The Worst Episodes of Growing Pains

Maggie goes back to work as a journalist, prompting psychologist Jason to move his office into their home so he can keep his eye on the kids. Things don't get off to a great start: the first night he gets a call from the police that Mike has been picked up for illegally driving a car.

Director: John Pasquin

Writer: N/A

Jason embarrasses Mike at a Bruce Springsteen concert when they are interviewed together.

Director: John Pasquin

Writer: David Kendall

Jason fumes when Maggie spends long hours on a toxic waste story with handsome co-worker Fred.

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

Maggie gives an honest assessment of Carol's writing of an article for her school magazine; Mike and Ben discover track betting.

Director: John Pasquin

Writer: N/A

Maggie accuses Jason of monopolizing the children.

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

Mike's infatuation with a Madonna look-alike worries Maggie.

Director: John Pasquin

Writer: N/A

Jason and Maggie want to go to a mountain lodge for a weekend, but are reluctant to leave the kids alone.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: Arnold Margolin

Coming across a compatibility test in Jason's office, Maggie decides she and Jason should fill it out, but her answers don't tab with his. Meanwhile, Mike feigns interest in karate when his real goal is a girl attending the course.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: N/A

Carol develops a crush on a family friend, who thinks of her as his little sister.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: N/A

Mike hurts more than his pride when he takes a nasty fall off a dirt bike that he promised his parents he wouldn't go near.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: Ali Marie Matheson

Mike doodles on his aptitude test and winds up with an IQ score of 27.

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

A depressed department store Santa consulting Jason decides to commit suicide by leaping down the Seavers' chimney.

Director: John Tracy, Neal Marlens

Writer: N/A

Mike backs out of the family-bowling match so he can date a snobbish girlfriend.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: Arnold Margolin

Jason faces off against Ben's hockey coach, who's teaching the boys to play dirty; Mike learns ballroom dancing.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: Mark Fink

Maggie casually mentions to Jason that she might be pregnant; Mike acts as a weekend servant to Ben; and Carol wants to divorce her class-project husband.

Director: N/A

Writer: David Kendall

The PTA head rejects the Seavers as dance chaperones.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: Susan Beavers

Ben gives Jason a very expensive birthday present, causing speculation on how he can possibly afford it.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: Steve Marshall

Mike writes test answers on his shoe soles.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: David Kendall

Maggie's assignment interferes with anniversary plans.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: N/A

Custodian Mike watches a wild party explode in his home.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: N/A

Reporter Maggie and psychiatrist Jason both face important career decisions.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: Bob Brush

Mike's practical-joker uncle Bob visits from the hereafter.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: N/A

Maggie plans a surprise reunion for Jason's college rock band.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: N/A

A new school year brings boredom, bullies, and romantic mix-ups.

Director: N/A

Writer: David Kendall

A cheerleader befriends Carol solely to meet Mike.

Director: John Tracy

Writer: David Kendall