I’m back this week with a full installment of my Family Affair Friday series.
Season 1, Episode 9, “A Matter for Experts,” 11/14/1966
Aired: 11/14/66. Teleplay by: Joseph Hoffman and John McGreevey. Story by: Joseph Hoffman. Directed by: William D. Russell.
Synopsis
The school vice principal, Miss Bryant, tells Uncle Bill that Buffy and Jody are completely dependent on each other and should be placed in separate classrooms. Uncle Bill resists at first, saying that being orphaned, separated for a year, and then shipped to a new home in strange city might be enough adjustment for the time being. Ya think?
All the stress drives Uncle Bill to his cigarettes, and sets him to whining about the challenges of sudden parenthood.
He takes the twins to child psychologist Edith Morse, who agrees that the twins need to develop individual interests.
If Dr. Morse was so smart, would she really choose the ugly Family Affair green for her office walls?
They are separated at school and shepherded into separate past-times, but they remain united in their imaginative play.
At recess, Jody pretends he’s traveling in a spaceship.
During her separate recess, Buffy pretends she’s part of ground control. Gender difference?
Jody does find a friend, Peter.
It’s surprising that Jody found a friend first. He’s usually portrayed as the less competent twin, in every way.
Buffy’s attempts at friendship fail, however, and she’s morose.
Buffy haz a sad.
Finally, the kids concoct a case of the measles to avoid school altogether.
Busted!
Uncle Bill decides to trust his instincts and reunite them.
Random Thoughts
At the beginning of this episode, I was indignant at the experts who wanted to split up twins. By the end, Buffy’s complete inability to function without Jody did seem worrisome.
Guest Cast
Miss Bryant: Sarah Selby. Dr. Edith Morse: Jean Engstrom. Barbara: Kym Karath. Peter: Randy Whipple. Mrs. Hughes: Susan Davis. Kym Karath was Gretl in The Sound of Music and Pattie-Cake in Spencer’s Mountain. On The Brady Bunch, she appeared as Kerry in “Cyrano de Brady.”
Kym Karath
She would appear on one more episode of Family Affair. Randy Whipple appeared in no less than 11 episodes. He also played one of Jerry Van Dyke’s kids in My Mother the Car.
Fun Facts
The twins attend PS 724. Cissy frequents The Gourmet Hamburger and doesn’t “dig” geometry. Buffy begins ballet lessons.
PS 724 has a really crappy playground.
Continuity Notes
Jody’s turtle gets another mention.
Extraordinary Event
Uncle Bill actually takes the kids to the park himself–twice!
Today’s Bonus Feature
In honor of the U.S. presidential election this week, I present a photo that unites Family Affair and the American presidency. This Associated Press photo shows Anissa Jones getting up close and personal with President Lyndon B. Johnson during a Christmas Seals event on November 12, 1968. I can’t decide if this photo is sweet or creepy.
The caption reads: KISS FOR TV STAR–President Johnson kisses Anissa (Buffy) Jones, 10-year-old television star, after receiving the first sheet of Christmas Seals today at the White House. The President who is holding the Seals in his hand, also received from Buffy a rag doll which the junior actress named “Mrs. Beasley.”
Read the whole Family Affair Friday series.
Embarrassing Treasures 
You are 100% right – that school does have a crappy playground.
Yeah…for one thing, it appears to be indoors. ; )
I love the LBJ photo. Hope I didn’t comment twice. I wasn’t logged in when I tried to comment before!
Thanks! I love your avatar!
My favorite part is the scene in the park when Uncle Bill tries to find a friend for Buffy. In the end he takes her out for a soda and a movie despite all the work he has to do at home.