The Partridge Family – Season 3, Episode 22 (71)

Title: The Partridge Connection

First aired: March 9, 1973

Synopsis:

Danny and his friend Punky Lazaar are at Mr Phelps’ drugstore, but they don’t have enough money to buy the very popular ‘Cincinnati Whizzer’ yo-yo. Mr Phelps is busy so Punky doesn’t hesitate to take advantage of it, and to steal one yo-yo. Danny tells his friend that he can’t do that, but Punky answers that it's easy and Danny should do the same if he is not a chicken, so Danny, to show Punky that he’s not afraid, steals one too.

When they want to leave, Mr Phelps stops Danny and asks his advice about what kids like, one of the customers, Mrs Fromacher, wants to buy a present for a boy his age. Danny tells them that kids don't like Cincinnati's yo-yos and leaves the store in a hurry. He feels very bad about stealing and his terrible remorse is increased because Mr Phelps is very kind.

At home, Shirley with Laurie’s help, cooks dinner while Keith reads them an article about the San Pueblo Citizenship Award for The Partridge Family. When Danny returns home, everybody can see that something is worrying him. During dinner Keith and Laurie talk about trust in a relationship, and Danny finally has enough, confesses to theft, and runs to his room.

Very worried, Shirley goes upstairs to talk with Danny. She can see that he regrets his act very much. Of course, Danny has to go to the drugstore to return the yo-yo, confess and apologize. He asks Shirley to go with him. The next day after school, Danny goes to the drugstore with his mother. It wasn’t as bad as he’s expected; Mr Phelps is very kind and he appreciates Danny’s courage.

Danny starts lecturing everybody on how honesty is important and how wonderful it is to have a clear conscience. He explains it to Punky too when they visit Mr Phelps’ store, but Punky again steals something, this time a bottle of perfume for his mother. However, this time they are caught. Mr Phelps is very angry and disappointed; he thinks Danny deliberately distracted him. He doesn’t want to see them again at his store and calls Shirley. Danny is really depressed; he thinks he is bad and even goes to the police station to confess. Nothing that his mother tells him can change his mind, he thinks he is a real black sheep, and his brothers and sisters shouldn’t trust him. He doesn’t want to rehearse with his family and he thinks he is not worthy to get an award with the rest of his family, so he goes to Reuben’s to hide.

Shirley asks Reuben to do everything to bring Danny to the award dinner. Reubin managed to convince Danny to attend in the audience, rather than on the stage. When the family are presented the award Shirley says she can’t accept it, because the family has voted that Danny should be the one to do it. Danny is very moved. He is very proud to be part of his family and they perform together.
Synopsis written by Weronika Cyrynger

Song:
I Don't Care

Cast:
Shirley Partridge - Shirley Jones
Keith Partridge - David Cassidy
Laurie Partridge - Susan Dey
Danny Partridge - Danny Bonaduce
Chris Partridge - Brian Forster
Tracy Partridge - Suzanne Crough
Reuben Kincaid - Dave Madden

Directed by: E.W. Swackhamer

Written by: Steve Zacharias & Michael Leeson

Guest Stars: Henry Jones as Mr. Phelps, Gary Dubin as Punky, Joseph Perry as Police Sergeant, Jack Collins as M.C., Angela Clarke as Myra Fromacher.

Screen Shots: