"Stag at Bay" is my favorite episode of the 7th season. As the first entry of the season, things start off with a bang thanks to the wonderful performance of guest Leslie Parrish. She is thoroughly convincing in portraying Flame and eventually thanking the Douglases, explaining that she will be moving on from her very brief venture into entertainment. A good deal of humor is derived from Steve's attempts to keep Flame's presence unknown to Ernie, who is also up at the late hour. And an earlier scene in which Steve is seen with the lovely young woman, about to escort her home, is priceless.

Prior to the marriages of Rob and Steve in upcoming seasons, most often when a beautiful female guest appeared on the series she was routinely cast in the role of an active or potential love interest. This episode creatively introduces the presence of a compelling woman into the lives of the Douglases without romantic involvement. An enjoyable show from start to finish, and somewhat surprising in its risque aspects for an episode of a family program of the period.

Easily one of the best scripts of the 10th season, and one of the better series episodes. Don Grady is very effective in showing his character's disappointments. The supporting cast does a fine job as well, especially Burt Mustin, whose character comments disapprovingly on Robbie's hair and Katie's dress. There is also an inside joke involving Olan Soule's character, who mistakenly keeps calling Robbie "Don" -- which of course is the actor's actual first name.

Highly recommended viewing. You will have to watch the episode to learn how things turn out in the end, but the character of the beautiful Tina Cole proves to play a more important role in the visit than one might have expected. Cole and Grady have a very nice chemistry between them, and this fine episode offers a great example of the quality of their work together.

James Bonnett is very well cast as Art, a character who is quite smooth yet able to retain a friendliness amid the decidedly sophisticated charm. Both he and Tim Considine give remarkably good performances in this interesting episode. Tim seems to display an easy ability in bringing across Mike's emotions effectively. A good script allows for engagement of the viewers as the two interact. Watch for a cute group scene in which Jean secretly helps Mike out when he finds himself short of cash. And Skip Young is a welcome addition to the episode. Best known as Wally Plumstead, Rick Nelson's fraternity brother on later seasons of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," Skip is a natural to portray yet another fun-loving, college-aged character -- though in reality, Young is significantly older than the actors with whom he is portraying a contemporary.

Ronne Troup is convincing in this episode in portraying her character's lack of sales resistance. She is appealing in her role as Chip's wife, and few episodes do a better job of showing why Polly is lovable. Stanley Livingston is in his element, with his character responding reasonably to situations as he did throughout the series without overreacting. We see the influence of Chip's father having coached him in so many life lessons as he grew up. Dave Ketchum is perfectly cast as the persuasive salesman. All in all, one of the more interesting efforts of the final season. The chemistry between Ronne and Stanley is enjoyable.