Ep 7. Girls Just Want to Have Fun

In this episode of 7th Heaven, titled "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," the Camden family finds itself struggling with different challenges related to gender dynamics and social expectations. Ruthie, the youngest daughter, is frustrated with the fact that her school's soccer team is only open to boys, and decides to take some drastic measures to make her voice heard. Meanwhile, Mary, the oldest daughter, is dealing with more personal issues related to her relationships with boys and the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.

The episode begins with Ruthie attending a school assembly where the soccer coach announces that the school's team is hosting a tryout for boys only. Ruthie, who has been practicing soccer on her own and feels confident in her abilities, is disappointed and outraged by this decision. She confronts the coach, but he dismisses her, saying that girls shouldn't play soccer because it's a "boys' sport." Feeling frustrated and undervalued, Ruthie decides to stage a protest by gathering all the girls in her school who are interested in playing soccer and leading them in a walkout.

Meanwhile, Mary is struggling with her own set of challenges. She's been dating a boy named Wilson, who is more interested in physical intimacy than she is comfortable with. She confides in her friend Lucy, who tells her that she should feel free to define her own boundaries and not let boys pressure her into doing anything she's not comfortable with. Mary decides to take control of the situation by telling Wilson that she wants to slow things down, potentially risking their relationship in the process.

As the day goes on, both Ruthie and Mary face opposition to their efforts to challenge gender norms. Ruthie's protest turns violent when a group of boys confronts the girls and tries to take their soccer ball away. Mary's decision to set boundaries with Wilson leads to a fight between them, and Wilson accuses her of being "prudish" and "leading him on." However, both girls ultimately find strength in their convictions. Ruthie refuses to back down from her fight for equality, and Mary stands up for herself and refuses to compromise her own values.

Throughout the episode, the other members of the Camden family also grapple with their own issues related to gender dynamics. Annie, the mother, struggles with balancing her role as a supportive parent with her own beliefs about what girls should and shouldn't do. Eric, the father, worries about his daughters' safety and well-being in a world that seems to be stacked against them. And the older boys, Matt and Simon, learn about the importance of respecting women and supporting their sisters in their fights for equality.

Overall, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" is a powerful episode that tackles important issues related to gender norms and expectations. It shows how difficult it can be to challenge these norms, but also how important it is to do so in order to create a more equal and just society. Whether through Ruthie's protest, Mary's relationships, or the struggles of the other family members, this episode speaks to the ongoing need to challenge gender stereotypes and empower girls and women to be true to themselves.