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Stubborn Streaks

Album: 42: No Way Out

Episode: 538

Lesson/Theme: Admitting you're wrong

Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:15

Characters: Bart, Jared, Liz, Mandy, Bernard, Tom

Writer: Nathan Hoobler

Sound Designer: Jonathan Crowe

Original Air Date: February 14, 2004

Last Air Date: February 19, 2010

Description:
Liz is torn. She's still having her feud with Mandy (see "Seeing Red"). But now Mandy is writing, directing, and starring in her first play...and, as a writer for the school paper, Liz thinks it's terrible. She gives her honest opinion, knowing that Mandy will take it personally. Only, Mandy takes it very personally; she thinks Liz wrote a negative review just to hurt her. The window washing business isn't what it used to be, Bernard Walton complains. His best customers are leaving him, and he doesn’t know why. With his eye on a new truck, he had been picking up clients left and right... In charge of sets and lighting for Mandy’s play, Jared suggests that they make some changes to the play. Mandy reluctantly agrees, even though the changes are from Liz. Jared relays the to Liz, inviting her to come see the play again. "Man, I wish they’d make up," he sighs. (See "Split Ends" for more on this storyline.) Rushing from customer to customer, Bernard finally asks Jack Allen why he’s been losing business. Jack minces no words: "You’re either too busy to show up or too rushed to do the job right," he says. The window washer realizes he’s been too proud to admit his wrong, and thanks Jack for the truth. He even corrects the problem by dumping his most cantankerous customer: Bart Rathbone!

Questions:
Tom Riley told Bernard at the very beginning that his low standards were the problem. Why didn’t Bernard listen? How was Mandy stubborn? Do you remember a time when you couldn’t admit you were wrong? What made you finally admit it?