Ep 13. Star Quality

The Partridge Family Season 1 Episode 13, titled "Star Quality," follows the musical adventures of the Partridges as they struggle to cope with their newfound fame. In this episode, the family is booked to perform at a high school prom, where they are pleasantly surprised by the turnout of adoring fans.

The episode starts with the Partridges rehearsing at home, preparing for their upcoming gig at the prom. However, things take a turn for the worse when Danny, the youngest member of the family, accidentally spills orange juice on his brother Keith's prized guitar. This leads to a minor squabble between Keith and Danny, but their mother Shirley steps in and helps them squash their differences.

Meanwhile, an old friend of Shirley's, a famous, aging movie star named Gloria, pays a visit to the family. She offers to give them some tips on how to deal with the pressures of Hollywood and the music industry. Gloria is immediately taken with the family's talent and encourages them to pursue a career in music, telling them that they have "star quality."

At first, the family is hesitant to take her advice seriously, but when they arrive at the high school prom and see the throngs of screaming teenagers waiting for them, they begin to believe that they really do have what it takes to make it big. The Partridges put on a fantastic show, with Keith's guitar skills and Laurie's smooth vocals stealing the show. Even Danny manages to charm the audience with his energetic drumming.

After the show, the family is mobbed by a horde of teenage fans. It is here that they really start to feel the pressure of their newfound fame. The Partridges are forced to sneak out of the prom through a back exit to avoid being trampled by their fans.

As they make their way out of the school, a limousine pulls up and a group of men get out. They introduce themselves as record producers and tell the Partridges that they want to sign them to a record deal. This is a dream come true for the family, but they soon find out that with fame comes sacrifice. The producers tell the Partridges that they'll be required to tour constantly and make appearances on TV, which means they'll have to give up some of their personal lives.

The family starts to feel divided on what to do next as Danny, in particular, is hesitant to give up his life as a normal kid. It takes a frank discussion from Shirley, who tells them that they need to stick together as a family and make a decision as a unit.

In the end, the Partridges decide to sign the deal with the record producers and embrace their newfound fame. However, they vow to stay true to themselves and not let the pressure get to them. The episode ends with the family performing one last song, with a montage of their photos flashing by in the background.

Overall, "Star Quality" is a fun and heartwarming episode that showcases the family's musical talents and their bond as a family. The episode also explores the sacrifices that come with fame and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst the pressures of the music industry.