We're in the Army Now, Part I

Episode Name/Number:  We're in the Army Now, Part I  (Episode 5.9)

Original Air Date:  November 15, 1979

Summary:  The girls miss out on a promotion at Shotz that they had been counting on, so they decide to join the army (because, you know, that's clearly the next step when you don't get a promotion).

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Guest Stars:  Vicki Lawrence as Sgt. Plout
Best Quote:  "I know what you need. You need a great big goodbye." -Shirley  "You mean... THE big goodbye?!?" -Carmine  "No. I mean A big goodbye." -Shirley
Most Touching Moment/Quote:  Laverne embracing her Pop - and Edna once again calling her "honey."
Funniest Moment:  Laverne and Shirley (and their fellow enlistees) repeating their army oath - such a simple act, but somehow ends up being one of the episode's most hilarious moments.
Squiggy Hello:  "Everything will work out! You don't have to look like the wolf was at your door!" -Carmine  "Hello!" -Squiggy
Featured Songs:  "Rags to Riches," by Carmine, when he thinks the girls got their promotion... and "Put on a Happy Face," when he finds out that they didn't.
Strangest Moment:  Laverne bringing an inner tube (complete with a giant L) to army training.
Best Insult:  "Pull in them chins. Suck in them guts. And stick out them chests!  I'm waiting..." -Sgt. Plout, to Shirley  "So am I." -Shirley
Saddest Moment:  When the girls come in to their fancied-up apartment, after not having gotten the promotion.
Fun Tidbit:  Apparently there are 2,800,062 men in the armed forces when the girls enlist. 
Episode in One Ridiculous Picture:






















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Star Rating:  4/5
Verdict:  The plot is slightly far-fetched, and plays more like a spin-off or dream sequence. But the physical comedy, some hilarious writing, and Vicki Lawrence's classic Sgt. Plout make this episode still an undeniable gem.