Welcome Back, Kotter Back to School Marathon August 17

[Vintage1947]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

The episode Welcome Back is listed as the pilot and normally aired as episode 1 in syndication. When it first aired on ABC it was aired as the 3rd episode because it came off as too rough for ABC Network executives

I would say the episode is extremely tame compared to today's standards, especially those shows on Netflix and Hulu.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Vintage1947

I would say the episode is extremely tame compared to today's standards, especially those shows on Netflix and Hulu.

I think they wanted viewers to see the likable side of the sweathoggs first before showing the pilot episode

Even this promo below shows the sweathoggs in a likable way versus the way they came off in that pilot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI37thuD_cM

[Vintage1947]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I think they wanted viewers to see the likable side of the sweathoggs first before showing the pilot episode

Even this promo below shows the sweathoggs in a likable way versus the way they came off in that pilot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI37thuD_cM

I really think the group of sweathogs come off as a lovable group who grow quickly to love and trust their teacher. That is what makes the show special.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Vintage1947

I really think the group of sweathogs come off as a lovable group who grow quickly to love and trust their teacher. That is what makes the show special.

They did eventually but that pilot episode made it seem like they would give Kotter pure hell every episode lol

[Vintage1947]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

They did eventually but that pilot episode made it seem like they would give Kotter pure hell every episode lol

It certainly did. I suppose that was the intimidation factor of the new teacher thing. Once they really got to know Kotter he became of course way more than just a teacher.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Vintage1947

It certainly did. I suppose that was the intimidation factor of the new teacher thing. Once they really got to know Kotter he became of course way more than just a teacher.

Epstein was the main one who wasn't Network TV at 8pm material in that pilot

[Vintage1947]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

Epstein was the main one who wasn't Network TV at 8pm material in that pilot

He was a thug.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Vintage1947

He was a thug.

And was not smiling when he said..........."ASSAULT"

[Vintage1947]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

And was not smiling when he said..........."ASSAULT"

He sure was one little tough guy.

[Rewound50]

And to think poor Horshack had his heart taken by Jason Voorheese years later. I'll never be able to dissolve that association.