I've always loved these two episodes. I thought they were really good. I love seeing entire romances play out rather quickly. I do, however, have issues with these shows.

First off, I find it hard to believe that Langley has no rules prohibiting a professor from dating a student enrolled in his class. When I went to college, that was taboo. Profs/Students could date, as long as they weren't in a situation where said relationship could impact a grade. It just really annoyed me. It nearly kills the whole storyline for me. If he was only 30, there is no way he was a tenured professor at that age. And I can promise you, no college will give tenure to a professor who is openly dating his students. Aaaargh! It makes me mad. I don't know why, but it does! It's not the only time when this show takes a bit of dramatic license, but this one gets me the most (well, except for maybe Talk, talk, talk).

Secondly, am I the only one who thinks that it is inappropriate that a single parent is going to bring his 19 year old girlfriend to a parents night at school?

My college has the same rules about profs-students dating. If you begin to date one and you're in their class you immediately have to drop that class, change advisors, whatever is neccessary. It really does seem unlikely that could happen in the "real world". The only thing about tenure is once you receive tenure, it is very difficult to get rid of that professor. My college just went through something of getting rid of a tenure professor who got in trouble with the law (it made the columbus, OH news and were two hours away). The legality of firing or resigning supposedly in this case a tenured professor is astounding. Oh, my mom is a middle school teacher and I would love to see her face if a parent brought their 19 year old girlfriend to the school. Inappropriate doesn't even begin to describe it.

I can understand your criticizing of how FOL handled the student/teacher dating thing between Sam and Jo. Normally schools do have some sort of policy regarding student/teacher relationships.
Then again, Jo is in college and she's living in the real world. Even in real life, there have been many relationships that involved a teacher and a student. The storyline was very realistic.
I truly enjoyed both episodes last night. For once viewers got a FULL dose of Jo. Not just the "tough girl" side but the softer, sweet, and sensitive side. She is so warm and sincere and Sam had no choice but to fall for her. These two episode are good examples of why Jo is my favorite FOL character.
I think the age difference between Jo and Sam was insiginificant. Personally, I date men older than me because in my experience, older men are more mature...again..this is just in my experience. I think Sam challenged Jo to try new things and to broaden her horizons and he did it in a kind and loving way. Jo couldn't help falling for a guy like that..neither could I..he was so kind and gentle. I think Sam fell for Jo because of her obvious beauty, charm, whit, and he knew that she was open-minded enough to try something new.
I think that their relationship could have worked out only if Sam didn't have a child. Children are a hugh responsibility and Jo really needed to decide if she was ready to settle down and be both a wife and mother. I think they both made the right decision in the end.

I've stated my two cents worth.

Baps17

I really liked last night's episodes. I loved the full dose of Jo, and the storyline, I think, was exceptional.

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Blair: I can't believe this! My parents are spending a fortune so I can get frostbite!
Nat: It's not that bad.
Blair: Maybe not to you, but a Warner is like a delicate souffle.
Jo: Yeah, light and empty.

Captain: Didn't you ever have a dog, Jinny?
Jinny: I had a plant once. It didn't make it.

I loved that episode I laughed so hard when Jo was riding that horse.

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Jo:I don't know you got to admit:Force has some good points.
Blair:Jo's hoping to attend the Chuck Norris School Of Law.

Nat:Who wants to be a skiny pencil?I'd rather be a happy magic marker.

Ms.G:Girls!Will you tell me what's been going on here?
Nat:Group sleep walking?
Ms.G:(gives that"Idon't believe you"look)
Blair:Well,you know the first day of school getting settled in and meeting new people....
Tootie:Yeah!!And now comes Miller time!

Oh I don't know... it was okay...

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"It was just like Saturday Night Fever, only it was a Friday."

About Jo going to parent's night. Remember Robbie the 7 year old asked her, not Sam the 30 year old. He wouldn't understand the situation enough to know that it wouldn't be appropriate. I think that was done to illustrate the bond he was already forming with her.