Ep 8. But the Memory Lingers On

The Partridge Family was a popular TV show that aired from 1970 to 1974. The show was about a family of musicians who travel around in a brightly painted bus, performing and getting into all sorts of adventures along the way. Season 1 episode 8, "But the Memory Lingers On," focuses on the family's youngest member, 7-year-old Danny, as he deals with the loss of a beloved friend.

The episode begins with Danny (played by Danny Bonaduce) getting ready for school. He is upset because his pet hamster, Chester, has died and he's not sure how to deal with his grief. His older sister Laurie (played by Susan Dey) tries to comfort him, but he refuses to talk about it. When they get to school, Danny's best friend, Wendell, tells him about the time his own pet turtle died and how he still thinks about him every day. Danny begins to cry and runs out of the classroom.

Later that day, Danny is walking home from school when he hears a song that he and Chester used to dance to. He starts to cry again and runs into a local pet store. Inside, he sees a little girl holding a hamster that looks just like Chester. He asks the store owner how much the hamster costs, but when he realizes he doesn't have enough money to buy him, he runs out of the store.

Back at home, Danny is still upset about Chester's death. His mother Shirley (played by Shirley Jones) tries to talk to him about it, but he refuses to listen and runs off to his room. Meanwhile, the family has a gig that night at a local club. When they arrive, they find out that Wendell's family is there too. Danny tries to avoid him, but Wendell comes up to him and tells him that he knows how he feels. The two boys end up singing a song together about their lost pets, and the audience loves it.

After the show, Danny and Wendell go back to the pet store together to look at the hamster. Danny tells the store owner that he still doesn't have enough money, but Wendell offers to lend him the rest. Danny is overjoyed and thanks his friend. As they leave the store, Danny looks back at the hamster and says goodbye to Chester one last time.

"But the Memory Lingers On" is a heartfelt episode that deals with the difficult subject of loss and grief. It shows how children can sometimes have a hard time expressing their emotions and how important it is for them to have supportive friends and family members to help them through it. The episode also touches on the themes of friendship and the power of music to bring people together. The Partridge Family was known for its catchy songs, and this episode includes several musical performances that add to the overall charm of the show. Overall, "But the Memory Lingers On" is a touching and memorable episode of a beloved TV series.