Abusive Parents: The first of several episodes throughout the series' run dramatizing child abuse. As in this episode, the issue is always played straight.
Alcoholic Parent: John's abusive treatment of his son is fueled by his alcoholism. It's when he gets to abandon the bottle that Charles declares him cured and lets him reunite with Graham.
Even Evil Can Be Loved: Graham still loves his father and is upset when he's temporarily separated from him while Charles tries to cure his alcoholism.
Freudian Excuse: John's a drunk because his wife died giving birth to Graham. Which leads to...
Maternal Death? Blame the Child!: After Charles asked John the right questions, John reveals that this is how his wife died. Charles concludes that John drinks and beats Graham because he can't get over his wife's death.
Vigilante Justice: Averted; although Mr. Kennedy expresses a desire to get revenge on John Stewart for beating his son Graham unconscious, Caroline reminds him that destroying John will likewise destroy Graham in the process.
