#113 INDEPENDENCE DAY (Original air date: 01/14/97)
 

Written by:	Debbie Smith & Danna Doyle
Directed by:	Burt Brinckerhoff
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Bob	Chris Burke
Marie	Jessica Hecht
Jeff	Jason Beghe

The Greenes travel to Great Falls, Montana to visit Russell's cousin, Jeff, and his wife, Marie--and meet their six-month-old baby, Hailey. Jeff and Marie's marriage is under increasing strain since Hailey's birth and becoming legal guardian of Jeff's twenty-year old brother, Bob, who has Down's Syndrome. Part of the problem is that Jeff has not been attentive to his wife's needs--who is now overwhelmed. Worse still, Bob has become the scapegoat for all their problems. When Hattie learns that Jeff and Marie haven't had a night to themselves in six months, she insists they spend the night elsewhere while the Greenes watch Hailey and Bob. Claire notices that Bob is actually quite capable of helping with the baby--and has been wanting to have a greater role in his niece's life. Jeff and Marie return the next day, refreshed--and resolved to put Bob in an institution. Bob overhears the conversation and flees. Nathaniel finds him hiding beneath a pile of clothes in the trailer and pleads with Russell to let Bob live with them. Russell listens to Bob's point of view and urges him to tell Jeff. Bob confronts Jeff for the first time--asking to be part of Hailey's life and for greater independence. Jeff begins to see Bob in a new light and agrees to start anew. Life Goes On star Chris Burke guest stars as the irrepressible "Bob".

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