Ep 5. My Cousin, the Cheat

In Happy Days season 5 episode 5 entitled "My Cousin, the Cheat," the Cunninghams' family is visited by Rick's cousin, whom they haven't seen in a long time. To the family's surprise, the cousin turns out to be a dishonest and manipulative cheat, and the problems he creates cause a significant tension within the household.

The episode starts with Mr. Cunningham commenting how excited he is about his cousin visiting them. However, as soon as the visitor arrives, it is evident that he is not what they expected him to be. Rick's cousin, Ronnie, is a smooth-talker who immediately starts making up untrue stories. The family senses his lies, but they don't want to upset him by calling him out.

As the day progresses, Ronnie's true nature becomes more apparent. He is revealed to be a professional gambler who would do anything to get ahead, even cheat. The Cunninghams' find themselves in an uncomfortable situation when Ronnie starts using his tactics to win at a friendly game of poker with Richie, Potsie, and Ralph. Richie and his friends are terrible poker players, and Ronnie is taking advantage of them. The Cunninghams' have their first family discussion about how to address their cousin's behavior.

Things get more difficult for the Cunninghams' when Ronnie, who has come to Milwaukee to win money at the casino, reveals that he's in debt up to his ears. He asks his family to lend him the money to pay off the debt. It's not a surprise that he doesn't want to borrow the money through the proper channels since he has no intention of paying back the debt. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham both tell him that they are willing to loan him the money, but he must promise to return it. Ronnie reluctantly agrees to repay, but it is evident that he has no intention of keeping his word.

The Cunninghams' have a conversation about how to make Ronnie see the error of his ways. They decide to stage a football game, knowing Ronnie is an excellent athlete. Mr. Cunningham and Howard plan a fake bet with Ronnie on the outcome of the game, with a generous prize for Ronnie if he wins. The Cunninghams' are hopeful that this will show Ronnie how good life can be when you play fair and work hard.

In the meantime, Joanie struggles with whether or not she should speak up about Ronnie's cheating at poker. Her moral compass tells her to do the right thing and confess to her brother, but she doesn't want to betray her cousin. Richie, sensing that there is something wrong, confronts Joanie, and she tells him about Ronnie's actions. The family is disappointed, but they still intend to go ahead with the football game.

The football game becomes a big event. Everyone is excited and in high spirits about the game, except Ronnie, who is feeling nervous. He knows that he has a lot to lose if he doesn't play fairly or if he fails to win the bet. The Cunninghams' put up a fight, but Ronnie ends up cheating to win the game. The Cunninghams' are angry and disappointed that their cousin hasn't learned anything from his experience in Milwaukee.

The episode concludes with the Cunninghams' deciding that they can no longer trust Ronnie, explaining that they are willing to help him if he is willing to change his ways. They all agree to give him enough money to return to Las Vegas and start over. Ronnie tells them that he loves them all and that he will try to be a different person but then slips into his old ways by taking the money but not saying anything about changing.

In sum, Happy Days season 5 episode 5, "My Cousin, the Cheat," is a classic example of how actions have consequences. The Cunninghams' encounter problems that ultimately lead to lessons learned about integrity, honesty, and the importance of doing the right thing. The episode showcases the challenges of trying to help someone who doesn't want to help himself, resulting in tension and disappointment among those involved.