Ep 2. Arnold's Girlfriend, Part 2

Arnold's Girlfriend, Part 2 is the second episode of the second season of the popular family sitcom Diff'rent Strokes. The episode follows the aftermath of the events that unfolded in the previous episode. Arnold has a new girlfriend named Linda, whom he met at a bowling alley, and he is eager to impress her by taking her to a fancy restaurant. However, Mr. Drummond is hesitant about letting Arnold go on a date without chaperones and tells him that he and Willis will be accompanying them to the restaurant.

Arnold is disappointed to hear this but agrees to it. Linda shows up at the Drummond house, and Arnold introduces her to Mr. Drummond and Willis. Mr. Drummond tells Linda about their plans to eat at an expensive restaurant, and she appears impressed. They all get into Mr. Drummond's car and head to the restaurant.

The restaurant, Chez Louis, is a French restaurant, and the boys are in awe of the fancy atmosphere. Linda inadvertently points out the absurdity of the whole situation, highlighting the class divide between the boys and the patrons at the restaurant.

At the restaurant, Arnold struggles to read the menu, and Linda helps him out. Mr. Drummond and Willis are also having a hard time with the menu, and Willis incorrectly pronounces the names of the dishes. The waiter is visibly annoyed with them, and Mr. Drummond tries to impress him by ordering in French. The waiter sees through Mr. Drummond's ruse, and the tension at the table increases.

Things start to go downhill from there, and misunderstandings and mishaps follow one another in quick succession. Arnold orders an expensive dish, which he can't afford, and Mr. Drummond is shocked at the price. Linda tries to help by offering to split the bill, but Mr. Drummond insists on paying for everything. The waiter, played by French actor Pierre Epstein, who also guest-starred in Season 1, Episode 7, The Girl in the Park, is rude and unhelpful throughout their meal.

Meanwhile, back at the Drummond house, Kimberly is suspicious of Linda's intentions towards Arnold and decides to investigate by calling her family. She eventually learns that Linda is a cheerful, hardworking high school student without any ill intentions towards Arnold.

The episode is a classic example of the clash between upper-class and working-class perspectives. Mr. Drummond tries to impress Linda with his wealth and knowledge of French culture, but his efforts only serve to reinforce their class differences. Arnold, Willis, and Linda try to navigate through this awkward situation while trying to enjoy their evening, but their efforts are thwarted by cultural misunderstandings and class conflict.

Arnold's Girlfriend, Part 2 is a humorous and insightful episode that touches on issues of class, culture, and teenage romance. It shows the power of communication, understanding, and empathy in bridging gaps between individuals from different backgrounds. The cast delivers excellent performances, and the episode provides a satisfying conclusion to the story arc that began in the previous episode. Diff'rent Strokes remains a timeless sitcom that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.