Ep 12. Baio and Switch

Beverly Goldberg is on a mission to make Murray Goldberg's birthday extra special but she doesn't want any of his usual birthday surprises. Her plan involves having every single member of her family perform a special talent for him. Meanwhile, Adam Goldberg is yearning to make some major changes to his bedroom. He wants a bunk bed, a sea of posters and the soundtrack to "The Karate Kid" on full blast 24/7. Unfortunately for him, his mom Beverly is not on-board with his growth. When Beverly hears that Scott Baio is coming to town, she decides to surprise Murray with the Happy Days star. As Beverly plans to recreate his favorite childhood birthday memory, Adam feels like he is going to be forever stuck with his old bedroom. Adam's plans to switch rooms with Barry don't go anything like he wanted it too, but that doesn't dissuade Beverly from her final birthday gift for Murray, a song from Scott Baio himself.

The episode begins with Beverly deciding to throw Murray a birthday party that includes a talent show. Beverly is determined to get the entire family to showcase their extraordinary talents. Barry shows his dance skills while Erica delivers an enchanting piano performance. But when it's Adam's turn, he reveals his desire to get a change to his bedroom, which ultimately falls on deaf ears. Beverly is no way ready for this and insists that his bedroom is fine. But Adam doesn't give up. Later when he finds out that Scott Baio is going to be at a local car dealership, he sees it as his opportunity to meet him and become more grown-up.

The story goes back to Beverly's effort in arranging a surprise birthday gift for Murray. Beverly is determined to cajole Scott Baio to come for Murray's party. She plans to recreate his childhood birthday memory by having Scott Baio perform "Happy Birthday". At the same time, Erica is troubled when she finds out that a girl she had crushed on at the roller disco has her hands on a mixed tape made by Barry, and she has never been angrier.

Adam starts his scheme to switch bedrooms with Barry. Adam convinces Barry that Adam's room is better than his because of access to the tree outside his window. Barry agrees to switch rooms. But things don't go as planned and Barry's room is bigger and better designed than Adam's. Adam is unable to make Barry understand and finally gives up and decides it's better to stay in his old room.

The plan to invite Scott Baio becomes a little bit more complicated when Beverly hears that he is not going to be at a restaurant nearby but at a car dealership. She somehow convinces Murray to go to the dealership by telling him that they need a new car and that Scott Baio is holding a meet and greet there. The plan almost fails when Scott Baio's flight gets delayed, but Beverly has some tricks up her sleeve and finally, Scott Baio makes an appearance and performs "Happy Birthday" for Murray.

Meanwhile, Erica is still upset with Barry. When he admits to her that he made the mixtape as a gift for their granddad, she decides to forgive him. In the end, Adam finds a way to integrate Scott Baio into his own story and he comes to the realization that he's not quite ready to grow up just yet.

"Baio and Switch" is an episode filled with heartfelt emotions and some great laughs. The script is fantastic, and the cast does a wonderful job portraying their characters. The audience will surely enjoy this episode and will relate to the idea of wanting to make significant changes in their lives, but just not being ready for it yet.