This is a truly superb episode of Lou Grant. The two plots seem to work equally in terms of theme (in this case, the generation gap). The story with Lou getting involved with an old neighbor's plight against kids he cannot understand or communicate with is truly heartbreaking. There are no easy solutions there, and the script leaves the viewer with a lot to think about. The other plot, with Charlie's dad coming to stay at his house after a shoplifting incident combines humor and plenty of wisdom. Charles Lane is wonderful as Rupert Hume, the old patriarch. The scenes where he walks around the Trib and gives pointers about how a business should be run are classic. My only quibble is that the ending is a bit too tidy. I would still expect Charlie's dad to stay with him and his wife, even if he's going to be working a little bit from time to time.
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