J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 1

"JJ's Fiancée" remains one of the show's most indelible 2 part story lines, marking the television debut of actress/director Debbie Allen, just as busy behind the camera as she is in front of it. Before JJ met Joanna Buchanan (Debbie Allen) all previous girlfriends were like ships passing in the night, though Thelma disagrees: "Bertha looked more like a super tanker!" Thelma admits that she is nice but often moody, while JJ confides that this time it's for real, proposing to Diana and receiving an affirmative answer. Not only do his parents refuse to grant their permission for the two to be wed, so do Diana's folks, longtime Evans friends Edgar (Sonny Jim Gaines) and Lucille (Marie Moore). JJ still buys an engagement ring for his appreciative fiancée, who casually steals a ring while the cooperative salesman (Mel Bryant) has his back turned. Before attending Thelma's senior prom that evening, JJ is the one trying to defend their right to get married, as Diana has to excuse herself for a little private business, using a syringe to make an injection into the crook of her elbow...