My Three Sons Season 12 Episode 1

This episode, and the following three, are basically a sequel to an original storyline that began back in the fourth season (1963-64). MacMurray once again reprises the dual role. [See Ep.# 112].

Depending on which theme song is tagged onto the prints of these episodes, some have the shorter version (used up to Season 10) but should now have the new version with additional starring credits -- Dawn Lynn (with two N's!) as Dodie and Ronne Troup as Polly -- and a more casual Fred MacMurray introduction ("Hi, Welcome To Our Show"). As the animated hands come together, you will note that this new credit arrangement deletes Don Grady's name as Robbie for this season. There have been reports that these Season 12 episodes have been broadcast without
the new opening theme, which is a shame as the older version only shows the names of MacMurray, Demarest, Grady and the Livingston brothers. This way, Cole, Garland, Troup and Lyn do not get credited at all unless the correct opening theme is used!

The End credits feature a very sped up theme music and no longer feature the Main Cast list, just the Guest Stars, and for this four part story, the next episode's title is given on the final freeze frame, before the end credits begin.

Again, Beverly Garland changes her hairdo for her third year on the series. Also, Barry Livingston (Ernie) now wears his hair for this season with a part in the middle. Stanley Livingston as Chip also sports a longer hairdo and an occasional part down the middle as well.

Director Earl Bellamy makes his debut with this episode, and will direct the entire season. Born in 1917, Earl started directing in 1954, working in that capacity on many television series. "I was very fortunate. I didn't do too many feature films early on because I got hooked into television. With television, wow, you're all through with one show in six days and now you've got another one to do with a brand new script, and away you go again" he was once quoted as saying. The veteran director, whose first love was television, retired from show business in 1986 and had been living in Rio Rancho, New Mexico since 1991. He died of a heart attack in Albuquerque on November 30, 2003, aged 86.

Lest anyone think otherwise, 'Advent' is not short for 'Adventures' but means the arrival of someone, hence the episode's title.