Ep 5. Rufus Stinks

Punky season 1 episode 5, titled "Rufus Stinks", follows the adventures of the titular character, Punky Brewster, and her beloved canine companion, Rufus. The episode centers around a series of events that unfold when Rufus gets skunked.

At the start of the episode, viewers are introduced to Punky and her best friend, Cherie, as they concoct a plan to enter a dog show with Rufus. While Punky is excited at the prospect of her furry friend winning a trophy, Cherie is skeptical, given Rufus' less-than-stellar hygiene.

Their plans come to a halt, however, when Rufus accidentally corners a skunk in their backyard and gets sprayed. Punky frantically searches for remedies to get rid of the stench, while Cherie suggests a drastic measure: giving Rufus a bath in tomato juice.

Despite Punky's initial reluctance, she eventually caves and agrees to try the tomato juice remedy. They quickly realize, however, that the amount of juice required to cover Rufus' entire body is far more than they had anticipated. They scramble to gather enough supplies, including emptying several bottles of ketchup and raiding a local diner for their surplus of tomato sauces.

As Punky and Cherie work to clean up Rufus, they face a series of mishaps and obstacles. They struggle to keep Rufus still, as he wiggles and shakes in protest. They accidentally spill the tomato juice on themselves, making matters worse. They also have to deal with a nosy neighbor who complains about the smell.

Despite all the chaos, Punky and Cherie ultimately succeed in their mission, and Rufus is no longer stinky. However, the episode ends with a twist: the tomato juice has stained Rufus' fur red, giving him an unconventional new look. Punky is initially embarrassed, but eventually learns to embrace Rufus' unique appearance, and the friends continue their adventures together.

Overall, "Rufus Stinks" is a heartwarming and humorous episode that showcases the enduring bond between Punky and Rufus, while also demonstrating the lengths to which they will go to keep their furry friend clean and happy.