Original Air Date: November 8th, 1998
When a new disco opens in Kenosha, Jackie drags the gang there for a fun-filled Saturday night of fancy dancing and dating faux pas. Knowing they needed to elaborate on the interpersonal relationships that had been introduced into the show, the writers maneuvered the group into a social setting which allowed them free reign to strengthen and separate their interconnected personalities. Both Kelso and Eric feel the first pangs of jealousy in their respective relationships with Jackie and Donna even as Hyde and Fez become formidable characters who break out of the background mold they've been cast in over the last few installments.
While it's not as consistently entertaining as the previous six shows, this episode gets a merit badge for trying hard. From the whacked-out stoner's circle to the father/son aftermath as Eric tries to run down Red's list of chores, the effort is certainly present. Even the interstitials try harder, with Fez sucking helium from a balloon in order to try his hand at chipmunk-sounding salsa singing. Some of the funniest scenes come from Kitty Forman trying to teach Hyde how to dance; including a first person perspective camera angle made all the more humorous by actress Debra Jo Rupp's exquisite ability to provide picture perfect comic facial expressions. Overall however, "That Disco Episode" proves that not every portion of the series can be a classic piece of jocular genius. Still, this sitcom's "average" is markedly better than most of their competition's best.
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