This is another one of those backdoor pilots attempted by a successful series that went nowhere. Around this time CBS would use this approach to springboard MAUDE from ALL IN THE FAMILY. But MAUDE had a strong central character and was surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast whose characters grew organically.
While this Here's Lucy episode certainly had a talented cast, the premise is unclear, so aside from Kim living on her own, what were they going to have her do week after week? They perhaps needed a stronger male character Kim's own age so this could have been like a precursor to THREE'S COMPANY. Susan Tolsky is a naturally funny actress so Lucie Arnaz would have been the "straight man" unless they went with more of a LAVERNE & SHIRLEY vibe and have them both be wacky. Writing this makes me realize how smoothly Lucie Arnaz could have easily fit into either of those future shows as a guest star or recurring character.
This episode does provide a few chuckles at Susan Tolsky's character, but the idea of Kim being date-raped is certainly not appealing, and the actor playing her date has no charisma. The performances in this aren't bad, it's just a rather dull scsript.
**NOTE** When this episode was reviewed in THE LUCY BOOK (1999) by Geoffrey Mark Fidelman the author makes note of the door latch flying off during filming and Lucie carrying on with the scene. Actually, he is confusing that with Season 6's "Where is My Wandering Mother Tonight?" as no such mishap occurs in this episode. In fact, the door here has no latch on it. So don't bother looking for that blooper here because it doesn't exist in this episode.
While this Here's Lucy episode certainly had a talented cast, the premise is unclear, so aside from Kim living on her own, what were they going to have her do week after week? They perhaps needed a stronger male character Kim's own age so this could have been like a precursor to THREE'S COMPANY. Susan Tolsky is a naturally funny actress so Lucie Arnaz would have been the "straight man" unless they went with more of a LAVERNE & SHIRLEY vibe and have them both be wacky. Writing this makes me realize how smoothly Lucie Arnaz could have easily fit into either of those future shows as a guest star or recurring character.
This episode does provide a few chuckles at Susan Tolsky's character, but the idea of Kim being date-raped is certainly not appealing, and the actor playing her date has no charisma. The performances in this aren't bad, it's just a rather dull scsript.
**NOTE** When this episode was reviewed in THE LUCY BOOK (1999) by Geoffrey Mark Fidelman the author makes note of the door latch flying off during filming and Lucie carrying on with the scene. Actually, he is confusing that with Season 6's "Where is My Wandering Mother Tonight?" as no such mishap occurs in this episode. In fact, the door here has no latch on it. So don't bother looking for that blooper here because it doesn't exist in this episode.
