Diff'rent Strokes The Bicycle Man
Introduction
Diff'rent Strokes was a popular American sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1986. One of the most memorable episodes is "The Bicycle Man," which aired in 1983. This episode is still talked about today because of its sensitive subject matter and the way it was handled.
The Plot
The episode revolves around Arnold and Dudley, two young boys who are lured into the home of a bicycle shop owner named Mr. Horton. Once inside, Mr. Horton gives the boys soda and cookies before showing them pornography and attempting to molest them.
The Impact
The Bicycle Man episode of Diff'rent Strokes was groundbreaking for its time. It was one of the first times a sitcom tackled such a sensitive subject matter. The episode was praised for its handling of the topic and for raising awareness about child molestation.
The Cast
The episode featured the regular cast of Diff'rent Strokes, including Gary Coleman as Arnold, Todd Bridges as Willis, and Dana Plato as Kimberly. The guest star who played Mr. Horton was Gordon Jump, who was best known for his role as Arthur Carlson on WKRP in Cincinnati.
The Aftermath
After the episode aired, Gordon Jump received numerous death threats and hate mail from viewers who believed he was a real child molester. Jump was deeply affected by this and became an advocate for child safety, working with organizations such as Childhelp and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The Legacy
The Bicycle Man episode of Diff'rent Strokes is still talked about today because of its powerful message and the way it was handled. The episode remains relevant because child molestation is still a major issue in society. The episode is also remembered for its powerful performances and its groundbreaking portrayal of a sensitive subject matter.
Conclusion
The Bicycle Man episode of Diff'rent Strokes is a powerful reminder of the importance of raising awareness about child molestation. The episode is still relevant today and is remembered for its handling of a sensitive subject matter. The legacy of this episode will continue to be felt for years to come.