Ep 2. The Report Card

The Danny Thomas Show, also known as Make Room for Daddy, is a classic sitcom that aired from 1953 to 1964. Season 8 episode 2, titled "The Report Card," follows the beloved Thomas family as they face the challenges of raising their three children.

The episode begins with Danny and his wife Kathy anxiously waiting for their son Terry to arrive home with his report card. Terry, a sixth-grader, has always struggled with his grades, and the couple is worried about how he will fare this year.

When Terry finally arrives, he is carrying his report card, but before he can show it to his parents, he is interrupted by his younger sister Linda. Linda, who is feeling left out of the action, announces that she has also received her report card. Much to Terry's dismay, Linda has received straight A's, and he is afraid that he will disappoint his parents with his own grades.

As Danny and Kathy sit down with their children to go over their report cards, they are surprised by Terry's grades. To their delight, Terry has improved significantly since last year and has received a B average, with a few A's sprinkled in. Overjoyed by his son's success, Danny decides to take Terry out for a celebratory dinner.

While Danny and Terry are out, Kathy has a heart-to-heart with Linda. She tells Linda that she is proud of her academic success but reminds her that school is not just about grades. Kathy encourages Linda to pursue her passions and interests, and not to feel pressured to excel in every subject.

Meanwhile, Terry is having a grand time at the restaurant with his father. He orders a fancy steak dinner and even indulges in a piece of chocolate cake for dessert. Danny, however, becomes worried that he is spoiling Terry and decides to teach him a lesson about the value of hard work.

The next day, Danny takes Terry to work with him at the club where he performs. Danny puts Terry to work as a busboy, and Terry quickly realizes that the job is harder than he thought. He struggles to keep up with the fast pace of the job and realizes that hard work is necessary to achieve success.

In the end, Danny and Kathy come to the realization that each of their children is unique and has their own strengths and weaknesses. They vow to support their children no matter what and to encourage them to pursue their dreams.

"The Report Card" is a heartwarming episode that highlights the challenges and joys of parenthood. It celebrates the successes of children while reminding viewers that academic success is not the only measure of achievement. The episode is a testament to the enduring appeal of The Danny Thomas Show and its enduring message of love, family, and the importance of hard work.