Ep 4. Grandpa's Secret Life
- October 20, 1984
Title: Grandpa's Secret Life Show: Gimme a Break! (Season 4, Episode 4)
Nell's grandfather, who has been living with the family for a year, begins to act obscurely. He frequently disappears for hours on end without explanation, and he spends all his spare time in the basement with his hobby - building model airplanes. Nell enlists her nephew, Joey, to follow her grandfather around and see what's going on, but the old man is too quick for him.
Meanwhile, the Kanisky kids each have their own issues. Katie's best friend, Stephanie, is moving away, leaving her devastated, and Julie is grappling with the fact that her father may not be completely honest with her. Also, Samantha and Matthew have to make a science-fiction movie for school, and Samantha wants to direct but Matthew insists on being in charge.
As Nell persists on uncovering her grandfather's secret life, she learns that he's been maintaining a costly hobby for years, which involves attending air shows all over the country and even flying his own model airplanes. When he's offered an opportunity to attend a prestigious competition in California, it presents the family with a problem. They don't have the funds to send him, so Nell organizes a fundraiser in hopes of raising the money.
As the family comes together to support Grandpa, Katie becomes inspired to produce a video for a video contest. Inspired by her grandfather's passion, she decides to create a video about him and his love of model airplanes. As a result, the family ends up having more ways to connect with each other, and Grandpa shows that no matter how old you get, there is always something to be passionate about.
In this episode, the Kanisky family learns that family support can help family members follow their dreams. Nell learns that it's not too late to uncover more about her grandfather, and as a result, her whole family becomes closer. With the show exploring different themes like family, loyalty and ambition, the audience can expect an entertaining and heartwarming story.
