Watching the DVDs brings back some memories as I'd forgotten how good the first season was. The syndicated episodes left such a bad taste that I barely recalled what a cute little show this was on CBS. Everything about it was better from the family to the writing and especially Jennifer Runyon. I don't care how many bimbos Baio kept casting so he could bang them, Gwendolyn was miles better than any of them. I know a lot of people might like the syndi episodes just for the jailbait chick and yeah I did feel guilty perving on a 15 year old but let's face it, the show got really bad. And I always did think the other daughter would grow up to be pretty. You could tell by looking at her that when she filled out she would be attractive.

Watching the DVDs brings back some memories as I'd forgotten how good the first season was. The syndicated episodes left such a bad taste that I barely recalled what a cute little show this was on CBS. Everything about it was better from the family to the writing and especially Jennifer Runyon. I don't care how many bimbos Baio kept casting so he could bang them, Gwendolyn was miles better than any of them. I know a lot of people might like the syndi episodes just for the jailbait chick and yeah I did feel guilty perving on a 15 year old but let's face it, the show got really bad. And I always did think the other daughter would grow up to be pretty. You could tell by looking at her that when she filled out she would be attractive.


I love the first season. I think there was a sweetness and heart to it that was missing in the syndicated version of the series. Charles had a wonderful bond with the Pembroke children that he simply did not have with the Powell children. Also, in the syndicated version they turned Buddy into a real moron. He was always goofy, but in the later seasons he was turned into a total idiot. Though more people might know of the syndicated version, you will find that the network version does have a loyal following.

Most shows were canceled and revised during the syndicated years. Mama's Family was a NBC show that didn't get warmly received until it was syndicated. I believe syndication helps a show last a little longer than necessary. The original cast of Mama's family was not that good, but since they added all the characters of Bubba and Iola...it really did hit its strides then. I also believe this is the reason why Mama's Family became popular in the mid 80s as well. CIC during its original CBS run and syndicated run was never a hit show. But what helps syndication is that they propose a new family. Sometimes new family might also mean bad career move as well, but it could also mean success as well. But you can never excuse Mr. Powell, though. James T. Callahan had some of the best lines ever, "I can't be him. God loves me too much", "Doorbell", or "For a second thought, I thought lived here". The Pembrokes can never be forgotten and that's the truth. But, man, Mr. Powell still cracks me up.:lol: Sorry, Callahan is a hoot with his lines to Charles and Buddy. Even if they never did have a warm tender moment with the Powell, unlike the Pembroke atmosphere. Though there were some great episode that I particularly enjoyed in the Powell season. When Buddy's sister(Mindy Cohn) has a drinking problem and the look of Charles as Bunny makes a pass to him.

Watching the DVDs brings back some memories as I'd forgotten how good the first season was. The syndicated episodes left such a bad taste that I barely recalled what a cute little show this was on CBS. Everything about it was better from the family to the writing and especially Jennifer Runyon. I don't care how many bimbos Baio kept casting so he could bang them, Gwendolyn was miles better than any of them.


Thank You. That is what I said as well. I thought that Charles and Gewndolyn had the best chemistry. Jennifer Runyon was just mesmorizing to me on that screen. My favorite clip of her is in the opening when she is moving in a bit cocks her head to the side. That part is from episode one when she is impressed that Charles can speak chinese. I just loved to look at her. She was foyin. LOL.

She to me was the epitomy of blondes for the mid 80's I am glad that she was brought back during season three to tie up some loose ends. The only problems that I had were that she and Buddy acted as though they were mild enemies. It was like that during the first few eps but that changed. The other issue was that Charles said that they had been dating for one year. It seemed like they took a time out in the later episodes of the first season.

I grew up watching the syndicated version, but the more I think about it, I enjoy the network version better. I know Douglas was close to the Pembroke kids, Especally Jason. Also, on the syndicated premiere, Jill seemed to be too serious.

I grew up with the syndicated version, but I've gone back and watched the entire series on DVD and I enjoy all of it. The Pembrokes and the Powells are both great. And the "Charles in Charge" series is fun all the way throughout.:) :cool:

And for the record, I don't think "Charles in Charge" ever "jumped the shark". Of course, I don't think "Happy Days" ever "jumped the shark" although Fonzie did indeed jump the shark.;)
I enjoy both series all the way through. Of course, I'm pretty much this way with most every series that I enjoy- it's all good with me.:) :cool:

The Powell era episodes (https://web.archive.org/web/20061031142412/http://www.jumptheshark.com/c/charlesincharge.htm) were very formulaic over time weren't they? A typical episode would practically go down (https://web.archive.org/web/20140407133033/http://forums.televisionwithoutpity.com/topic/3122609-charles-in-charge/#entry2460617) like this:

Charles warns the dumb Powell kids not to do something
Dumb Powell kids do it anyway
Something bad happens because of it
Powells turn on Charles and blames him
Charles fixes the problem
Powells forgive Charles for something that was their fault in the first place
Everyone goes for pizza!