Ep 16. My Bodyguard

When it comes to school bullies, no one is safe--not even the nerdiest among us. In Step by Step season 3 episode 16, titled "My Bodyguard," the Lambert's middle child, Mark, finds himself at the mercy of his frequent tormentors at school. After yet another brutal beating, Mark confides in his step-siblings about the bullying and begs them to keep it a secret from their parents. He's certain that admitting he's been bullied will only make things worse, but as they soon discover, the problem is much bigger than they thought.

Mark's older brother, J.T., takes it upon himself to find a way to protect Mark from his bullies. After a failed attempt at training Mark in martial arts, J.T. convinces his little sister, Al, to reach out to her tough, streetwise friend, Ziggy, for help. But Ziggy's fee for bodyguard services proves too high for J.T., so he decides to take matters into his own hands. One day, while at school, J.T. confronts Mark's main bully in the hallway and challenges him to fight. It's a tough and exhausting match, but in the end, J.T. emerges victorious, earning some much-needed respect from his siblings and their new ally, Ziggy.

As heartwarming as it is to see J.T. sticking up for his little brother, "My Bodyguard" also touches on some very real issues facing children and teenagers in the 90s. Bullying was not always given the attention it deserved by parents and educators, and many kids suffered in silence as a result. The episode wisely shows the Lambert family grappling with how to handle Mark's situation, from their initial shock and horror at learning he's being bullied, to their attempts to help him feel safe and supported. Even Carol, the kids' step-mother, gets involved, trying to reach out to the school principal for guidance.

Ultimately, though, it's J.T.'s brave decision to take on the bully that gives the episode its triumphant ending. The scene where he and Mark embrace after the fight is truly touching, and a reminder that the bonds between siblings can be incredibly strong and important in times of crisis. Whether you're a fan of Step by Step or simply looking for an engaging 90s sitcom that tackles serious topics with sensitivity and humor, "My Bodyguard" is definitely an episode worth watching.