There were several extremely memorable and historic events that occurred in 1980, namely:
The failure of the U.S. military to free American hostages in Iran
The improbable victory of the U.S. Hockey team over Russia during the Winter Olympics that came to be known as the "Miracle On Ice"
The boycott of the United States and 57 countries from the Summer Games in Moscow over Russia's invasion of Afghanistan
The tragic murder of John Lennon
The devastating eruption of Mount St. Helens
The debut of Pink Lady and Jeff
Okay, okay, so the last item was memorable only to that minuscule number of people who had any interest in the show. Was Pink Lady and Jeff great TV? "Yes!" Uhh, "No!" But that didn't at all matter to folks like you and me. All we cared about was seeing Mie and Kei on American television. Truly a once in a lifetime event. And so, I present to you, a visual retrospective of PL & J.
For anyone out there who might not had seen the show during it's oh, so brief prime time run in early 1980, the stills you'll see from all six episodes will give you an idea of what the show was all about. And for those of you lucky enough to have seen PL & J, either when it had first broadcast on TV or on DVD when it had been released on video in 2002, I'm sure this will take you back as you relive fond memories of seeing the Ladies performing for an American audience. And, if you actually have fond memories of Jeff Altman, might I, as a friend recommend serious and immediate therapy.
While PL & J has been reviled and ridiculed by entertainment critics for years and years, having landed on TV Guide's list of the 50 Worst Television Shows Ever (#35), even having been spoofed on Saturday Night Live once, that's never taken away or dimished one iota our enjoyment of the show for us as fans of Mie and Kei who did their very best to entertain U.S. audiences, even though the show was a total train wreck from conception to broadcast. It had been a once in a lifetime event, seeing Pink Lady give us their all here on our shores, and we'll always be grateful for the experience.
Pink Insider: The interview with PL & J head scriptwriter Mark Evanier
Be sure to read Pink Recollections for my memories of March 1, 1980
Altmanese to English:A hilarious primer on better understand Jeff Altman
"Prescription For Chaos": A fanfic with Pink Lady & Jeff on 'The Love Boat'
Pink Whereabouts: Where are they today?
A little Pink Humor at Jeff Altman's expense
Pink Lady & Jeff episode extras
Trooper Tru's review of Pink Lady & Jeff
Sid & Marty Krofft discuss Pink Lady & Jeff
Dragonraid's Review of Pink Lady & Jeff