The Patty Duke Show (TV Series) Ross Runs Away, But Not Far (1966) User Reviews

A babysitting battleground

[JordanThomasHall · 7/10 · 21 August 2020]

Natalie is nervous to leave the kids for the weekend to accompany Martin's important newspaper conference. Martin reassures her that Patty is capable of taking care of things and watching after Ross. Ross invites his friend Billy (Scott Lane) over for a game of chess. They're interrupted by Patty insisting Ross clean his room. Billy advises Ross to tell her he is going to runaway to turn the tables on her, and she plays it off as being okay with her. They each think the other is bluffing. Indeed, Ross leaves with a suitcase, but sits outside by the door. When Natalie calls to check on things, Patty covers for her harsh treatment of Ross. He promises to not tell their parents if Patty will "treat (him) right"- essentially making her his slave. She finally stops and to prevent him from running away she chains them together with handcuffs. He informs her, however, that he lost the key to it a long time ago. With their parents arriving soon, Patty and Ross are forced to work together to clean things up. Things begin snowballing downhill, but the two begin forming a different view of one another.

Runaway Ross

[wes-connors · 6/10 · 23 February 2012]

When their parents go away for the weekend, Patty (Patty Duke) agrees to watch skate-boarding brother Ross (Paul O'Keefe). Patty orders Ross to first clean his bedroom, and then top it off by cleaning the basement. She wants parents Martin (William Schallert) and Natalie (as Jean Bryon), who repeatedly call to check up on their kids, and cousin Cathy (also Patty Duke) to think their daughter is responsible. However, Ross would rather play chess with his pal Scott Lane (as Billy). So, the siblings begin a war of nerves with Ross discovering his threat to run away from home keeps Patty in line. The bickering brother and sister, who are later connected by handcuffs, work well together in this brother-centered episode.

****** Ross Runs Away, But Not Far (1/5/66) Gary Nelson ~ Paul O'Keefe, Patty Duke, William Schallert, Jean Bryon