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Step by Step - S03E12 - Close Encounters of the Marital Kind
 

Step by Step season 3 episode 12

Close Encounters of the Marital Kind

 
Carol has just bought a book named ""Ten Minutes Per Day to a Better Marriage."" The book advised to tell each other a big secret. Carol tells him about a secret bank account with a lot of money in it. Frank feels betrayed and goes to his office to spend the night. Upon seeking support from Cody, Frank discovers that he was unsure in other areas (he had not thrown away his little black book). They realize that in the end they are better off for having told each other. Karen just passed her drivers license exam, creating three drivers (Dana, JT, and Karen) and no car. They decide it is time to buy their own car, but they can only come up with $400. JT manages to find an old Volkswagen Bug for $400. The car is a disaster and although Cody works on it, it is barely driveable. Cody and JT sell it for parts and get $425, and they keep the 8 track player with a Sonny and Cher 8 track.
 
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Step by Step / S03E12 : Close Encounters of the Marital Kind
Season 3, Episode 12 | Aired on December 17, 1993 | TV-G | 25 min. | CBS
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EPISODES
Season 3
Season 3
Season 3
Season 7
Season 6
Season 5
Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1
 
 
  • Step by Step - Episode 1 - Way-Off Broadway
    Episode 1
    Way-Off Broadway
  • Step by Step - Episode 2 - The Apartment
    Episode 2
    The Apartment
  • Step by Step - Episode 3 - Never on Sunday
    Episode 3
    Never on Sunday
  • Step by Step - Episode 4 - The Paper Chase
    Episode 4
    The Paper Chase
  • Step by Step - Episode 5 - Trading Places
    Episode 5
    Trading Places
  • Step by Step - Episode 6 - Video Mania
    Episode 6
    Video Mania
  • Step by Step - Episode 7 - Hog Wild
    Episode 7
    Hog Wild
  • Step by Step - Episode 8 - Down and Out in Port Washington
    Episode 8
    Down and Out in Port Washington
  • Step by Step - Episode 9 - The Marrying Dude
    Episode 9
    The Marrying Dude
  • Step by Step - Episode 10 - Sister Act
    Episode 10
    Sister Act
  • Step by Step - Episode 11 - Christmas Story
    Episode 11
    Christmas Story
  • Step by Step - Episode 12 - Close Encounters of the Marital Kind
    Episode 12
    Close Encounters of the Marital Kind
  • Step by Step - Episode 13 - Bad Girls
    Episode 13
    Bad Girls
  • Step by Step - Episode 14 - Read All About It
    Episode 14
    Read All About It
  • Step by Step - Episode 15 - Thirteen with a Bullet
    Episode 15
    Thirteen with a Bullet
  • Step by Step - Episode 16 - My Bodyguard
    Episode 16
    My Bodyguard
  • Step by Step - Episode 17 - Pretty Woman
    Episode 17
    Pretty Woman
  • Step by Step - Episode 18 - Nightmare Weekend
    Episode 18
    Nightmare Weekend
  • Step by Step - Episode 19 - Birth of a Salesman
    Episode 19
    Birth of a Salesman
  • Step by Step - Episode 20 - Feeling Forty
    Episode 20
    Feeling Forty
  • Step by Step - Episode 21 - The Case of the Missing Diary
    Episode 21
    The Case of the Missing Diary
  • Step by Step - Episode 22 - Great Expectations
    Episode 22
    Great Expectations
  • Step by Step - Episode 23 - Prom Night
    Episode 23
    Prom Night

Step by Step season 3 episode 12 Recap and FAQ

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Episode Summary

In a comedic blend of family dynamics, Karen passes her driving test, leading to discussions about teenage driving and car ownership. JT buys a dilapidated car, sparking humorous reactions and mechanical woes. Meanwhile, Carol and Frank navigate marital challenges, confronting hidden insecurities and fears about their relationship's longevity. They engage in awkward but heartfelt exercises from a self-help book, leading to revelations and a rekindled connection. The episode culminates with the sale of JT's car, underscoring themes of family support and the value of open communication.

Full Episode S03E12 Recap

### Opening Scene: Family Banter in the Kitchen - The Lambert family gathers in the kitchen. - Frank and Carol share a cookie, much to the annoyance of their children. - Dana and JT bicker about their parents' display of affection. - Karen announces she has passed her driving test, to mixed reactions from the family. ### Discussion About a New Car - The younger members of the family propose pooling their money to buy a car. - Frank is skeptical, joking about their lack of funds. - JT finds a cheap car in the classifieds, but it's clearly in poor condition. - Frank jokes about their unrealistic expectations. ### Carol's Attempt to Improve Her Marriage - Carol buys a self-help book to strengthen her marriage with Frank. - They attempt exercises from the book, including writing love notes. - Their efforts are comically misunderstood by their co-worker Virgil. ### JT's Car Purchase and the Family's Reactions - JT buys a car with the money he and the girls pooled together. - The family is unimpressed with the car's dilapidated condition. - They make light of its numerous mechanical issues and outdated features. ### Carol and Frank's Marital Tensions - Carol reveals she had doubts about their marriage lasting, causing tension with Frank. - They argue over a secret savings account Carol had and Frank's old little black book. - Their argument escalates, highlighting their insecurities and fears. ### Resolution and Lessons Learned - Cody repairs JT's car, but it's still unreliable. - Insurance costs for the car prove to be too expensive for the teens. - JT decides to drive without insurance, leading to more problems. - Frank and Carol reconcile, acknowledging their initial doubts but reaffirming their love. - They understand the importance of trust and honesty in their relationship. - The car is eventually sold for parts, with JT sentimentally keeping a memento.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who passed their driving test in the episode?

Karen passed her driving test.

What was the family's reaction to Karen getting her driver's license?

The reactions were mixed, with some congratulations and others expressing concern about another teenage driver.

What did Carol buy to improve her marriage?

Carol bought a self-help book titled "Ten Minutes A Day To A Better Marriage".

How did Frank and Carol try to improve their marriage?

They attempted exercises from the book, like writing each other love notes and being honest about secrets.

What was the condition of the car JT bought?

The car was in poor condition, with numerous mechanical issues and outdated features.

Why did Carol have a secret savings account?

Carol wasn't sure their marriage would last and wanted to protect her children.

What caused tension between Carol and Frank?

Carol's secret savings account and Frank's old little black book created trust issues.

How did the family react to JT's car?

They were unimpressed and made jokes about its condition.

What was the cost of insuring the car for three teenagers?

The insurance cost was $4600 a year.

Why did JT decide to drive without insurance?

He couldn't afford the insurance but wanted to drive the car regardless.

What were the main problems with JT's car?

It needed numerous repairs and was unreliable.

How did Frank and Carol resolve their argument?

They discussed their fears and insecurities, ultimately reaffirming their love for each other.

What did JT keep as a memento from his first car?

JT kept an eight-track tape player from the car.

 
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