Laverne & Shirley Season 2 Episode 17 Buddy, Can You Spare a Father?

Laverne & Shirley season 2 episode 17, titled "Buddy, Can You Spare a Father?" opens with Laverne and Shirley excitedly planning for a visit from their fathers. Laverne's father, Frank, is a bit rough around the edges and has a penchant for gambling, while Shirley's father, Walter, is more refined and proper. When the fathers arrive, Laverne and Shirley are surprised to find that they are old Army buddies who have not seen each other in decades.

At first, the fathers are thrilled to see each other and catch up on old times. However, tensions arise when they start to compare their lives and successes, causing a rift between them. Frank feels inadequate compared to Walter's affluent lifestyle and is embarrassed by his own failures. Meanwhile, Walter is disappointed that his daughter has not achieved as much as he had hoped, and is envious of the close relationship between Laverne and her father.

To make matters worse, Frank's gambling habit gets out of control, and he ends up losing all of his money to a con artist. Laverne and Shirley decide to help him out by putting on a show and charging admission to raise the money he needs to pay off his debt. They enlist the help of their friends, including Lenny and Squiggy, to put on a variety show.

In the end, the show is a success, and Frank is able to pay off his debt. However, the experience also serves as a lesson for both fathers, who realize that life is not about comparing themselves to others, but about finding happiness and contentment within themselves and their relationships with loved ones.

The episode ends on a bittersweet note, as Laverne and Shirley say their goodbyes to their fathers, who are leaving on a train. Both fathers express regret for not being more present in their daughters' lives, and promise to come visit more often. Laverne and Shirley are emotional as they watch the train pull away, thankful for the brief but meaningful time they had with their fathers.

Overall, "Buddy, Can You Spare a Father?" is a heartwarming episode that explores themes of family, friendship, and the importance of being present in each other's lives.