Hi. Yes I checked in "purchased" and it indicated that I purchased 20 of the 24 episodes available. HOWEVER, I discovered something on my own that seems to be working, although it's taking awhile and not yet completed:
Frustrated, I continiuted searching for solutions after my initial post and found similar problems others have had. One recommended suggestion didn't seem to work in my version of iTunes, but it did give me an idea. I searched the uppermost iTunes menu bar, where, under "Store," I found this choice: "Check for Available Downloads." Clicking on it, the missing episodes started downloading, and are still downloading as I type this.
So it appears that I have wasted your time and any others who may be formulating a suggestion for me. This goes to show that a maxim I have found to be true on too many occasions still applies; i.e., if you want to find something you've lost or otherewise cannot account for, simply admit to the world your folly and the solution will immediately present itself on its own.
Thanks anyway, ssschmidt.
Regards