Ep 18. Concentration

The season 7 episode 18 of the show Facts of Life is titled "Concentration". The episode is set at Eastland School for Girls and explores the theme of peer pressure and the consequences of giving in to it.

The girls of Eastland are excitedly preparing for an upcoming dance, but as the date approaches, the pressure to have a date becomes overwhelming. Blair, the fashionable and popular student, has a date with a college boy and encourages her friends to find dates as well. Natalie, the studious and down-to-earth student, doesn't see the point in having a date and declines Blair's offer to set her up with someone.

However, things take a turn when Jo, the tough and independent student, finds out that her ex-boyfriend Eddie, who recently moved away, will be attending the dance with his new girlfriend. Jo is devastated and feels like she needs to find a date to show Eddie that she's moved on as well. Despite Natalie's protests, Jo turns to a group of boys from a neighboring school for a date.

As the night of the dance approaches, tensions rise among the students. Blair's date cancels, leaving her without a date, while Natalie and Tootie try to convince Jo to be honest with herself and not give in to peer pressure. However, Jo is determined to stick to her plan and go through with her arrangement with the boys from the other school.

The night of the dance arrives and the Eastland students are excitedly dancing with their dates. Jo's date from the other school turns out to be pushy and aggressive, causing Jo to feel uncomfortable and regret her decision. Meanwhile, Natalie and Tootie catch Blair dancing with a classmate and realize that she doesn't need a date to have fun.

Eventually, the situation with Jo's date becomes too much and she leaves the dance early, feeling disappointed in herself for giving in to peer pressure. In the end, the girls come together and support Jo, reminding her that it's okay to be herself and make her own choices.

Overall, "Concentration" is a poignant episode of Facts of Life that explores the pressure that young people can feel to conform and fit in with their peers. The characters' different reactions to this pressure show the range of emotions that can come with trying to fit in, from excitement and anticipation to regret and disappointment. The episode also highlights the importance of self-confidence and staying true to oneself, even in the face of peer pressure.