Ep 2. To B or Not to Be

Summary:

In the second episode of season 2 of Step by Step, titled “To B or Not to Be,” the Lambert family is forced to confront some difficult decisions when they are faced with the prospect of starting a new business. Frank (played by Patrick Duffy) wants to open up a bike shop, but Carol (played by Suzanne Somers) is hesitant about taking on such a big financial risk. Meanwhile, Dana (played by Staci Keanan) is struggling with her own decision about whether to pursue a romantic relationship with a boy who has a bit of a reputation around town.

The episode opens with Frank excitedly telling Carol about his plans to start a bike shop. He’s found the perfect location, and he thinks there’s a real need for a bike store in the area. Carol is hesitant, however; she’s worried about the financial risk of starting a new business, especially when they have so many kids to support. Frank is convinced that they can make it work, but Carol wants to take a more cautious approach.

While Frank and Carol are discussing their options, the kids are all off doing their own thing. JT (played by Brandon Call) is practicing his magic tricks in front of a mirror; Karen (played by Angela Watson) is busy planning her next big party; and Al (played by Christine Lakin) is talking on the phone with her friend. Dana, however, is trying to figure out what to do about a boy named Brett (played by Jason Marsden) who has asked her out.

Brett is known around town as something of a ladies’ man, and Dana is hesitant about getting involved with him. She confides in Karen, who encourages her to give him a chance. Karen reminds Dana that just because Brett has dated a lot of girls doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a bad guy.

Meanwhile, Frank and Carol are still discussing the bike shop. Carol is worried about taking on too much debt, but Frank is convinced that they can make it work. He tells Carol that he’s already talked to a bank about getting a loan, and that he’s found a supplier for the bikes. Carol isn’t convinced, however; she tells Frank that they need to be more careful with their money, especially with so many kids to support.

Dana, on the other hand, has decided to give Brett a chance. They go out on a date to a movie, but things don’t go quite as planned. Brett spends the entire movie trying to make out with Dana, and she’s not sure how to handle it. When Brett drops her off at home, he asks her to come inside, but she declines.

Back at the house, Frank and Carol are still arguing about the bike shop. Frank is getting frustrated with Carol’s hesitancy, and she’s getting frustrated with his impulsiveness. They decide to take a break and think about things for a while.

Dana, meanwhile, is still thinking about Brett. She’s not sure if she wants to see him again, but she’s also not sure if she wants to let him go. Karen tells her that she needs to follow her heart and do what feels right for her.

In the end, the Lambert family is able to come to some decisions. Frank decides not to go ahead with the bike shop, at least not right now. Carol is relieved, but also a little disappointed; she was starting to get excited about the idea of being a business owner. Dana, on the other hand, decides to go out with Brett again. She realizes that she likes him, despite his reputation, and she’s willing to give their relationship a chance. All in all, it’s a happy ending for the Lambert family.

Overall, “To B or Not to Be” is an enjoyable episode of Step by Step that explores some important themes about risk-taking, responsibility, and romance. It’s a fun, lighthearted show that still manages to touch on some deeper issues, and it’s worth checking out for fans of family-friendly sitcoms.