Ep 18. The Eleven-Year Itch
- February 2, 1973
The Partridge Family was a popular American sitcom that aired from 1970-1974. The show followed the musical adventures of the Partridge family, a group of siblings and their mother who traveled the country performing music. Season 3 episode 18 of the show is titled The Eleven-Year Itch and aired on February 5th, 1973.
In this episode, the Partridge family is on their way to a gig in Ohio when their bus breaks down in a small town. While waiting for repairs, they get to know the locals and learn about the town's upcoming "itch" festival. The festival is a celebration of the town's founding, and the residents believe that every eleven years, a particular itch afflicts the town's inhabitants, causing them to act out of character.
The Partridges are intrigued by the festival and the legend of the itch and decide to stay in town to experience it for themselves. Youngest sibling Danny becomes convinced that he has developed the itch and starts acting differently than usual. Meanwhile, eldest sibling Keith strikes up a romance with a local girl named Debbie, whose father is the town's mayor and head of the itch festival planning committee.
As the festival approaches, tensions rise between the Partridges and the town's residents. The family's unconventional look and lifestyle are at odds with the traditional values of the town, and it seems as though they may not be welcome at the festival after all. However, they decide to perform at the festival despite the backlash, and their music brings the community together in a way that no one could have predicted.
The episode ends with the Partridges saying goodbye to their new friends as they board their repaired bus and continue on to their next gig. However, the experience has left a lasting impression on them, and they reflect on the lesson they have learned about acceptance and embracing differences.
The Eleven-Year Itch is a classic episode of The Partridge Family that showcases the show's trademark blend of humor, heart, and catchy pop music. The episode's exploration of small-town life, community, and tradition is timeless, and the themes of acceptance and unity are as relevant now as they were when the episode first aired over forty years ago. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing the Partridges in a new setting and the introduction of new characters, while newcomers will appreciate the show's nostalgia and charm.
