Welcome Home: Part 1 was the first part of a two-episode story arc which was the fourth episode of the 11th season of Happy Days, and also the 237th episode in the series overall. Co-written by Fred Fox, Jr. and Brian Levant, the episode, which was directed by Jerry Paris, originally aired on ABC-TV on October 25, 1983.
Synopsis[]
Richie, Lori Beth and Ralph come home. But things are bittersweet for Richie, whose plans are different than what everyone else wants for the Cunningham lad.
Storyline[]
Just discharged from the U.S. Army, Richie and Ralph return home; but after life in the Army, they come home a rousing homecoming celebration. But as everyone celebrates good times and fond memories, it becomes obvious Richie's dreams have changed. Sure, Howard gets Richie a job at the Milwaukee Journal, and despite Richie's tepid interest, seems to be doing a good job. But Richie confides in several people that his future plans have a different path than everybody else expects or wants: screen writing, Richie wants to move to California to pursue a career as a screenwriter, which doesn't set too well with Howard and Marion. This episode is Part 1 of a two-part story.
- Special guest stars: Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham; Don Most (billed as Donald Most) as Ralph Malph; Lynda Goodfriend as Lori Beth Cunningham.
Notes[]
Richie, Fonzie, Potsie, and Ralph are reunited for the first time since the episode "Ralph's Family Problem" (the Season 7 finale).
Side Note: Richie's wanting to move to California to pursue a career as a screenwriter was possibly written as an inside reference to Ron Howard's real-life second career as a director.
Guest starring[]
- Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham
- Don Most (billed as Donald Most) as Ralph Malph
- Lynda Goodfriend as Lori Beth Allen-Cunningham
- Bo Sharon as Richie Cunningham Jr.
- Walter Van as Dean McGrath
