Happy Days Of Horror

October 31, 1978, was an extra special All Hallow's Eve, for that night saw the initial broadcast of "The Evil Eye," an episode of Happy Days. This hit TV series was in its sixth season, and its fun belies its supposed "jump the shark" (which was supposedly earned during its 5th season). There is a creative take on the classic "Monster Mash" song, comical costumes (Ralph Malph as Igor the hunchback), and best of all, long stretches where Fonzie is not seen. Don't get me wrong, I love Henry Winkler as the Fonz, but this character was created to be an outsider and used in small doses. (Not to say there would not be episodes wherein he is the main character.) Best and most delightfully for me is Ron Howard as Richie mimics a monster. Ron Howard gets to play more comedy in this series than is usually remembered, but here he plays something he really gets to do: be goofy and—as a bonus for us—in a grin-inducing Countdown to Halloween way.