Episode #102 "Eric's Birthday"

Kitty's planning a surprise party for Eric's seventeenth birthday, but she's so transparent that Eric knows immediately. He protests that he doesn't want a party; what he wants is a cassette player for the Vista Cruiser but definitely not an eight-track. Donna confides to Jackie that she wants to give Eric something really special, and it dawns on Jackie that there must be something romantic going on. Donna says she's afraid Eric will no longer be her best friend if he becomes her boyfriend. Jackie recommends a scented candle, romantic yet practical. Eric's sister Laurie is home from college for the party, and Kelso, Hyde and Fez are dazzled. Furthermore, Kelso is convinced that Laurie wants him. Eric offers to loan Laurie the Vista Cruiser if she'll tell their mother he's too old for a party. Eric is dreaming of Donna telling him that she's his present as Kitty awakens him with birthday breakfast in bed. That night, as his friends start arriving, Eric tries to bolt, but Red stops him, and the "surprise" party goes on. Red and Kitty proudly present Eric with the eight-track that he specifically asked them not to buy. Red hustles Kitty over to the Pinciotti's to give the kids some privacy, but she spends the rest of the evening obsessing about what's going on at the party. Jackie insists that Donna give Eric his candle on the porch, where it will be more romantic. Their moment is interrupted first by the arrival of Red and Kitty, and then as they overhear their friends speculating on why they're not kissing yet.