Ep 15. You Can Fight City Hall

The Danny Thomas Show, also known as Make Room for Daddy, was a popular sitcom that aired from 1953 to 1965. The show followed the life of Danny Williams, a nightclub entertainer, and his family as they navigated the ups and downs of everyday life. On season 8 episode 15, titled You Can Fight City Hall, Danny finds himself in a predicament when the city threatens to tear down his children's school to make way for a new highway.

The episode starts with Danny's daughter, Terry, coming home from school upset. She tells her parents that her school, St. Mary's, might be torn down by the city to build a new highway. Danny can't believe it and decides to take action. He goes to see the mayor but can't get past his secretary. He tries to explain his situation to the secretary, but she dismisses him, telling him that the city needs the highway and there's nothing he can do about it.

Danny doesn't give up. He decides to organize a protest to save the school. He calls his neighbors and friends to help him and they start a petition. They go door to door asking people to sign it and they get a lot of support. Danny also reaches out to the local news station, hoping to get some coverage for their cause. At first, the news station is reluctant to cover the story, but Danny convinces them that it's an important issue that affects the whole community.

Meanwhile, Danny's wife, Kathy, is worried about their son, Rusty. He's been acting out lately and she thinks it's because of the stress of the situation. She talks to him and finds out that he's upset about the school. He doesn't want to leave his friends and start over at a new school. Kathy reassures him that everything will be fine and they'll do whatever they can to help save the school.

As the day of the city council meeting approaches, Danny and his friends get more and more nervous. They know they're up against a powerful opponent, the city government. They attend the meeting, hoping to speak out, but they're not allowed to. The mayor tells them that the decision has already been made and there's nothing they can do to change it.

Danny and his friends leave the meeting disappointed and defeated. They feel like they've lost the battle, but Danny doesn't give up. He comes up with a new plan. He decides to file a lawsuit against the city, citing that the school is a historical landmark and can't be torn down. Danny goes to see a lawyer and explains his case. The lawyer is impressed with Danny's passion and agrees to take on the case pro bono.

The lawsuit goes to trial and Danny and his lawyer argue their case. The city council presents their case as well, but Danny's lawyer exposes some inconsistencies in their arguments. In the end, the judge rules in favor of Danny and St. Mary's school is saved. The city is forced to change their plans for the highway and find a new route that won't affect the school.

Danny and his friends celebrate their victory. They're proud to have stood up to city hall and made a difference. Danny's son Rusty is relieved and happy to be staying at his school. The episode ends on a heartwarming note, with Danny and his family expressing their gratitude for each other and the community that came together to save their school.

Overall, the episode is a classic example of a feel-good sitcom, with Danny and his family facing a problem but coming together with their community to find a solution. The episode also touches on important themes such as the power of activism, community involvement, and standing up for what you believe in.