Ep 18. Boy #1 Versus Boy #2

Rob and Laura are hosting a party with their friends Jerry and Millie. While Jerry and Millie are having a discussion about their son's upcoming little league game, Laura innocently asks what the team's record is. Jerry tells her that they are unbeaten, and have won all of their games so far. Laura then suggests that they have a little friendly competition between the two boys, where they each make seven free throws and whoever makes the most will be declared the winner.

Boy #1 (Jerry's son) is a shy, introverted type who shows little interest in sports, but he reluctantly agrees to participate in the challenge. Boy #2 (the son of one of the guests) is the complete opposite – outgoing, confident, and athletic, so he's eager to show off his skills. Before the competition begins, Boy #2 makes a bet with Boy #1 that if he beats him, he'll get his baseball glove, which is a prized possession to Boy #1.

As the game of free-throws is underway, everyone starts cheering on and encouraging both boys. However, things start to take an unexpected turn when Boy #2 starts to show his true colors. He becomes very competitive and starts taunting Boy #1, calling him weak, and making fun of him.

The pressure builds, and Boy #1 starts to crack under the weight of the taunting. His shots start missing more often, and he begins to feel embarrassed and nervous. Despite Boy #2's clear attempt to sabotage his opponent, Boy #1 refuses to give up and continues to try his best, even though his chances of winning are now looking very slim.

As the game comes to an end, both boys have made an equal number of free throws. Jerry and Laura suggest that they do a tiebreaker, where both boys take turns to make one more shot each. Boy #1's lack of confidence shows when he misses his shot, but in a twist of fate, Boy #2 also misses his shot. In the end, both boys share the victory, but the experience has taught them both valuable lessons.

The tension decreases as the party continues, and the adults talk among themselves about how they should encourage their children to be good sports and better people. Laura ponders how to help Boy #1 and how to teach a healthy competition between children.

As the episode ends, viewers are left with an excellent example of how empathy and kind guidance can help children maintain healthy and positive relationships with one another. It also highlights the importance of being a good sport and the negative effects of unproductive competition.