Ep 4. The Oldest Living Graduate

The Facts of Life season 4 episode 4, titled "The Oldest Living Graduate," follows the students of Eastland School as they prepare for their upcoming graduation ceremony. The episode focuses primarily on Mrs. Garrett's relationship with a former Eastland student named Colonel Harris, who is set to attend the ceremony as the oldest living graduate of the school.

The episode begins with the girls discussing their plans for after graduation, with Blair expressing her confidence in her own abilities and Tootie worrying about her future. Mrs. Garrett then receives a phone call from Colonel Harris, who informs her that he will be attending the graduation ceremony and requests that she pick him up from the train station. Mrs. Garrett is excited to see her old friend and sets out to make arrangements for his visit.

Upon arriving at the train station, Mrs. Garrett finds that Colonel Harris has aged considerably since she last saw him. Despite this, she is happy to welcome him back to Eastland and helps him settle into his hotel room. Colonel Harris expresses his appreciation for Mrs. Garrett's help, telling her that he never would have made it through school without her support.

As the day of the graduation ceremony approaches, the girls continue to prepare for the big event. Jo worries that she won't be able to pay for college, while Blair frets over her valedictorian speech. Mrs. Garrett, meanwhile, spends time catching up with Colonel Harris and reminiscing about their time at Eastland together.

At the graduation ceremony, Blair delivers her speech and the girls receive their diplomas. Colonel Harris is present for the ceremony and is recognized as the oldest living graduate of Eastland. He gives a speech of his own, expressing his gratitude to the school for all that it has given him over the years.

Throughout the episode, the theme of the importance of relationships is emphasized. Mrs. Garrett's relationship with Colonel Harris is shown to be a long-lasting one that has brought both of them great joy over the years. The girls' relationships with each other are also highlighted, with Jo and Blair helping each other through their various worries and fears.

Overall, the episode serves as a bittersweet look at the end of an era for the Eastland students. As they prepare to move on to the next chapter of their lives, they are reminded of the importance of the relationships they have built and the people who have helped them along the way.