Episode Name/Number:  The Collector (Episode 5.19)

Original Air Date:  February 11, 1980

Summary:  Fed up with always being short on money, Carmine takes a job as a debt collector for Louie the Loan Shark. However, the girls try to convince him that he's not cut out for such a ruthless gig.

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Guest Stars:  Billy Sands as Waldo
Best Quote:  "Shirl, you always tell me that Carmine has a nice time with you... has he been having a nicer time than usual?" -Laverne, in response to all their recent gifts from Carmine
Most Touching Moment/Quote:  Carmine talking about why he took on a job with Louie the Loan Shark in the first place, and how happy it made him to see Shirley's eyes light up when he was able to buy her nice things.
Funniest Moment:  Laverne hardcore checking out a shirtless Carmine in the steam room: "Just close your eyes..." -Shirley   "And make a wish??" -Laverne, with a not-so-innocent grin on her face...
Squiggy Hello:  (To Carmine) "C’mon, where’s that face I adore?" -Shirley  "Hello!"                -Squiggy
Featured Songs:  "​Teenager in Love / Carmine My Love / Silhouettes on the Shade / Rags to Riches," sung brilliantly by Laverne, Shirley, and Carmine
Strangest Moment:  Carmine trying to tell jokes before the performance: "It was so cold out... I had to wear a coat."  Yeahh, I'm gonna say he should probably stick to singing...
Best Insult:  "If I had ordered another dessert, you would’ve come home naked."                -Laverne  "You ate like a horse, and I didn’t see you taking any clothes off!" -Carmine
Saddest Moment:  Carmine in a depressed, embarrassed state after not having enough money to pay for dinner at Chez Pfister.
Fun Tidbit: Laverne used to date Louie the Loan Shark.

Episode in One Ridiculous Picture:






















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Star Rating:  4/5
Verdict:  Okay, I’m going to be honest here. I seriously love the musical number in this episode, and think the episode as a whole is somewhat underrated. I'm not usually a fan of Carmine-focused episodes, and this one is far from being one of the most well-known episodes, but it's solidly entertaining in my book.