Prime-time network TV listings for Thursday March 20, 1980:
Program details:
| [CBS 8:00] Palmerstown, U.S.A. [Reg]: Palmerstown U.S.A.
Season 1, episode 1 W: Ronald Rubin D: Peter Levin The premiere of a dramatic series, developed by Norman Lear and "Roots" author Alex Haley, examining the rural South of the 1930's through the eyes of two 9-year-old boys -- one black and one white. In the opening chapter, Booker T. Freeman and David Hall are looking forward to participating together in the annual Founders Day parade, but their plans are destroyed by a dispute between their fathers.
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| [ABC 8:00] Mork & Mindy [Reg]: Invasion Of The Mork Snatchers
Season 2, episode 23 W: Tom Tenowich, Ed Scharlach D: Howard Storm With Samantha Harper (Mrs. L.W.), Sheryl Bolt (Goodball Saleswoman), Alice Borden (Floor Wax Saleswoman), Terrence McNally (Laxative Salesman), Gavin Muir (Boy). When Mork becomes addicted to advertising he becomes a "buy-a-holic", causing problems for Mindy.
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| [NBC 8:00] Buck Rogers In The 25th Century [Reg]: Buck's Duel To The Death
Season 1, episode 21 W: Robert Gilmer D: Bob Bender With William Smith (The Trebor), Keith Andes (Darius), Elizabeth Stack (Vionne), Edward Power (Neil), Fred Sadoff (Kelan), Robert Lussier (Dr. Albert), Stephanie Blackmore (Greta), Heidi Bohay (Maya), Francisco Lagueruela (Karem). Buck attempts to free a peaceful planet from the powerful grip of an evil warlord known as the Trebor.
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| [ABC 8:30] Benson [Reg]: Power Play
Season 1, episode 21 W: Rick McCurdy, Jeff Levin D: John Tracy With Steven Peterman (El Gato), Art Metrano (Capt. Bates), Tom Tully (Reporter), Ken Lerner (Reporter). An environmentalist visits the governor's mansion in protest of the waste that is being allowed into the state, and refuses to leave until he is heard.
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| [ABC 9:00] Barney Miller [Reg]: The Bird
Season 6, episode 7 W: Frank Dungan, Jeff Stein D: Noam Pitlik With Martin Garner (Samuel Tragash), Miriam Byrd-Nethery (Myrna Dunbar), Michael Lombard (Walter Elkins). Harris is disturbed by his co-workers' response to the news that his book about the precinct is about to be published. (Repeat program, originally aired 11/8/1979)
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| [NBC 9:00] Quincy, M.E. [Reg]: The Final Gift
Season 5, episode 20 W: Marjorie Worcester, Robert A. Cinader D: Georg Fenady With June Dayton (Nurse), Joseph Campanella (Charlie Barnes), Tom Toupe (Max Carson), Ellen Bry (Linda Hayes), Don Keefer (Doc Watson), James Whitworth (Pete). A friend of Quincy's, who is recuperating from injuries sustained in a plane crash, dies from arsenic poisoning after receiving blood donated by his business partner.
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| [ABC 9:30] Soap [Reg]: Episode 68
Season 3, episode 21 W: Susan Harris, Stu Silver D: J.D. Lobue With Marla Pennington (Leslie Walker), Granville Van Dusen (Dr. Hill), Deborah Combs (Nurse). Dr. Hill tells Jessica she only has days or weeks left to live; Chester moves back home in time for Leslie's latest suicide attempt; Dutch and Corinne are startled by the surprise return of Eunice.
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| [CBS 10:00] Knots Landing [Reg]: Bottom Of The Bottle (1)
Season 1, episode 12 W: Calvin Clements Jr. D: Roger Young With Louise Vallance (Sylvie), Jerry Hardin (Bartender), Hal Williams (Magazine Owner), Carolyn Conwell (Prostitute), Bob Levine (Mandel), Vernon Weddle (Mandel's Partner). After earning a promotion, reformed alcoholic Gary starts drinking again, which causes him to spiral out of control.
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| [ABC 10:00] 20/20
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| [NBC 10:00] The Rockford Files [Reg]: Paradise Cove
Season 6, episode 1 W: Stephen J. Cannell D: Stephen J. Cannell With Mariette Hartley (Althea Morgan), Leif Erickson (C.C. Calloway), Frederick Herrick (Cliff Calloway), Peter Brocco (Roscoe Ragland), Byron Morrow (John McLinton), Christine Avila (Nurse), John Davey (Rudy), Raymond O'Keefe (Jake Sands), Branscombe Richmond (Frankie Reva), Jerry Summers (Mick Jarrow), Tony Brubaker (Kermit Wilson), Luis Delgado (Officer Billings). Season premiere. Rockford's peaceful life is upset by a hard-nosed woman appointed by the court to collect $35,000 in a judgment from the detective for allegedly injuring a neighbor with his car. (Repeat program, originally aired 9/28/1979)
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