Seems like ABC should have aired "The New Landlord" as the 1st ep of season 4 since..

[TVFactFan]

The clothes that the cast is wearing in the opening credits is the same ones they are wearing in the episode. Plus its the introduction of the New landlord and starting a new era. Not sure why they Jack on the lam was aired first

[BuffaloBill]

This is the most logical answer I can think of. In the 70’s and 80’s there were more episodes in a season than today. Don Knotts has a contract for 23 shows only, 25 in that season. So for continuity purposes he does episodes 3 - 25. A new character is given the spotlight in second episode, which connects to new landlord in episode 3. The season opener, which in my opinion is one of the greatest TC episodes ever, gives more spotlight on main 4 characters at the time. Hope that makes sense.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

This is the most logical answer I can think of. In the 70’s and 80’s there were more episodes in a season than today. Don Knotts has a contract for 23 shows only, 25 in that season. So for continuity purposes he does episodes 3 - 25. A new character is given the spotlight in second episode, which connects to new landlord in episode 3. The season opener, which in my opinion is one of the greatest TC episodes ever, gives more spotlight on main 4 characters at the time. Hope that makes sense.

I guess that makes sense when you factor in the continuity. I havent seen the DVD in years and I believe the closing credits for Jack on the Lam has the trio on the Merry Go Round with the clothes that wont be seen until ep 3 lol

[BestTVever]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

This is the most logical answer I can think of. In the 70’s and 80’s there were more episodes in a season than today. Don Knotts has a contract for 23 shows only, 25 in that season. So for continuity purposes he does episodes 3 - 25. A new character is given the spotlight in second episode, which connects to new landlord in episode 3. The season opener, which in my opinion is one of the greatest TC episodes ever, gives more spotlight on main 4 characters at the time. Hope that makes sense.

I thought it was a good season opener too. There is a Trees Company podcast and I stopped listening because I dont like the 2 hosts. They hated this season opener and thought it was not good enough for a season opener. Season 4 is hit or miss IMHO and this is definitely one of the better ones.
Filming episodes and airing them out of filming order is very common in sitcoms in the beginning of seasons. They film several in advance of the new season.

[BestTVever]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

This is the most logical answer I can think of. In the 70’s and 80’s there were more episodes in a season than today. Don Knotts has a contract for 23 shows only, 25 in that season. So for continuity purposes he does episodes 3 - 25. A new character is given the spotlight in second episode, which connects to new landlord in episode 3. The season opener, which in my opinion is one of the greatest TC episodes ever, gives more spotlight on main 4 characters at the time. Hope that makes sense.

I thought it was a good season opener too. There is a Trees Company podcast and I stopped listening because I dont like the 2 hosts. They hated this season opener and thought it was not good enough for a season opener. Season 4 is hit or miss IMHO and this is definitely one of the better ones.
Filming episodes and airing them out of filming order is very common in sitcoms in the beginning of seasons. They film several in advance of the new season.