Ep 7. Growing up is Hard to Do

Thirteen-year-old Carol Foster (Sasha Mitchell) is finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that she's no longer a little girl. In this emotional episode of Step by Step, the youngest Foster sibling struggles with the realization that she's growing up, and she's not quite sure she's ready for all that entails. While her older siblings deal with the usual teenage drama of crushes and exams, Carol has to sort through her complex feelings about acne, her changing body, and the challenge of forging her own identity as she becomes a young woman.

As the episode opens, we see Carol in her bedroom, examining her face in the mirror and frowning at a few blemishes. Her older sister Dana (Staci Keanan) breezes in and starts chatting about a cute boy from her class, but Carol isn't interested – she's overwhelmed by a sense of confusion and unease. She tries to express her emotions to Dana, but doesn't quite have the words to convey what she's feeling.

Meanwhile, J.T. (Brandon Call) is trying to cram for an algebra exam, but he's totally distracted by his crush on a girl named Heather (played by a young Kirsten Dunst). He asks Karen (Angela Watson) for advice on how to get her attention and she advises him to play it cool. The scene serves as a reminder that while Carol is struggling with the journey from childhood to adolescence, her older siblings are still navigating their own challenges as well.

Carol's struggles come to a head when she overhears a group of boys teasing her about her appearance. She runs home in tears and barricades herself in her room, pushing away her family's attempts to comfort her. Patrick Duffy's character Frank finally gets her to open up about her feelings, and the two of them share a heart-to-heart moment as Frank reassures her that it's okay to be scared and unsure of yourself. The conversation is tender and genuine and a reminder of the warmth and love that has made Step by Step a beloved family sitcom.

The episode culminates in a touching scene where Carol goes shopping with her sisters and friends, trying on different outfits and testing out new looks. She starts to feel more confident and self-assured, embracing her own individuality in a scene that will undoubtedly make viewers cheer. There's a palpable sense of growth and maturity in the way Carol carries herself, and it's a testament to the strong writing and nuanced performance of Sasha Mitchell.

Overall, Growing up is Hard to Do is a poignant episode that explores the complexity of adolescence with sensitivity and humor. Viewers will be able to relate to Carol's fears and doubts, and will root for her transformation as she comes to realize that growing up isn't always easy, but it's a necessary part of life. Step by Step fans will love this episode for its heart and warmth, and newcomers to the series will appreciate the show's timeless themes and relatable characters.