Eric's Buddy

Original Airdate:	December 6, 1998
Writer:	Philip Stark
Director:	David Trainer

Eric has a great time hanging out with his chemistry lab partner Buddy and riding around in Buddy's red Trans-AM until Buddy makes a pass at him. Red's not sure he is cut out to be an appliance salesman.

Eric has a new pal, Buddy Morgan, his chemistry lab partner. Buddy's a rich kid with a red Trans-Am, and Eric loves riding around town with him, but it's not long before Eric's gang begins to feel neglected. At the appliance store Bob diplomatically tries to let Red know he should be more outgoing and aggressive. When Buddy tries to hang out with Eric's other friends, he doesn't get a warm welcome (even though both Donna and Jackie say they've always thought he was a babe). Eric and Buddy spend more and more time together, and Eric's having a great time until Buddy kisses him. Eric's taken aback and quickly assures Buddy that he's not gay. Buddy apologizes, but things immediately get awkward. Eric feels weird and wonders why Buddy thought he was gay, but most of all he wants to forget the kiss ever happened. Kitty tries to encourage Red and help him do a better job at work. Eric starts hanging out with the gang again, and is amazed when Fez observes that Buddy is obviously gay. Red does a complete turnaround at work, and Bob couldn't be happier. And Eric assures Buddy that he's still happy having him as a lab partner.

Nominated for Outstanding TV Individual Episode (1999 GLAAD Media Awards)

"Rebel, Rebel" by David Bowie
"My Best Friend" by Harry Nilsson (theme song from '50s sitcom The Courtship Of Eddie's Father)