Ep 2. The Whitewashing Party
- July 1, 1980
- 24 min
Tom Sawyer season 1 episode 2, titled "The Whitewashing Party," follows the adventures of Tom, his half-brother Sid, and their friend Joe as Tom tries to get out of painting a fence on a beautiful Saturday morning. Tom manages to convince the other boys that painting the fence is actually a privilege, and they end up doing the work for him while Tom supervises. The trio also encounters various characters in their small town, including the Widow Douglas and her sister, who invite them to a Sunday school picnic, and Becky Thatcher, a new girl in town who catches Tom's eye.
Throughout the episode, Tom exhibits his mischievous nature, constantly scheming and trying to get out of work or trouble. He also shows his cleverness and persuasiveness as he manages to convince the other boys to help him with the fence and impresses Becky with his knowledge of literature. However, Tom's antics often lead to trouble, such as when he accidentally breaks a vase in the Widow Douglas' house or when he riles up a group of boys into a fight.
"The Whitewashing Party" showcases the playful and adventurous spirit of Tom Sawyer, as well as the idyllic setting of his small town in the late 19th century. The episode also touches on themes such as the importance of work and responsibility, the value of education, and the challenges of growing up. Overall, it is a fun and charming episode that captures the essence of Mark Twain's classic novel.