"My Favorite Orkan," its title in reference to Ray Walston's 60s series MY FAVORITE MARTIAN, might have disappeared into the ether of forgotten episodes were it not for the casting of newcomer Robin Williams in the role of Mork from Ork, a name brilliant in its simplicity. Garry Marshall hired him on the spot after Williams sat on his face, and no doubt incorporated his own touches into the character, a visitor from the distant planet Ork, whose mission on earth is to bring back living specimens. Richie insists he saw a flying saucer but the gang are certain that his 'humdrum' life has led him to exaggerate something out of thin air, but later encounters a stranger in a one piece red spacesuit who removes his helmet and calls himself Mork. Introduced to the Cunningham TV set with a zap from his lethal finger, Robin Williams proved to be an instant hit, creating a language of gibberish that audiences responded to, especially the swear word 'shozbot.' At first Richie is delighted to meet a genuine alien, until learning that Mork has come for him, someone average, humdrum, to take back to Ork for a 'bleam,' which lasts for 2000 years. Fleeing to Arnold's for a showdown with the Fonz, Mork's finger cannot conquer the almighty thumb, but finally wins because Fonzie doesn't want his friends hurt. The original ending had the whole thing turn out to be a dream, but in preparation for the series MORK & MINDY a new one was shot, depicting Mork's latest assignment, from the late 50s to the late 70s, opposite the charming and lovely Pam Dawber. The conclusion of the next season ("Mork Returns") would be a compilation episode, the only other one to feature Williams, now a star in his own right.
