#215 DESIGNATED DRIVER          (Original air date:   02/05/98)
 

Written by:	Arnold Margolin
Directed by:	Sturart Margolin
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen, E.F. Wallengren & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Carla Braver	Selma Blair
Aaron Madison	Jonah Rooney
Principal Knapp	Frank Gerrish
Melissa	Jenny Dare Paulin
Erasmus Jones	Ossie Davis

 

The Greenes return to Chicory Creek for a short stay with longtime family friend Erasmus (Ossie Davis). Josh falls for Erasmus' house guest, a sixteen year old girl named Carla, who is in Erasmus' care while her father is away on business. What no one seems to realize is that Carla has a drinking problem. Carla's manipulative ways test Erasmus' patience, particularly when she is reported ditching one of her classes. But Carla has everyone wrapped around her finger. She takes Josh to a school basketball game and mixer. While he is away, she sneaks a swig from her flask. On the way home, she swerves to avoid a cow in the middle of the road and the car winds up stuck in a ditch. Another motorist calls the police. Worried that the cops could test her blood alcohol level, Carla panics. Without telling Josh the real reason for her concern, she sweet talks Josh into switching places with her. When they get home, the cops explain to Erasmus and the Greenes that while Josh may have been driving a little too fast, the accident was an innocent and unavoidable. When Josh's parents ask why he was driving, Carla jumps in, explaining she wasn't feeling well. But Josh is forced to lie to his folks to keep the story consistent. The next day, Dinah learns the truth about what happened from a classmate. She tries to warn Josh that Carla has a reputation as a drinker. Carla invites Josh to a party. Realizing the possibility of Dinah's story, he agrees to be the designated driver. But when Josh walks in and sees Carla chatting it up with her ex-boyfriend, he loses his will power and has a few beers. By the time Carla tracks him down to explain, it's too late. Josh tells Carla that neither of them are in any shape to drive -- he'll call his father and he'll come pick them up. Headstrong and in denial, Carla figures that she can handle it. Josh takes the keys from her, but some friends pressure him into giving her back the keys. She takes off. On the way home, Russell and Josh spot the wreckage from an accident. Carla is rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition. With the damage done, Josh comes forward and admits that he's to blame. That though he wasn't aware of Carla's state, he agreed to switch places with Carla, and that he lied to his parents to maintain their story to the cops. While Carla recuperates in the hospital, Erasmus tries to talk some sense into her, that alcohol and destructive behavior may be her way of "acting out" toward a father who neglects her, but she's going to be the one who suffers.