As I revisited ABC’s Afterschool Specials, the nostalgia came rushing back. I had almost forgotten about these gems until I started watching and found myself reciting lines in unison with the characters. Children of my era were treated to performances by the likes of Anthony Kiedis, Vince Vaughn, Jodie Foster, and Leif Garrett, as they tackled critical issues such as bullying, alcoholism, sexual harassment, and divorce. These actors balanced their cool personas with cringe-worthy dialogue, navigating outrageous plotlines that would leave even Susan Lucci impressed.
Standout Episodes
One standout episode, “Blind Sunday,” features a teenager named Jeff, who, in an effort to understand his blind girlfriend better, spends an entire day blindfolded. While his intentions might be commendable, I can’t help but wonder if he realizes how absurd he looks. Fortunately for him, his girlfriend is none the wiser; otherwise, the story might have concluded with her saving him from a tragic accident.
Then there’s “My Mom’s Having a Baby,” where a curious ten-year-old seeks to understand pregnancy. This episode struck a chord with me, as I vividly recall a similar moment with my daughter. When she asked how babies are made while I was nine months pregnant with her brother, I jokingly told her I swallowed a bean, and it sprouted into a baby. The reality? Let’s just say the details are far less glamorous.
Following that, “Where Do Teenagers Come From?” perfectly encapsulates the confusion of a 12-year-old girl navigating her changing body. I wish I had this episode as a guide when I awkwardly handed my now 11-year-old daughter a towel after her shower, only to be met with her mortified silence.
I couldn’t resist downloading “The First Egg,” which depicts high school students taking a parenting class where they are tasked with caring for an egg. I can easily picture my daughter participating in such an experiment today, only to drop the egg and blame her brother for its unfortunate fate before returning to her Netflix binge.
Then came two of my personal favorites: “Alexander,” which tells the tale of a retired clown with an unwavering affection for children, and “The Skating Rink,” which centers on a boy named Tom who overcomes his stutter to become a champion figure skater.
Lessons from the Past
Moving on to “Make Believe Marriage,” we see teens paired up to navigate the mundanities of married life. Had anyone from my generation absorbed the lessons from this episode, I suspect none of us would have ended up married. A typical weekend scenario? Grocery shopping, home improvement errands, kids’ activities, and collapsing on the couch by 9 p.m. Sounds romantic, right?
Notably absent from these episodes, aired between 1972 and 1997, is any acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ teens. While ABC chose to feature a melancholic clown, they overlooked an entire community. I can imagine Tom on the rink, exasperatedly questioning why his stutter was ignored in favor of such trivial storylines.
Finally, I watched “The Unforgivable Secret,” where a 15-year-old girl discovers her supposedly deceased father is alive. This reminded me of my childhood dog, Sparky, who my parents claimed had run away to join a pack of neighborhood dogs. It wasn’t until years later that I learned the truth: he had been put to sleep due to failing health. Truly unforgivable.
Final Thoughts
As I reminisce about these classic episodes, I think I’ll keep them as cherished memories. Unless, of course, I’m in the mood for a lighthearted evening, in which case I might suggest to my husband that we reenact scenes from “Dinky Hocker,” the story of an overweight teen with a penchant for food. “Well hello there, sir, I think your turkey drumstick would fit nicely in my self-cleaning oven.” Perhaps I should leave the food humor to Dinky and enjoy a quiet night.
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In summary, ABC’s Afterschool Specials provided a unique lens into the challenges of adolescence, blending humor with serious themes. While the episodes may not reflect all contemporary issues, they remain a nostalgic reminder of the lessons learned during formative years.
Keyphrase: ABC’s Afterschool Specials
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