User Reviews

This is once again an important episode for Shawn and I think that Rider Strong did a fantastic job portraying the honest and intense emotional journey of a sixteen-year old boy dealing with a situation far beyond his emotional maturity in a honest and important way. The PSA that Rider Strong does at the end of the episode is very touching.

Another outstanding episode which began with the simple issue of experimenting the pressure of taking or not a relationship to the next level to turn into a darker issue. I have to say it : it's incredible how sensitive and caring person Shawn is always portrayed. Not everyone would get involve to help someone living that kind of hell. Usually they'll just play blind or make the victim feels guilty for overreacting and be a little to sensitive. Well not him, his heart is as big as the ocean, been that giver and that caring can only touch me deep down : never asking or judging or giving himself the right of taking decision instead of the concerned person, just listening and helping out as much as he can and never let go a hand as soon as he held it. He got a gift : he can see through people and actually reached them, that's one of the many reasons I love that character so much and for me nobody else could have done him better that Rider Strong did it. That sweet girl, so young and yet living that horrible things by her own folks, that's despicable and unfair, sadly it's part of life... again despicable and grisly. Cory softly cover her up was particular sweet to see. An end pretty realistic : in child abuse there's no black or white, it's way more complex than that and sadly a abuse child is scarred for life, again sickening.

The one thing I didn't like about this episode is the bait-and-switch with the plot. Cory assumes Shawn is sexually active and the scene where He tries to awkwardly seduce Topanga is just so terrible. Cory acts goofy and Topanga acts oblivious to what's going on even though She's sitting alone on his bed in his bedroom. "Cory, what do you think would happen tonight?".

The main plot though is done very well and Arina Richards brings a lot of emotional honesty to the role as a confused victim of parental abuse. Rider Strong is also good as the very well-meaning but misguided kid who only wants to do the right thing.

I thought it was interesting Claire's father is never seen on screen since in the hands of the wrong actor the character may seem kind of ham-ish. Either He would come off as a complete ogre or a ridiculously charming wolf in disguise. The focus thus is not on the abuser but the victim of the abuse - Claire - who is confused and frightened about what to do.

The final solution seems likely. Cory and Topanga read a letter from Claire saying She's enjoying her new life with her aunt in Vermont and that her father is getting therapy. It can be inferred that He lost custody a and was forced into court ordered therapy. Cory then speculates "Maybe one day They'll be able to see each other again." Sweet, if somewhat niave.

In conclusion a very good episode if you ignore the corny B plot.