Ep 114. Ep 114 - The Bicycle Man, Part 1
- January 1, 1983
Ep 114 - The Bicycle Man, Part 1
In the first part of the two-part episode, "The Bicycle Man," the Drummonds hire an elderly man, Jerry, to help Arnold and Dudley build a treehouse in the backyard. The two boys are thrilled to have their own secret hideaway and eagerly follow Jerry’s instructions for construction.
However, it soon becomes clear that Jerry is not a harmless old man when he begins to show the boys inappropriate photographs and movies, and offers them beer and cigars. Arnold becomes uncomfortable and starts to distance himself from Jerry, but Dudley is afraid of losing their exciting new playmate.
As the episode progresses, concerns mount as Arnold confides in his trusted housekeeper, Pearl, about what is happening. The Drummonds also begin to pick up on something amiss and start to investigate. Meanwhile, Jerry continues to lure the boys into his home for “parties” and to show them more explicit content.
"The Bicycle Man" addresses the important issue of child sexual abuse and emphasizes the importance of speaking up when something feels wrong. The episode highlights the danger of trusting strangers and encourages children and parents to be aware of warning signs of grooming behavior.
The show, Diff'rent Strokes, was groundbreaking for its time, tackling numerous social issues through the lens of a diverse and blended family. This particular episode garnered significant attention when it aired in 1983 and is still remembered as one of the show's most powerful and impactful storylines.
