When the Space Shuttle Challenger blew up 73 seconds after its launch on January 8, 1986 my 11 year old son and his class witnessed it on the TV brought into their classroom for the special occasion of Sharon McAuliffe becoming the first "Teacher in Space." Needless to say all of the children were devastated by this tragedy.
When this episode aired two months after the fact I am sure it was meant as a tribute to Ms. McAuliffe and that those involved in its production had very good intentions.
But unfortunately all that this episode succeeded in doing in our house was bring back the terrible memories of that tragedy, reopening all of the pain that had slowly been receding.
Not only was my son so distraught that he could not even finish watching this episode, but he refused to watch any further episodes of "Punky Brewster." That was really a shame, as it was a quality show that we approved of his viewing.
I guess by this time, if the show is airing in syndication, it won't have this type of affect on most viewers because so much time has gone by. But even while typing this out, the memory of my son's pain still brings pain to me.moreless
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Episode Summary
The sudden explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle upsets Mike's entire third grade class, specifically Punky, who aspires to become an astronaut one day. As Mike tries to help his students understand the tragedy, Punky faces opposition from her classmates when she expresses that her dream for the future has not changed. That's when Mike hatches a plan to restore the kids' enthusiasm.moreless
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Soleil Moon Frye
Penelope "Punky" Brewster
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George Gaynes
Henry Warnimont
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T.K. Carter
Mike Fulton
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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Trivia
ADD TRIVIA- This episode was based on Soleil Moon Frye's real-life reaction to the Challenger space shuttle explosion. Edit
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Notes
ADD NOTES- "Accidents Happen" was the last Punky Brewster episode to be produced by, and aired on, NBC. Edit
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Quotes
ADD QUOTES- Punky: Wow! Buzz: Are you Punky? Hi. Punky: Are you sure you're really Buzz Aldrin? Buzz: I sure am. Punky: Get outta here! Edit
- Punky: Someday, Brandon, you and I are gonna go to the stars. Edit
- Mike: I'm sorry, Ma'am. I'm looking for Henry Warnimont. Henry [wearing a dress.]: Very funny, Mike. Edit
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Allusions
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Replies
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If you could own up to three pieces of Punky Brewster Memorbilia, which three
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