Ep 6. The Joker is Mild/First Time Out/Take My Granddaughter, Please

The Love Boat season 1 episode 6, titled "The Joker is Mild/First Time Out/Take My Granddaughter, Please," is a delightful and heartwarming episode that follows the escapades of various guests on board the Pacific Princess.

The episode opens with a hilarious scene featuring the ship's resident lounge singer, Julie McCoy, who is trying to teach a group of passengers how to dance the fox trot. Among the participants is a shy and nerdy man named Arnold, who has never danced before. Julie takes him under her wing and gives him some helpful tips, but he still struggles to keep up with the rhythm.

Meanwhile, Vicki, the ship's teenage bartender, is excited to go on her very first date. She has a crush on the handsome and charming Second Officer, Burl "Gopher" Smith, and he has finally asked her out. However, Vicki's overprotective grandfather is also on board the ship, and he doesn't approve of the budding romance. He tries to sabotage the date in various ways, but Vicki and Gopher are determined to have a good time.

In another storyline, a wealthy and eccentric man named Mr. Gibson boards the ship with his beautiful young girlfriend, Sherry. Mr. Gibson is a practical joker, and he loves to play pranks on people. His latest target is the ship's captain, Captain Stubing, whom he tricks into thinking that a famous movie star is on board the ship incognito. The captain goes to great lengths to impress the supposed celebrity, but he soon discovers that it was all a hoax.

As the episode unfolds, we see Arnold gaining more confidence on the dance floor, thanks to Julie's patient and encouraging teaching. He even impresses a pretty blonde passenger named Laura, who becomes smitten with him. Vicki and Gopher's date goes smoothly despite her grandfather's interference, and they share a sweet moment on the deck of the ship overlooking the ocean.

However, things take a surprising turn when Mr. Gibson reveals that he has a hidden agenda for coming on the cruise. He wants to give his girlfriend, Sherry, a chance to experience new things and meet new people, but he also wants to test her loyalty. He arranges for a handsome and charming stranger named David to come on board and try to seduce Sherry away from him. Sherry is initially flattered by David's attention, but she soon realizes that he is not what he seems.

In the end, all the storylines are resolved in satisfying and heartwarming ways. Arnold and Laura share a romantic dance, while Vicki and Gopher's relationship deepens. Mr. Gibson apologizes to Captain Stubing for his pranks, and he learns to appreciate true love instead of playing games. The episode ends with all the passengers and crew members coming together for a lively dance party, set to the toe-tapping tune of "That's Amore."

Overall, "The Joker is Mild/First Time Out/Take My Granddaughter, Please" is a delightful and entertaining episode of The Love Boat. It captures the spirit of adventure and romance that made the show such a beloved classic, while also showcasing the talents of its talented cast and crew. Whether you're a fan of the series or simply looking for a fun and uplifting escape, this episode is sure to leave you smiling.