Evening Shade
In this laid-back comedy, Wood Newton (Burt Reynolds) is a former pro American football player who has retired and returned to his childhood home, the small town of Evening Shade, Arkansas. He's now the coach of the local high-school football team with a long losing streak, which brings him in constant contact with the other residents of the town.
- 1990-1994
- 4 seasons
- CBS
- Comedy
- TV-PG
In this laid-back comedy, Wood Newton (Burt Reynolds) is a former pro American football player who has retired and returned to his childhood home, the small town of Evening Shade, Arkansas. He's now the coach of the local high-school football team with a long losing streak, which brings him in constant contact with the other residents of the town.
Season 1 Episode Guide
24 Episodes 1990 - 1991
Episode 1
A Day in the Life of Wood Newton
Fri, Sep 21, 1990
In the series pilot, Wood Newton, a former NFL football player and the head coach of the local high-school football team, must deal with his team's losing streak and his wife's possible pregnancy.
Episode 2
There Once Was a Boy Named Wood
Fri, Sep 28, 1990 30 mins
When Ava is admitted to the hospital for a few days, Wood has to manage at home without her.
Episode 3
Whatever Happened to Clutch Newton?
Fri, Oct 5, 1990
Wood begins to question his accomplishments when a replay from 30 years ago shows that his clutch touchdown should have been invalid.
Episode 4
Sadie Hawkins Dance
Fri, Oct 26, 1990 23 mins
Taylor takes "Marge the Barge" to a Sadie Hawkins dance while Harmon and Wood engage in a war of pranks with the seniors.
Episode 5
Fast Women
Mon, Oct 29, 1990 23 mins
Both Taylor and Evan begin relationship with women who have reputations for being very provocative.
Episode 6
The Moustache Show
Fri, Nov 2, 1990
After a boozy evening, Wood passes out on the coffee table, giving Will a chance to shave off half his mustache. Meanwhile, Ava gets a visit from her high-school boyfriend Kyle Hampton.
Episode 7
All for Charity
Fri, Nov 9, 1990
Wood donates "a weekend with Wood Newton" to Harlan's charity. Being the highest bidder, Herman Stiles wins the prize and drives Wood's entire family nuts.
Episode 8
Something to Hold Onto
Mon, Nov 19, 1990
Right before a game with arch-rival Piggot High School, Wood's entire offensive line fails an algebra test and must cram for a make-up test or else they will be barred from playing.
Episode 9
Mr. Mom
Mon, Nov 26, 1990 23 mins
When Ava's new job as a prosecuting attorney keeps her away from home, Wood takes on extra domestic chores and resents it so much that he packs up and moves in with Ponder Blue. Meanwhile, Herman joins a mail-order hair club.
Episode 10
Hooray for Wood
Mon, Dec 10, 1990
When a Hollywood film crew arrives in town to shoot a Civil War mini-series, the townsfolk flock to play extras. Wood is cast as a Confederate colonel. The shoot is beset with problems, including temperamental actress Shelley Darling.
Episode 11
The Wood Who Stole Christmas
Mon, Dec 17, 1990
Everyone is dealing with issues at Christmastime. Wood is so tired of his children's materialism that he donates all of their gifts to a hard-luck family in the neighborhood.
Episode 12
Wood and Ava and Gil and Madeline
Mon, Jan 7, 1991
Wood and Ava are spending a lot of time with Gil and Madeline Hall, but the Halls' increasingly frequent sexual banter is making Wood and Ava nervous enough to reevaluate the friendship.
Episode 13
Wood's Thirtieth Reunion
Mon, Jan 21, 1991 23 mins
Wood's visiting high-school friends tell incriminating stories about him to Ava and Evan; Wood's former fiancée Rebecca Kincaid is back in town and still carrying a torch for him.
Episode 14
Vote Early and Vote Often
Mon, Jan 28, 1991 23 mins
In a flashback, the Newton family helps Ava runs for district attorney against an obnoxious opponent, and Harlan is convinced that a win for Ava would have negative effects on her marriage to Wood.
Episode 15
Chip Off the Old Brick
Mon, Feb 4, 1991
Herman's visiting father Brick gets pushy with Freida and seems interested in spending time with everyone in town but Herman.
Episode 16
The Trials of Wood Newton
Mon, Feb 11, 1991
Evan has a physical confrontation with Vernon Moody, who disagrees with one of Evan's editorials, but Wood is called as the star witness--for Moody.
Episode 17
Into the Woods
Mon, Feb 18, 1991 22 mins
Ava persuades Wood to take Taylor on a hunting trip at Evan's cabin, where a legendary buck dies on the front porch.
Episode 18
Nothing to Fear But Harvey Lujack
Mon, Feb 25, 1991 22 mins
Ava feels there is cause for concern when armed robber Harvey Lujack, whom she helped put in prison, escapes and swears revenge on her.
Episode 19
Gambler Anonymous
Mon, Mar 4, 1991
When Kenny Rogers comes to town to visit the Newton family, they try to keep his presence a secret.
Episode 20
Sex Education
Sun, Mar 24, 1991 23 mins
During a town-wide flu epidemic, the biology teacher gets sick and Herman Stiles winds up substitute-teaching sex education for her.
Episode 21
I Am Wood Hear Me Roar
Mon, Apr 1, 1991 23 mins
Wood must decide whether to allow women to try out for the football team.
Episode 22
Herman and Margaret Sitting in a Tree
Mon, Apr 8, 1991
Herman wants his friendship with Margaret to move to the next level, so Wood, Ava, Harlan, and Merlene plan a dinner party to facilitate this.
Episode 23
Far from the Madden Crowd
Mon, Apr 29, 1991 23 mins
John Madden is sought to emcee an annual sports banquet; Wood comes to regret asking Herman to film a documentary on the Newtons' family life for their unborn baby to see.
Episode 24
The Baby Show
Mon, May 6, 1991 23 mins
The annual sports banquet is interrupted when Ava goes into labor and is rushed to the hospital.