Beaver has invited an old friend of his, Jackie, over for the weekend. They are both full of excitement about rekindling their friendship and doing the old things they used to enjoy. Only as soon as they start to do the old stuff (play "Korea," swing on a tire swing), they realize they're bored with each other. They've outgrown these old games, and they're not the same kids they were before. They have learned the hard way that time has moved on and you can't recapture the past. Ward explains this to Beaver in his usual gentle understanding way at the end. In the meantime, the boys' weekend turns into a grating attempt to kill the time without going nuts. When Jackie's parents finally arrive to pick him up, both boys are relieved. Altogether a sobering episode, but a necessary lesson to learn as one grows older.
Review of Beaver's Old Buddy
