Ep 19. Return of the Captain's Lady/Love Ain't Illegal/The Irresistible Man

On this episode of The Love Boat, titled "Return of the Captain's Lady/Love Ain't Illegal/The Irresistible Man," three different plotlines unfold, each exploring the intricacies of love and relationships in their own unique way.

In the first storyline, Captain Stubing is reunited with an old flame, Barbara Beldon, played by guest star Stella Stevens. They had a brief fling many years ago, but things ended poorly and they haven't seen each other since. Now, Barbara is a successful novelist and she's on board the Pacific Princess to research her latest book, which just so happens to be set on a cruise ship. When she and Stubing cross paths, old feelings reignite and they must grapple with the question of whether or not they can make a relationship work after so much time has passed.

Meanwhile, on the deck of the ship, a group of young activists are protesting against a law that criminalizes consensual sex between adults of the same gender. LGBTQ representation was rare on TV at the time that The Love Boat aired, but this episode tackles the issue head-on in a way that is both empathetic and thought-provoking. One of the protestors, played by Todd Bridges of Diff'rent Strokes fame, catches the eye of Julie, the ship's cruise director. Despite their different backgrounds and beliefs, the two find themselves drawn to each other, leading to a heartfelt conversation about love, acceptance, and the fight for equality.

Finally, the third plotline centers around a charismatic man named Harry, played by Geoffrey Scott. Harry has a reputation for being irresistible to women, but not in a sleazy or predatory way - he genuinely seems to care about the women he romances. However, when he meets a fellow passenger named Margie, played by veteran character actress Pat Carroll, he realizes that he may have finally met his match. Margie is a no-nonsense woman who isn't easily impressed by Harry's charms, leading to a battle of tug-of-war between them as they navigate their emerging feelings for each other.

As with every episode of The Love Boat, the various plotlines in "Return of the Captain's Lady/Love Ain't Illegal/The Irresistible Man" are woven together with humor, heart, and plenty of romance. From the lush tropical locales to the glamorous shipboard parties, viewers will be swept away by the nostalgia and escapism that The Love Boat has come to represent. With an all-star cast and storylines that still resonate today, this episode is a must-see for fans of classic TV and those who enjoy a good love story.