Stanley is busy working on the pipes in the Ropers' bathroom, and while doing so is able to overhear dialogue in the kids' bathroom. Chrissy has acquired a wart on her hand, and is disgusted and wants to get rid of it. But Stanley, not knowing the whole story, thinks she's talking about an unwanted pregnancy! When the kids realize that he's been listening in on their conversations, they work out a scheme to get him to come clean.
This is certainly a frequently funny episode, with a healthy amount of good lines, another of Norman Fells' signature moments, good chemistry among the cast, and the recurring gag of Stanley getting drenched by water coming through the pipe. But the most interesting thing about 'Stanley's Hotline' is that this is the one episode in which Joyce DeWitt does not make an appearance. She sat it out, after being denied a raise that was previously *promised* to her. By the time the issue had been worked out, the cast & crew were already working with a re-tooled script, with Janets' lines given to Linda (Anne Schedeen), Jacks' semi-regular girlfriend. (It's explained that Linda is temporarily filling in as a third roommate due to Janet visiting relatives.)
One of the brightest moments is Chrissy's choice of song right at the end when Stanley once again gets a face full of water. And, of course, it's always hysterical when Helen erupts into boisterous laughter.
Eight out of 10.
This is certainly a frequently funny episode, with a healthy amount of good lines, another of Norman Fells' signature moments, good chemistry among the cast, and the recurring gag of Stanley getting drenched by water coming through the pipe. But the most interesting thing about 'Stanley's Hotline' is that this is the one episode in which Joyce DeWitt does not make an appearance. She sat it out, after being denied a raise that was previously *promised* to her. By the time the issue had been worked out, the cast & crew were already working with a re-tooled script, with Janets' lines given to Linda (Anne Schedeen), Jacks' semi-regular girlfriend. (It's explained that Linda is temporarily filling in as a third roommate due to Janet visiting relatives.)
One of the brightest moments is Chrissy's choice of song right at the end when Stanley once again gets a face full of water. And, of course, it's always hysterical when Helen erupts into boisterous laughter.
Eight out of 10.
