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1. Pilot
First aired: 10/8/2000 Production Code: 101Ed Stevens has just been fired for misplacing a comma in a 500 page contract, which cost his law firm employer millions of dollars. When he arrives home to give his wife the bad news, he finds her in bed with the mailman. He decides to pack it all in and head back to his hometown of Stuckeyville, Ohio. When he runs into Carol Vessey, the girl of his high school dreams who is now an English teacher at Stuckeyville High School, he decides to stick around and purchase the local bowling alley, where he sets up a law practice. Ed moves in with his best friend Mike and Mike's wife Nancy who are adjusting to life with a new baby. Still intent upon winning over Carol, Ed dons a suit of armor and enters her classroom carrying flowers and seeking a date. Although she is dating another faculty member, Carol agrees.
Director: James Frawley
Guest star: Saundra McClain (Wendy), Marvin Chatinover (Dr. Walter R. Jerome) , Curtis Mark Williams (Bryce), Polli Magaro (Marcel (uncredited)), Dar Billingham (Book Club Nerd (uncredited)), Gregory Harrison (Nick Stanton), Patti Allan (Joanne), Michael Countryman (Mr. Potter), Steve Dinopoulos (Roy Stangleton), Sean Campbell (Benjie Stangleton), Sarah Mayer (Sarah Burton), Emmanuel Mayer (Sarah Burton), Jason Anderson (Big Kid), Jim Bremner (Stenographer), Judy Norton (Judge), Mark Giradano (Mailman), Marianne Hagan, Henry Woronicz, Jay Brazeau (Southern lawyer Sam), Ray Bokhour (Client), Matthew Arkin (Customer), Janeane Garofalo (Liz Stevens (uncredited))
2. The World of Possibility
Community Score
| 8.5 Great |
Carol's childhood diaries prove useful when the town's premier magician, Stuckeyville Stan, sues a competitor for revealing his secrets; Nancy becomes threatened by the baby's nanny.
Director: Marc Buckland
Guest star: Mike Hodge (Judge) , Polli Magaro (Marcel (uncredited)), Eddie Bracken (Stuckeyville Stan), Sarah Litzsinger (Kendra), Robert Ari (Sales Rep), Charles Stransky (Construction Worker), Bill Buell (Bob), Mark Alan Beja (Kid # 1), Thomas Maher (Kid # 2), John E. Cariani (Howard Pissle), Gregory Harrison (Nick Stanton)
3. Just Friends
Community Score
| 8.9 Great |
Ed goes up against his old law firm in a case involving four friends who wrote up a contract on a bar napkin. At the same time, he must pick a manager for Stuckeybowl and deal with being "just friends" with Carol. Nancy and Mike fuss over who takes care of the baby at night.
Director: Marc Buckland
Guest star: Munson Hicks (Judge Henderson) , Paul Michael Valley (Richard Davis), Robert Weil (Mr. Winthrope), Ted Koch, Shuler Hensley, Robert Stanton, Michael Heintzman (Mailman), Jordan Leeds (Attorney), Ashley Wolf (Marie), Mark Fish (Video Clerk), Reiner Schöne (Customer #1), Sam Reni (Customer #2), David B. McConeghey (Bar Guy), Christopher Wynkoop (Customer #4), Christopher Carley (Kid), Jim Norton (II), Chris McGinn (Customer #3)
4. Pretty Girls and Waffles
First aired: 10/29/2000 Production Code: 103Ed defends a secretary being sued over a payroll error; Carol decides that she and Nick have to end their relationship; Mike is reviewed by his superior; Molly selects talent over beauty in casting the school play.
Director: Kevin Dowling
Guest star: Mike Hodge (Judge) , Joanna Going (Ceela McKenzie), Marvin Chatinover (Dr. Walter R. Jerome), Christopher Sieber (Bob Crickmore), Peter Gerety (Dick Knight), Joyce Reehling (Ms. Gustechi), Lyn Nagel, Kate Mara (Kelly Kovacs), Stephanie Mnookin (Waitress), Lisa Altomare (Mrs. Symkazmer), Samm Levine (Kid #1), Tre'Roy (Kid #2), Joe Paparone (Mr. Matthews), Dick Burnett (Delivery Man), Kenny Sheehan (Bill Woslouis), Jonathan Dokuchitz (Dancer #1), Kevin Neil McCready (Dancer #2), Michael Lee Scott (Dancer #3), Brad Anderson (Dancer #4), Jeffrey Broadhurst (Dancer #5), Clarke Thorell (Dancer #6), Gregory Harrison (Nick Stanton)
5. Better Days
Community Score
| 8.7 Great |
Carol drowns her sorrows over breaking up with Nick with a "Xanadu" marathon; Ed represents a jittery bride-to-be who sues her hairdresser over a bad pre-wedding haircut; feeling that her relationship with Mike is in a rut, Nancy decides to spice things up by starting a book club; Ed steps forward and makes yet another bold move to win over Carol's affections, which runs into a snag and causes some misunderstandings.
Director: Marc Buckland
Guest star: Robin Paul (Jessica Martell) , Jessica D. Stone (Lois), Gregory Harrison (Nick Stanton), Ray Bokhour (Chuck), Peter Appel (Jack Fundus), Hazelle Goodman (Ramona), Mickey Kelly (Duncan), Salem Ludwig (Professor Keplim), Paul Haber (Barry), David Lipman (Godfrey), Don Sparks (Woodshop Teacher), Celia Tackaberry (Haircut Woman), Savanna Samson (Cocoa), Laurie Wallace (Kitten), Susan Misner (Female Teacher), Gregory Kordstishevsky (Shampoo Guy), Matt Jay Manzella (Jock)
6. Home Is Where the Ducks Are
Community Score
| 8.6 Great |
Carol shocks Ed by announcing that she is leaving Stuckeyville to become a writer; Ed concocts Stuckeyville's first-ever Festival of Ducks to boost the town's reputation; Phil becomes mentor to a young bowler.
Director: Bethany Rooney
Guest star: M. Emmet Walsh (Mayor Kendricks), Samm Levine (Kevin Schwartz), Callie Thorne (Judy Kellman), Suzanne Shepard (Edna), Richard Poe (Jim Ludwig), Jack Davidson (Duckman), Bob Dorian (Mr. Hollenback), Bill Raymond (George Wilkes), Keith Reddin (Moderator), Patrick Carner (Joel), Bill Hoag (Suzeechio Salesman), Harvey Atkin (Customer)
7. Something Old, Something New
Community Score
| 9.1 Superb |
On his first Thanksgiving without his wife, Ed decides to start a new tradition and arranges an unconventional Thanksgiving feast at Stuckeybowl for his friends; Phil schemes to resell store bought turkeys as marked up Corinthian birds; Mike dreads spending the holiday with his father-in-law; Ed represents a young man who was hurt while breaking into a man's cabin (on a dare) and is suing the owner.
Director: Lawrence Trilling
Guest star: Max Rosmarin (Gavin Shrader), Munson Hicks (Judge Henderson) , John Randolph Jones (Shack Owner), Christopher Murney (Chester Jacinski), Lizbeth Mackay (Rita Shrader), Edmund Lyndeck (Charlie Hudson), Rob Leo Roy (Turkey Buyer), Joe Paparone (Manager), Carole Troll (Forewoman), Jerry Rockwood (Next Man), Jane P. Nichols (Passerby)
8. The Whole Truth
Community Score
| 8.7 Great |
When Molly's grandfather hires Ed to write his will, he ends up revealing a shocking secret;; Mike has a new rival at the doctor's office; Phil hosts an open-mike night at Stuckeybowl.
Director: Peter Lauer
Guest star: Marvin Chatinover (Dr. Walter R. Jerome), Max Rosmarin (Gavin Shrader), Saundra McClain (Wendy) , Edmund Lyndeck (Charlie Hudson), Mark Deklin (Dr. Scott Benson), Audrie Neenan, Ben Hammer (Ron Jeffries), Walt MacPherson (George Hudson), Beth Fowler (Helen Hudson), Catherine Wolf (Mrs. Andrews), Ed Wheeler (Hospital Doctor), Stephanie Mnookin (Waitress), Marcus Harris (Mr. Harris), Doug Skinner (Lute Guy), Lipedran Panicker (Sri Lankan Doctor), Bob Greenberg (Delivery Guy), David B. McConeghey (Patient # 1)
9. Your Life Is Now
Community Score
| 9.1 Superb |
The return of former high football star, Troy McCallum, brings out feelings of resentment in both Ed and Carol. Meanwhile Ed tries to help high school student Warren, whose nerd vs. jock conflict mirrors his own.
Director: Marc Buckland
Guest star: Robin Paul (Jessica Martell), Mike Hodge (Judge), Max Rosmarin (Gavin Shrader) , Peter Maloney (Mr. Stansley), Grant Show (Troy McCallum), Steve Routman, Noah Bean (Tim Cooper), Penny Balfour (Waitress), J.P. Shanks (Salesman), Jay Burns (Man in Suit), James Hugh Fitzpatrick (Customer), Kate Simses (Girl # 1), Rory Wheeler (Jock), Jim Fitzpatrick (Customer)
10. Losing Streak
Community Score
| 9.0 Superb |
Ed's visiting parents show their disapproval of his new life in Stuckeyville; Ed defends two men being sued for pulling a prank involving a lottery ticket; Carol becomes coach for the school's losing junior varsity basketball team; Shirley and Kenny stake out a vandal at Stuckeybowl.
Director: Adam Bernstein
Guest star: Philip Bosco (Alan Stevens), Jane Summerhays (Natalie Stevens), Larry Fleischman (Uncle George), Alicia Van Couvering (Jenny Rugale), Seana Kofoed (Agnes Bushner), Mary Ellen Cravens (Kate), Nadine Hennelly (Lottery Woman), Isiah Whitlock Jr (Tim Unger), John Rue, Tresa Hughes (Judge), Mitch Hedberg (Dave), Rob Sedgwick, Frank Wood, Peter Bartlett (Mr. Dunford)
11. Opposites Distract
Community Score
| 8.8 Great |
Ed locks horns with a sassy new D.A. while defending a man charged with breaking the law by putting dimes in parking meters; Molly chides Carol for taking Ed's attention for granted; Phil searches for his own personal catch phrase; Nancy must decide whether she wants to accept a promotion at work.
Director: Tim Van Patten
Guest star: Rena Sofer (Bonnie Hane), Joe Ponazecki (Judge) , Tim Carr (Bowling Buddy), Kevin Cahon (Writer #2), André Blake (Writer #1), Brian Smiar, Cynthia Hayden, Michael Mulheren (Hal Schaefer)
12. Hook, Line, and Sinker
First aired: 1/24/2001 Production Code: 112Ed handles a case involving a man being fired if he doesn't make a fish "sing"; Mike believes the Burton's new nanny has a crush on him; the Stuckeybowl staff tries to come up with ideas to drum up business.
Director: Arlene Sanford
Guest star: Rena Sofer (Bonnie Hane), Teresa Yenque (Carmela) , Madison Arnold (Steve), Lee Shepard (Godfrey), Kevin Alexander (Potsie), Robert Raines Martin (Ralph Malph), Jeannine Moore (Mrs. Cunningham), Yoshio Mita (Karaoke Guy), Robert Weil (Customer #1), Kelly De Martino (Waitress), Chris Gampel (Judge #1), Mike Hodge (Judge #2), James Murtaugh (Jack Respaldi), Robert L. Garthwaite, Gregg Edelman (Tom Respaldi), Ernie Sabella (Gary Swirdlock), David Magental (Richie Cunningham), Jerry Mayer (I) (Mr. Cunningham)
13. The Music Box
Community Score
| 8.5 Great |
When Carol's music box is stolen from her car, Ed tries to help in apprehending the thief. Though the music box is valuable, Carol really wants it returned for sentimental reasons (her grandfather gave it to her). During the investigation, Carol lets her jealousy of Bonnie get the best of her and the two butt heads. Finally the culprit is found and with Ed's detective work the man is brought in for questioning. Unfortunately the man has an alibi. Ed investigates the alibi and learns that the man lied. Confronted by Ed, the thief admits that he stole the music box because he was desperate for money because he lost everything while supporting his sick mother. He refuses to admit that in court however until Ed promises to talk the DA into waiving jailtime and putting him on probation. When Bonnie learns about the deal, she becomes furious that Ed used their relationship to his advantage, but she does end up waiving jailtime anyway, to Carol's dismay. Later that night, Ed and Bonnie take their relationship to a whole new level. Meanwhile, Warren learns that the girl of his dreams, Jessica, is joining a league at Stuckeybowl and so he tries to join too. Unfortuneately the only team available is Phil's. Desparate to be near Jessica, Warren agrees and become errand boy to Phil and his two older teammates. Just when Warren thinks the evening is a total loss, he learns that the team rescued him by making some "adjustments" to Jessica's boyfriend's car. Warren then sees his chance and comes to Jessica's rescue by offering her a ride home. The ride earns Warren a kiss on the cheek.
Director: Marc Buckland
Guest star: Rena Sofer (Bonnie Hane), Robin Paul (Jessica Martell), Munson Hicks (Judge Henderson) , Zachary Knighton (Stephen), Jayne Haynes (Trish Matalopolis), Joyce Reehling (Ms. Gustechi), Ray Aranha (Harry Lockmather), Chuck Lewkowicz, John Tormey, Leo Allen, Don Creech, Noah Bean (Tim Cooper), Albert Macklin (Sales Clerk)
14. Valentine's Day
Community Score
| 8.6 Great |
Ed represents a priest who is being fired for not increasing the church's congregation; Phil turns love-doctor and tries to make an ordinary man into a "love machine"
Director: Alan Myerson
Guest star: Rena Sofer (Bonnie Hane), Joe Ponazecki (Judge) , Ray Bokhour (Chuck), Charles S. Dutton (Rev. Carver), Bob Odenkirk (Rev. Porter), Peter Gerety (Dick Knight), Stephen Bogardus (Lawyer), June Squibb (Organist), Kathleen Turco-Lyon (Forewoman), John Elsen (Man), Lisa Brandon (Woman), Natalie Marie Hughes (Bowler)
15. Loyalties
Community Score
| 9.0 Superb |
As Ed and Bonnie grow more comfortable in their relationship, Carol grows more uncomfortable so Ed suggests that they all go out for dinner. Not wanting to be a third wheel, Carol brings an escort along. But dinner is a disaster for everyone when a misundering with her escort forces Carol to betray Molly's confindence and Bonnie drops a bombshell on Ed: she's accepted a job in Washington, DC; Big Rudy, the former owner of Stuckeybowl decides he wants the bowling alley back and resorts to dirty tricks to get what he wants-even enlisting Phil's help. In court Ed represents a singer/songwriter suing her band for the rights to her songs after she was kicked out.
Director: Rick Wallace
Guest star: Rena Sofer (Bonnie Hane), Mike Hodge (Judge) , John Goodman (Big Rudy), David Eigenberg (Jeff Alexander), Erin Cottrell (Amanda Bays), Ned Eisenberg, Steve Mellor, Paige Lyn Price (Carrie Thomas), Don Puglisi (Mr. Peterson), Kelly Deadmon (Hilary), Steven Rosen (Customer # 2), Diane Neal (Vanessa), Gibson Frazier (Barry the Drummer), Greg Vaccarello (Customer # 1)
16. Live Deliberately
Community Score
| 9.2 Superb |
A brush with death inspires a local man to change his life and do things he's never done before such as scale a wall, bowl naked, and go out with Molly. Meanwhile, Ed tries to recapture his youth by doing things he did when he was 18, and Warren becomes inspired by Thoreau's call to "simplify".
Director: Adam Bernstein
Guest star: Tessa Ghylin (Donna Tuzzi), Michael R. Genadry (Mark Vanacore), Joe Ponazecki (Judge), Robin Paul (Jessica Martell) , Kevin Pollak (Willie Johnson), David Eigenberg (Jeff Alexander), Richard Rurnett (Delivery Man), Matthew Burnett (Police Officer), Frank Senger (Customer), Kelly De Martino (Smiling Goat Waitress), Lorin Latarro (Pie Shop Waitress)
17. Exceptions
Community Score
| 9.2 Superb |
Ed and Carol finds themselves on opposite sides when he represents a gym coach who is flunking one of her best students; Dr. Jerome continues to humiliate Mike; Shirley starts working as Ed's legal clerk.
Director: Kevin Dowling
Guest star: Munson Hicks (Judge Henderson), Saundra McClain (Wendy), Michael R. Genadry (Mark Vanacore), Marvin Chatinover (Dr. Walter R. Jerome) , Michael Gaston (Frank Kerwin), Martin Starr (Clark Salinger), Todd Weeks (Skluff), Michael Hunsaker (Sean Ellis), Jacqueline Anderson (Sherry), Jude Brennen (Patient # 1), Johnny Cenicola (Little Dr. Jerome), Shadonea Graham (Kid #1), Jill Schackner (Kid #2), Nick Cubbler (Little Dr. Mike), Jude Brennen (Patient #1), Kenneth Fundus (Kid #3)
18. The Test
Community Score
| 8.6 Great |
Ed's old high school girlfriend, Kara, tests her husband's fidelity by hiring a friend to come on to him, When the husband fails the test by sleeping with the woman, Ed helps Kara in the divorce settlement. Meanwhile Carol tries to stop the forced retirement of the school's music teacher due to budget reasons. Also Nancy tests the nanny to determine if she's trustworthy.
Director: Tim Van Patten
Guest star: Max Rosmarin (Gavin Shrader), Tessa Ghylin (Donna Tuzzi), Robin Paul (Jessica Martell), Michael R. Genadry (Mark Vanacore), Mike Hodge (Judge), Teresa Yenque (Carmela) , Sarah Clarke (Kara Parsons), Crystal Allen (Selma Northfield), Anne Meara (Barbara Gennacarro), Tom Riis Farrell (George Parsons), Alan Kalter (Roger Gable), Dennis Creaghan (George's lawyer), Ray Bokhour (Chuck), Kathleen M. Darcy (French Teacher), Forrest Compton (Mr. Emerson), Stephanie Mnookin (Pie Shop Waitress), James Harden (Bartender)
19. Window of Opportunity
Community Score
| 7.9 Good |
Ed is dismayed when a couple decides to marry at Stuckeybowl simply because the man bowled a strike. In court he helps a man get a restraining order against his overzealous brother who is trying to help him stick to his diet; Warren fears that he's missed his chance with Donna.
Director: Robert Berlinger
Guest star: Max Rosmarin (Gavin Shrader), Tessa Ghylin (Donna Tuzzi), Robin Paul (Jessica Martell), Joe Ponazecki (Judge), Michael R. Genadry (Mark Vanacore) , Stephen Bogardus (Lawyer), Amy Spanger (Barbara), Brian Geraghty (Ari), Shaun Powell (Steve Martin), Del Pentecost (Jamie Martin), Paul Stolarsky (Rabbi), Ruth Jaffe (Drugstore Clerk), Sean Gullette (Snack Guy)
20. Mind Over Matter
First aired: 5/9/2001 Production Code: 120To ensure that Stuckeybowl outlasts him, Ed seeks to have it declared an historical landmark. Meanwhile in court, he reprresents a man overcharged for a placebo pill; Jeff causes friction between Molly and Carol.
Director: Marc Buckland
Guest star: Marvin Chatinover (Dr. Walter R. Jerome), Munson Hicks (Judge Henderson) , David Eigenberg (Jeff Alexander), Jamie Goodwin (Kendell), Ray Aranha (Harry Lockmather), Mark Gordon (Rodulescu), Dennis Creaghan (Wendell), Roger Serbagi, William Duell, J. R. Horne (Brownlee), Ron Crawford, Martin Rudy (character name [credited as Martin B. Rudy]), Rex Robbins (Councilman), Frank Deal (Russ), Edward James Hyland (Bruce), Jerry Walsh (Man at Council), Kathleen Goldpaugh (Councilwoman), Colette Duvall (Doreen), Deborah Cresswell (Martha Pulido)
21. Mixed Signals
Community Score
| 8.7 Great |
Ed represents a golfer suing a fan who shouted out while he was making an easy putt-thus costing him the win; Warren can't decide whether to ask reliable Donna or dream-girl Jessica to the prom.
Director: Alan Myerson
Guest star: Max Rosmarin (Gavin Shrader), Robin Paul (Jessica Martell), Tessa Ghylin (Donna Tuzzi), Michael R. Genadry (Mark Vanacore), Joe Ponazecki (Judge), Marvin Chatinover (Dr. Walter R. Jerome) , Tom Bloom (Jerry), Adam Sietz (Vecchio), Mario Cantone (Scott), Will Lyman (McGraw), Alex Molina (Dr. Busis), Bill Scheft (Jack Baker), Noah Bean (Tim Cooper), Guy Whitlock (Greeter), Neal Lerner (Caterer)
22. Prom Night
Community Score
| 9.5 Superb |
At the same time Ed receives a visit and a job offer from his old collegue, Carol invites him to the Stuckeyville HS junior prom; To avoid the embarrassement of not having a date, Warren seeks out an escort service; Phil attempts a string of comical practical jokes to get on a TV show.
Director: Marc Buckland
Guest star: Max Rosmarin (Gavin Shrader), Michael R. Genadry (Mark Vanacore), Robin Paul (Jessica Martell), Tessa Ghylin (Donna Tuzzi), Rena Sofer (Bonnie Hane) , Kylie Travis (Tanya), Micki Grant (Mrs. Reilly), Larry Paulsen (Stan), David Wohl (Escort Service Man), Alicia Van Couvering (Jenny Rugale), Noah Bean (Tim Cooper), Jason Antoon (Deejay), Sydney Ducks (Diner Man), Adam Wylie (David Merskey), Yuka Takara (Linda Takahara), David Alan Basche (Bud Frankel)
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