User Reviews

Atypical episode from the penultimate season of "My Three Sons," this wild entry touches on the subjects of freedom, responsibility and falling into a dull routine. The entire Douglass clan is in a rut. Not the first time. The crotchety Uncle Charlie has pointed this out on more than one occasion. He has the family's daily movements down to the second. Or at least to the half minute. So out of the blue comes Jim Bell (Sal Mineo) on his chopper. Barbara, Steve's wife, catches him bathing and drinking out of a garden hose. Resourceful guy. Needless to say, she is not thrilled by the lack of manners displayed by her stepson's old pal. Everyone else in the family, however, sees him as Jim Bell from Bryant Park. Jim is the childhood friend of the oldest son, Robbie. His arrival will cause friction between Robbie and his wife, Katie, the mother of his identical triplets! Robbie is mesmerized by Jim's stories of far-off lands, exotic women and a carefree existence. Practical Katie asks Jim, "How does he finance his travels?" She also (subtely) reminds her own husband that he has a family and a job here. Robbie has an itch in the back of his throat that only a drink from the Colorado River can scratch. She relents. Robbie's character, I feel, always had an edgy side to him. I think this series gets a bad rap as being less than hip. This episode breaks the mold and the speed limit. It's a neat half hour of escapist television. But there is a message rumbling around the Douglass living room. Somewhere. I think.

I agree with the last reviewer, this is a standout episode, certainly something different and with guest star Sal Mineo. Sal was enormously popular on tv at the time, having recently appeared on MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. He was perfectly cast in yet another rebel rouser role, and you had love this.

Sal plays Jim Bell, Robbie's friend from the good old days, who rides into the Douglas' driveway on a chopper. He's a one of a kind adventurer, replete with tales of riding with the wind and never looking back -- which kinda' interests Robbie?

Expectedly, comes the family divide, and it's no surprise Barbara and Katie ain't too keen about their surprise guest, while the men folk accept him for what he is. But there is a limit, especially when Kate reminds Robbie he NOW has a family... Fairly potent stuff, borderline seriocomic, and well written by series creator George Tibbles' son, Doug (who passed in 2023). Doug wrote over thirty episodes for the show, assisting his famous dad from time to time, also a popular musician. In fact, Doug was somewhat like Jim Bell in this episode, very independent, forming his own band and leaving Hollywood to perform around the country.

Must see entertainment, and for all us Sal Mineo fans. It must have been a real treat for the cast to work with Sal, or perhaps Sal to meet this famous tv family. We all miss him. If you're a tv buff, this may also remind you of a classic episode from the PARTRIDGE FAMILY, only in reverse. Free spirit Rob Reiner stops by the household, catching the eye of Laurie this time around. The story had its similarities, filmed about the same time.

Best of SEASON 11 EPISODE 14 remastered color. First episode of 1971. Happy New Year.