Charlene wants to make a fashion statement with a very expensive new coat, but the coat can speak for itself (really), and it leads her into a vain attempt to achieve status.
This episode mainly dealt with teen peer pressure to become popular by buying expensive clothing just to be noticed, something that still goes on to this day.
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Fran: Earl, our daughter is turning into a social-climbing snob.
Earl: They grow up oh so fast.
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Fran: Earl, did you hear that? Charlene's coat just said we're bad parents.
Earl: Charlene who?
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Earl: Let me tell you something little girl. You don't need fancy clothes.
Charlene: Oh, please.
Earl: Look at me. All I have is this one shirt, and I command respect wherever I go.
(Ethyl runs into Earl with her wheelchair)Earl: Ow!
Ethyl: Out of my way, you worthless sack of fat.
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Lynyrd Skynyrd:
When Robbie receives a phone call for Charlene, we can see he is watching DTV (Dinomusic Television) which features an interview with Lyzzard Skyzzard's guitarist.
This is a take on one of America's greatest rock bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd.
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