Man's Best Friend(Season 1, Episode 13). The kids bring home a stray dog, Harriette first says no knowing that Carl won't like the idea of having a pet, Rachel is excited though and the kids beg her to talk to Carl about it. She agrees but runs into a problem when Carl comes home upset from a bad day. So the family has to hide the dog for a short while until Carl gets into a better mood. Eventually he discovers they have a dog and after some begging, he agrees to let the dog stay as long as the kids take care of him. Carl admits the reason why he doesn't want a dog is due to the loss of his pet dog from his childhood and doesn't want that pain again. Steve Urkel comes over and annoys Carl but the dog scares Steve away making the dog Carl's new best friend. But now the dog is annoying the other family members by destroying their stuff and ask Carl if they can get rid of the dog insisting the dog needs more space to play. Carl reluctantly agrees and gives the dog to a family with a barn and a big back yard for him to play.

Favorite Quote:

Carl: What do you want, Steve?

Steve: You mean, besides Laura? I noticed from my window that you got rid of your dog. Wise choice. But knowing how important it is for every man to have a pet...I brought you this.

Carl: Oh. An ant farm. I don't see any ants.

Steve: Oh, you have to send off for them. But don't worry. I knew this was an emergency... so I brought you some from my own personal supply. There are 5000 in there, including a pregnant queen. See? See? There she... (DROPS CONTAINER OF ANTS) Oh, no! Ah! No, no! Oh. Your Majesty? Your Majesty?

Favorite Moment:

When Rachel, Eddie, Laura and Judy are hiding the dog from Carl in Eddie's bedroom. They perform My Prerogative to distract Carl and telling Carl the dog treats are a health food. Carl thinks they are good and tells everyone else to have a bite🤣

Opinion:

Overall it's a cute and fun episode, not a standout but has some good chuckles and a little tug at the heartstrings when Carl has to break the news to the dog that they can't keep him. I love animals, grew up with dogs and have 2 cats right now, so I know the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a pet I loved very deeply. Mickey, the dog, was adorable. I felt kind of bad that the family who was so quick to want to take him in was almost so quick to dismiss him, maybe do a training class? It wasn't like they lived in an apartment. But I get with the show, it'd probably be too much work to control the dog on set. I like the episode, like I mentioned, I kind of forget about this one though when I'm doing my marathon and have to be reminded how the Winslow family almost had a pet dog.

Laura's First Date(Season 1, Episode 12). Laura has her first school dance coming up and all her friends have dates, except for Laura. The Winslow family wants to help, Rachel wants to make a special dress and both Eddie and Carl want to help get Laura a date since no other guy has asked her yet...well except for one, the school nerd named Steve Urkel(who has been in love with Laura since kindergarten). Eddie pays his friend money to take Laura to the dance and Carl(not knowing who Steve Urkel is) asks Steve's dad if Steve would like to take Laura to the dance and of course Steve is delighted. Laura asks her crush to the dance while all this is happening and he agrees. The big night comes along and all 3 of Laura's dates show up at the same time embarrassing Laura.

Favorite Quote:

Steve: Hi Laura, these are for you! Wow! Are you wearing a bra?

Favorite Moment:

It's typical but yeah, I love when Steve comes over to pick up Laura. His introduction to the Winslow family is very memorable, from the flowers that he picked up at the cemetery to Harriette asking his name and him saying "mm, Steeevvve". This was a terrific introduction to an iconic character.

Opinion:

Here we are, we made it to the introduction of Steve Urkel, the one and only. We will save future opinions about the character for different posts or episodes as I want to focus on the episodes individually one by one and act like we are watching this brand new. Laura's First Date is a really good episode. I think a lot of us can relate to being nervous about not just our first dates but even asking or being asked by someone and trying to figure out the right words. I love how protective Harriette is of Laura and how excited Rachel is, such a great woman moment. Carl and Eddie thinking they are helping Laura is very cute, but man did they miss the ball on that one 🤣 And they made both Tyrone and Mark seemingly likable and I love that Laura mentions how typical the dance was where the boys and girls just separate as soon as they get to the dance, that was cute. Steve Urkel had a terrific introduction, the nerd stereotype was nothing new, but Jaleel White's physical comedy is what sells it. He's great at playing the pathetic likable nerd which a good majority can relate to, only difference is he has the confidence to boot. Very funny and enjoyable episode.

I might be alone on this one, but the cool juice version of Stefan was better than the chamber because he had a personality! Even if that personality wasn’t the best, it was so cocky to the point where it was a gag. When they made him nicer, it kind of made him a little more boring. Messy Stefan was hilarious😂

The Quilt(Season 1, Episode 11). Wanting to get a new family VCR, Laura holds a garage sale. Everyone pitches in, including Mother Winslow's things, but Mother Winslow asks Laura just not to sell the one quilt in the box she gives(not explaining why). The sale is a bust, but one lady walks in and sees Mother Winslow's quilt and melts over it offering Laura $300. Laura hesitates but gives in at the high price not realizing what that quilt is. When Laura tells Mother Winslow they can not only get a VCR but a new quilt, Mother Winslow breaks down and tells Laura that the quilt is a history of their family. Each daughter sews a piece of an important item of clothing and passes it down to the next daughter. Laura realizes what a huge mistake she made, through Eddies photography, Carl is able to track down the lad,. Ms. Nash, who bought the quilt. Laura and Carl go to the lady's store where she sells beautiful furniture, art and quilts. Well she must have seen the value in the quilt too because now it's on sale for $3000! Laura begs for Ms. Nash to sell back the quilt for what she sold and gives a heartfelt speech on making a terrible mistake.

Favorite Quote:

I really hurt my whole family. Please, Miss Nash. You've gotta help me. I mean, think about it. When you were a kid... didn't you do something you really wish you hadn't?

Well, yes, everybody has.

Then imagine how you'd feel...if you sold something of your family's that was priceless...and it was the only record of all your relatives. Well, that's what this quilt is to us. It's the only way I'll
ever know who I am... or where I come from.

Favorite Moment:

When Laura brings back the quilt to Mother Winslow. The whole family gathers around and she tells the stories of their family history and what each piece of cloth means. How could you not shed a tear?

Opinion:

Easily one of my favorite episodes. It's funny, emotional and heartfelt. First off, I think everyone can relate to making a terrible mistake as a kid. I remember feeling that awful guilt when I did something wrong and doing anything I possibly could to make things right again. Being a kid is tough as you navigate through life morals and ethics. Secondly, this is one of the best acted episodes. Kellie Shanygne Williams knocks it out of the ballpark with this one, especially for a child actress. Her crying at the end of her speech always gets to me. I love that Mother Winslow asks Harriette to not only keep the blanket but that they keep it in Laura's room since she knows how important it was. This episode was like an odyssey for Laura. 10/10 I think it's probably the best of season 1 and shows why Family Matters could be a really wonderful and deep family sit com.

Love how Laura stood up for Steve and more importantly how Steve stood up for himself

False Arrest. America's "favorite dad" Buddy Goodrich is in Chicago and the Winslow family is excited, well except Carl. Carl goes to the local theater after seeing a car illegally parked in the handicap spot and doesn't know that's Buddy Goodrich's car. Asking politely for Buddy to move it, Buddy acts like a jerk and even tries hit Carl, Carl arrests Buddy. But now Carl is America's most hated cop arresting Buddy and has been falsely accused of police brutality.

Favorite quote:

I know what happened to Buddy Goodrich.

We'd rather hear from somebody who was there.

No, I don't know why this officer attacked me. But my assistant, Roger, will verify that it was totally unprovoked. And I just want you to know that I don't blame the city or the Police Department. There's only one person that I hold responsible. One bad apple. One rogue cop.

Officer Carl Winslow.

It was you?

You arrested Buddy Goodrich?

Well, yeah.

Way to go, Carl.

Favorite moment:

When Carl's family hears the truth about Buddy and realize he was a jerk to Carl.

Opinion:

This is an ok episode. I wasn't a fan that the family looked sideways at Carl when they heard about the arrest. They had to know Carl was a good cop and would not just arrest Buddy just because he wasn't a fan. There are a few chuckles. And I love the scene where they show Carl standing up for himself and his ethics. He knows Buddy was wrong and won't back down due to Buddy's celebrity/popularity. That's one of the reasons Carl is by far my favorite character on Family Matters.

I always loved when she took a stand for Steve when Eddie was in the wrong. I know Laura has had her moments where she was also wrong but it was always nice when she called Eddie out

Stakeout. Carl has a new partner and isn't excited when he finds out it's a woman, however he's partnered with Vanessa who is tough and loves bowling, but also a gorgeous knock out. Harriette is perfectly fine with the situation until she sees everyone's reaction to Vanessa and notices Carl being a little more peppy to get to work. After finding a motel key in Carl's pocket, it sends Harriette over the edge, her, Rachel and Mother Winslow go to the hotel to bust Carl who is on an actual Stakeout with Vanessa and all get entangled with the criminals that Carl and Vanessa need to bust.

Favorite quote:

Carl, how could you? For 20 years, I've given you all my love and trust...and this is how you repay me...by sneaking off to Louie's Love Grotto with this...?

Cheap floozy?

Cheap floozy.

Who are you calling cheap?

Wait a minute. Harriette, we are on stakeout just like I told you.

I guess you just forgot to mention the motel part.

Well, we were on stakeout. This is phase two.

What's phase three?

I think that's the part we came in on.

Favorite moment:

The whole stakeout scene. Not only do i die laughing, but I love when Mother Winslow flips the one criminal over.

Opinion:

I love this episode. It's hilarious. I love that the writers made Vanessa likable as well, they could have gone the cheap route and made her hit on Carl but she respects him and his marriage. I love that they also had Harriette calm in the beginning, she doesn't freak out until Rachel and Mother Winslow keep nudging her and she finds the key. I love Carl and Harriette's relationship, they are such a loving and healthy couple. Carl being touched that Harriette still loves him so much was so adorable. Jealousy isn't a good trait but it feels good when your spouse/partner still loves you enough where they dont want to lose you and will still fight for you ❤️

Mr Badwrench. With a family of 8 in the house and only one bathroom, Carl wants to build a private bathroom for Mother Winslow. Harriette wants to hire a private contractor but Carl wants to do it himself. But there's a problem, Carl isn't that good with his hands and turns the bathroom into a construction site. Rachel swears she heard Little Richie say Mama and is determined to get it recorded for the family to hear.

Favorite quote:

I don't want you ripping up the house, making it unlivable...and forcing the whole family to move into a hotel.

I only did that once. And that was before I joined the Tool of the Month Club. Harriette, I happen to be very good with my hands. I built that swing set for the kids.

No, you didn't. You bought the wood...which is still sitting on a shelf in the garage somewhere.

Well, who put up the shelf?

I did.

Okay.

Who built that birdhouse?

You mean the one that was condemned by the Audubon Society?

Favorite moment:

Harriette turning the sink faucet on and it instead turning on the shower water 🤣 plus i love Little Richie saying Mama in the last scene with no one there ❤️

Opinion:

This is the first episode where we learn Carl feels that part of being a man is being good with your hands. We'll see in future episodes how he keeps messing up projects. But one thing I love is Carl's heart, he wants to do something nice for his mother. Very fun and touching episode

Body Damage. Carl gets selected to drive an authentic classic police car in the Chicago parade. Rachel gets excited because she loves cars. While Carl is taking a nap, Rachel convinces Harriette to take a little joy ride with her, but not even getting the police car out of the driveway, Rachel bumps it into a tree causing a huge dent into the wheel. Rachel tells Harriette she can fix it before Carl finds out, but that might be tougher than they think when the whole family(except Carl) starts to find out.

Favorite Quote:

Ohh. Are you in trouble.

What do you mean? You were the one driving.

You were supposed to stop me. You're the older sister.

But what happened to "Live, Harriette. Live"?

That was before you cracked up this car.

You were behind the wheel.

You were the navigator. You were supposed to warn me if something jumped in front of the car.

It was a tree! It's been there for a hundred years!

Favorite moment:

I love this episode so its a tough pick. Probably just the whole night Rachel is fixing the car. Everyone keeps distracting her while shes working with a blow torch. Eddie also making Rachel and Harriette sign a contract stating he didnt do anything wrong was hilarious 🤣

Opinion:

This is a hilarious episode. Rachel and Harriette are such a great duo. I have an older sister so I can relate to where if we caused trouble it'd be the one time we'd take on our parents together to cover up whatever we did. I love the kids trying to help keep Carl from finding out about the damage as well. Really fun episode full of laughs ❤️

I’m binging series and I’m at the point Laura starts develop feelings for Steve final season and I’m noticing Laura and Steve have kissed before this scene a few times by now but the writing plays like they never have before

Also both Laura and Steve have cheated on Myra and Stephan by now a few times too

Basketball Blues. Eddie has a chance to be on the high school basketball team and Carl is a little too excited to help him train. Carl drives the family crazy as he's not even asking Eddie if he wants to play basketball. Rachel takes an interest in cooking which the rest of the family is dreading.

Favorite quote:

Alright, Carl that's it, I've had it. You're obsessed with Eddie's playing basketball, and you've got to stop.

Look, woman. Sports are my domain in this family. You are in charge of homework, manners, and I'll even give you vacations. But I handle sports.

Why? Because you're the man? Well, the fact that your face grows hair and your head loses it doesn't prove diddly!

Favorite moment:

Rachel's cooking and her muffin being so tough it broke the window 🤣 I think that was the first time of many that the kitchen window breaks. Who knew it was Rachel?

Opinion:

Very fun episode. Great lesson on not to put too much pressure on your kids and over run them. Carl was pushing his dream onto Eddie and I'm so happy Harriette stood up for him. I'm glad Carl comes to his senses at the end and realizes what he was doing was wrong.

Straight A's. Feeling its a good incentive, Carl pays the kids $5 for each A they get. Eddie struggles in school while both his younger sisters do very well. After report card time comes everyone is shocked to see that Eddie got straight A's. Carl gets very excited and starts to spoil Eddie and wants him to look at colleges. Eddie is excited to and starts studying really hard, but his bubble bursts when he finds out his best friend Rodney hacked the school computers and gave all his friends straight A's as a prank. Now Eddie has to tell Carl the truth about his real report card.

Favorite quote:

Well, six A's, 5 bucks a piece, you owe me 40 bucks, Dad.

Five times six is 30. He can't even multiply.

I got a A in math that says I can.

Favorite moment:

I'd say the report card scene, it always gives me a giggle how irritated Harriette is with Carl calling her "report card lady"

Opinion:

Again it's really amazing how many good episodes there are in season 1. We see how Laura is a major over achiever to the point its unhealthy, I'm glad there's a lesson where she needs to breathe more. Though we see in later seasons its a hard habit to break. Eddie is very likable in this episode as he knows immediately that he has to tell his parents the truth. Plus I think we all can relate to trying our hardest and still sometimes we just can't pull in the results we want. Eddie pulls in a decent report card with B's and C's but still feels stupid. But it doesn't help with Carl broadcasting the kid's grades and Laura calling Eddie dumb every chance she gets. Very good episode.

Rachel's first date. After Rachel horning in on multiple dates, Carl and Harriette are growing frustrated that Rachel doesn't have a life outside them. One of the men, Alan, in the church choir keeps asking Rachel out but she turns him down constantly. But after Carl and Harriette tell her she needs to start moving on she accepts the invitation to a date with Alan. As soon as Alan arrives, Rachel is confronting her feelings and fears of dating again after loosing her husband.

Favorite quote:

Yeah, how do you know so much about this stuff? I mean, you didn't even date after your husband died.

What makes you think that?

Carl never mentioned anybody.

I don't tell Carl everything. He'd have a fit if he knew his mother was a party animal.

Favorite moment:

Probably mother Winslow talking to Rachel. Its a really beautifully done and acted scene when Rachel is talking about the death of her husband. My Favorite funny moment is probably the kids "distracting" Alan with doing card tricks and singing 🤣

Opinion:

Season 1 doesn't get much love from the fans. But I really love this episode. It's a wonderfully done moment in the show. A lot of us can relate to the pain of trying to move on after the death of a loved one. If we can or even should. Telma Hopkins really knocks it out of the ballpark with this one. Gotta love Aunt Rachel

Short Story. Rachel is a writer but has a writer's block and just can't come up with a good story. After suggestions from the family for her to write something shes more familiar with, she writes a successful "fictional" story about a family that has a: controlling grandmother, a cheap money pinching father, a heartthrob teenage son, a know it all daughter, a whiny daughter and a wife who won't stop butting into everyone's business. Everyone is upset at first but forgives Rachel, but Harriette is not so quick to follow as she wonders if this is how Rachel really feels about her.

Favorite quote:

Great news, Dad. I'm all finished washing the car.

You washed the car? With water?

Boy, why did you do that?

Because you told me to?

Edward, I told you two weeks ago when we could afford it!

Favorite moment:

When everyone reads Rachel's story and she asks what they think and they all give her a look 🤣 plus i love that Eddie takes the story too seriously, thinking hes a heartthrob all the girls are dying to go out with and he goes to ask a girl out while shes hanging out with her boyfriend 🤣

Opinion:

Again, season 1 can be slow at times but it has such a charm to it. The episode is ok, like I dont always think of it when I get excited for my family matters marathon. But I still enjoy it when its on. I think we can all relate to a family member being mad at us and having a hard time forgiving when we are so upset. I always loved Harriette and Rachel's relationship, they make such beautiful sisters and have great chemistry

After asking for a raise due to a growing family, Harriette is laid off. But finding a new job is proving a lot harder than she expected and the family has to pitch in and each try to help in their own way of saving or gaining income. After Harriette mentions seeing a security manager position at her old job, Carl encourages her to go for it. Harriettes boss first turns her down but after an impressive speech, he realizes shes perfect for the job and gives it to her.

Favorite quote:

What's a depression?

Oh, it was a long time ago, honey. The banks had failed. People lost their jobs and had to live on practically nothing.

Pass this to your father.

What is that?

That's mashed turnips and bacon.

I don't see no bacon.

I only used the drippings. I can get another meal out of that meat. That's why they call it the Depression Dinner.

Well, I'm depressed.

Favorite moment:

The depression dinner scene. That always gives me a good laugh between Mother Winslows "cheer us up" prayer, Rachel saying she loves turnips...or maybe it was parsnips? 🤣

Overall I really enjoy this episode. I think a lot of people can relate to it if you've ever had the joy of job hunting. Plus I love Carl and Harriettes relationship and how loving and supporting they are of one another, very healthy. I love seeing the family also pull in together and Eddie saving for sneakers but realizes his family is more important and gives them the money for food. Very touching and funny episode.