Alice (1976) Season 2 Episode 22 The Bus

Alice was a popular sitcom in the late 70s and early 80s that followed the life of Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother, who moves with her young son Tommy to Phoenix, Arizona, to start anew. She ends up getting a job as a waitress at Mel's Diner, where she meets a colorful cast of characters, including her boss Mel, the cook Vera, and fellow waitresses Flo and Jolene. The show tackled important social issues like women's rights, single parenthood, and workplace harassment while still providing laughs and heartwarming moments.

Season 2 episode 22, "The Bus," revolves around Alice and the gang's efforts to stop a developer from tearing down their beloved diner to make way for a parking lot. The episode opens with Mel receiving a notice that the lot next door has been sold, and the new owner plans to demolish Mel's Diner to make way for a parking lot. Mel is devastated, and the rest of the gang is equally upset at the news. Alice rallies everyone together to come up with a plan to prevent the demolition. They organize a petition drive, and Alice even asks her ex-husband, who is a lawyer, for legal advice. They soon realize that the only way to stop the demolition is to buy the lot themselves.

Alice and the gang come up with a plan to raise the money by holding a benefit concert at the diner. They hire a local band, but ticket sales are slow, and they worry that they won't be able to raise enough money in time. Just when it seems all hope is lost, a mysterious benefactor donates a large sum of money, putting them over their fundraising goal. The identity of the benefactor is eventually revealed at the end of the episode, leading to a heartwarming scene that brings the gang even closer together.

Throughout the episode, there are plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments as the gang works together to save their beloved diner. The show's signature humor is on full display, with Flo delivering her classic lines like "Kiss my grits!" and Vera cooking up her delicious meals. There are also some tender moments between Alice and her son Tommy, as Alice worries about the impact losing the diner would have on their lives.

Overall, "The Bus" is a memorable episode that perfectly captures the spirit of the show. It's an excellent example of how Alice tackled important social issues while still providing laughs and heartwarming moments. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing their favorite characters band together to save the diner, and newcomers will be hooked on the show's unique blend of humor and heart.