Ep 20. Dream Marriage

The Facts of Life season 5 episode 20 entitled "Dream Marriage" follows the girls of Eastland School as they prepare for a mock wedding assignment in Mrs. Garrett's class. The girls draw names to find out who their partners will be for the assignment. Natalie draws Tootie and Blair draws Jo, much to their disappointment.

All of the girls have their own ideas on what their dream wedding would be like. Natalie pictures a traditional wedding on the beach, Blair envisions a grand and extravagant ceremony, Tootie dreams of a low-key and intimate affair, and Jo is convinced she doesn't want to get married at all.

As they begin planning their mock weddings, the girls start to reflect on what marriage means to them and their own personal values and beliefs. Natalie and Tootie begin to bond over their shared views on marriage, while Blair and Jo struggle to work together due to their opposing ideas.

Throughout the episode, the girls navigate through various issues that arise during wedding planning. Tootie struggles to find the perfect dress within her budget, Natalie argues with Blair over the guest list, and Jo grapples with her own anxieties about commitment and relationships. Ultimately, the girls learn the importance of compromise and communication in any partnership.

The episode highlights the differences between each girl's idea of a dream marriage and how these expectations can cause conflict and misunderstandings. Through their experiences, the girls learn that there is no perfect formula or one right way to approach marriage. Instead, it is important to listen to yourself and your partner, and to have an open and honest dialogue about your expectations and values.

The episode concludes with Mrs. Garrett's class putting on a mock wedding ceremony. The girls are all dressed up in their wedding attire and each duo commits to the mock marriage, understanding the gravity of their promises. Although their weddings look different, they are all filled with love and commitment – which is ultimately what is most important.

Dream Marriage offers an insightful exploration of the different expectations and values surrounding marriage and relationships, while also showcasing the bonds of female friendships. The episode's focus on communication and compromise provides a valuable lesson that is still relevant today.