Obsessed with getting good grades and preparing for a test that could determine if he wins a prestigious scholarship, Alex begins taking amphetamines to stay awake. For most of the week, Alex aces his papers and mid-terms and manages to engage in many other projects, but he also experiences drug-induced mood-swings and tantrums, and eventually a crash landing that finally teaches him that speed isn't what it's cracked up to be.
Tropes:
- Delivery Stork: Discussed when Alex comes across Jennifer and Elyse watching a documentary about reproduction:
- Elyse: This isn’t trash. Jennifer and I have been planning on watching this for weeks. It’s called The Miracle of Life. They show how babies are made.
Alex: The stork brings babies, Jennifer! You’re not supposed to know otherwise till you’re twelve years old!
- G-Rated Drug: The pills Alex takes are considered this at the era of this episode.
- Le Parkour: When asked to join a game of Monopoly, a speed-affected Alex jumps over the banisters from the second flight of stairs to participate.
- Parental Hypocrisy: Somewhat averted; Steven admits to Alex that he himself once used speed to get through a stressful period in college when he was studying for finals and also trying to complete a term paper in a short period of time. His point though, is that, as a result, he has full knowledge about the dangers and negative effects of speed, and Alex, who still thinks it's a wonder drug, does not.
- Serious Business: While under the influence of speed, Alex treats a family game of Monopoly like it's an actual case of financial issues.
- Alex: This is a travesty. This is a sin against capitalism!
- Speed-Inducted Idiocy: While under the influence, Alex does crazy things such as dig trenches in the front yard and cleans his neighbor's garage ... all at 3 a.m.!
- Very Special Episode: Essentially a Lighter and Softer take on Drugs Are Bad.
