the LAVERNE & SHIRLEY place
a tribute to milwaukee's best bottlecappers
"Lavenny... what the heck is that??," you ask. Fair question. Somewhere back in the late 90's, when a Laverne & Shirley fan community first emerged online, one common theme that many fans seemed to share was an interest, following, or even just curiosity around the pairing of Laverne DeFazio and Lenny Kosnowski on 'Laverne & Shirley.' The term "Lavenny" was born to refer to this fan favorite couple, and all the flirtation and bizarre ambiguity that defined their relationship. While these two never officially got together on the show, it always seemed that there was more than just friendship between these two.
I've created a few fan videos showcasing some of their moments together (see the L&S Fan Channel). One other project that I started just for fun a few years ago was trying to compile a list of "Lavenny moments" - one per episode, along with a Laverne/Lenny pic for each. I've gotten through the first five seasons so far - more to come soon! And yes, some episodes, they don't technically interact at all - but a little imagination can still produce Lavenny moments even in these episodes. :)
Enjoy! Tweet me your favorite Lavenny moment - @lavandshirley!
Lavenny Moments
178 Episodes, 178 Lavenny Moments:
A Nun’s Story: A flashback to a high school sleepover that the girls had shows us just how long Lenny and Laverne have really known each other. Lenny, Squiggy, and Hector try to spy on the girls’ party – and we all know which of the girls Lenny was surely hoping to sneak a peak at.
Dating Slump: Lenny and Squiggy come bearing flowers with the hope of buying the girls’ (imaginary) jeep. As in many episodes, Lenny seems to be maintaining much more eye contact with Laverne than with Shirley… and the flowers in hand are surely a turn-on for her.
The Society Party: As the girls set out to try to get dresses for a fancy party, Laverne playfully "seduces" Lenny by poking up and down his chest. From their very first scene together, we see that the two have a natural tendency to pair up. Plus, the seduction seems to work – the girls do end up getting the dresses, after all.
One Flew Over Milwaukee: The party that Squiggy is throwing for Lenny gets moved to the girls’ apartment at Laverne’s suggestion. However, when Lenny enters, he isn’t exactly alone; "So, who’s your little friend, Lenny?," Laverne asks. We all know that there’s more than just simple curiosity lying behind her question, and as she looks Lenny’s date up and down, we can’t help but wonder if perhaps she’s feeling a twinge of jealousy…
Hi, Neighbor: Where to begin? Laverne ventures up to the boys’ apartment for the purpose of seeing Lenny twice in this episode, but the top moment has got to be when she brings him his Lone Wolf jacket, which she had fixed by sewing one of her signature "L’s" onto it. He is completely elated, and responds by planting a big, wet kiss on her lips.
Dog Day Blind Dates: When the girls think that they have two minutes left to live, Laverne suggests that they vo-de-oh-do-do with Lenny and Squiggy. It doesn’t end up coming down to this, but we all know which of the two boys Laverne certainly had in mind for her partner if Shirley had ended up going along with her suggestion.
Falter at the Alter: A somewhat down-in-the-dumps Laverne is dealing with the aftermath of her broken engagement to Sal, when Shirley suggests that she come "do the stroll" with the gang. Laverne is reluctant, but walks over to the group, and is naturally paired up with Lenny for her stroll. Midway through their little dance, she totally looks over at Lenny (a.k.a. checks him out). As the camera fades out, the episode’s final message seems to be that Laverne is going to be all right, after all (a little stroll with Lenny apparently has that effect on a girl…).
The Bachelor Party: When Laverne tells the rowdy bachelor party crowd to "quiet down," Lenny obeys immediately. We see a bit more of his overly-eager, rowdy side in this episode than in some others, but the way he looks up at her in perfect, unwavering attention when she makes her heartfelt announcements to the group speaks volumes.
Fakeout at the Stakeout: As the boys are leaving the girls apartment after their incorrect identification of the criminal, Laverne turns back around and randomly (or perhaps not so randomly... ) touches/strokes Lenny’s jacket.
Once Upon a Rumor: When word gets out that Shirley is a "fun date," Laverne turns to Lenny for the scoop. And gets unnecessarily close to him in the Pizza Bowl. All in the name of helping a friend, right?
It’s the Water: When Laverne is stuck home for the evening, the boys bring her pizza. She thanks them, and Lenny responds with a heartfelt, "Anytime" (if only she knew how literally he meant that!). Even though Laverne turns down the offer for a double-date to the "Tunnel of Love," the boys come to her rescue when she realizes that Shirley is in a compromising position with her boss. Laverne gets up from her chair in a state of panic, and Lenny is perfectly responsive, mirroring her frantic state, and repeatedly asking her what’s the matter and if she’s okay – he then proceeds to agree to help her, with absolutely no questions asked.
Bowling For Raspberries: When Lenny comes into the room with a bowling ball stuck on his hand, the first thing he asks is, "Laverne, have you got any butter?" For some reason, he doesn’t even seem to see Shirley (who happens to be sitting at the very same table), and he instead addresses just one of the two girls, kicking off a general trend of nearly always seeming to be focused on Laverne. Oh, and also, the request for butter leads to some friendly physical contact, yet another trend that will continue to be seen throughout the show.
How Do You Say "Are You Dead" in German?: When Lenny enters the girls’ apartment freaking out about Squiggy having been taken away, Laverne is the one that immediately runs over to soothe him. She places a cold compress on his forehead and proceeds to look him in the eyes; "Ohhh, that feels good!!" he proclaims, and he is instantly calmed.
From Suds to Stardom: Laverne and Lenny crowd side-by-side onto the tiny Pizza Bowl "stage" – they are pressed together practically from head to toe, and we see Lenny sporting the Lone Wolf jacket for the first time since Laverne added her special touch to it in "Hi, Neighbor."
Drive! She Said: Lenny playfully teases Laverne about being afraid of driving, and Squiggy soon reveals to us that Lenny, too, has quite a few fears of his own. It serves as yet another example of the fact that these two characters have far more in common than one may initially think.
Mother Knows Worst: Lenny and Squiggy describe to Shirley’s mom how they are kind of like the girls’ "guardian angels," or their "bosom buddies." Lenny giggles and bites his palm, and we can assume that Laverne is most likely the subject of his smutty thoughts here.
Excuse Me, May I Cut In?: When Edna says to Laverne that the boys are preparing for a "Russian sneak attack," Laverne listens intently; for some reason, any mention of Lenny’s name seems to make Laverne strangely attentive...
Bachelor Mothers: When Shirley asks the boys to go find Laverne, they initially refuse, but Lenny quickly caves in, saying, "Sure, sure, what are neighbors for?" (Squiggy is not impressed by how easily his friend is convinced!) Yet again, Lenny is proving that he is willing to lend a hand in any situation that involves helping out Laverne.
Dear Future Model: So, it’s pretty clear that the real thing that triggered Laverne’s desire to become a model was seeing Lenny drool over Miss Headpin at the Pizza Bowl. And as for why Lenny really wanted to borrow Laverne’s sheets? We’ll leave that up to the imagination...
Angels of Mercy: Lenny is the one that has been picking up on the fact that Laverne is "sweet on Jerry" and he points it out confidently to the people in the room. His interest in her love life seems to go beyond that of a casual observer – it clearly is something that he has been paying quite a bit of attention to.
Look Before You Leap: An absolute classic Lavenny moment takes place as Lenny proposes to a possibly-pregnant Laverne:
Lenny: "Me and Squiggy flipped a coin… to decide which of us would volunteer to be your husband."
Laverne: "Aw, and you lost, huh?"
Lenny: "No, I won."
Lenny’s sweet side shines through in this whole scene, and he ends his proposal by putting things in the simplest of terms: "Anyway, I like you, and I’d like you to marry me..."
Bridal Shower: When Lenny has thirty-nine marshmallows locked in his cheeks and is clearly in danger, Laverne rushes to get the car keys so that the boys can get to the hospital. Lenny’s attempted feat even inspires Laverne to proceed to do a little marshmallow-stuffing of her own...
Oh Hear the Angels’ Voices: When Laverne brings her puny little Christmas tree over to the group, Lenny playfully pokes fun at it. Moments later, when needing a place to hide from Carmine, Lenny chooses said tree to bury his face in – obviously because he associates it with her.
Hi Neighbor, Book II: Laverne and Lenny go out on a very fancy date, which includes everything from Laverne lovingly smiling at Lenny and affectionately calling him a dope, to Lenny pulling out Laverne’s chair for her in the most gentlemanly of ways. But the real moment comes post-date, when they share the longest kiss known to man.
Two of Our Weirdos Are Missing: Lenny comes into the girls’ apartment distressed about his friend, Squiggy. While Shirley pays no attention to Lenny’s sad eyes and is eager to get on her way, Laverne looks at him sympathetically, and says "Let’s see what he has to say." We see that Lenny’s feelings and well-being are things that Laverne truly does care about, more than she sometimes lets on.
Good Time Girls: As Lenny giggles about the girls being in the men’s bathroom, Laverne playfully approaches him and makes a fist. Let’s also mention the hotness inherent in the fact that Laverne is wearing Lenny’s clothing.
Guilty Until Proven Not Innocent: When Laverne is in jail, Lenny comes to her rescue by pairing up with Squiggy to raise money for her bail. Even when they only manage to muster up $11, they still don’t give up, and Lenny’s dedication to Laverne during times of trouble is more than apparent.
Birthday Show: As the gang reminisces, Edna remarks to Lenny, "I must say, you were a help when Laverne thought she was pregnant…" Lenny looks down sheepishly after Edna acknowledges his admirable deed, and a flashback to one of the best Lavenny moments ensues.
Guinea Pigs: In an effort to get the guys to take them to "that secret place" where they go to make money, Laverne turns on the charm and seduces Lenny by doing some good old-fashioned neck-nibbling. He is obviously in heaven – but, truth be told, she seems to be getting right into it, too.
Playing Hooky: When Lenny enters, dressed in his best Sunday suit, Laverne slyly looks him up and down… a.k.a. she totally sexes him up with her eyes.
Call Me a Taxi: When Lenny and Squiggy come to the Dime-a-Dance place, Laverne and Shirley pair up with them for a dance (and we all know who gets matched with whom…). Lenny definitely seems excited by his chance to dance with Laverne, and he gets right into it, breaking out some pretty crazy moves. Laverne is a little more low-key, but we all know that there’s no place she’d rather be…
Steppin’ Out: When Lenny and Squiggy walk into the girls’ apartment, Laverne happens to be wearing nothing but a slip. Two rounds of palm biting ensue – once when Lenny first sees Laverne, and then shortly after, when he closes the refrigerator door that she had ducked behind. Time and time again, we see that the sight of Laverne in something revealing sends Lenny completely through the roof.
Buddy, Can You Spare a Father?: Lenny and Laverne go grocery shopping together, and he carries in all the grocery bags by himself. The outing itself was also apparently a lot of fun… she pushed him around in the shopping cart, for crying out loud!
Honeymoon Hotel: One word: popcorn. Plus, who the heck sits THAT CLOSE on a sofa, when there is clearly so much space on the other side??
Frank’s Fling: During the gang’s little "show" for Veronica, Lenny does some great improvising and smushes a grapefruit in Laverne’s face. It’s pretty hot.
Haunted House: When the situation that the gang is in begins to seem truly desperate and Laverne starts to become genuinely scared, she grabs hold of Lenny’s arm, and asks him (repeatedly) what they’re going to do. He is the one she turns to for a solution in the midst of the group’s panicking, and he steps up to the task and proposes an idea to her for finding a way out.
Lonely at the Middle: Not only does Laverne help Lenny by putting a band-aid on his injured finger for him (one can’t help but wonder why he chose to come to her for a job that you’d think he’d be capable of doing himself…), but she also seals the deal by sweetly kissing his finger afterwards.
Citizen Krane: Lenny and Laverne exchange about a bajillion little glances while they all chat with Edna about her birthday. This is followed up by Laverne playfully elbowing Lenny in the leg (always with the physical contact!), and then the two of them run out of the room hand-in-hand.
Airport ’59: When Laverne and Shirley unexpectedly return from their "trip to Baltimore," Lenny’s ears quickly perk up at the sound of his beloved’s voice. While Squiggy is still searching for the girls on the television set, Lenny is already up out of his chair, eager to greet them (or, more accurately… to greet her).
Laverne & Shirley Meet Fabian: As Lenny leaves the Pizza Bowl to go take a look at Rosie’s car, he totally reaches out and flirtatiously grabs Laverne’s shirt to snaps her bra strap. Even though they don’t exchange any words in this scene, it serves as yet another example of their back-and-forth playfulness – and of the fact that he simply can’t keep his hands off her.
An Affair To Forget, Part 2: Lenny and Squiggy stow away on the ship that the girls are vacationing on, and when they enter the girls’ room, the boys are quite excited by the potential for coziness (and Squiggy has dibs on Shirley, so we all know what that means…). Shirley wants to turn them in, but Laverne is much more sympathetic and convinces Shirley to put down the phone (it didn’t hurt that Lenny was down at her knees, making kissy faces and pledging that he’ll "do anything" if they let them off the hook – oh yeah, he definitely means anything).
Shirley’s Operation: When the doctor announces to the gang that everything is going to be "just fine," Lenny and Laverne (who were already standing pretty darn close together…) instinctively grab each other’s arms and hold hands in the most sweet and tender way. They just can’t help it – their love is automatic!
The Stakeout: When Laverne tells Lenny that they won’t be going bowling with him and Squiggy that night, his mouth literally hangs open in disappointment. He does still listen intently (with all eyes on Laverne, of course) as she proceeds to introduce her "cousin," Ronald DeFazio.
The Second (Almost) Annual Shotz Talent Show: Laverne totally jams along to "Night After Night" during the boys’ audition. Shirley doesn’t look particularly captivated, but it’s quite apparent that Laverne, on the other hand, is definitely taking note of the way that Lenny shakes those hips…
The Dentist: Um, hello, the man is willing to give up his baby teeth for her! As Squiggy so passionately puts it, "He loved those baby teeth! As if they was his own!!"
Debutante Ball: Laverne attends a Debutante Ball as Lenny’s date, and is extremely nervous as she prepares to make her entrance. Lenny comforts her and kisses her sweetly on the cheek. "I’m really proud to be here with you, Laverne," he says as he walks off stage, and the look she gives to him is priceless.
Tag Team Wrestling: As Laverne enters the ring and begins to prepare for the match, we hear a voice call out from the crowd, "You look like a real queen, Laverne!" Oh yeah… it’s Lenny.
The Pact: Even when seeking the attention of another woman, Lenny still seems to have the need to touch Laverne, as evidenced by his grabbing hold of her in the bowling alley.
Robot Lawsuit: Laverne’s neck is healed thanks to the boys’ help. She instinctively starts to thank Lenny by leaning forward to plant a big one right on his lips. She backs off from the almost-kiss a moment too soon… but it’s pretty darn apparent what she was going to do (and Lenny was clearly on board with it).
Laverne’s Arranged Marriage: When the boys enter the girls’ apartment, Lenny proves to be a natural when it comes to lovingly pampering Laverne. As he props her head on a pillow (and puts a blanket on her head…), he remarks, "There is nothing more important than Laverne – she’s our little princess!' Somehow, his words come out far more convincingly than perhaps even he meant them to.
An Affair To Forget, Part 1: Lenny rests his hand on Laverne’s chair, leans over flirtatiously, and excitedly talks about how their donation of Squiggy’s moths means that the girls now owe them a favor… and they collect even in the middle of the night. Oh, and there’s also a massive grope-fest on the floor of the girls’ apartment, and a goodbye-grabbing on the boat deck.
Take My Plants, Please: After Shirley seductively talks to Squiggy about why girls love plants, Laverne takes on Lenny and does the same. Needless to say, her charm works, and Lenny walks away with plant in hand.
New Year’s Eve, 1960: A recently heartbroken Laverne celebrates the New Year outside with her friends; as Lenny announces that Squiggy will be acting as a "human ball," Laverne looks down at him with an ear-to-ear grin spread across her face. The rest of the group is pretty straight-faced and doesn’t seem all that impressed by Lenny’s silly introduction of his pal, but Laverne clearly finds Lenny to be genuinely amusing. So much for that heartbreak…
The Mortician: Lenny shows his sweet side by bringing a flower for the "Widow DeFazio." When he gets a little shaken up by the sight of "Shirley’s ghost," Laverne looks up at him lovingly, clearly amused by the whole gag. As the saying goes, we pick on those we love the most…
The Horse Show: Laverne’s hands somehow manage to find their way towards Lenny’s backside as the girls’ are shooing the boys’ out of the apartment. Plus, Lenny once again displays his excitement when Laverne remarks, "this is my bedroom." That palm of his must have some serious bite-marks on it by now.
The Slow Child: Lenny very kindly goes grocery shopping for the girls (newsflash: if a guy is doing your grocery shopping for you, he probably likes you…). It also must be noted that this is one of those episodes where we really see who Lenny is when he’s away from Squiggy’s shadow – he is thoroughly sweet, loyal, and compassionate; we clearly see that when he likes a girl, he’s pretty much the most lovable person ever.
Bus Stop: During the gang’s performance of "Milwaukee Moon," Lenny’s eyes definitely drift up towards Laverne on more than one occasion. As the boys’ part of the song goes, "Violets are blue, my heart was too, but not anymore. ‘Cause I’ve been a brand new lad since you’ve shown through my door." With lyrics this fitting, he might as well be singing the song directly to Laverne.
The Obstacle Course: As Lenny films Laverne for the boys’ movie, she wiggles her hips and gets right into her role. Lenny’s only suggestion… that she try doing it naked (or, at least minus the shirt…).
2001: A Comedy Odyssey: I’ll keep this simple. Laverne has a dream. In said dream, she flirts extensively with Lenny, eagerly accepts his marriage proposal, and makes out with him passionately on the couch. Oh yeah, and they also say mutual I-Do’s.
The Dance Studio: After Laverne and Lenny use the Hula Babies dance as yet another excuse to get close together, they run back on stage to take their bow; but first, Laverne gives Lenny a playful push, and then proceeds to give him her hand to help him back up.
Breakin’ Up and Makin’ Up: The girls kindly let the boys use their television to watch the Miss Dairy Pageant (and, chances are, it was Laverne who persuaded Shirley on this matter). Sure, Lenny comments that Miss Yogurt is "smooth," but we all know that, in his mind, no one can compare to Miss Milk n’ Pepsi…
The Driving Test: When Lenny falls on the girls’ soapy floor, Laverne is the one immediately at his side, helping him to get back up again.
Playing the Roxy: Lenny strikes a pose upon entering the room in his Fraternal Brotherhood of the Bass ensemble; Laverne grins, and then proceeds to step up to Lenny and playfully touch his fish hat. Men with bass on their heads = obvious turn-on for her.
Festival, Part 2: After the DeFazio team wins the greased-pole climbing competition, Laverne plants a big kiss on Lenny’s cheek in the background of the scene.
Festival, Part 1: As the girls proceed to leave for New York, they bid farewell to Carmine. "Hey, Laverne, aren’t you going to say goodbye to us?" Lenny says, before he proceeds to pounce on her.
Laverne & Shirley Go to Night School: "What have you always wanted to do all your livelong life?" Shirley asks Laverne. Laverne’s eyes light up… we all know what she’s thinking about. And who she’s thinking about doing it with.
The Robbery: As the tourists are guided by Squiggy into the girls’ bedroom to "see where their underwear lives," Lenny instead walks over to where Laverne is sitting on the couch, and pauses for a moment to look in her direction. It’s the little things, people.
The Quiz Show: Lenny and Laverne once again get extremely close as the gang tries to figure out who’ll be sitting where in the audience for "Be Silly for Dollars."
A Chorus Line: Let us all take a moment to follow Laverne’s gaze. It certainly isn’t going to Squiggy, that’s for sure. Plus, we all know what Laverne’s real answer is to the "which of the boys is better looking" question, as later revealed in "Lenny’s Crush."
A Date With Eraserhead: It’s a toss-up between Lenny complimenting Laverne’s dress and his playfully holding a beer up to her neck. Lavenny subtleness at its finest.
A Visit to the Cemetery: Lenny comforts Laverne as she struggles to decide whether or not to visit her mother’s grave. He wipes her tears, and we witness one of the most sensitive, genuine interactions of the entire series. Laverne’s appreciation for Lenny’s comfort is made clear, and his words of advice don’t go unnoticed: "You know, Len, for a guy who keeps falling off the roof, you got some pretty good smarts…"
The Bully Show: Lenny’s guilt about putting Laverne in a compromising position is ultimately what saves her. "We’re cowards," he cries, as he proceeds to convince Squiggy that there was something wrong with what they did, and that they need to step in.
Laverne & Shirley Move In: As Lenny says, "I defy you to look me in the eye and tell me you can resist me, Laverne." She does… but, as he notes, it simply is proof that she’ll do anything he says!