Ralph's Rival is the twelfth episode of season four of Three's Company, and the 65th overall series episode. Written by George Atkins and directed by Dave Powers, it first aired 4 December 1979 on ABC.
Summary[]
Mr. Furley's old friend and rival, Merl Denker is coming to town and Ralph is upset because the friend has always been such a big success. Ralph wants to present himself as a big-shot to Merl when he arrives, so he asks the girls to come to his apartment to help him get through it. When the friend starts bragging about his pretty wife, Ralph introduces Chrissy as his own "trophy" wife.
When Merl decides to stay with Ralph, Chrissy is trapped in the apartment, leaving her muscle-bound boyfriend Elmo stranded at the Regal Beagle. The date arrives at the apartment in time to hear Larry telling Jack and Janet that Chrissy is sleeping with Ralph. They all rush to Ralph's for a confrontation. Chrissy gets her date under control and Merl then admits that he's an absolute failure, and came to California to try to land another job, anyway.
Trivia[]
- Ann Wedgeworth (Lana) is credited, but does not appear.
Quotes[]
- Chrissy: Okay, but I have a date with Elmo. If I'm late, he'll blow his top.
Jack: Don't worry Chrissy. [taps his temple]
Jack: He has nothing up there that's gonna get hurt in the explosion.
- Chrissy: Will you go upstairs and wait for me?
Elmo Hacker: (Chrissy's boyfriend) (stammering) Chrissy, I...
Chrissy: [waving her finger in his face] Elmo, go on! [elmo hangs his head and saunters away]