Ep 22. Big Sixteen

In the episode "Big Sixteen" of The Donna Reed Show season 5, the Stone family is preparing for Mary's 16th birthday. Mary is excited about turning 16, but her mother Donna is feeling nostalgic and emotional about her baby growing up so quickly.

Donna decides to throw a big surprise party for Mary, but things start to go awry when Mary's older brother Jeff decides to invite a bunch of his rowdy college friends to the party. Donna is worried that the party will get out of hand, but Jeff promises to keep things under control.

As the party gets underway, Donna's fears start to come true when the guests start to get rowdy and start dancing on the furniture. Donna tries to intervene, but the partygoers don't listen to her. Meanwhile, Mary is having a great time with her friends and is oblivious to the chaos happening around her.

Donna eventually decides to call in reinforcements and enlists the help of her husband Alex to help calm things down. Alex manages to get the teenagers to settle down and even joins in on the fun by playing the piano for them.

After the party, Donna reflects on the fact that Mary is growing up and starting to become more independent. She realizes that she needs to let go of her baby and let Mary forge her own path. Mary, on the other hand, is grateful for the party and the newfound freedom that comes with being 16.

The episode ends with Mary getting her driver's license and Alex giving her a car as a birthday present. Donna and Alex watch as Mary drives off on her own for the first time, feeling proud of their daughter and excited for what the future holds.

"Big Sixteen" is a heartwarming and relatable episode that explores the bittersweet nature of watching a child grow up and gain independence. It highlights the importance of parents letting go and allowing their children to make their own mistakes and forge their own paths.