Hi, I'm new to this Welcome Back Kotter message board. I recently have seen reruns of the show on TV Land and I am curious to find out one thing that I might have missed.

Why is Principal Lazarus so friendly with Epstein? It seems as if everyone else is so afraid of him, especially Mr. Woodman! Yet Epstein is always seen coming out of his office laughing and talking to him like a pal. Is there any reason for this that was explained in the show?

Also, I really like Gabe Kaplan's "uncle jokes" at the beginning and end of each show. Is there any website out there that has any of them posted? Some of them were preety good!

Thanks alot and keep watching!

-Mike

Yes. It was explained by Epstein that Principal Lazarus (his first name was Jack, btw) thought of him as a son.

Mr. Kotter: Wait, I thought he had a son.
Epstein: Oh yeah, Harold, but he's a big disappointment to Jack.
since he joined that Hippie Commune.

Originally posted by Katie_NY
Yes. It was explained by Epstein that Principal Lazarus (his first name was Jack, btw) thought of him as a son.

Mr. Kotter: Wait, I thought he had a son.
Epstein: Oh yeah, Harold, but he's a big disappointment to Jack.
since he joined that Hippie Commune.


Was it explained why Principal Lazarus thought of Epstein as his son?

Yes, in the episode where Epstein is smoking, he comes out of Lazarus's office and Kotter asked him why the principal only likes Epstein.

Juan said Lazarus' own son was a disappointment to him cause he joined the hippie commune.

Originally posted by Katie_NY
Yes, in the episode where Epstein is smoking, he comes out of Lazarus's office and Kotter asked him why the principal only likes Epstein.

Juan said Lazarus' own son was a disappointment to him cause he joined the hippie commune.


That still doesn't explain why he didn't feel that way about the other Sweathoggs.

Katie, do you know when the smoking ep is going to air? Ive lost track of what is airing and cant find upcoming info anywhere, just generic descriptions. (This is assuming they air it in order, cause i imagine you're in the same boat, having to count and estimate.

I have missed this ep repeatedly and would like to watch it. ( A Juan ep is a good ep) <G>

Originally posted by Sitcom Analyzer
That still doesn't explain why he didn't feel that way about the other Sweathoggs.

You're right it doesn't, I don't think it was ever explained. It's kinda weird that he only bonded with Epstein and not the other guys. It doesn't make sense.

Originally posted by DetectiveGriffin
Katie, do you know when the smoking ep is going to air? Ive lost track of what is airing and cant find upcoming info anywhere, just generic descriptions. (This is assuming they air it in order, cause i imagine you're in the same boat, having to count and estimate.

I have missed this ep repeatedly and would like to watch it. ( A Juan ep is a good ep) <G>

I think we missed it cause now they're airing episodes with the Kotter babies in it.

That is low, tvland <G> I probably should just make it a habit to watch again, while it's still on, eh?
Was going to make a silly episode guide for the website anywho.
:)

Well now, they're showing Square Pegs in the Kotter Time slot. Which is really annoying. So who knows when they'll be back.
Infact, it's Square Pegs episodes straight through. I didn't even watch it during it's original run, why would I wanna watch it now.

I'm guessing the reason for the close relationship between Juan and Principal Lazarus is because they spend so much time together what with Juan getting into trouble so often!:wave:

Originally posted by DetectiveGriffin
That is low, tvland <G> I probably should just make it a habit to watch again, while it's still on, eh?
Was going to make a silly episode guide for the website anywho.
:)

Well now Kotter's back at midnight. They just showed the episode where Freddie cheated on an English test and then Sat. night they showed "Epstein's Madonna"