Ep 12. Guess Who's Coming to Drive?

The Partridge Family season 2 episode 12, titled "Guess Who's Coming to Drive?", centers around the family's quest to find a new driver after their old one, Reuben, quits. Initially, they struggle to find a suitable replacement, with one driver being too aggressive, another too meek, and a third too old. However, their luck takes a turn for the better when a woman named Gloria Hickey shows up at their doorstep, saying that she's applied for the job through an employment agency.

While Gloria's qualifications seem impressive – she has experience as a chauffeur, and even worked for a celebrity in the past – the Partridges are hesitant to hire her because of her gender. As Shirley points out, she's never heard of a female bus driver before, and the very idea seems "unconventional". Nonetheless, they agree to give Gloria a chance, and she proves to be a capable and confident driver, impressing everyone with her skills.

However, the family's initial reservations about Gloria quickly resurface when they discover that she's a bit of a wild card. For example, when they stop at a gas station, Gloria insists on cleaning the windshield herself, which involves spraying water all over the attendant and making a huge mess. Later on, when they pass a construction site, she insists on honking the horn and catcalling the workers, much to the family's embarrassment.

Despite these quirks, the family is grateful to have a driver who's reliable and on time, especially since they have a big concert coming up soon. However, their world is turned upside down when Gloria reveals that she can't make it to the concert, and they're left scrambling for a replacement once again. In the end, they turn to their old friend Reuben, who agrees to come out of retirement for the night and drive them to the concert in his own style.

Overall, the episode is a lighthearted and comedic look at gender stereotypes and expectations, as well as the challenges of finding good help. Gloria's character is a fun and memorable addition to the show, and her interactions with the Partridges highlight the generation gap between the "hip" and "square" cultures of the 1970s. Ultimately, the episode reinforces the message that it's important to give people a chance and not judge them based on their appearance or gender.