User Reviews

Ward is happy that he got a confirmation they will get the same cabin this summer at the lake. Beaver is ready to go now; but Wally is sort of indifferent, Wally says his teacher says that's normal for teenagers.

This will be the twelfth trip to Lake Crescent and for Ward it's memories. Wally would like to pursue his own memories with Lori-Ann, the new librarian. Beaver sussed out what's going on; and when Wally tries to explain his reluctance to go on the family vacation because of his job, Beaver spills the beans. Ward is inclined to let Wally stay behind for the two weeks, but he has a caveat: however, before Ward can say anything, Wally announces he will see if he can stay with Eddie or Lumpy for the two weeks so he won't be alone. Ward has been stymied.

When Wally approaches Eddie to stay with him; Eddie claims he wants to go to the lake with Wally. The rich babes will be staying at the lake. Anyway, Eddie says he will be glad to have Wally stay, for five dollars a week rent. Mrs. Haskell has already called June to let her know there is no problem with Wally staying over; and her son will not be collecting rent. Wally finally admits the problem isn't his job, it's Lori-Ann.

June is still sad that Wally won't be going with them. Ward tells June the story of how he ditched a family vacation because he had something to do that he thought was more important than being with his family. What could possibly be more important, June wants to know. It was Ward's first date with June.

At the library, things have taken a turn. Wally tells Lori-Ann how he arranged it to stay home for the entire summer so they will have extra time together. But Lori-Ann won't be there, she's going away for the entire summer with her parents. Sorry, but it would break her mom's heart if she wasn't with them. Wally understands the importance of family, right? The car is packed and the Cleavers are off. Wally doesn't tell his parents about the shift in his love life, and as they are driving away they stop to say good-bye to Eddie. Eddie Haskell who lets the Cleavers know he will be there to support their broken-hearted boy, and only for five dollars a week. Forget it, Beaver says, your mom already spoke with my mom.

Quick turn around and the Cleavers are pulling into their driveway. They have to get Wally to complete the family vacation. Wally apologizes, he didn't tell them because he had behaved so badly. You are always a member of the family says June, get packed. And a happy Wally starts loading his stuff into the car. The importance of family has been reestablished, and the Cleaver clan is complete and happy.

My age betrays me as I watch these episodes and am old enough now to have been the boys' grandfather. Some might see this series five conclusion as just schmaltz with its strong message on family, but maybe we all need a strong reminder of how important family can be or should be in a better world.

There is one part of this story where the writers really drop the ball. Teenage Wally doesn't want to go on vacation with the family because there's a girl he likes in town he doesn't want to leave. After some discussion with his parents it's decided he doesn't have to go on the trip to the lake. On his own, Wally decides the responsible thing is to stay with the Haskell's rather than have the Cleaver house to himself. Huh? Yes! Okay, Wally can be pretty darn responsible so the audience can buy that reasoning. But here's where the script really goes off the beam. Wally tells Eddie his parents and the Beaver are going to be gone for two weeks and asks if he can stay over at his house. Eddie tells him that'll be fine. (To be fair, Eddie DID say he would charge Wally rent) But Wally does not, I repeat, DOES NOT even suggest that he and Wally stay at the Cleaver house themselves. In that situation, how on earth could EDDIE HASKELL not be doing everything in his power to talk Wally into allowing them to have the time of their lives, living like swinging bachelors for two weeks throwing the coolest parties of the year?! Eddie should've been all over that. "It's the chance of a lifetime! We'll look like big shots in front of the ladies. I'm tellin' ya, Sam, we'll have it made!"