Ep 18. Mrs. Garrett's Crisis

Mrs. Garrett's Crisis is the eighteenth episode of the first season of Diff'rent Strokes. The show revolves around the lives of two African-American boys Arnold Jackson and Willis Jackson who are adopted by a wealthy white businessman named Mr. Drummond after their mother passes away. The story opens with Mrs. Garrett, the housekeeper, learning that her husband has passed away. She is filled with grief and shock and decides to go to her hometown to attend the funeral.

Arnold and Willis offer to drive her there, but she insists on going alone. However, when Mr. Drummond learns about her husband's death, he refuses to let her go alone and insists on accompanying her. The two reach Mrs. Garrett's hometown where she is surprised to see that her husband's family is not there to pay their condolences.

As the story progresses, Mrs. Garrett learns that her husband has left her with a lot of debts and unpaid bills. She is now in a financial crisis and has no idea how to repay the money she owes. She is frustrated and overwhelmed with the situation and feels helpless.

Arnold and Willis notice that their housekeeper is not her usual cheerful self and try to find out what is bothering her. When they learn about her financial situation, they come up with a plan to help her. They ask their dad to loan Mrs. Garrett the money she needs and convince her to take the money.

The plan works, and Mrs. Garrett is grateful for their help. She learns that she does not have to suffer in silence and can always count on the people who care about her. The episode ends with Mrs. Garrett returning to New York with a newfound confidence and Arnold and Willis feeling proud of themselves for helping their housekeeper.

Overall, Mrs. Garrett's Crisis is an emotional and heartwarming episode that shows the importance of family and friends in times of crisis. The show also touches upon the issue of financial stability and the impact it can have on people's lives. The episode reminds us that it is important to be there for the people we care about and help them in any way we can.