Episode Name/Number:  Why Did the Fireman... (Episode 5.18)

Original Air Date:  February 4, 1980 

Summary:  Laverne meets and falls madly in love with Randy the fireman. After two months of dating, he is getting ready to propose to Laverne, but dies in a fire that very night. (Yup, that's right... shit just got serious).

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Guest Stars:  Ted Danson as Randy the Fireman
Best Quote:  "Fire, fire, fire! Someone get a net! Here come the firemen to get the fire wet!" -Lenny and Squiggy
Most Touching Moment/Quote:  Randy telling Laverne all the things about her that he likes after their first date, and why he thinks she’s so special.
Funniest Moment:  Carmine swearing to Randy that Shirley won’t say a word to Laverne about his upcoming plan to propose - followed immediately by Laverne’s shrieks after clearly being told the news by Shirley.
Squiggy Hello:  "There was something you wanted to tell me?" -Laverne  "Yes, now that we are finally alone..." -Randy  "Hello!" -Squiggy
Featured Songs:  Shirley singing "Did You Ever See a Dream Walking," to describe her thoughts about Randy
Strangest Moment:  Shirley’s "I Must Increase My Bust" exercises - hilarious.

Best Insult:  "Laverne, you are a yellow-bellied, sap-sucking, lily-livered coward and I DARE you to go down that pole." -Shirley​
Saddest Moment:  Ummm, hello - the entire plot of this episode is gut-wrenching, possibly more so than any other Laverne & Shirley episode. The saddest moment though has to be Frank’s talk with Laverne on her bed, and her ultimate acceptance of Randy’s death.
Fun Tidbit: Randy's twelve-year-old brother works as a paper boy.

Episode in One Ridiculous Picture:






















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Star Rating:  3/5
Verdict:  This is arguably the most emotional, most serious episode of Laverne & Shirley. The tone comes as a bit of a shock to those who are used to the show’s typical lighter content, and it feels a bit awkward and confusing at times... but nonetheless, Penny Marshall’s performance here is truly exceptional.