in Las Vegas >(according to my memory of a program for the Groucho show). He hosted a quiz >show on ESPN sometime in the 80's. Last I saw, he had taped some promos for >Nick at Nite's revival, which have yet to air (except, in part, on "American >Journal"). > >* Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs: > >Aside from the cameo on the NBC Kaplan series, the only other show I saw him >on was Fox's "Alien Nation" series in 1991. (I do not know if he was in the >1994 tv-movie "Alien Nation: Dark Horizon.") He had a minor supporting role on >the series as a detective on the LAPD. I only discovered this Monday night as >I coincidentally rummaged through my Alien Nation tapes after the Kotter >reruns. (Really wild coincidence!) > >His films include: "The Annihilators", "Cooley High", "Indecent Behavior", >"The Jacksons: An American Dream", "L.A. Vice", "Paramedics", and "Quiet >Fire." > >* Robert Hegyes: > >Robert Hegyes played Chico on the HBO "Gabe Kaplan as Groucho" special. He >toured with the show (although he was unable to appear here in Madison). He >also got a role in the fourth (and final?) season of "Cagney and Lacey." I >believe he was doing promos for Nick with Gabe (although that could have >been Horshack instead). His film career consists of "Underground Aces". > >* Ron Palillo: > >Horshack is currently working on a soap opera (according to a recent USA >Today article). His films include "Committed", "Hellgate", and a role as one >of Jason's victims in "Friday the 13th, part VI". > >I caught a repeat of "The Jon Stewart Show", and Ron was on for a couple of >minutes. He said that he is currently on "One Life to Live", and is working >on a *second* children's book (and I didn't even know that he had a first). >Also, he mentioned that plans were once made for a Kotter reunion, but fell >through because of the writer's strike (mid-80's, I presume). Some Welcome Back, Kotter merchandise was sold: o A Welcome Back Kotter Action Figure Set (supposedly valued at $350 now) which included action figures of Barbarino, Epstein, Freddy, Horshack, and Mr. Kotter and a classroom set (each also sold separately) TV Broadcasts (United States) ------------- The USA Network has played Welcome Back, Kotter a few times during the last few years but not recently. Nickelodeon ("Nick at Nite") has been playing 6 episodes every Friday night from 8pm-11pm PST (starting July 7, 1995). To kick off the return of Welcome Back Kotter, Nick played 6 episodes each night from May 29 - June 2, 1995. Unfortunately all Nickeloden broadcasts are edited slightly, more so than earlier USA network broadcasts. Up until August 18, Nick played the episodes in chronological order. The sequence was: July 7: #01-#06, July 14: #07-#12, July 21: #13-#18, July 28: #19-#24, August 4: #25-#30, August 11: #31-#36, August 18: #37,#39-#41,#43,#70 August 25: #44-#49, September 1: #50-#55 Starting September 4th, Nick advertised their schedule as being changed to Monday through Friday 11pm-11:30pm, but after missing a few episodes mysteriously, I soon found out that there were additional time slots they didn't bother to mention in their promos. The current schedule of episodes is: Monday: 11pm-11:30pm * Tuesday: 3am-3:30am (repeat of Monday) Tuesday: 11pm-11:30pm * Wednesday: 3am-3:30am (repeat of Tuesday) Wednesday: 11pm-11:30pm * Thursday: 3am-3:30am (repeat of Wednesday) Thursday: 11pm-11:30pm * Friday: 3am-3:30am (repeat of Thursday) Friday: 11pm-11:30pm * Saturday: 3am-3:30am (repeat of Friday) Sunday: 3am-3:30am * Sunday: 11:30pm-12:00am * Partial listing of the sequence of episodes from September 4th on: 9/4: #58, 9/5: #59, 9/6: #60, 9/7: #61, 9/8: #62, 9/10: #65,#66 9/11: #63, 9/12: #64, 9/13: #67, 9/14: #68, 9/15: #69, 9/17: #70 9/18: #72, 9/19: #1, 9/20: #2, 9/21: #3, 9/22: #4, 9/24: #77/#5 10/1: #78/#85, 10/2: #86, 10/3: #88, 10/5: #90, 10/6: #91, 10/8: #92,#95, 10/9: #93, 10/10: #94, 10/11: #11 As evident above, Nickolodeon is jumping around in a less than predictable manner. I'm not going to be tracking them any more. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This document is provided as is without any express or implied warranties. While every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this document, the author and contributors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. This document may be distributed freely in its entirety for any non-commercial use. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I do not plan to update this guide any more because: (1) I have very little time (2) Nickelodeon no longer plays episodes in a predictable, logical order so it's almost impossible for me to catch the ones I missed (3) The last episodes without Gabe and Vinnie are hardly worth describing (4) Most people don't seem to care about this document in the first place Basil Wilson