User Reviews

Buddy admirers her English teacher Alex (Cliff DeYoung) until she finds out he has been seeing a student. A horrible rumor goes around that Buddy too is seeing the teacher, because she was at his apartment helping with an auction, and the student who was seeing Alex called and Buddy answered the phone. This was a different time, but I'm still surprised at Kate in this episode. She tells a sulking Buddy "even good people make mistakes", which is true, but what we are talking about isn't just a mistake. This subject was handled in a way that it certainly wouldn't be today. It was odd that Kate was nervous about Buddy's closeness to Alex, and then she was quick to tell Buddy he should be forgiven for this.

Plot B involves Willie using Annie because he thinks she knows a famous playwright. Annie has started to look up to Willie in much the same way that Buddy did growing up.

This is a very entertaining episode regardless of the odd storyline involving the teacher. DeYoung's character was definitely in the wrong, and it's kind of odd that he doesn't come off as a sleaze ball by the end of the episode. I don't agree with Alex or Kate at all, but it was still a good episode overall.

as they say - the times have changed.

when buddy's literature teacher is revealed to have had inappropriate relations with a high-school senior, he's permitted to resign and most everyone forgives him for making "a mistake". now, in our enlightened, 21st century "throw away the key" mentality, i found this episode quite surprising. i'd not seen this episode until 5/08.

actor, 'cliff deyoung' (qv) offers a sympathetic portrayal of the reckless instructor.

unfortunately, once again, the subplot regarding annie's deception of willie, the desperate playwright, was less than inspiring to this viewer. the program appears to be attempting to foster a chemistry between these two actors similar to that which buddy and willie shared in previous seasons of the program. so far, from the episodes i've viewed from this season, it just isn't working - including this episode.

Where to even start with this episode? Buddy is once again googly eyed over an older man, this time her creepy English teacher. He invites her to his apartment to work on a fundraiser, and then dances with her until Linda, the student he is seeing on the sly, calls and Buddy answers the phone. Linda spreads a rumor that Alex and Buddy are sleeping together, which reaches the ears of Kate. Kate makes a flimsy attempt to stop Buddy from returning to his apartment, and Buddy angrily defends Alex and goes anyway. The truth is soon revealed when Linda tries to warn Buddy that Alex is not who she thinks he is, which of course Buddy doesn't believe because she is the worst judge of character ever. When confronted, Alex admits to the affair. Buddy is enraged, and vows never to speak to him again. Kate is oddly apathetic about the situation, and even lectures Buddy on not being so judgey when people make mistakes. Considering Kate is a teacher herself, this just makes zero sense. Buddy goes to see Alex the next day while he is packing up his classroom, and forgives him for everything and kisses him on the cheek, which as we've noted before, is basically third base for Buddy. I was only in fourth grade when this episode aired, but I'm pretty sure even I would have raised an eyebrow at the questionable lessons involved here.