'The Older Woman' (Season 2, Episode 5)
This episode shines by leaning into the show's softer side. Jack falls for Mrs. Roper's cousin, Barbara, a woman in her forties, creating a sweet but short-lived romance. The premise allows for the usual misunderstandings—Janet and Chrissy initially believe
Jack is dating Barbara's elderly mother. But the episode's strength is its genuine warmth. It presents a more mature, thoughtful Jack Tripper, giving John Ritter a chance to play sincerity amidst the silliness. It’s a reminder that beneath the farce, the show had a heart and wasn't afraid to explore relationships that broke from the typical sitcom mold of the era.
'A-Camping We Will Go' (Season 4, Episode 8)
Taking the roommates out of the apartment always injected fresh energy into the series, and this episode is a prime example. The plot is a chaotic farce: Larry convinces an aspiring actress that Jack is a famous director to get her to go camping, only for Janet, Chrissy, Lana, and Mr. Furley to tag along. The result is a masterclass in escalating absurdity. The episode's highlight is one of John Ritter's greatest physical comedy bits: a desperate, rain-soaked battle with a hammock that refuses to cooperate. It's a tour de force of comedic timing that showcases how the show could create gold from the simplest scenarios.
'Handcuffed' (Season 4, Episode 18)
Long before Mr. Furley entered the scene, this episode gave us a classic pairing: Jack and Chrissy. After Chrissy's policeman cousin accidentally leaves his cuffs behind, Jack and Chrissy playfully lock themselves together, only to realize there's no key. The timing couldn't be worse, as Jack has a big date. What follows is a brilliant exercise in physical comedy, forcing Ritter and Suzanne Somers to navigate the apartment, a date, and a trip to the Regal Beagle in perfect, awkward unison. The situation culminates with Mr. Furley attempting a rescue with a blowtorch, cementing this as a high-water mark for the show's signature brand of contained chaos.
'...And Justice for Jack' (Season 5, Episode 2)
This episode was remarkably ahead of its time and feels more relevant today than ever. After Jack is fired from a diner for rejecting his female boss's aggressive advances, Janet convinces him to sue for sexual harassment. The story flips the typical power dynamic on its head, using comedy to explore a serious issue. While the resolution is pure 1980s sitcom—with the judge blaming Jack's cologne for the unwanted attention—the episode stands out for tackling a complex topic head-on. It’s a surprisingly bold storyline that showcases the show's willingness to step outside its comfort zone.
'Up in the Air' (Season 6, Episode 25)
Often cited by fans as a series-best, this episode contains arguably John Ritter’s most iconic comedic performance. To help Janet impress a wealthy new boyfriend (played by 'The Brady Bunch' star Barry Williams), Jack agrees to pose as her date at a fancy party on an island. His fear of flying leads him to take tranquilizers, which he then mixes with a drink at the party. The result is an unhinged, full-body dance sequence that was reportedly filmed in a single take. It’s a moment of pure, unrestrained comedic genius that earned Ritter immense praise and remains one of the most memorable scenes in sitcom history.
'Chrissy's Hospitality' (Season 3, Episode 17)
While many episodes focused on Jack's disasters, this one puts Chrissy squarely in the driver's seat of the misunderstanding. While trying to host a baby shower, a series of mishaps leads Jack and Janet to believe Chrissy has a bizarre, fatal illness. Their frantic attempts to keep her calm and happy, while she remains blissfully unaware of their panic, build to a hilarious hospital scene. The episode is a perfect showcase for Suzanne Somers' command of Chrissy’s naive charm, proving her character was more than just a stereotype and could anchor an entire A-plot with delightful results.
