Charles Levin makes his debut appearance as traffic cop Elliot Novak in this, the first episode of a two-part story. Officer Novak is introduced to the diner gang when he tickets Vera (Beth Howland) for jaywalking. As for Vera, she is not at all dismayed over that ticket; in fact, she's fallen in love with Elliot at first sight, and intends to become his bride! "Vera Gets Engaged" was originally telecast by CBS in tandem with its followup episode "Vera's Wedding"--the same night that rival network ABC made history with its landmark nuclear-holocaust drama The Day After. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi