"Hot Stuff"





It's a nice touch to have Ralph sit at the piano he played in so many episodes.

Despite the unfortunate title, this is actually one of the best episodes of the season, with drama and action and heart.  (And some corny jokes of course.)  There's even sort of romance, not only with Richie and Lori Beth making out in a car, but Joanie changing from "no" to "maybe" for Chachi.  Her motivation is that her friends think he's really cute and she doesn't want him to be stolen away, but oh well.  (And, yes, it sends the message that a guy should just keep asking a girl out, in this case, for years, even when she rejects him.)  Nonetheless, I'm going with a B.

Notes:
  • Al considers moving back to Kenosha.
  • He is still seeing Germaine, the woman with a dog who doesn't or didn't like him.
  • After Arnold's burns down (and I honestly would've fine if they wanted to throw in flashbacks, since it would be justified in this case), Fonzie hands over his life savings to rebuild Arnold's, which would impact future episodes.  The "two Italians" are partners now, although Fonzie will still work at the garage.
  • This is at least the second episode where Fonzie refers to his cousin as a Fonzarelli.  I guess Louisa's maiden name was Fonzarelli.
  • It's LB's birthday, but I have no idea when this is set.


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