Eight Is Enough Season 4 Episode 16 The Courage To Be ( Air Date 1980-01-16 ) Genre Drama, Comedy category. Overview "Tom is upset that everyone is neglecting their household duties so Abby and the kids pool their resources to hire a maid. Tommy tries to help his friend Ernie, who won't admit he has an alcoholic problem. They split-up over this and Bradford steps in to help. Nicholas and Marvin try to get into the Book of World Records.".