Ep 11. September Song

Blair decides to throw a party and invite her new college friends to commemorate her 18th birthday. However, her plans are thwarted when she learns that her birthday falls on the same day as the autumnal equinox, a date of great spiritual significance, which her high school friends, Jo, Natalie, and Tootie, insist they must celebrate instead. Piqued by her pompous college friends' mocking of her high school roots, Blair dismisses her friends' plans as insignificant and opts instead to plan her own party with her new friends at a ritzy restaurant.

As Blair's friends prepare for the equinox celebration, they reminisce about past events that have shaped their relationships with one another. Jo and Tootie recall a time when they got into an argument about culture shock after returning from a trip to Paris. Natalie bemoans the fact that she's never had a serious relationship. They commiserate over the difficulties they've experienced with their parents, recognizing that their dysfunctional families have brought them close to each other.

Meanwhile, Blair's party is not going as planned. Her guests are snobs who are not only unimpressed with the restaurant, but also Blair's high-handedness. Blair's elaborate plans for the party have also been dashed, with the restaurant double-booking the venue, forcing Blair to set up a makeshift party in the parking lot. Blair's new friends dismiss her as being out of touch and privileged, something that Blair balks at, insisting that she's worked hard for everything she has. Nevertheless, she's forced to face the reality that her new friends are nothing like her old ones, who have been with her through thick and thin.

As Jo, Natalie, and Tootie proceed with their celebration, they come across an old street musician who is playing a guitar and singing. Moved by his heartfelt performance, they take up an impromptu chorus and sing together, much to the surprise of passersby. The experience brings them together, reaffirming the strength of their bond and the importance of their friendship. Meanwhile, Blair, humbled by her experience, realizes that she's been arrogant and dismissive of her friends and decides to leave her party to join the others at the park.

As the girls come together, they reflect upon the experiences they've had, recognizing that they've all grown and changed since they met each other. They recognize the value of their friendship and the importance of being true to oneself. Ultimately, they realize that despite their differences, they remain a strong support system for each other and that they'll always have each other's backs.

"September Song" is an insightful and heartwarming episode that touches upon the themes of friendship, change, and self-discovery. The episode showcases the characters' growth and the importance of introspection as they navigate the complexities of life. With its nuanced writing and deft handling of its subject matter, it's no wonder that "Facts of Life" remains a beloved classic today.