Ep 7. Joe Blows, Part 1

Joe Hackett has some new competition in the form of Joe Blount, a hotshot pilot from New York who has come to Nantucket to scope out the competition. Joe B. is arrogant, competitive, and has a history with Helen, which only fuels Joe H.'s resentment towards him. Meanwhile, Lowell is trying to sell his used car but doesn't have much luck until Joe B. offers to buy it for a fraction of the asking price. However, Joe B.'s motives for buying the car may not be entirely pure. As tensions rise between the two Joes, Brian tries to play peacemaker, but only ends up getting caught in the middle. And when Joe H. is forced to confront his feelings for Helen, he decides to take matters into his own hands with disastrous results.

In "Joe Blows, Part 1," the fifth season of Wings continues to deliver the comedy and drama that fans have come to expect from the show. The episode revolves around the arrival of a new character, Joe Blount, who immediately rubs Joe Hackett the wrong way. Played by Timothy Daly, Joe B. is a slick, cocky pilot who oozes confidence and charm. His arrival immediately upsets the status quo on Nantucket and sets the stage for a showdown between the two Joes.

One of the highlights of the episode is the way it handles the rivalry between Joe H. and Joe B. The two men are clearly cut from different cloth, with Joe H. being more humble and old-fashioned while Joe B. is flashy and ambitious. This clash of personalities leads to some hilarious and tense moments throughout the episode. It also provides an opportunity to explore Joe H.'s character in greater depth, as we see how he struggles with feelings of inadequacy in the face of Joe B.'s success.

Another subplot involving Lowell's attempts to sell his used car provides some welcome comic relief. Lowell is one of the show's most endearing characters, and his earnestness and innocence are on full display here. When Joe B. offers to buy his car for a fraction of the asking price, Lowell can't believe his luck. However, as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Joe B.'s motives for buying the car may not be entirely pure. This sets up an intriguing mystery that will be explored further in Part 2 of the episode.

In addition to the comedic moments, "Joe Blows, Part 1" also introduces some welcome drama into the mix. The simmering romantic tension between Joe H. and Helen comes to a head in this episode, as Joe H. finally confronts his feelings for her. The scene in which he pours his heart out to her is one of the episode's most powerful and emotional moments. It's a testament to the writing and acting on the show that these moments of vulnerability and honesty feel just as natural and convincing as the more comedic moments.

Overall, "Joe Blows, Part 1" is a strong entry in the fifth season of Wings. It introduces a compelling new character in Joe Blount, and sets the stage for some exciting developments to come. Fans of the show will love the way that this episode balances the comedy and drama, as well as the way that it continues to deepen the relationships between the characters. As always, the show's Nantucket setting provides a charming backdrop for the action, and the ensemble cast continues to deliver great performances week in and week out.