Mork vs. Mindy

"Mork vs. Mindy"
Season 2, Episode #6 (#31) in series (95 episodes)
Mork and Mindy wind up competing to earn a job working for Mindy's politician cousin Nelson Flavor, in "Mork vs. Mindy" in Season 2 (ep.#6).
"Mork & Mindy" episode
Guest Star(s):	Jerrold Ziman Jeff Harlan Anna Upstrom
Network:	ABC-TV
Production code:	206 (2x6)
Writer(s)	David Misch
Director	Howard Storm
Original airdate	October 14, 1979
IMDB	Mork vs. Mindy
Episode chronology
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"Dr. Morkenstein"	"Mork Gets Mindy-itis"
List of Mork & Mindy seasons/episodes

Mork Vs Mindy was the sixth episode of season 2 of Mork and Mindy, also the 31st overall episode in the series. Written by David Misch, the episode, directed by Howard Storm, originally aired on ABC-TV on October 14, 1979.

Synopsis

After Mork and Mindy are hired as campaign workers by Mindy's cousin, Nelson Flavor, who is running for city councilman, his cheapness and their need for money means they end up competing for the same job.

Plot

Jim Staahl as Nelson Flavor, Mindy's politician cousin

Alone in the apartment, a knock at the door attracts Mindy's attention, but despite asking who it is repeatedly, she can get no answer. Giving up she answers the door and is startled by an 'Alien Face hugger' mask wearing Mork, back from his job at the Novelty Shop. Mindy tells him he scared her to death and he apologizes, saying his boss thought it would be funny. However, when she puts her hands on his shoulders to ask him not to take his work home with him, he squirts her in the face with water from one of the fake flowers he has attached to his suspenders. Rolling her eyes she grabs a towel and he apologizes again offering to help her dry off her hair, only to touch it with a hand buzzer, giving her a shock and causing her to retaliate by hitting him repeatedly with the towel. As she backs off him he tells her it's going to take him a while to wrap his head around Earth humor, which she happily reciprocates in regards to Orkan humor. And speaking off odd Orkan things, she hands him the note he left her which she she couldn't make head nor tails of. Holding it out like an Eye Test, covering one eye, he reads out a serious of letters, which, part exasperated part amused she asks the meaning of? "Nelson Flavor Called and said that he would come over" he translates, telling her he's trying to learn short hand to try and have an exciting career as a 'credit neurologist'

Mindy groans, telling him that Nelson is her cousin, the son of her 'crazy rich' aunt. Mork is confused as to what a cousin is, someone related to your parents, Mindy tells him. A sore note for Mork who as a test tube baby is not even related to his parents. He wonders why he's never met this Nelson before, and she explains its because Nelson is so 'straight', manufacturing attaché cases for a living. She tells him he's the kind of guy where you feel he's always trying to sell you something, slapping you on the back, shaking your hand, a sort of 'combo mugger and masseuse' Mork jokes, Mindy commenting on how he always has a way of looking on the bright side. He has to he confesses as he's lost his job at the novelty story. Groaning at another job down the pan, Mindy tells him they're starting to run low on money, with her only having 3 music students left while studying herself. As Mork is telling her about the possibility of another job working at the zoo feeding the elephants, Mindy goes to answer a knock on the door, and her tall, blond, bespectacled, three piece suited cousin enters. Mindy eyes Mork meaningfully as Nelson shakes her hand vigorously, introduces himself to her and hands her his card.

On her introducing him to Mork, Mork gets Nelson with the handbuzzer, and then the flower squirter, laughing it off stiffly, he turns back to Mindy telling her he dropped in to see her as she's his favorite cousin...well, only cousin. He asks her how's she doing and she starts to tell him how since Fred & Cora sold the music store she's been teaching students, before he interrupts her to announce that *he's* going into politics. It's a part time Council Man post, so she'll still be getting her attaché case for Christmas he assures her. The election is over a year away, but he has to start now to get his name out there. The real reason he's stopped by is that there a lot of women in his constituency and he wants her to tell them what *they* think. Nelson tells them both that this Council position is the first step to his ultimate goal, the Vice Presidency of the United States, like his hero Walter Mondale. Nelson wants what he has, the power and the glory. Mork pipes up wondering isn't the point of a politician to serve people and help them? Nelson seizes on that as a novel idea that is just crazy enough to work. Mindy gets an idea and makes the suggestion that if Nelson wants to know more about what women think he should hire her, Nelson takes to the idea and hires her immediately. Getting her coat she asks Mork to tell Jeanie she can't make lunch, as they head out Mork notices something is missing from what he brought home and goes chasing after Mindy asking if she saw his exploding...a bang goes out in the hallway...cigar Mork finishes, Nelson walking back with the remains of it smoking in his mouth, less than amused.

A day or so later, in the NY Deli, Remo is not having much success in bring Stickball and the Bronx to Boulder, Jeanie suggesting that he tells people the stick is organic, the Bronx pair having trouble adjusting to the bohemian Boulderites, Jeanie complaining that they don't leave tips, except one guy who does it 'transcendentally'. They conclude that Mork and Mindy are the only normal people they've met so far. When Mork enters and goes into a riff on the devil (after Remo says speak of the devil), they reduce it to Mindy being the only normal person they've met. Mork tells them he's lost yet another job, this time the one at he zoo feeding the baby elephants after feeding them peanut butter and getting their trunks stuck to the roof of their mouths. Remo and Jeanie try to encourage Mork, Remo telling him he tried a lot of jobs before he found something he liked...lazing in the sun...but gave it up to help put Jeanie through medical school. As they're talking, Nelson comes in and shakes all their hands very interested in meeting Remo & Jeanie, until he discovers their registered to vote in NY not Colorado. Pulling Mork aside he tells him he has more work than he thought, more than Mindy can handle alone and would like to hire him also. Overjoyed, Mork accepts immediately, Remo congratulating him on playing hard to get. Nelson tells Mork that Mindy said he was very conscientious so wants to make him his 'Executive Assistant'. Wishing Mork good luck, Jeanie discovers that it's been Mork whose been taking her tips, explaining to her that people keep leaving money behind so he's holding on to it until he can give it back to them.

A day or two later at Nelsons' HQ, Mork and Mindy are stapling flyers with Mork singing happily, Mindy watching him commenting that she didn't think political activism could be so stimulating, Mork shrugging and saying actually he's kinda bored. Philosophical Mindy notes at least they're getting paid, Mork agreeing, even though 80 bucks a week isn't that much, which stops Mindy in her tracks. Indignant she tells him that Nelson is only paying *her* 60. Mork points out that that is because *he's* an Executive. Her mouth dropping she says the title Nelson gave *her* was 'Office Girl'. When Nelson enters, Mindy is less than happy to see him, demanding to know why he's paying Mork more money than her. Nelson gives the same answer Mork did, he's an executive. And when Mindy wants to know what that *means*, he tells her that Mork does all the important hard jobs so she's free to make coffee...and off her indignation wants to know isn't that genetic for women? Getting 'hostile vibes' from Mindy, Nelson wants to know does he want her to hire another girl...and pointing at Mork, she wants to know why he just doesn't let 'the boy' make coffee?!!

Nelson says the argument is academic, because he has something to tell them. His finances wont' allow him to be able to keep both of them on . He decides in the spirit of competition he's going to let them battle it out and he'll observe, and pick one. Mork, although regretting losing a job he could actually keep, immediately volunteers to step down in favor of Mindy saying she needs it more. But Mindy, says while she wants the job he can't just give up, if he wants something he should fight for it. But Mork tells her he doesn't want to fight *her*. She assures him its not 'that kind' of fighting, competing is healthy. Checking if she's going to compete, she smiles and agrees, so Mork tells Nelson he doesn't want her competing against herself so he'll compete too. The competition however ratchets up, quickly, with Mork outmaneuvering Mindy by providing ten types of coffee to Mindy's one for Nelson. Getting one over on her, Mork wonders if she's mad, but she smiles and asks if she looks mad, and he smiles and says no, but she assures him she is. But she relaxes, knowing he's just out to prove he can hold a job, and she's just out to prove that Nelson is a sexist in his attitudes about what she can do, and they agree to get on with it. But the minute a potential voter comes in with a problem for Nelson to look at, they are both all over him like a rash trying to out do the other in what they can do form him on behalf of Nelson till swamped the man backs himself into a stationary cupboard and locks himself inside of it. When he finally emerges after Nelson discovers him in there, he tells Nelson his problem is that the city is tearing up the pavement in front of his dog prostheses store, and Nelson assures him he'll fix it as soon as he's elected. The prospective voter tells him however, as he's getting out of there, that with Mork & Mindy as his assistants he shouldn't run for office, just for cover.

When Mindy points out to Nelson that there's probably a good reason why the city is pulling up the sidewalk, Nelson accepts her idea but hands it right over to Mork to write a report on it. When Mindy points out that she should be the one to write the report, as she has seniority, Mork accuses her of trying to pretend she's a Mexican. Mindy tells Nelson that he really needs the women's vote that she can help him with, giving him the name of the head of the Women's political league in Boulder, Mrs Hodges, who she can help him with. Nelson agrees she would be helpful as, as Mork points out, women are everywhere. Nelson ponders as he considers Mork the one with the political savvy, but Mindy the one with all the contacts. He is about to hand Mork the job of writing a report on which one of them he should hire, before Mindy protests again, and he apologizes saying he'll make his decision later that evening and gives them the rest of the day off, before heading out to make his decision. Left alone, as Mindy gathers her things giving him the eye, Mork tries to ratchet down the tension saying they should be mature about it, but then stands up saying he'll race her home! Mindy however waves her car keys at him, reminding him she has wheels. Yes, he answers but he ahs more of them, showing her the roller-skates he's just put on. As he shoots after her, she closes the door behind her and he smacks into it, before pulling it open and then smacking into the wall in the hallway.

With both of them back home in the apartment, they hover around one another, awkwardly, till Mork asks her if she's still mad at him? Smiling she asks him if he looks mad, and this time he answers yep. To which she says, he's catching on. Upset, he asks her what's wrong, they used to have so much fun? She knows, and tells him it's all because of the dumb job. He tells her to take the dumb job. But she won't do that, and suggests instead that they'll both go down there the next day and tell Nelson that if he can't find the money to pay them both, then they'll both quit. Deal she asks? Deal he agrees, much happier, that they've formed a partnership. As they talk, there's a knock at the door, and it's Nelson come by with his decision. But Mindy pre-empts him telling him they've made a decision too. That no job is worth what he's been putting them through. She and Mork care for each other very much, but competing for this job is making them act like different people, and they don't like those people, so either he hires them both or they both quit. He accepts their resignation, having decided it's incumbent upon to hire a minority, and opens the door to reveal Suzy, a buxom Swedish blonde. Nelson still has the nerve to ask for Mindy's help one more time looking for a subject for a Women's rights rally he's speaking to, and she placidly, tells him 'looking nice for Mr Right', should get a response for him.

As he heads out with Suzy, Mork sighs that he's lost another job, but Mindy reminds him he has an Orkan full time job that he's doing pretty well at, so what does it matter if he's having a little trouble finding something to do on Earth. What really matters is that they're friends again, right? No he says, startling her, and she wants to know why not. Because they haven't sealed their partnership yet. Smiling, she offers him her hand, telling them that's how they do it on Earth, but he bypasses that pulling down his suspenders and starting to undress, telling her that on Ork they do it by exchanging clothes.

Morks report to Orson begins with him swinging back and forth on a rope, Orson asking him whether he finally got that job he was looking for? Not yet, Mork replies, pointing out that on Earth everyone feels the need to compete with one another. They compete in sports, work, everything. What do they get if they win, Orson wonders? An ulcer, Mork tells him. He doesn't know what it is but he figures it must be wonderful as everyone successful gets one. Orson teases him by saying it'll probably be a while before Mork puts an Ulcer on his mantelpiece. Mork agrees, though he notes that Mindy and he did have a competition. Who won, Orson asks? They both did, Mork ruminates, as they decided to stick together. Orson approves, Mork learning about cooperation and maturity. Mork agrees, saying he's learned that though he may have lost the ulcer, it's no fun if you've lost the one that you wanted to share it with.

Trivia

General

• Although Jim Staahl was credited in Dr. Morkenstein, this is Nelson Flavor's introductory episode.

• Mork vs. Mindy introduced Jim Staahl's Nelson Flavor, Mindy's initially super straight cousin, who has decided to run for city council despite not having any platform or ideals, hiring Mindy to work in his office. As Cora has left, it is never quite established which side of the family Nelson is from, but given Fred only has a brother, Dave, it appears that the super rich Aunt (of whom Nelson is the son) may be Cora's other (never seen) daughter.
• The hand buzzer to Mindy has a look of one of Robin Williams ad libs/gags, from both Pam Dawber's reaction to the shock and because he clearly glances towards the camera crew area as he laughs.
• Mindy has been making money part time since the Music Store shut, by taking on music students, at this point only having 3 left.
• Two more jobs to add to Mork's list, with his getting sacked from the Joke Shop, and then working for Nelson's Campaign
• There are a number of added explanatory 'Mindy' dubbed voice overs in the first five minutes surrounding Mork's working in the novelty store, where Pam Dawber clearly isn't speaking.

Pop Culture

• Mork wears a face hugger mask from one of the shows favorite go to references from S2 on, Alien which came out in the summer of 1979 before the show returned to air.
• Nelson says he needs to get his name a household thing before the election arrives, like 'Fungus or Johnny Mop' Mork nods, a Johnny Mop being a hand held brush for cleaning toilets.
• Nelson's hero, Walter Mondale was the current Vice President of the United States (under Jimmy Carter).
• When Mindy righteously indicates that Mork could make the coffee from time to time, Mork does an impression of Stepin Fetchit heading to the kitchen to do just that.
• Mork references the duplicity of 'Tricky Dicky' Richard Nixon when telling Nelson, 'Listen none of your political jargon right now! I don't want any Nixonisms!'

Quotes

• Mork: Why have I not met this man before?
• Mindy: *grimaces* Well, he's just so straight! Okay, you wanna know what he does for a living? He manufactures attaché cases.
• Mork: Sounds like a brief career. Ah but that's his bag though!! Ahrr Ahrr Ahrrr

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• Nelson: You see Mindy the reason I stopped by is that...there's so many many many women in my district and I wanted to ask you what they think.
• Mindy: *waits...glances at Mork...then back at Nelson* About what?
• Nelson: Anything! Radioactive Fallout. What do women think of Radioactive fallout?!
• Mindy: Ehhh...they're against it.
• Mork: *womans voice* Hell no, we won't glow!

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• Mork: I've got an idea for a corporate franchise! It'll be called umm...Mork's Ice Palace! And my motto will be 'I only have Ice for you! The best you ever thaw!'
• Jeanie: That's a great idea but what're you gonna do when summer comes?
• Mork: Oh stop production, I don't wanna flood the market.

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• Nelson: After close scrutiny of my financial status, I've decided that I can only afford to pay one of my assistants.
• Mork: Oh no the first job I was ever able to keep and I wasn't able to keep it.
• Nelson: Oh no I don't want to fire you! Your works been excellent.
• Mindy: Well you sure can't fire me, you'd die of thirst!

_____________________________________

• Mork: *noticing Mindy's gritted teeth* Mind?
• Mindy: *lightly but not looking at him* Yes?
• Mork: *gritted smile* Are you mad?
• Mindy: Tchhh...*looks at him with a smile* Do I *look* mad?
• Mork: *chuckles* No.
• Mindy: *her teeth grit again* Mork?
• Mork: Mind?
• Mindy: *eyes flash* I'm mad
• Mork: *uneasy* But we both tried to do the best we could?
• Mindy: *sighs* I know. You're busy trying to prove you can hold a job! And I'm busy trying to prove that Nelson's a...*yells back to his office* SEXIST!
• Mork: Don't' all humans have sex?
• Mindy: *grimaces* See there are just some people who believe that men are more capable than women!
• Mork: Oh that's ridiculous. Men and women are equal throughout the universe. Except on Venus .
• Mindy: *chuckles* Oh yeah? What's so special about Venus?
• Mork: Well the dogs rule the planet and the cats have to make the coffee. *quiet* Ahrr ahhr ahrr

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• Mindy: Um Nelson, don't you think there's probably good reason why the city is tearing up that man's sidewalk?
• Nelson: There is? This is probably a more complex issue than I thought. Eh, Mork! Give me a full report on this subject!
• Mork:*As Mindy watches on in annoyance* Right NF! Alright how about his one! How about this for a by line! Sidewalks aren't all they're cracked up to be, need concrete solution!
• Nelson: Fantastic!! *shakes Mork in congratulations* I love the way this boy thinks!!
• Mindy: Nelson! Wait a Minute!
• Nelson: What a mind! *to Mindy* Did you hear that?!
• Mindy: Nelson! Shouldn't I write that report?! I mean after all I was hired first! I have senority!
• Mork: Oh so now you're pretending to be a Mexican!?

_____________________________________

• Nelson: I've made my decision!
• Mindy: Well we've made a decision too Nelson. We've decided that no job is worth what you've been putting us through. Now Mork and I care for each other very much, but having to compete like this is making us act like different people. And we don't like those kind of people. So you either hire the both of us or we both quit.
• Nelson: I accept your resignation.
• Mork: Listen none of your political jargon right now! I don't want any Nixonisms! i want the real truth an honest answer! C'mon now Clown Prince, right here I'm ready for it! Let me have it!
• Mindy: *looks at him* That was an answer. We're out!
• Mork: We are?

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• Nelson: Just one more thing, Mindy. I'm speaking to a Women's Rights Rally tomorrow, and I wanted to know what's a good subject to speak about.
• Mindy: *eyes him with a tight smile* How about...looking nice for Mir Right. I think they'll really respond to that.

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Promo

1979 ABC promo Mork and Mindy

Short 1979 ABC promo for Mindy vs Mork

Image Gallery

Cast

Starring

• Robin Williams as Mork
• Pam Dawber as Mindy McConnell
• Tom Poston as Mr. Bickley
• Jim Staahl as Nelson Flavor
• Ralph James as Voice of Orson
• Jay Thomas as Remo DaVinci (credited only)
• Gina Hecht as Jeanie DaVinci (credited only)

Guest stars

• Jerrold Ziman as Shop Owner
• Jeff Harlan as Customer
• Anna Upstrom as Suzy (as Anna Uppstorm)