Episode 1.12

THE DELINQUENT
by Marianne Mosner

 

Directed by

Robert P. Chenault

GUEST CAST
Jackie Haley (Norm Briggs)

Hilly Hicks (Frank Carlin)

Larry Michaels (Doug Morgan)

 

SYNOPSIS
Norm is a disaffected loner, a young teen at a boy's outdoor camp who doesn't seem to like anyone. Frank, the camp counselor, can't seem to get the boy to open up. One day, Norm decides to take a canoe out onto the lake alone, even though he can't swim. The boat capsizes and Billy and Mentor, who just happen to be camping nearby, hear Norm's cries for help. Billy becomes Captain Marvel and saves the drowning boy. Afterwards, Frank tells Billy and Mentor about the troubled teen's problems and then the Elders call.

The Elders tell Billy needs to learn how to like himself before he can open up to others and that Billy should try to help the boy discover his own abilities. As a result of the conversation, Billy decides to lead the campers on a wilderness survival training course, giving special attention to Norm to help him to increase his self-esteem. Grouped in pairs with Billy taking Norm as his partner, the boys hike through the woods. When they approach a cliff, Billy nominates Norm to be the first to rappel down. At first the boy has some trouble, but with encouraging words from Billy, he is able to make it down safely.

Once the gang is back at camp, Frank expresses to Billy and Mentor how surprised he is at the positive change in Norm, but the boy overhears their conversation, and is convinced that Billy is only pretending to be his friend as a little project. Norm runs off into the woods, feeling upset and betrayed.

The whole camp learn of Norm's disappearance and pursue him into the woods, with Billy a mile or so ahead on his motorcycle. Billy finally finds Norm and tells him he truly cares about him, but the two struggle with each other a little bit and Billy falls down a hill, injured. At first, Norm runs away from the accident scene, but then returns to help Billy, only to be interrupted by a black bear! Norm bravely diverts the bear away from the injured Billy, but now it is he who is in danger. Regaining consciousness, Billy becomes Captain Marvel and tries to relocate Norm. Mentor finds the boy first and believes the only way to save Norm is to shoot the bear with his bow and arrow, but Marvel intervenes and grabs the arrow from the air before it strikes the animal. Seemingly startled, the bear hunkers off.

Later, Billy tells Norm how heroic he was and the other campers express interest in hearing Norm's story about what happened. Norm seems anxious to tell it - it appears Norm is a loner no more!

MORAL
To like others, we must first like ourselves.

Synopsis written by Mark C. Daniels

EPISODE TRIVIA