Mike rightly doubts Frankie's optimistic theory Axl may be growing out of puberty. Indeed, their firstborn's suspiciously improved behavior is simply part of a campaign to get a car, having obtained his license. Brick is allowed, despite the sad fate of any pet he ever got, the dog-set the aunt's even sicklier pet, but remains absorbed by his books. After Frankie spends an obscene fortune on a fashionable pair of jeans as last hope to restore Sue's confidence, Mike spends the same amount on an x-th-hand wreck for Axl, who now dates Kate, from a more respectable. Laundry and language spoil things for both high school kids and their parental would be- role models.
—KGF Vissers