Hey_Sweden

Comedic chaos erupts among the characters when Harry, Dan, and Bull *all* show interest in the same woman: Suzanne (Caroline McWilliams, 'Benson'), who shares interests with each of them. Harry has thrown his hat into the ring upon learning that she has an extra ticket for a Mel Torme concert - and we know how he feels about Mel Torme.

There are some fine comic moments, and some priceless one-liners as Dan fires insults at Bull ("Conehead the Barbarian!"); it's a good thing for Dan that Bull is not quicker to anger. In his effort to square things between himself, Dan & Bull, Harry ends up making a true bonehead move.

The whole cast is great here, with the end credits going for a live-action background that provided a little something extra. And guest star McWilliams (who was married to Michael Keaton from 1982 to 1990) is sufficiently appealing to show how guys could really go for a lady like her.

Although never truly uproarious, this engaging early episode does have some real laughs going for it.

Seven out of 10.

Jack & Larry are both over the moon over their latest girlfriends, not knowing that they are actually dating the same girl (Rebecca Holden, 'Knight Rider'). Janet tries to keep the two of them from finding out, especially since Jack has promised to "break in two" any other man who would dare to make a move on her.

'A Crowded Romance' is a very funny episode that gives Joyce plenty to work with, and indeed some of the brightest moments involve her interacting with either John or Richard. There's one hysterical point where Jack is carrying Janet in the most awkward way possible. And, of course, there's the expected hilarity when we see Jack at his current job: "mechanical man" in the front window of a department store!

We do see Janet on the phone with Chrissy, although we do not see Suzannes' side of the conversation. This was actually the first episode of the fifth season to be filmed, but Suzannes' absence has less to do with her contract dispute and more to do with a strike that was going on at the time.

Furley doesn't make an appearance during this episode, but the episode is still very funny without him. John, Joyce, and Richard are all in very fine form here.

Eight out of 10.

Bobby & Renko are forced to arrest a grieving father (Frank McRae, "48 Hrs."), who's just lost his family in a hit-and-run, when it's revealed that he has outstanding warrants. Patsy successfully helps to bust the handsy dentist, Dr. Rose (Sandy McPeak, "The Osterman Weekend"), but is furious when the ever-sleazy J. D. enjoys watching the videotape evidence of the bust. Lucy must say goodbye to Fabian (Zero Hubbard, 'Tribes') when his birth mother Vivian (Beverly Hope Atkinson, "The New Centurions") straightens up and gets clean.

'Dr. Hoof and Mouth' is another top-notch episode with some good laughs and lots of dramatic peaks. For instance, Jablonski makes good on his promise to the cops of the Station, and lends an ear to Belker, who's lost his apartment because his building is being torn down. Your heart just goes out to Lucy, who you know really made a good home for Fabian, but who knows that she would be fighting a losing battle trying to maintain custody. Guest star McRae delivers a heart-breaking performance. I also thought it was nice when J. D. offers as sincere an apology as he can make to Patsy (who had smacked him earlier!). Even the dentist does seem genuinely contrite after he's caught dead to rights, having struggled with this "problem" of his for a while.

One of the best things about 'Dr. Hoof and Mouth' is spotting future Oscar winning lead actress Frances McDormand as Connie Chapman, who at this point was intended to be Joyces' replacement as public defender.

Other excellent guest stars include Garrett Morris of 'Saturday Night Live' fame as a very indignant (!) tire thief, and Richard Venture ("Scent of a Woman") as a man with a history of drunk-driving.

All in all, this is another solid episode from the seasons when this series was still firing on all cylinders.

Eight out of 10.