- George Feeny: You see, Mr. Matthews, education is not about obscure facts and little test scores. Education is about the overall effect of years of slow absorption, concepts, philosophies, approaches to problem solving. The whole process is so grand and all-encompassing that it really can't be threatened by the occasional late night no-hitter.
- Alan Matthews: Hey, Cory. Cory. Phillies are playing on the west coast and Schilling's going into the seventh inning with a no-hitter against the Dodgers. You too tired to come down and watch the rest of the game with me?
- Cory Matthews: What, are you new here?
- Alan Matthews: [to Eric] The Phillies got a no-hitter going. Want to come down and watch the game with me and Cory?
- Eric Matthews: [half asleep] I can't. I'm... I'm naked and I'm taking a math test.
- Cory Matthews: Thanks for waking me up, Dad.
- Alan Matthews: Hey, wouldn't be this much fun without you. Uh, don't tell Mom.
- Cory Matthews: Mom's not in on this?
- Alan Matthews: No, no, no. This is kind of a guy secret. Well, a father-son bonding.
- [Alan looks at his watch]
- Alan Matthews: Your mother can *never* find out about this.
- Alan Matthews: I was thinking I'll go have a talk with Mr. Feeny. I'll explain it to him, get him to let Cory take a make up test.
- Amy Matthews: Oh, I'm so glad. Because until you do, you're grounded.
- Cory Matthews: Does that really work? Can she ground you?
- Alan Matthews: ...In certain ways, yes.
- Alan Matthews: So, am I still grounded?
- Amy Matthews: We'll talk about it.
- Alan Matthews: Hey, that's good! With talk, I can get anywhere.
- Cory Matthews: [grins] He's not coming back here tonight.
- George Feeny: Cory may not take the make up test. The F stands.
- Alan Matthews: I thought you said you understand.
- George Feeny: I do understand. But understanding and condoning are two entirely separate concepts.
- Alan Matthews: So you're going to fail a boy for spending time with his father?
- George Feeny: In my 35 years of teaching, I've heard every excuse imaginable for why somebody fails a test. What's my excuse? If somewhere down the line, a child fails at something because I once abrogated my responsibility to impart knowledge.
- [Alan looks at Cory]
- Cory Matthews: I've gotta listen to this everyday.
- George Feeny: Care to join me for a drink?
- Cory Matthews: [confused] Uh, sure.
- George Feeny: Help yourself.
- Cory Matthews: [takes a sip] Hey! This is apple juice!
- George Feeny: Oh, gee. I must have left it in there too long