The Creeper
- Episode aired Jan 2, 1997
Alex's attempts to be nice to a mentally disabled boy in her class backfire when he perceives the friendship as something more. Meanwhile, Ray helps Dave pass his driving test.Alex's attempts to be nice to a mentally disabled boy in her class backfire when he perceives the friendship as something more. Meanwhile, Ray helps Dave pass his driving test.Alex's attempts to be nice to a mentally disabled boy in her class backfire when he perceives the friendship as something more. Meanwhile, Ray helps Dave pass his driving test.
Photos
- Barbara Mack
- (archive footage)
- Louis Driscoll
- (as Benjamin Smith)
- Paperboy
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
I liked this episode. I thought it was sweet. I admire how the show tried to tactfully broach the subject of portraying a "mentally disabled" person in an accurate and positive light. Although they never explicitly say it I think Nathan is supposed to be on the autism spectrum. Nathan is socially withdrawn and awkward. He can play piano very well. He quotes facts as non sequiturs. Nathan genuinely doesn't realize how inappropriate it was filming Alex without her consent and making her the subject of his student film without telling her. Nathan understands Alex is upset but He doesn't realize why She's upset and why it was wrong.
Nathan wearing the "Indian" headdress while watching what sounds like a western in the background is odd. I thought that was unnecessary. I infer that it was meant to emphasize how child-like Nathan is.
The B plot makes no sense because of how much negative continuity it creates. Are we supposed to believe that ever since the accident almost 3 years ago Dave has been driving on a suspended license? Never mind being fired, Dave should be in jail. I understand Dave is the village idiot (whom everyone ignores and dismisses) but I will never understand why Danielle Atron keeps him on staff. Dave acts like He's meeting Ray for the first time (despite having met him several times). Here's the real kicker: In the previous episode Dave just found out Alex Mack is the GC-161 kid! So, not only should Dave known full well who Ray is, but that Ray is Alex's best friend.
The video of Alex is a little cringe. I don't understand why the teacher sent Alex to Detention (instead of Louis and Ray) for merely dropping her book on the floor. The plot required it - That seems to be the answer to a lot of questions of why anything happens on this show.
Larisa Oleynik is adorable. I liked how cute and playful Alex looked when She was goofing off singing "B-I-N-G-O" in front of the camera
I hate the title of this episode, and the use of the term "the creeper" by Louis (who really is a jerk in this episode and does little to redeem himself). I hate the insinuation that people who are a little odd and different are creepy and thus some sort of a "threat". It's not cool.
Did you know
- TriviaBarbara Mack's maiden name is revealed to be Hoffman.
- Quotes
[Dave drives his chemical plant vehicle around several obstacles and tracks while Annie, Ray, Danielle Atron and a driver's Ed. teacher watch]
Ray Alvarado: Well, I've done my part.
Annie Mack: Do you think he'll pass?
Ray Alvarado: Gosh, I dunno... why'd you decide to help him out?
Annie Mack: I guess I realized Dave is a person too... just like you and me.
[Annie suddenly breaks into laughter. Ray turns around to see what's so funny, and he sees that Dave has passed his test. In joy, Dave picks up Danielle Atron, lifting her up off the ground and hugging her, and she pushes him away, creeped out. She and the driver's Ed. teacher walk away]
Dave Watt: Hey Ray, bon voyage!
[Dave salutes Ray and Ray salutes him back. Dave walks off proudly and Annie and Ray smile]