Another first-season episode that deals with heavy subject matter. In this case, eating disorders and body image. True, it isn't as sappy and emotional as all the TV movies that have come out about eating disorders, but it is pretty thought provoking. Especially when we see from one of the earlier episodes the girl, Sue Ann, struggling with her body image. Then, we see how pressure makes someone take drastic measures. And we also see, even though she is starving herself to get a date with a hot guy, the episode doesn't outright blame the guy for her disorder. In fact, it is mainly because of Blair's constant teasing and the sudden rash of hard dieting by the girls and Mrs. Garrett. Most movies and shows dealing with eating disorders in women often blame men. But, while this episode was mostly lighthearted, it also makes you think. And some people have criticized this episode for making it seem as if she only had the eating disorder for a few days, then after a talk with Mrs. Garrett, she's all cured then we never hear about it again...but who knows, maybe Sue Ann has been seeing a counselor for the rest of the season. Anyway, this is a great episode of "Facts of Life" that every young woman - and even some Hollywood starlets - should sit down and watch.
2 Reviews
This was supposed to be about Sue Ann, but it was actually Natalie that came out swinging.
reb-warrior5 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Sue Ann goes on a dangerous crash diet so she can "look good" for a boy.
Sue decides not to eat. Like nothing for a week before her date with a boy. A decent episode about body image and dangerous diets. This was supposed to be about Sue Ann, but it was actually Natalie that came out swinging.
Mr. Bradely: "It's what's inside that makes you attractive."
Natalie: "That's a lie, Mr. Bradely. If that's true, how come you never see a fatso in a pantyhose or jeans commercial? And you don't think of a girl as a 10 if she weighs a ton."
Wow, she delivered that so strongly. I actually agree with Mr. Bradely about how some kinds of dieting is bad and he likes a bit of "meat" on a woman. And his quote here. But I definitely understood Natalie's view and agreed with her too. I mean that is what was put out in magazines, commercials, tv shows, movies, fashion runways. It gave young girls, women, and even boys and, men, a certain narrative on what is supposed to be attractive. And when they can't live up to it, then what? A dangerous diet? Low self-esteem? I think it also promotes unreasonable expectations from boys and young men too as to what they are supposed to like.
I love that Natalie chose not to go on the diet and likes herself for just the way she is.
Natalie: "Who wants to be a skinny pencil? I'd rather be a happy magic marker."
Mrs. Garrett was trying to diet too. Back then "losing weight" and all kinds of crazy diets were the thing. Today there are still crazy diets, but now you see more plus-size models in magazines. Commercials, tv shows, movies, fashion runways. I think things have come a long way.
Anyway, Sue Ann's recovery and mindset were kind of glossed over really fast. But it was ok. 6/10.
Sue decides not to eat. Like nothing for a week before her date with a boy. A decent episode about body image and dangerous diets. This was supposed to be about Sue Ann, but it was actually Natalie that came out swinging.
Mr. Bradely: "It's what's inside that makes you attractive."
Natalie: "That's a lie, Mr. Bradely. If that's true, how come you never see a fatso in a pantyhose or jeans commercial? And you don't think of a girl as a 10 if she weighs a ton."
Wow, she delivered that so strongly. I actually agree with Mr. Bradely about how some kinds of dieting is bad and he likes a bit of "meat" on a woman. And his quote here. But I definitely understood Natalie's view and agreed with her too. I mean that is what was put out in magazines, commercials, tv shows, movies, fashion runways. It gave young girls, women, and even boys and, men, a certain narrative on what is supposed to be attractive. And when they can't live up to it, then what? A dangerous diet? Low self-esteem? I think it also promotes unreasonable expectations from boys and young men too as to what they are supposed to like.
I love that Natalie chose not to go on the diet and likes herself for just the way she is.
Natalie: "Who wants to be a skinny pencil? I'd rather be a happy magic marker."
Mrs. Garrett was trying to diet too. Back then "losing weight" and all kinds of crazy diets were the thing. Today there are still crazy diets, but now you see more plus-size models in magazines. Commercials, tv shows, movies, fashion runways. I think things have come a long way.
Anyway, Sue Ann's recovery and mindset were kind of glossed over really fast. But it was ok. 6/10.
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