4-10 Turkey Day

Summary by: Laura

Orginal Air Date: 1996-11-22

Writer: Susan Estelle Jansen

Director: Jeff McCracken

Capsule Summary: The Matthewses and Hunters have Thanksgiving together.

Extendo Summary: Mr. Feeny assigns the class a paper about the conflict in Buhrundi between the Hutus and Tutsis, which he says is based on class differences between the haves and have-nots. He also announces the winner of the class food drive: Cory and Shawn, who every year turn in all the cans the food band gavre Shawn's family the previous year. Having joint ownership of the prize--a turkey ("oh.") and stuffing ("ooh!")--inspires them to propose the first ever Hunter-Matthews Thanksgiving celebration. Neither family wants to do it, but Cory and Shawn insist.

      Frankie's brother Herman returns, courting Morgan.

      For some reason the trailer park is the site of this celebration. Both families are uncomfortable; the Matthewses are nervous and the Hunters are defensive. Cory and Shawn are powerless to fix it: "This is bigger than both of us," Shawn moans.

      The Trailer Park Homeowners Association calls Chet aside to tell him to get rid of the condescending outsiders. He decides to hurry them along. The adults eat swiftly while the kids are off visiting Frankie and Herman. They agree that this whole thing was a mistake.

      Meanwhile at Frankie's, the kids fret about the situation. Frankie outright likens the two families to the Hutus and Tutsis. Shawn says glad he and Cory are ignorant, and don't know better than to be friends; they share a gayest look of the episode. Frankie invites them to share the holiday repast; Herman spreads his hands magnanimously and says "There is always room for more at our table."

      The adults creep around and watch while the kids say what they are thankful for: Eric, that he's with his siblings and friends, and is taping the game; Frankie, that he has guests and enough food; Herman, that he is sitting next to the delicate blossom that has won his heart; Morgan, that she's sitting at the kids' table; Shawn, who's going for it, turns to Cory and says meaningfull=ly, "I'm thankful that you're my friend."; Cory is thankful that his parents raised him to like people for who they are, "even if they weren't lucky enough to be raised that way themselves." The adults are suitably chastened. They decide to give it another shot, and join the table. Cory and Shawn clink their plastic cups.

      Over the end credits, Mr. Feeny gives Shawn an A+ on "the best work [he's] ever done," a paper he wrote about the experience.

Quotes:

"He's not just our mailman. He's my biological father. (He doesn't know.)"  --Amy

Highlights:

  • Cory and Shawn fear that Mr. Feeny has run out of stuff to teach and is now making up words.
    Shawn: "We're gonna have to put a bag over him and drag him out of the room."
    Cory: "That way we save his dignity."
  • Frankie and Herman do their usual slow, stilted speech schtick. Herman warns the Matthews family about the trailer park goat: "Do not underestimate him. He is wily."
  • Amy is nervous because she left her purse in the car, insinuating that it's not safe there.
    Eric: "I can't believe you guys. Just give me the keys to the car, I'll go get the purse."
    Alan: "And when would you be back?"
    Eric: "Not comin' back."

Fun Facts: The Matthews family lives in an area called Cedar Heights.

Episode Themes: Very Special Episode, Feeny Teaches a Lesson, Parent Plot

Rating: 2. Not unwatchable, but sappy and anvilicious with little redeeming comedy.

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My head is full of silly ideas that in no way reflect the ideas or opinions of the cast, crew, producers or affiliates of the show Boy Meets World, with which I am not affiliated. Likewise, my opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Lance and Eskimo Enterprises and its affiliates, although they may reflect the individual opinions of Lance and/or Eskimo.