Ep 1. Growing Pains

Growing Pains is the first episode of the third season of the popular TV show Facts of Life. The episode opens with Mrs. Garrett, the housemother, receiving a letter from her son Alex. The letter states that Alex has just turned 18 and he wants to move out and be independent. Mrs. Garrett is sad to hear this but at the same time, she’s proud of her son’s decision.

The scene then shifts to the Eastland School where the girls are gathered in the dining room having breakfast. Mrs. Garrett shares the news of her son’s decision to move out with the girls. The girls are sad to hear this but they understand that Alex wants to be independent. Mrs. Garrett then tells the girls that the school has a new student. Her name is Emily Mahoney and she’s blind.

The girls are excited to meet Emily and welcome her to the school. Emily arrives with her father, a professor of history at a nearby college. The girls are amazed at how self-sufficient Emily is and are in awe of how she interacts with her surroundings despite her blindness.

As Emily and her father leave, Jo tells the girls about her childhood friend who was blind. Jo shares the difficulties her friend had to face growing up, like not being able to join sports teams or ride a bike. This makes the girls more aware of the difficulties that people with disabilities have to face and the importance of treating them with respect and compassion.

Later, the girls are in the library studying when Tootie tells Mrs. Garrett that she wants to talk to her. Tootie is struggling with a lot of things like personal issues and school work and is feeling overwhelmed. Mrs. Garrett listens to her patiently and advises her to take things one step at a time.

As Tootie leaves the library, she bumps into Emily who has also come to the library. Emily asks Tootie if she can help her with anything. Tootie is surprised that Emily is offering to help her, despite her blindness. Emily says that sometimes people assume that she needs help with everything, but she’s perfectly capable of doing things on her own. This makes Tootie feel embarrassed for assuming that Emily needed help in the first place.

The scene then shifts to the following day when Blair and Jo are walking in the courtyard. Blair is telling Jo about her latest crush when they see Emily walking by herself in the courtyard. Blair feels sorry for Emily and offers to help her, but Emily politely declines. Blair is a bit taken aback but Jo reminds her that Emily is capable of taking care of herself and she doesn’t need anyone’s sympathy.

The episode ends with Mrs. Garrett packing up Alex’s things as he prepares to leave for his new apartment. The girls come in to say their goodbyes and wish him well. Mrs. Garrett is emotional but she knows that Alex is ready to start a new chapter in his life.

Growing Pains is a heartwarming episode that deals with themes of independence, compassion, and disability. Through Emily’s character, the show highlights how people with disabilities can lead self-sufficient and fulfilling lives. The episode also touches on the challenges of growing up and dealing with personal issues. The show’s message of treating everyone with respect and compassion is as important today as it was when the episode originally aired.