I did not know that about Holly Fields' real age.
The character would still be under-age, in California, wouldn't she? Am I right in thinking that the age of consent is 18 in California? I remember this being discussed (obviously not here) regarding Buffy and Angel.
Of course, it doesn't make that much difference, plot-wise. Even if they'd had an 18 year old actress playing an 18 year old exploited runaway, the scriptwriter(s) only had one option. Pete or Mac saying yes to her would have got the series cancelled just as surely as if they'd kicked a puppy.
I love the way
assessed the situation so clearly. The way he told Jennifer that her "boyfriend" seemed to love his car rather than her. Straight to the heart of the matter.