"The Reunion" opens with Julie inviting an old classmate of Gabe's to dinner, serving her 'world famous tuna casserole' (for the first time), but he remembers Lyle Flannigan (Michael Taylor) as the nicest boy that ever went to Buchanan: "he's so nice he would help old ladies cross their legs!' Also coming for dinner is the former cheerleader Mary Francis (Bridget Hanley), also suffering from a superiority complex, dubbed 'Sister Mary Pom Pom' by Kotter during class. When the Flannigans arrive, Mary Francis boasts about their wealth as she lets fly with an almost breathless titter, one that Arnold Horshack appreciates: "she has the dumbest laugh I ever heard!" The Sweathogs invite themselves to dinner to ease their teacher's pain, while Lyle finally confesses to being envious of founding member Gabe: "I wanted to be a Sweathog, but dirt never stuck to me!" Kotter now feels as rich as his guests, their ranking on each other earning both status as honorary Sweathogs. Interesting to see how the other half lives, and just how tough it is to find a parking space for a $14,500 vehicle that can seat an entire Puerto Rican family! John Travolta proves to be a rising star as Vinnie Barbarino shows off his new jacket in class.
