Ep 16. The Bicycle Man

Arnold and Dudley are engrossed in a new bicycle store that has opened up in the neighborhood. The friendly store owner, Mr. Horton, offers to teach the boys how to ride bikes and gives them free bicycle parts. Over time, Mr. Horton becomes increasingly friendly with the boys, taking them on outings and buying them gifts. However, Mr. Horton's intentions are not as pure as they seem, and Arnold and Dudley find themselves in a dangerous situation.

As the boys become more comfortable with Mr. Horton, he invites them to his house to watch a movie and offers them wine coolers. When they become drunk, Mr. Horton touches them inappropriately. Arnold confides in his older brother, Willis, who initially dismisses his concerns. However, when Arnold tells him about the wine coolers, Willis becomes suspicious and decides to investigate.

Willis finds a photo album filled with pictures of young boys in various states of undress. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Willis goes to the police to report Mr. Horton. The police bring in Arnold and Dudley to testify against Mr. Horton, who is eventually convicted of molestation.

The Bicycle Man is a powerful episode that deals with the sensitive issue of child sexual abuse. It highlights the importance of speaking up and seeking help when confronted with such situations. The episode also provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of befriending strangers who may have ulterior motives.

Diff'rent Strokes was a popular sitcom that aired from 1978-1986. It featured an older white man adopting two young black boys after the death of their mother. The show tackled a variety of social issues, including racism, drug addiction, and child abuse. The Bicycle Man stands out as one of the most memorable episodes of the series due to its frank and honest portrayal of child sexual abuse.