Ep 8. Ben's First Kiss
- TV-NR
- December 7, 1988
- 24 min
-
6.3 (62)
Ben, the youngest Seaver family member, is growing up fast. In "Ben's First Kiss," the eighth episode of the fourth season of Growing Pains, Ben experiences his first kiss with a girl from school. The episode focuses on how Ben and his family members cope with this major milestone in his life.
Earlier in the episode, Ben professes his love for the girl, who he calls his "girlfriend." He practices kissing with a tennis ball, hoping to impress her with his skills. When she invites him over to her house while her parents are out of town, he sees it as the perfect opportunity to finally experience his first kiss.
Not everyone in the Seaver family is thrilled about the news. Ben's siblings, Mike and Carol, tease him relentlessly about his inexperience with girls. Their parents, Dr. Jason Seaver and Maggie Seaver, try to be supportive but are slightly uncomfortable with the idea of their baby boy growing up so quickly.
Once Ben shares the news with his family, they try to impart some wisdom. Mike tells him to avoid getting too attached, while Carol suggests that he practice kissing with a mirror beforehand. Meanwhile, Jason and Maggie debate whether or not to intervene and prevent Ben from growing up too fast.
As the episode progresses, the Seavers all come to the realization that they can't stop Ben from growing up. They have to trust that they've raised him with enough values to make good choices on his own. In the end, Ben's first kiss doesn't quite live up to his expectations, but he's proud of himself for taking the leap.
"Ben's First Kiss" tackles the common milestone of a first kiss with humor and heart. It's a relatable moment for many viewers, especially those who grew up watching the show in the '80s and '90s. The episode also showcases the relatable dynamics of a large family, each with their own unique personalities and perspectives on life.
Overall, "Ben's First Kiss" is a heartwarming episode of Growing Pains that reminds us of the struggles of growing up and the importance of family support in navigating life's milestones.