Mark Egan Movies

Linda Lavin once again pulls double duty in the dual role of waitress Alice Hyatt and contentious oldster Debbie Walden, the former landlady of Vera and Elliot Novak (Beth Howland, Charles Levin. Now residing in a home of their own, the Novaks hope to raise a bit of extra money by renting out a room. You guessed it: the couple's new tenant is none other than their old nemesis Debbie, who if anything is even more obnoxious than ever. Featured in the cast is future Head of the Class regular Dan Frischman ("Arvid Engen") and former Green Acres recurring player Mary Grace Canfield ("Ralph Monroe"). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Linda Lavin once again essays the dual role of waitress Alice Hyatt and vituperative middle-ager Debbie Walden, owner of the apartment house where dwells Vera (Beth Howland) and her husband Elliot. Though she'll never win a "Miss Nice" award, Debbie does have her good points: for one thing, she's an excellent cook. In fact, she's more talented in the kitchen than Alice's boss Mel (Vic Tayback)--and because of this, she may be the one who'll win the heart of the curmudgeonly restauranteur. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Both Alice (Valerie Harper) and Mel's mom Carrie (Martha Raye) audition for a singing job at a fancy supper club. And both ladies are flatly rejected--on the grounds that they're too old for the gig. Series regular Vic Tayback (Mel) does not appear in this episode, which is highlighted by a down-and-dirty rendition of "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Season Eight of Alice begins with the series' first-ever "crossover" episode. Sorrell Booke and Sonny Shroyer show up at Mel's Diner as Boss Hogg and Enos Strait, the characters they'd introduced on another Warner Bros.-produced TV series, Dukes of Hazzard. True to form, the larcenous Hogg stoops mighty low to force Mel (Vic Tayback) to relinquish the lease on his diner, the better to make room for a new establishment (owned by guess who?) called "Boar's Nest West." Will Alice (Linda Lavin put up her dukes--or maybe her "Daisy Dukes"--to save the day? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

As a rule, Valentine's Day brings out the best in everyone. However, this rule seldom applies in the special world of TV sitcoms. Take this Valentine episode of Alice, for example, in which the spirt of Dan Cupid is squashed by the fact that Alice (Linda Lavin) has quarreled with her boyfriend Mitch (Phillip R. Allen), Mel (Vic Tayback) has had a falling out with his Significant Other Marie (Victoria Carroll), and so on all down the line... ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Vera (Beth Howland) attends her high school reunion, where she meets her former flame Steve (Kip Niven). Those with good memories will recall that this is the same Steve who, a few episodes back, talked Vera into cashing a personal check--which promptly bounced. Apparently Vera's memory isn't quite that good: she returns from the reunion with a ring on her finger and a promise of marriage from the reboubtable Steve. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of a two-part story, guest star Joel Grey has agreed to headline the musical play starring Alice (Linda Lavin) and bankrolled by Mel (Vic Tayback). But Grey ankles the project when Mel transforms the show from a sophisiticated Manhattan revue to a desert "folk opera", repleted with a line of cowboy-clad chorines and such deathless tunes as "Ramona from Arizona" (this is Alice's big solo, much to her dismay). As indicated by the episode's title, Joel Grey WILL save the day...but not until the very, very last minute! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A 1940s-themed banquet populated by an audience of prominent Arizona restauranteurs may prove to be a stepping-stone to stardom for our girl Alice (Linda Lavin). The starry-eyed waitress lands a singing gig at the banquet, one guaranteed to show off her talent for belting out the "oldies." Alice's appearance does indeed prove to be a momentous one--but not in the way that she imagined. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

David Rounds makes his first series appearance as Wendell, the shy, self-effacing cousin of bombastic diner owner Mel (Vic Tayback). Newly arrived in Phoenix, Wendell develops a crush on waitress Vera (Beth Howland), but is too timid to declare himself--prompting Mel to dispense some macho-man advice to his nebbishy cousin. This episode was originally taped for Alice's fifth season, but held back until Season Six due to a Hollywood writer's strike. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

It's an sorry state of affairs for Mel (Vic Tayback) when he is mugged in the alley outside the diner by a little old lady (played by future Night Court regular Florence Halop). To save face, Mel tells the girls at the diner--and anyone else who will listen--that he was jumped by four muscular men, whom he valiantly fought off as they stole his dough. Ultimately, the truth is revealed, and Mel must somehow regain his macho. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Paying his respects at the funeral of an old acquaintance, Mel (Vic Tayback) is taken aback by the realization that he is virtually the only mourner in attendance. Worried that the same thing will happen when he himself cashes in his chips, Mel figures it's about time to change his ways. Thus, the "new, improved" Mel goes out of his way to be nice to everyone--and drives them all crazy in the process. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Just when he thought it was safe to go into his apartment again, Mel (Vic Tayback) is descended upon by his overbearing mother Carrie (Martha Raye). It seems that mom's young husband Robert (Howard Witt), whom she wed a mere six months before, has walked out on her. Hoping to make the best of a bad situation, Mel prevails upon Carrie to forget her woes by helping out in his kitchen--specifically, by cooking up those yummy chicken pies which his patrons have been clamoring for since Mom's last visit. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi