Diff'rent Strokes The Bicycle Man Part 1
The Plot
Diff'rent Strokes was a popular American television sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1986. The show revolved around the lives of the Drummond family, a wealthy white family who adopt two black children, Arnold and Willis Jackson, after their mother passes away.
In the episode "The Bicycle Man Part 1," Arnold and his friend Dudley are approached by a friendly man named Mr. Horton, who offers to take them to his bike shop and give them free ice cream. The boys eagerly accept, not realizing that Mr. Horton has ulterior motives.
The Bicycle Man
Mr. Horton, also known as "The Bicycle Man," is a child molester who preys on young boys. He uses his bike shop as a front to lure in children, offering them free treats and toys in exchange for their trust. Once he gains their trust, he sexually abuses them.
The Bicycle Man is played by Gordon Jump, a well-known character actor who also played the role of Arthur Carlson on the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati.
The Impact
"The Bicycle Man Part 1" was a groundbreaking episode of Diff'rent Strokes, as it tackled the serious issue of child sexual abuse at a time when it was rarely discussed on television. The episode was praised for its sensitive handling of the subject matter, and is still considered to be one of the most powerful and memorable episodes in the show's history.
The episode also featured a special introduction by star Gary Coleman, who spoke directly to the audience about the importance of staying safe and avoiding dangerous situations. This segment was included in all subsequent airings of the episode, and helped to raise awareness about the dangers of child predators.
The Aftermath
"The Bicycle Man Part 1" was a ratings success, and was followed by a second episode, "The Bicycle Man Part 2," which continued the story and further explored the impact of Mr. Horton's actions on Arnold and the other characters.
The episode also led to a wave of public awareness about child sexual abuse, and inspired many victims to come forward and seek help. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children even used clips from the episode in their training videos for law enforcement and child welfare professionals.
The Legacy
Diff'rent Strokes may have ended its run over three decades ago, but "The Bicycle Man Part 1" continues to be remembered and celebrated as a groundbreaking and important episode of television. The episode's impact on raising awareness about child sexual abuse cannot be overstated, and its legacy endures to this day.
If you haven't seen "The Bicycle Man Part 1," it is definitely worth a watch. Just be warned that it is a very intense and emotional episode, and may be triggering for some viewers.