The New Landlord

The roommates are busy selling what they think are the remainders of the Ropers' belongings, having the couples' blessing to do so. But, it turns out, this junk actually belongs to new landlord Ralph Furley (comedy legend Don Knotts, making a grand debut on the series). In order to change his mind about evicting the three of them, Jack suggests a dinner party for Furley & Lana, having noticed that the landlord immediately developed the hots for her.

This is hands down one of the most *hysterical* episodes that I've seen so far as I work my way through the series once again. This is, quite simply, farce at its best, especially a quick scene with Jack, Janet, Chrissy, and an ill-fated roast.

Knotts added so much to the dynamic; his contributions can't be over-estimated. Granted, his was a much more eye-popping, broad humor than that of the grumpy, conservative Mr. Roper, but Stanley & Helen never *quite* crack me up the way that RF does at his best. His entrance is classic stuff (Knotts supposedly commented that the wardrobe department went to the "ends of the Earth" to find the clothes that RF would wear). And Richard Klines' reactions as RF orders his first drink at the Beagle are hilarious.

Unfortunately, the writers seemed content never to do very much with the Lana character, rendering her mostly one-note. That said, Ms. Wedgeworth does get utilized pretty well here, as Lana develops an instant dislike to Furley, whom she calls a "worm" (!).

But if broad comedy and slapstick, some of the cornerstones of 'Three's Company', are your thing, you'll find MUCH to enjoy here. One of my favorite bits: a game of musical chairs.

10 out of 10.

Of course, we all know this show thrived on the one note premise of misunderstanding. That's a conversation for another review. When the writers and producers went all in on the classic strokes of broad comedy, you get gems like this. Don Knotts' entrance as Ralph Furley was a stand out. The physical comedy of John Ritter is once again on full display. There isn't a scene he doesn't steal. This was one of the best uses of Ann Wedgeworth's enormous talents as Lana. It's a shame the writers never understood that someone like Jack would never be turned off by a man hungry, slightly older woman. It's a story arc they never pursued as Wedgeworth left the series mid season.