Ep 3. The Black Eye

In Leave It to Beaver season 1 episode 3, titled "The Black Eye," Beaver gets in a fight with a boy at school and comes home with a black eye. Initially, he tries to hide it from his parents, Ward and June Cleaver, but they eventually find out and demand to know what happened. Beaver tells them that he got into a fight because the other boy called him a "baby."

Ward and June are disappointed in Beaver's behavior and decide to teach him a lesson about violence. They take him to a boxing gym to meet a former boxer, who explains to Beaver that fighting is not the answer to his problems and that it's important to use words and communication to resolve conflicts.

Meanwhile, Beaver's older brother Wally tries to help him cover up the black eye by giving him some makeup to put on it. However, when Beaver's teacher sees the makeup, she becomes suspicious and calls Ward and June to discuss Beaver's behavior. They explain that they are taking steps to correct the situation and ensure that Beaver understands the importance of nonviolence.

Throughout the episode, Ward and June have several discussions about how to handle Beaver's behavior. They aren't quite sure how to effectively discipline him without being too harsh or too lenient. Ultimately, they decide to focus on teaching him a better way to handle conflict while also making him understand the severity of his actions.

"The Black Eye" is a classic episode of Leave It to Beaver that touches on several important themes, including violence, communication, and parent-child relationships. It's a poignant reminder that conflict is a part of life, but it's how we handle it that truly matters. The episode is also notable for its subtle humor and heartwarming moments, making it a fan favorite among viewers of all ages.