The Russian Defector

Down to Earth • Season 3 • Episode 1

About this episode

Lizzy invites Illyitch, a russian foreign exchange student, over to the Preston's. Duane isn't happy about having a communist in the house. Illyitch enters, accompanied by Krankov, a bodyguard/high-diplomat, who shortly leaves. Ethel is exposed for knowing to speak Russian. Illyitch likes Lizzy, and vice-versa. They look at pictures together, and he's quite in the prom pictures. Illyitch lets the family know he wants to defect in a game of cherades. Not wanting to create an international incident, got on the phone, and put on hold. Krankov returns and just before the door opens, Ethel ""snaps"" Illyitch into the kitchen. They stall and try not to give themselves away. Illyitch talks about being home-sick, and Lizzy explains defecting to him, and doesn't want to leave his country forever, just for an extra week to go to prom. They tell this to Krankov and he says no, but Ethel convinces him. They go to prom, and Illyitch looks so happy.