Wally's Track Meet

Kids horse around in school so what was the big deal here? A couple of towels get thrown around , it's not like they were breaking windows or fighting. Just plain stupid for the coach to go overboard and suspend Wally for throwing one towel and even more stupid that Wally didn't tell the coach who started it . That unwritten rule of no snitching is such bs and that Lumpy was a no good bully who needed a good slap and a grounding as did Eddie Haskell.

A very well written episode that explores another intricacy of life among guys growing up . The problem is that Ward, and the show, see the problem as the loss of Wally's temper. What the show fails to realize is that there are many more interesting factors involved that even Beaver pointed out. Wally didn't just lose his temper, he was merely engaging in a playful exercise that everyone goes through. This is how friends bond even more closely. The coach totally misinterpreted the incident and overreacted. He should have talked to them , just as Beaver later did with Lumpy, and at least found out a little more about it. And it's so ironic that in this episode, Beaver was the astute role model for the adults !

(*June to Ward quote*) - "And you couldn't possibly improve your mind by talking to me?"

Mayfield High is up against Lynwood at the next track meet and it looks like Wally Cleaver is raring for a real challenge.

But, unfortunately, that slimy scoundrel, Eddie Haskell initiates some serious trouble in the locker room that prompts Coach Henderson to remove Wally from the team.

When Beaver gets wind of Wally's dilemma he makes a point of laying a guilt trip on Lumpy Rutherford who was a direct part of Haskell's naughty mischief.

One of those "life's little tricks" episodes.

Basically, it's a "code of honor" story, popular in many other sitcoms. This time, it's Wally's turn to face the music, and does he ever. After track team practice, goofy guys Eddie and Lumpy have an old fashioned towel fight in the locker room, innocent bystander Wally tosses a towel their way --just as the coach walks in -- and HE'S suspended from the track team. OMG.

Naturally, this could all be solved. If Wally tells the real story to the coach (played by John Close), he'll get back on the team, but he'll also be a rat for finking out Eddie and Lumpy. Code of honor on steroids.

Wally tells the dreary tale to Ward, but its his ball of wax. However, it takes Beave to connect with Lumpy to maybe, maybe right a terrible wrong. A good brother helping another good brother.

Gregarious Fred Rutherford (Richard Deacon) makes another memorable appearance. Deacon was the ham actor we all loved.

An absolute gem written by producers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher, who should have written every single episode.

If you're a Beaver fan, you'll see the re-working of this story right off the bat. There were other stories where Beave also got trapped in the "code of honor" syndrome.

On a tragic note, actor John Close, who appeared in numerous tv shows and movies, was killed in a car accident a few years after this episode.

SEASON 4 EPISODE 18 remastered Universal dvd box set. The color cover is a must. The entire series is available on blu ray in a single box, the best present ever.

Like I said in my previous post. Most of the time after a couple of duds the writers come with one or two pretty good episodes. This episode was pretty good. I rated it about an 8 and the next episode about a six. Beaver turns out to be the mediator wich is rarely seen. He is usually the one who gets in trouble and lies to cover it up but as the good mediator it was really a stretch for his character.

Anyway this episosde really elevated Lumpy to a good guy after listening to Beave making him connect with his conscience. Nice to see Lumpy Rutherford as a good guy in the end. They need more episodes featuring Lumpy and Eddie.