Ep 2. Beaver's House Guest

Beaver's House Guest is the second episode of the fourth season of Leave It to Beaver. The episode aired in October 1960 and features the main character, Beaver Cleaver and his struggles to adjust to a new house guest.

The episode begins with Beaver in his bedroom, staring out the window, and whistling a tune. His mother, June, comes in and asks him why he's not studying when he has a big test the next day. Beaver replies that he's already studied enough and wants to relax. June reminds him that relaxing is not going to help him pass the test, and the two of them have a small argument.

Later that day, the doorbell rings, and Beaver is surprised to see his old friend Gilbert Bates outside. Gilbert tells Beaver that he is going to be staying with his family for a few days, as his parents are out of town. Beaver is excited to have a friend stay with him, and the two of them run up to Beaver's room to play.

That evening, the family sits down for dinner, and Gilbert is introduced to Beaver's parents. Gilbert tells them that he is interested in reading books and asks if they have any recommendations. June suggests a biography of Abraham Lincoln, but Gilbert tells her that he has already read that and wants something more challenging.

Later that night, Beaver and Gilbert are getting ready for bed, when Gilbert pulls out a book about scientific theories. Beaver is not interested in the book and tells Gilbert that it's too hard. Gilbert becomes snooty and tells Beaver that he is not smart enough to understand such a book.

The next day, Beaver's parents leave for work, and Gilbert stays behind to study. Beaver becomes bored and wants to play with Gilbert, but Gilbert tells him that he has to study hard to become successful in life. Feeling left out, Beaver decides to skip school and spend the day with his friend. The two boys decide to build a fort in the backyard and have a great time playing together.

That evening, when Beaver's parents come home, they find out that Beaver has skipped school, and they become upset. Gilbert tries to defend Beaver, but June and Ward tell him that skipping school is not acceptable. The next morning, Gilbert apologizes to Beaver for getting him in trouble. Beaver forgives his friend and tells him that he wants to do well in school, but he also wants to have fun.

Overall, Beaver's House Guest is a heartwarming and relatable episode about the importance of balancing work and play. The episode touches on themes of friendship, academic pressure, and growing up. The relationship between Beaver and Gilbert is explored in depth, with the two boys learning from each other and growing together. The episode ends on a positive note, with Beaver and Gilbert both promising to do their best in school while still finding time to enjoy each other's company.