Ep 5. Employee of the Month

In Growing Pains season 2 episode 5, titled "Employee of the Month," the Seaver family faces a series of challenges as each member tries to establish their individual identity in a changing world. With Jason and Maggie busy with their work obligations, the kids are left to fend for themselves as they navigate the complexities of adolescence.

The episode opens with Mike, the eldest son, eager to impress his boss at the local grocery store where he works part-time. He has set his sights on becoming "Employee of the Month" and hopes that the title will bring him one step closer to his dream of owning a sports car. However, his plans are derailed when his younger brother Ben accidentally spills a jar of pickles, making a mess all over the floor and ruining the store's inventory.

Meanwhile, Carol, the Seavers' middle child, is struggling to find her own path in life. She has always been overshadowed by her older brother's outgoing personality and her younger brother's knack for getting into trouble. However, when she befriends a group of popular girls at school, she finds herself at a crossroads. Should she conform to their expectations and risk losing her own identity, or should she stay true to herself, even if it means being an outsider?

As the episode progresses, tensions rise among the Seaver family as they try to balance their individual aspirations with their responsibilities to each other. Jason and Maggie, who have always been supportive parents, find themselves at odds as they struggle to find a solution to Ben's behavior problems. Mike, who is determined to prove himself at work, begins to realize that success comes at a cost. And Carol, who is trying to find her place in the world, learns that true friends accept you for who you are.

Throughout it all, the Seavers learn that growing up is never easy, but it's a journey worth taking. They confront their fears and insecurities head-on, and ultimately emerge stronger and more resilient than before. "Employee of the Month" is a heartwarming portrayal of family, love, and the struggle to find oneself in a rapidly changing world.