Ep 13. Fonzie's Getting Married

In Happy Days season 2 episode 13, entitled "Fonzie's Getting Married," the popular sitcom explores the possibility of Fonzie, the show's resident "cool guy," finally settling down and tying the knot. The episode begins with a distressed Fonzie receiving a letter from his ex-girlfriend, Lila, whom he dated briefly before dumping her. But the reason for her letter is not what Fonzie expected; Lila is now getting married and wants Fonzie to walk her down the aisle as a symbol of their past relationship.

Upon hearing this news, Fonzie is visibly shaken. He confides in his best friend Richie, explaining that he never thought he'd see the day when he would be attending weddings and feeling emotions other than his usual, nonchalant demeanor. Richie encourages Fonzie to go see Lila before he commits to anything, and he offers to go with him for support.

Meanwhile, the rest of the gang – which includes Richie's parents, Howard and Marion Cunningham, his younger sister Joanie, and his friends Potsie and Ralph – are excited about the prospect of a Fonzie wedding. They begin to plan a bachelor party for him, complete with jokes and pranks that only Fonzie would appreciate.

When Fonzie and Richie go to visit Lila, they find out that her fiancé is a wealthy businessman who seems to have everything, including money and conventional good looks. Fonzie starts to feel inadequate, comparing himself to the groom-to-be and wondering if he could ever measure up to such a perfect man. Lila attempts to assuage his fears, telling him that he was her first love and that she remembers him fondly. She explains that she wants him to walk her down the aisle because he was an important person in her life, not because she wants to sabotage her forthcoming marriage.

After this revelation, Fonzie feels more at ease. He agrees to be Lila's escort, and he and Richie return to the gang to share the news. The bachelor party ensues, with Fonzie playing along with the jokes and good-natured ribbing. However, as the night wears on, he begins to feel the weight of his decision. He suddenly realizes that he might not actually want to walk Lila down the aisle, that he might be afraid of fully committing to the idea of marriage.

In an emotional scene, Fonzie opens up to Richie about his fears. He admits that he always assumed he'd stay single, that he's never allowed himself to be vulnerable enough to consider a long-term relationship. Richie tells him that he supports him no matter what he decides, and that it's okay to feel scared. He reminds Fonzie that he has plenty of time to figure things out, and that it's never too late to find love.

This heart-to-heart conversation sets the stage for the climactic scene of the episode. Fonzie arrives at the wedding, looking dapper in his suit and tie. He walks Lila down the aisle, thinking about all the times they had together and wishing her well for the future. But as the priest begins the ceremony, Fonzie has an epiphany. He realizes that he loves Lila, that she was right when she said he was an important person in her life. He interrupts the wedding and professes his love, telling Lila and her groom that he cannot let her go. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with the audience left wondering what will happen next for Fonzie and Lila.

Overall, "Fonzie's Getting Married" is a classic example of the Happy Days formula: a mix of slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters. The episode tackles a timeless theme – the fear of commitment – and does it with sincerity and wit. It also sets the stage for future storylines, as the audience wonders what will become of Fonzie's newfound love. Whether you're a diehard Happy Days fan or a newcomer to the series, you won't want to miss this episode.