Leave It to Beaver (TV Series) Wally's Track Meet (1961) User Reviews

Wally Gets in Trouble (Oh My!)

[MichaelMartinDeSapio · 9/10 · 21 September 2015]

The episode is notable in that it depicts Wally getting in trouble at school - a rare occurrence - and Beaver helping get his brother out of the trouble at great risk to himself.

On the eve of a big track meet, Eddie and Lumpy throw towels at Wally in the locker room; when Wally returns the favor, he gets caught by the coach and suspended from the team. Beaver then takes the admirable action of going to call on Lumpy and making him 'fess up that he was the one who started the towel fight (some talk about tortured consciences does the trick). We sense that Beaver understands the trouble Wally is in, having found himself in similar scrapes, and wants to help his brother out. We also have a scene between Lumpy and his father that fleshes out their dysfunctional relationship. Things are not all peaches and cream by the end of the episode (Wally still can't go to the track meet), but the coach has learned the truth, Eddie and Lumpy are duly punished, and Wally has learned a lesson about succumbing to anger. All in all, a strong Wally-centered episode.

Another wonderful episode, but with a faulty premise !

[tweiss-67368 · 9/10 · 29 September 2021]

A very well written episode that explores another intricacy of life among guys growing up . The problem is that Ward, and the show, see the problem as the loss of Wally's temper. What the show fails to realize is that there are many more interesting factors involved that even Beaver pointed out. Wally didn't just lose his temper, he was merely engaging in a playful exercise that everyone goes through. This is how friends bond even more closely. The coach totally misinterpreted the incident and overreacted. He should have talked to them , just as Beaver later did with Lumpy, and at least found out a little more about it. And it's so ironic that in this episode, Beaver was the astute role model for the adults !

Maybe some rats can change their spots

[pensman · 8/10 · 5 April 2017]

Wrong place, wrong time story. But best is the beginning when June chastises Ward for buying books as a dodge to avoid talking to her. He eventually capitulates and says why not just sit around and watch TV like idiots rather than improve their minds.

There is going to be an away track meet; and the coach says anyone fooling around on the bus this time will be suspended from the team. And as he walks out both Eddie and Lumpy attack Wally with wet towels. The coach walks back in and catches Wally and immediately suspends him. If Coach Henderson knows Eddie as well as Wally says, then he should have known exactly what happened after he left the locker room. And I am sure when the coach asks Wally if he was having a gay time throwing towels around by himself, most people will chuckle.

Wally tells his dad what happened and that he has been suspended, and as he is doing so the phone rings with Fred Rutherford calling to rub it in; adding that Clarence will have to uphold the honor of the team. Definitely dramatic irony, we know Lumpy and Eddie are the culprits, but Wally holds to snitches get stitches. Wait, definitely wrong decade. Wally is acting like a man by taking a punishment. Yes, he did throw a towel but we know the context, even if he just doesn't want to be a squealer.

Wally tells Beaver the entire story, and Beaver suggests maybe Lumpy and Eddie will confess at the last minute. Wally wonders where Beaver gets his crazy ideas. Beaver tries to convince Lumpy to tell the truth, or he will feel like a rat; but no go, Lumpy says he doesn't want his father to hit him. Wally appreciates Beaver's efforts, and is surprised at his courage in confronting a kid so much bigger and older, even if it was Clarence. Beaver didn't even try Eddie as Beaver knows Eddie will always be a rat.

Lumpy actually tells his father that he is going to tell the coach the truth; Fred isn't happy but does call the coach. Beaver now expects Wally will get to go, but Ward says Wally still threw a towel and so he is still guilty. Beaver is still confused as he feels Wally acted in self-defense. A harsh lesson about personal responsibility and accepting the consequences of our choices. And in a slightly more perfect world, I would agree with Ward. Nothing wrong in wanting our children to be better than we were; but what to do in a world where so many are teaching the exact opposite?

No faulty premise here.

[pmike-11312 · 8/10 · 28 February 2024]

While others think that the coach (and Ward) should let Wally off the hook because Lumpy and Eddie started the towel-throwing and besides, it's just youthful fun that "everyone" did. So, how else does a parent teach their kids to do and act properly and obey rules? (obviously, the parents of the poster in question didn't). No, all three deserve the punishment. Period. And it's no over-reaction. It's called teaching and discipline.

For the GenY & Z crowd, just think of it as a Gold Star for Participation.

Now for the "don't bother reading this as it's to fulfill the posting requirements for the site" part.

Good show

[LukeCoolHand · 8/10 · 6 September 2023]

Like I said in my previous post. Most of the time after a couple of duds the writers come with one or two pretty good episodes. This episode was pretty good. I rated it about an 8 and the next episode about a six. Beaver turns out to be the mediator wich is rarely seen. He is usually the one who gets in trouble and lies to cover it up but as the good mediator it was really a stretch for his character.

Anyway this episosde really elevated Lumpy to a good guy after listening to Beave making him connect with his conscience. Nice to see Lumpy Rutherford as a good guy in the end. They need more episodes featuring Lumpy and Eddie.

Classic episode

[vitoscotti · 9/10 · 10 June 2021]

A very interesting, complex episode. Shows Wally & Beaver's intense loyalty to each other. Lumpy & Eddie's bad sides. Then, a glimpse at Lumpy's rarely seen good side. Ward breaks his oath to not be a domineering sports father, and plans a trip to Wally's track meet. Then it's the Colonial House for supper. I was wondering if the boys would bring obligatory suits jackets and ties for even a casual day. But the trip never happens. My neighboring city had a Colonial House restaurant. It was really good. Eddie as the team manager always intrigued me. A lowly, thankless, smelly towel fetcher job. Doesn't seem Eddie's thing. Good idea though. It puts Eddie in the sports mix. The track coach is paunchy, and out of shape which is funny. Coach Henderson (John Close) is another LITB actor that died really young (1963, 42). Fred's first wife died really young too amoung others. And Fred. Lumpy tells Beaver of his fear of getting beat up by his father. Pretty common back then. But look how better the kids turned out compared to todays kids with delinquent fathers. I give it 9/10.

THAT'S RIGHT, YOU'RE WRONG!

[tcchelsey · 10/10 · 15 February 2024]

One of those "life's little tricks" episodes that rings true to all of us kids, and even to this day.

Basically, it's a "code of honor" story, popular in so many other sitcoms, too. This time, it's Wally's turn to face the music, and does he ever. After track team practice, goofy guys Eddie and Lumpy have an old fashioned towel fight in the locker room, innocent bystander Wally tosses a towel their way --just as the coach walks in -- and HE'S suspended from the track team. OMG.

Naturally, this could all be solved. If Wally tells the real story to the coach (played by John Close), he'll get back on the team, but he'll also be a rat for finking out Eddie and Lumpy. Code of honor on steroids.

Wally tells the dreary tale to Ward, but Ward really can't help him because it's his mess all the way. What a terrible lesson to learn, however it takes Beave to connect with Lumpy to maybe right a terrible wrong. A good brother helping another good brother.

10 Stars.

Gregarious Fred Rutherford (Richard Deacon) also makes another memorable appearance. Can't get enough of this guy!

An absolute gem written by producers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher, who as I have written about earlier, should have written every single episode. Does not get any better than this.

If you're a Beaver fan, you will see the re-working of this story right off the bat. There were several stories in which Beave had to also follow the same "code of honor' among lousy friends. Ain't it the truth.

On a sad note, popular actor John Close, who appeared in numerous tv shows and movies, was killed in a car accident a few years after this episode in Palm Springs.

SEASON 4 EPISODE 18 remastered. 1961.

Wally's The One That Got Caught

[StrictlyConfidential · 5/10 · 17 November 2020]

(*June to Ward quote*) - "And you couldn't possibly improve your mind by talking to me?"

Mayfield High is up against Lynwood at the next track meet and it looks like Wally Cleaver is raring for a real challenge.

But, unfortunately, that slimy scoundrel, Eddie Haskell initiates some serious trouble in the locker room that prompts Coach Henderson to remove Wally from the team.

When Beaver gets wind of Wally's dilemma he makes a point of laying a guilt trip on Lumpy Rutherford who was a direct part of Haskell's naughty mischief.