Thu, Jun 30, 1977
In the series finale, Merle literally bares all to voters at the Capri Lounge, and a comeback may be in his future. As Cathy and a reluctant Barth are wheeled into surgery, Martha falls to her knees and prays. Dr. Fermin emerges with shocking news about the transplant. A tornado strikes Fernwood, and Cathy goes into cardiac arrest. Tom wonders about Mary's new life. Far away from Fernwood, has Mary escaped a life of Swanson's TV dinners and waxy yellow buildup for her happily ever after with Dennis?
Thu, Jul 1, 1976
Loretta realizes the truth about Merle. After Jimmy Joe warns him of Merle's intentions, Charlie bursts into the motel room armed with his shotgun and a struggle between the trio ends in tragedy. On the David Susskind Show, Mary is unable to cope with the verbal assault launched against her. The family gathers to support Mary, who is no longer communicative. Clete interviews producer Norman Lear.
Thu, Oct 7, 1976
Loretta and Merle come face to face for the first time since the shooting. Chester confides to Mary that he hid a nuclear device in the hospital and plans to blast his way out. Charlie hides his condition from Tom. Martha swoons when Cathy reveals George disappeared because of her pregnancy. Watching the 6:30 newscast proves an electrifying experience for the Reverend Jimmy Joe.
Thu, Jan 20, 1977
Charlie is helpless to stop Tom from drinking. Garth tells Pat he wants her dead and doesn't care that he'll fry for it. Mary visits the bandaged accident victim and finds Martha working as a hospital "Gray Lady". Loretta promises Mac she's stringing Lou along but Lou gets angry when a diner patron points out that Loretta doesn't want him. While Loretta and Mac are making out in Mac's truck, a drunken Tom arrives at the diner and passes out. Lou puts an unconscious Tom in Loretta's bed. Pat gives Garth a taste of his own medicine, and it's fatal.
Thu, May 13, 1976
Tom is disturbed by Mary's new set of men friends. Betty and Grandpa visit Mary's kitchen, but Tom interrupts with very bad news. Mary begs Tom to let her love him, but his reaction sends her elsewhere. Anticipation of his Thursday meeting with Mary proves more exciting than Dennis anticipated.
Wed, Jun 30, 1976
Still in the toy store, Mary gazes into the doll house and imagines a perfect life with Tom and Heather. With plans to seduce Loretta in his motel room, Merle sends Jimmy Joe to a double feature of Old Yeller and The Call of the Wild. Hugh finds Mary in the toy store and forces her to leave for her TV interview. Mary and David Susskind begin to watch a scene from the Razzle Brothers' documentary, and Mary realizes that television adds more than five pounds to a person's appearance.
Tue, Dec 21, 1976
Detective Johnson's shocking confession about his past prompts Martha to end their courtship. Garth and Pat have yet another fight, this time over his accusation that she doesn't support his career. Mary's suggestion that Tom is spending too much money angers him. Heather and Little Garth's discussion of teen sex is interrupted by a phone call from a man who claims to be George Shumway and says he's coming home.
Sun, Mar 7, 1976
Reverend Buryfield conducts Leroy's funeral in Mary's kitchen. Tom doesn't understand Mary's restlessness and asks if she's given up on their family in order to meddle in the lives of others. Tom suspects George's frame-up might be retaliation for Tom's dissatisfaction with working conditions at the plant. Mae's excited by Tom's news that Mike Olinski wants to meet her at the Capri.