Pretty, popular Mary (Shelley Fabares) thinks she's going to the "Junior Prom" with one of the school's leading football players - left tackle Bobby Burgess (as Ernie) or right tackle Tom Brandt (as Phil). Mary prefers Mr. Burgess, due to his "cute smile", but must string Mr. Brandt along while waiting to see if Burgess will break up with quarreling girlfriend "Angela". Another classmate, lovelorn Buzz Martin (as Charlie James) fawns over Mary, returning her library books and picking up after her. But, Mary isn't romantically interested in the goofy Mr. Martin.
Ms. Fabares vaults into the series' spotlight, with a young "Scarlett O'Hara"-type performance. Her "Mary" is tremendously appealing. At breakfast, Jeff (Paul Peterson) keenly observes, "She's reached the stage where her figure means more to her than hotcakes." And, Donna (Donna Reed) advises her, "When you handle yourself, use your head. When you handle others, use your heart." Although "The Donna Reed Show" has a "squeaky clean" reputation, the family members' characterizations are quite naturally appealing. Herein, Ms. Reed, Carl Betz (Alex), Fabares, and Mr. Peterson have excellent interplay.
You may want to see Burgess, in a rare "acting" role apart from his two long-running stints as Disney "Mouseketeer" and "Lawrence Welk Show" dancer. But, the real attraction is Buzz Martin's hilarious portrayal of "Charlie". He helps turn the series' usual chuckles into laugh-out-loud moments. Martin has the series' best comic guest appearance (to date). Fabares and Martin are truly excellent.
******* Mary's Double Date (12/31/58) Oscar Rudolph ~ Shelley Fabares, Buzz Martin, Donna Reed
