In an era before the rise of streaming services, ABC’s Afterschool Specials provided a unique platform for addressing pressing social issues that plagued youth. As I revisited these episodes, I was struck by a wave of nostalgia, recalling how I would eagerly consume each installment, often quoting lines verbatim. Young viewers from my generation witnessed performances by actors like Justin Moore, Emma Grant, and Kyle Parker as they tackled heavy subjects such as bullying, substance abuse, and family dynamics. Their ability to balance drama with a touch of levity made these specials memorable.
Noteworthy Episodes
One noteworthy episode, “Blind Sunday,” follows a teenager named Mark who decides to blindfold himself for a day to empathize with his visually impaired girlfriend. While his intentions are commendable, one must question the practicality of this approach—wouldn’t common sense dictate a more reasonable method?
Another episode, “My Mom’s Having a Baby,” centers around a ten-year-old boy navigating the complexities of his mother’s pregnancy. This scenario resonated with me as I recalled my conversation with my eight-year-old daughter, who, curious about her own impending sibling, innocently asked about the origin of babies. In a moment of humor, I jokingly told her that I ingested a seed that sprouted into a child. In truth, the circumstances surrounding her conception were far less whimsical.
The topic continued in “Where Do Teenagers Come From?”, which explores the confusion of adolescence through the eyes of a young girl. Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember the awkward moments of discussing body changes with my daughter. When I noticed her developing physically, my attempt to navigate that conversation resulted in her retreating in embarrassment—a reminder of the delicate nature of such discussions.
The episode “The First Egg” showcases high school students in a parenting class tasked with caring for an egg. I can easily envision my own daughter in this scenario: she would likely drop the egg and immediately blame her brother, perhaps retreating to her favorite streaming shows, thus ignoring the lesson entirely.
As I delved deeper into the series, I encountered episodes like “Alexander,” which recounts the story of a retired clown who cherishes his bond with children, and “The Skating Rink,” which poignantly addresses the struggles of a boy overcoming a speech impediment to achieve his dreams in figure skating.
In “Make Believe Marriage,” high schoolers team up to simulate married life, engaging in mundane tasks that reveal the often unglamorous reality of partnerships. It’s a stark contrast to the romanticized view of relationships that many young individuals hold. If only we had heeded this lesson, perhaps the divorce rates would tell a different story.
It’s worth noting that during its run from 1972 to 1997, ABC did not address the realities of LGBTQ+ youth—a glaring omission in a series dedicated to exploring various facets of teenage life.
Finally, the episode “The Unforgivable Secret” features a young girl who learns that her father, believed to be deceased, is actually alive. This brought to mind a childhood memory involving my pet dog, who I was told had run away. Years later, I discovered the truth was far less glamorous—an experience that resonated with the episode’s theme of confronting uncomfortable truths.
Conclusion
While revisiting these Afterschool Specials was a delightful trip down memory lane, I may choose to leave the remaining episodes in the past. However, in a moment of spontaneity, I might suggest to my husband that we reenact scenes from “Dinky Hocker,” a humorous take on body image and food obsessions.
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In summary, ABC’s Afterschool Specials were not only entertaining but also served as important educational tools for addressing complex issues facing youth. While they may not have covered all aspects of teenage life, they sparked conversations that remain relevant today.