Ep 5. The Spanking

Arnold and Willis get into trouble at school and face punishment from Mr. Drummond in this fifth episode of Diff'rent Strokes season 1, titled "The Spanking."

The trouble begins when the boys bring home a note from school informing Mr. Drummond that they were caught smoking in the bathroom. Mr. Drummond is shocked and disappointed by their behavior and decides to give them a punishment they won't soon forget: a spanking.

Arnold and Willis are both terrified at the thought of getting spanked, but they try to hide their fear from Mr. Drummond. They even attempt to bribe their housekeeper, Mrs. Garrett, into talking Mr. Drummond out of spanking them, but she refuses to get involved.

Meanwhile, Mr. Drummond struggles with his decision to spank the boys. He remembers how he was whipped as a child and questions whether or not spanking is an effective form of discipline. He discusses the issue with his close friend, Dr. Harmon, who advises him to follow through with the punishment.

As the time for the spanking approaches, Arnold and Willis become increasingly anxious. They hatch a plan to escape the punishment by running away, but they are caught by Mr. Drummond as they try to sneak out of the house. Mr. Drummond is disappointed by their behavior and reminds them that running away will only make their problems worse.

In the end, Mr. Drummond decides not to spank the boys after all. Instead, he makes them do community service at a local hospital to teach them the value of hard work and helping others.

The episode ends with Arnold and Willis realizing that they love Mr. Drummond and that he truly cares about them. They hug him tightly, grateful for his forgiveness and guidance.

"The Spanking" is a thought-provoking episode that tackles the controversial issue of corporal punishment. It raises important questions about the effectiveness of spanking as a disciplinary measure and the emotional impact it can have on children. The episode also highlights Mr. Drummond's role as a loving and responsible caregiver who always puts the best interests of his children first.