Tootie's excitement at her older brother visiting Eastland turns into agony when it becomes clear that he is an alcoholic.
This episode contains examples of:
- Anti-Alcohol Aesop: Marshall's alcoholism is Played for Drama. Though Tootie doesn't want to face it, Mrs. Garrett makes it clear to her that by getting drunk and driving, he's putting people, including himself in danger. She knows this because her ex-husband constantly got drunk as well and did stupid things.
- Big Brother Worship: Deconstructed example, Tootie is so devoted to Marshall she's willing to cover for his self-destructive and reckless behavior. She stops at the end though.
- Bolivian Army Ending: For Marshall. The episode ends with him taking the phone from Tootie to call their father, who will most likely be extremely angry at the fact that not only did he drive drunk again, but he also wrecked his car and put the lives of his younger sister and her friends in jeopardy.
- Broken Pedestal: Downplayed with Tootie and played straight with Natalie. Both girls saw Marshall as a Cool Big Bro until he drove them home drunk. Whereas the former girl is staunchly in denial about him or his drinking problem until the end of the episode (and even hugs him while he calls their Dad to admit what he did), the latter girl's terror turns to outrage once his sister tries to make excuses for him.
- Drunk Driver: Marshall drives the girls sans Jo home after drinking five beers. Shockingly, they almost get killed as a result.
- Tough Love: Mrs. Garrett encourages Tootie to tell their parents about Marshall's actions, saying that even if he does get punished and has the car taken from him, this could prevent him from driving drunk again and potentially save his life.
- This Is Gonna Suck: Marshall does not look too thrilled at the end, when he has to call his father and tell him about the car accident.
