Ep 9. The New Deal (2)

The episode "The New Deal (2)" is the ninth episode of the fifth season of the hit family sitcom, Growing Pains. In this installment, the Seaver family's lives are thrown into chaos as they navigate through various challenges and changes that come their way.

The episode follows the Seaver family, headed by Dr. Jason Seaver, a psychiatrist, and his wife, Maggie, who is now working as a journalist. They live in the suburbs of Long Island, New York, with their four children: eldest son, Mike, a college student and aspiring musician; their daughter, Carol, a high school student and diligent overachiever; middle son, Ben, an energetic and mischievous preteen; and their youngest daughter, Chrissy, a precocious and adorable kindergarten student.

"The New Deal (2)" picks up on the cliffhanger from the previous episode, where Jason had received a tempting job offer to become a psychology professor at a prestigious university in California. The family now faces a life-changing decision: whether to uproot their lives and make the cross-country move.

As the Seavers grapple with the potential move, each family member's unique perspective comes to the forefront. Maggie, who previously left her job to focus on raising the kids, is now torn between supporting her husband's dreams and rebuilding her own career. She seeks advice from her friend, Kate, who helps her realize the importance of pursuing her own aspirations.

Meanwhile, Mike must confront his own personal struggles as he navigates his wavering commitment to his band and his passion for music. This career crossroads forces him to consider whether he should leave everything behind to follow his dreams or prioritize stability and academic success.

Carol, on the other hand, becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle of her own when she finds herself torn between her longtime boyfriend, Bobby, and a new classmate, David. The situation becomes even more complicated when Carol's close friend, Sandy, unwittingly confides in her that she has feelings for Bobby. Carol must navigate these complicated emotions and make a decision that will impact her relationships and her own happiness.

Meanwhile, Ben, always the prankster, finds himself facing a more serious situation when he befriends a rebellious new kid at school, Ricky. Ben becomes increasingly fascinated with Ricky's wild antics, but soon realizes that his actions have consequences. When Ricky's behavior escalates, Ben must decide whether to continue following his lead or finally take a stand and do what he knows is right.

As the storyline unfolds, the family grapples with their individual dilemmas while also supporting one another through the challenging decision of whether or not to move to California. Each character learns valuable lessons about family, personal growth, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

"The New Deal (2)" offers viewers an emotional rollercoaster, packed with heartwarming moments, humorous exchanges, and relatable family dynamics. The episode tackles themes of personal growth, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of the Seaver family's quintessential suburban life.

With its lovable characters, engaging storylines, and witty writing, Growing Pains continues to captivate audiences as they follow the Seaver family's journey through life's ups and downs.