Ep 1. Kelly and the Professor

Coach is a classic American sitcom that premiered in 1989 and ran for nine seasons, following the life of a college football coach named Hayden Fox. The show's creators, Barry Kemp and Howard Burkhart, aimed to capture the humor and drama of college sports, while also incorporating relatable storylines about family, relationships, and personal growth.

In the first episode of season one, entitled "Kelly and the Professor," we are introduced to Coach Fox, his daughter Kelly, and the rest of the Minnesota State Screaming Eagles football team. The episode begins with Coach Fox arriving on campus for the start of a new season, only to find that his bright and bubbly daughter has enrolled in the university as a student.

Right away, we see that Kelly and Coach Fox have a close relationship, but also clash over their different perspectives on college life. Kelly is eager to jump into campus culture, joining a sorority and attending parties, while Coach Fox is more focused on the football season and winning games.

As Coach Fox navigates his role as a father and coach, he also has to deal with a new addition to his staff: a pompous and condescending professor named Howard Burleigh. Dr. Burleigh is brought in to teach a course on "Football Theory," but he quickly becomes a thorn in Coach Fox's side, criticizing his coaching style and belittling his players.

Throughout the episode, we see how Coach Fox handles the pressures of balancing family, work, and personal relationships. He struggles to adjust to Kelly's newfound independence, worries about his team's chances against their upcoming opponents, and tries to maintain his professionalism and keep his team motivated in the face of criticism from Dr. Burleigh.

Meanwhile, Kelly finds herself caught between two worlds: the fun and excitement of college social life, and the expectations of her father. She tries to balance her desire to fit in with her longing for her dad's approval, ultimately finding a way to bridge the gap and support her father and his team.

"Kelly and the Professor" sets the stage for what would become a beloved sitcom, blending laughs, heart, and a touch of sports drama. The episode showcases the talents of Craig T. Nelson as Coach Fox, Shelley Fabares as Kelly, and guest star Kenneth Mars as Dr. Burleigh.

Overall, "Kelly and the Professor" is a strong start to the series, introducing the show's key players and themes while setting up potential storylines for future episodes. It establishes Coach Fox as a relatable protagonist, struggling to juggle the demands of his job and family, and provides plenty of comedy and conflict along the way.