Ep 20. The Bodyguard Formerly Known as Prince

The episode named "The Bodyguard Formerly Known as Prince" is the twentieth episode of the fifth season of the American television sitcom "Step by Step". The show revolves around two American families, the Fosters, and the Lamberts, who become one when Frank Lambert (played by Patrick Duffy) and Carol Foster (played by Suzanne Somers) get married. The show follows the family's comical and heartwarming experiences as they navigate through life and build their relationships.

In this episode, the youngest member of the Lambert family, Brendan (played by Joshua Byrne), gets himself into trouble when he tries to impress his crush, Jessica (played by Kristen Minter), by exaggerating his family's wealth. Upon learning of Brendan's lies, Jessica's ex-boyfriend, a gang member named Prince (played by Adam Lazarre-White), becomes angry and seeks revenge. In an effort to protect Brendan, his family hires a bodyguard named Kenny (played by Ben Vereen).

Kenny, a former professional bodyguard, takes his job incredibly seriously and goes to great lengths to protect Brendan from the perceived threat of Prince. However, his overprotective nature proves to be more of a hindrance than a help, as he interferes with Brendan's life, causing him to miss school and extracurricular activities. Additionally, Kenny's presence in the Lambert household disrupts the family's routine to the point of frustration.

As the episode progresses, it becomes apparent that Prince may not be the threat Kenny and the family believe him to be. In fact, he seems to genuinely care for Jessica and is only trying to gauge whether or not Brendan is a worthy partner for her. As tensions rise and the situation becomes more complicated, Kenny's role comes under scrutiny, and ultimately, the family must decide whether or not to keep him on as a bodyguard.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the family come together to deal with the situation at hand. They must navigate the challenges of teenage romance and the dangers of getting mixed up in the wrong crowd while also learning to balance their desire to protect Brendan with his need for independence. In the end, they make a decision that brings them closer together and showcases the importance of trust, communication, and family.

Overall, "The Bodyguard Formerly Known as Prince" is an entertaining and heartfelt episode that showcases the enduring strength of the Lambert-Foster family. It highlights the challenges of protecting loved ones without stifling their growth and reminds viewers of the importance of honest communication in any relationship. Through its humor and its heart, "Step by Step" continues to captivate audiences and provide them with relatable, enjoyable entertainment.