Ep 3. A Man Called Snake

In episode 3 of season 2, titled "A Man Called Snake," the Partridge family finds themselves in a bit of trouble when they pick up a hitchhiker named Snake (played by Rob Reiner). While on their way to a gig, the family's bus breaks down on a deserted road and they are forced to seek out help. Along comes Snake, a charismatic army deserter with a guitar and a wandering spirit. Despite their initial reservations, the Partridge's decide to give Snake a chance. They allow him to travel with them on their tour, but soon his behavior starts to raise some concerns.

Snake's charming and carefree demeanor slowly starts to reveal a darker side, and the family begins to question whether they made a mistake in allowing him to travel with them. When Snake gets too comfortable with Shirley (played by Shirley Jones), the mother of the family, Keith (played by David Cassidy) steps in to defend her honor. This leads to a tense confrontation between Keith and Snake, leaving the rest of the family feeling uneasy.

While Snake's reputation precedes him, the Partridge family wants to give him the benefit of the doubt. Snake has a talent for songwriting and playing the guitar, and the family sees potential in working with him on their music. However, as they continue on their tour, the family starts to realize that Snake has a history of causing trouble. They find themselves dealing with stolen merchandise and belligerent fans, all while Snake's influence over the group continues to grow.

As the tour goes on, the Partridge family becomes increasingly uncomfortable with Snake's presence. They start to see him as a liability and realize that they need to find a way to get him off their tour. This ultimately leads to a confrontation between Snake and Danny (played by Danny Bonaduce), the youngest member of the family, in which Danny stands up to Snake and shows him that the family won't stand for his behavior any longer.

Despite the challenges they face, the Partridge family comes together as a unit to overcome the obstacles that Snake presents. "A Man Called Snake" is a powerful episode that explores themes of trust, loyalty, and family. It reminds us to always be cautious of those who enter our lives, but also to be open to the potential for growth and positive change.