#117 DOWNSIZED (Original air date: 03/04/97)
Written by: William Schmidt Directed by: Michael Schultz Produced by: Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen & R.J. Visciglia, Jr. Guest Cast:
Ned Bernhart Stacy Keach Eileen Bernhart Micole Mercurio Gary McNeely Joe Chrest Sarah Garson April Grace Joel Corwin Paul Scherrer The Greenes go to Post Falls, Idaho to place Josh in a special institute for the blind, and visit some old friends from North Carolina, Ned and Eileen Bernhart. Ned sets Russell up with an interview at the company where he works, Post Falls Furniture. Russell seems a shoe-in for a machine room supervisor position. Though Hattie reminds him about his "directive" from the angels, Russell finds a way to rationalize the idea of settling down, perhaps buying a house. Russell is thrown for a loop when he realizes he's been passed over for a younger, less qualified applicant. Then Ned gets the news that he's been "downsized" out of his job despite a stellar record of job performance for nine years. Russell convinces Ned to consult a lawyer about possible age discrimination. Though inexperienced, Joel Corwin, fresh out of law school, is the right man for the price. Eileen is more concerned about losing the four months severance package Ned's been offered. And sure enough, the "suits" threaten dropping Ned's severance package if he follows through with the lawsuit. Despite Russell and Claire's support, the pressure starts to weigh heavily on Ned and Eileen–prompting Eileen to take a job at the local dairy. Russell approaches Sarah Garson, the woman he interviewed with in personnel, and appeals to her to supply them with Ned's performance evaluations. Armed with sterling performance evaluations, Joel Corwin pleads Ned's case only to be knocked down by the company lawyer's trumped up charges against Ned. The company makes one final offer (a six-month severance package). Corwin is undaunted, but Ned, fearing a long drawn-out lawsuit, asks him to accept their terms. Russell convinces Ned to persevere. Eileen and Ned patch things up. He's prepared to find another job. Russell visits Josh who lifts Russell's spirits–reminding him what's really important. Russell returns to the rest of the family and apologizes for letting this get to him–and reminds them that they're the most important thing to him. Dinah points out the accomplishments of men like Michaelangelo, Benjamin Franklin and Ghandi well into their golden years. Just when Russell figures maybe it's time to move on, Hattie hatches a plan–wondering what would happen if older people started treating Post Falls Furniture the way they treat older people. She goes "online" and organizes a protest. The protest, complete with local news crews, brings McNeeley and company to their knees. Russell, Corwin and Ned broker a deal to give Ned back his job.