A Truly Wonderful Episode

[John Sterren]

Last night's episode, "Beaver Runs Away", is a true masterpiece of popular art. 25 minutes of perfection.

If you really pay attention to the onfolding of the show, you'll see all these little doublings and shifts, all leading to the beautiful, moving conclusion.

It's one of those moments when a bunch of collaborators working together seem to find each other in the act of collaboration. And what is most beautiful -- and hardest to achieve -- is how natural it all unfolds. Ward and Wally going off to buy new materials, Larry dropping over for lunch, Larry and Beaver finding the drill fascinating, creating those holes in the garage wall purely by accident, both boys panicking, Ward overreacting, Beaver overreacting, June and Wally trying to be peacemakers, and then all sides realizing their common humanity in mutual acts of forgiveness. (The moment at the very end, after the boys have gone up to their room, and Ward sort of turns into June's embrace, must be the most moving moment in all of LITB.)

And what a piece of Americana this episode is. So much so that I began to cry. An America of compassion, understanding, trust and forgiveness. Not one of fear, hate, suspicion and lies.

God Bless America, wherever you are.

[frani]

It really us a lovely ep. Very touching and very sweet and I suspect it's why they include in the last "scrapbook" ep. I mean if you think about it, that simple action of letting a boy innocently run away could never happen today.

I noticed something else that I thought was just fascinating. The scene opens with Ward and June at the left side of the screen. They are both arched over. They rise at exactly the same moment and cross together to the right side of the screen as June looks out the window and Ward leans against the kitchen sink. It's a simple thing, but really was nice to watch.

:)

[John Sterren]

Hi, Frani.

That was a great moment. Also, that look on Beaver's face when he realizes that Ward is really letting him leave.

I sure would love to have the uncut version of this episode.

[Mijada]

I love that ep. One of my favorites.

My favorite quote from this one -

(Wally to Ward) " Hey dad, Beaver says he's going to join the pirates and come back with a wooden leg."

(June to Ward) "Ward Cleaver if he does I'll never speak to you again!" :lol: :lol:

[Martina]

I agree!!!
It is one of the best. And when Ward and June are talking at the end and he just holds her had and sort of touches her fingers it seems so natural and loving. But Beaver is on now so I need to go watch it :)