Ep 16. Bully for Mark

Bully for Mark is the 16th episode of the first season of the 90s hit sitcom Step by Step. The show revolves around the Foster family, two single parents and their respective children who merge together to form a blended family.

This episode is all about Mark, the middle child of the Foster family. Mark is the typical geeky kid who is into science, math, and comics. He is not very popular at school and often gets picked on by bullies. The story begins with Mark getting into trouble with one of the school bullies, named Eddie, who has been picking on him for a while. Eddie is a big and intimidating guy, and Mark is scared of him.

Mark comes home from school with a black eye and tells his family what happened. Frank, the family patriarch, and Carol, his wife, are concerned about Mark and decide to confront the school principal about the bullying. The principal, Mr. Wexler, a no-nonsense guy, tries to reassure Frank and Carol that he will take care of the situation.

However, Mark is still worried about what will happen the next day at school. He confides in his step-sister, Dana, who thinks that Mark should stand up for himself and fight back. Dana tells Mark that she has a plan and asks him to meet her at the park after school. There, she introduces him to a mysterious figure, a martial arts instructor named Sensei Frank.

Sensei Frank, played by martial arts legend Ernie Reyes Jr., takes Mark under his wing and teaches him some self-defense moves. Mark is initially skeptical, but Sensei Frank helps him build his confidence and teaches him how to fight. Mark is amazed at how easy it is to defend himself with Sensei Frank's help.

The next day at school, Mark takes Dana's advice and stands up to Eddie. Eddie is surprised that Mark is not backing down and starts a fight. However, with Sensei Frank's training, Mark is able to defend himself and win the fight. Mark gains newfound respect from his classmates, and even Eddie starts to see him in a new light.

The episode ends on a positive note, with Mark feeling more confident and less intimidated by bullies. He has learned that standing up for himself is not about violence, but about confidence and self-respect. The message of the episode is clear: bullying is not acceptable, and everyone has the right to feel safe and respected at school.

In conclusion, Bully for Mark is a heartwarming episode that tackles the issue of bullying in a sensitive and thoughtful way. It shows how important it is to stand up for yourself and how martial arts can help build confidence and self-respect. The message of the episode is relevant and important, even today, and makes Bully for Mark a must-see for anyone who has ever been bullied or known someone who has.