Fleas bite, and their saliva is very allergenic to susceptible animals. This causes skin redness, itching, biting, scratching, chewing, crusts in the skin, and even a greasy feel and strong odor for some pets. In non-allergic pets, fleas don't bother the animal in these classic ways. Fleas love humidity and warmth.
It is a way of getting their name in the tabloids to promote their latest movie. Andrew Garfield likely got a text message, from his agency, informing him that he was dumping his girlfriend and on which date the media would break.
Ellie Walker (Elinor Donahue) is Andy's girlfriend in the first season, while Peggy McMillan (Joanna Moore) is a nurse who becomes his girlfriend in season 3. Ernest T. Bass (Howard Morris) made his first appearance in Episode #94 (Mountain Wedding).