Ep 20. Be a Man

In the twentieth episode of Growing Pains season 1, titled "Be a Man," the Seaver family is faced with some tough challenges as their children begin to grow up and become more independent. Jason and Maggie are particularly concerned about their son Mike, who is struggling with his masculinity and doesn't seem to know what it means to be a "manly" man.

As the episode opens, Mike is trying to impress a girl named Heather by acting tough and macho, but she doesn't seem to be buying it. Meanwhile, Carol is feeling self-conscious about her appearance and Mary is struggling with her schoolwork. Things come to a head when Mike gets into a fight with a bully at school and comes home with a black eye.

Jason and Maggie are both worried about Mike's behavior and try to talk to him about what it means to be a man. Jason tells him that being a man isn't just about physical strength or toughness, but also about being responsible and dependable. Maggie points out that women can be strong and independent too, and that being a "man" shouldn't be a limiting or exclusive term.

As the episode progresses, we see the Seavers struggling to deal with their children's various issues. Carol tries to lose weight by going on a crash diet, but ends up making herself sick. Mary is struggling with a difficult math problem and doesn't want to ask for help. And Mike is still trying to prove himself by being tough and macho.

In the end, the Seavers come together and support each other through their struggles. Jason helps Carol realize that she is beautiful no matter what her size, and encourages Mary to be brave and ask for help when she needs it. Maggie talks to Mike about the importance of being a good person, and helps him realize that being a "man" means being kind and respectful to others.

As the episode ends, we see the Seavers sitting around the dinner table, laughing and joking together as a family. Despite their various challenges and struggles, they have come through it all with a newfound sense of strength and togetherness.

Overall, the "Be a Man" episode of Growing Pains is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be a man in today's society. It tackles issues of masculinity, self-image, and responsibility with sensitivity and humor, making it a must-watch for fans of the show.