Ep 11. Eric's Buddy

Eric Forman finds himself in a bind when he realizes he needs a new best friend. His long-time friend, Donna, has become more like a girlfriend to him, and his dad is too busy to hang out with him. Eric decides to adopt a new buddy, and that’s when he meets Kelso’s older brother, Casey.

Casey is immediately liked by Eric because he’s a smooth talker and a ladies’ man. Eric figures if he hangs out with someone like Casey, he can be cool like him too. They bond over burgers and beers at Fatso Burger, and Eric is happy to have a new friend.

Meanwhile, Red Forman is on a mission to fix an old car in his garage. He’s been working on it for years and his son Eric never showed interest in helping him. Red is impressed when he sees Casey’s car, and since Casey is in town for a few days, he asks him to lend a hand with his car.

Casey agrees, but when he arrives at the Forman’s, he sees the car in the garage and is not impressed. In fact, he thinks it’s a piece of junk and tells Red he can’t work on it because he’s not a mechanic. Red is shocked and embarrassed, and tells Casey to go back home.

This causes tension between Casey and Eric, who has to juggle his relationship with Casey and his loyalty to his dad. Meanwhile, Donna is annoyed that Eric is spending so much time with Casey and starts to feel neglected. She decides to hang out with Fez and Hyde instead and has a good time.

At a party in Eric’s basement, Casey invites a bunch of girls over, including Donna’s friend, Susan. Eric is surprised and impressed by Casey’s ability to get girls, but when he catches Casey trying to make out with Donna, he realizes he’s made a mistake.

Casey is not a good influence on Eric, and he realizes he doesn’t need to be someone he’s not to be cool. Eric tells Casey that they can’t be friends anymore, and Casey leaves town. Eric learns that it’s better to be himself and not try to impress others by pretending to be someone he’s not.

Meanwhile, Red realizes he’s been working on his car for too long and decides to sell it. He gives the keys to Eric, who is happy to have something to share with his dad. They drive off together, and the episode ends with Eric’s dad reminding him that he doesn’t need anyone else to make him happy.