Ep 19. The Awful Truth

The Awful Truth is the 19th episode of the second season of Growing Pains. The episode follows the Seaver family as they struggle with telling the truth and facing the consequences.

The episode begins with Mike Seaver, the eldest son, getting into trouble at school for cheating on a test. When his parents find out, they are disappointed and upset. However, Mike insists on lying to them and saying that he did not cheat, even though the evidence is clear. Meanwhile, Carol Seaver, the middle child, is struggling with keeping a secret from her best friend. She promises to keep a secret for a boy that her friend likes, but the secret ends up being hurtful and damaging.

As the episode unfolds, the Seavers must grapple with honesty and the impact that their actions have on others. When Mike finally confesses to his parents, he is punished but also able to work towards making things right. Carol faces the consequences of her actions and seeks to make amends with her friend.

The Awful Truth is a poignant episode that explores the importance of honesty and the consequences of lying. The Seaver family exemplifies the struggles that many families face when it comes to telling the truth, and the episode provides a powerful message about the importance of integrity and accountability.

As the Seaver family navigates the challenges of growing up, they learn valuable lessons about the importance of communication, trust, and honesty. The Awful Truth is a heartwarming and insightful episode that showcases the strengths of Growing Pains as a family sitcom that tackles complex issues with nuance and sensitivity.

Overall, The Awful Truth is an episode that will resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds. Its focus on the importance of honesty and integrity is a timeless message that is as relevant today as it was when the episode first aired over thirty years ago.