I always liked this episode, one of those "put yourself in these guys shoes" type tales, which the show was famous for. Well directed by Hugh Beaumont, who handled many episodes for the series and contributed story ideas. Noneother than Dick Conway is the creative writer here.
Ward gets his new car... and guess what happens.
The folks are away for the weekend, but Wally does have permission to drive it. Lumpy's car doesn't start, so why not use Ward's car to give it a little push --and a front headlight is broken in one easy lesson. Lessons to be learned again and again... don't hang with Lumpy and Eddie.
Naturally, Eddie wants everything to be done on the sly and the guys head to a gas station to get the light fixed. The biggest takeaway here is that even though it all gets done, Wally is the most honest of the bunch and wants to tell the folks. That's the thing that really gets to you, so relatable after all these years. Do the right thing.
I always thought the final season episodes were some of the best, due to the fact the guys really grew up, and were now facing adult situations. Had the series gone on, and its shame it didn't, it could have gone the way of MY THREE SONS, with college years, marriage and lots of grand kids. Maybe in color, too.
For all of us muscle car fans, Ward's 1962 Plymouth Fury was one of the early muscle cars of the day, a beautiful car with a slick V-8 engine to boot. In today's market, restored, the car could bring in as much as $34,000. It also was a big change from the big, gas-guzzling, tail-finned cars Ward had before.
I agree with the notes concerning the cost of repairs. The garage mechanic charges $18.00, equal to about $180.00. Though there's a LOT more damage to that car. The bill should have been way higher.
Lots of mazuma for any teenager who really doesn't have the cash flow. And they pay for it.
See for old times sake. SEASON 6 episode restored dvd box set. 6 dvds. 2011 release.