The Kids Are Alright season 1 episode 12 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In 1972, a family watches the Vietnam Draft Lottery, coping with the tension through humor and distractions. The father makes cynical remarks, while the sons discuss their potential futures and deferment options. As draft dates are called, the family's reactions vary from pride to fear. Meanwhile, magic tricks serve as a metaphor for their desire to escape the harsh realities of the draft.

Full Episode S01E12 Recap

### Draft Lottery Night - The episode opens in 1972 at the family home during the Vietnam Draft Lottery, broadcast from Selective Service Headquarters in Washington, D.C. - Family tension is evident as they watch the lottery, knowing the potential consequences could directly affect Eddie and Lawrence. - Frank complains about burned popcorn, a mundane issue amidst the serious backdrop of the draft. ### The Family's Struggle with Honesty - The family has a difficult time addressing the true implications of the draft and the lottery. - Lawrence makes dark jokes about the country providing a gun and a pine box for those drafted, highlighting his cynical outlook on the government's care. - The family discusses deferment options and other ways to avoid the draft, including moving to Canada, which is dismissed as un-American by the father. ### Draft Lottery Selection Process - The process of selecting draft dates is shown as both absurd and grim, with a congressman randomly pulling dates, impacting young men's futures. - Eddie tries to remain hopeful, mentioning his desire to serve like his father did in WWII, though he is corrected about the current war's context. ### Lawrence's Draft Notice - The scene shifts to Lawrence revealing he has lost his deferment and is now drafted, shocking the family. - Discussions about deferments, including drastic weight loss and other means to avoid the draft, are humorously but anxiously discussed. - The family copes with the news with humor and magic tricks, an attempt to lighten the heavy mood. ### The Milk Magic Trick - Timmy performs a magic trick with milk that baffles Frank, creating a distraction from the draft discussions. - Despite Frank's insistence on understanding the trick, the family urges him to appreciate the mystery rather than solve it. ### Draft and Family Reactions - As birthdays are called, the family reacts with a mix of pride, fear, and resignation. - The episode explores different family members' coping mechanisms, from jokes to outright denial of the reality of the draft. - The discussion touches on broader themes of duty, sacrifice, and the personal impact of national policies. ### Closing Thoughts - The episode ends with the family still grappling with the outcomes of the lottery. - The juxtaposition of ordinary life, represented by the ongoing magic trick and popcorn, against the extraordinary circumstances of the draft lottery creates a poignant finale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year does the draft lottery scene take place?

1972.

Where is the Vietnam Draft Lottery broadcasted from?

Selective Service Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

What are the main concerns of Eddie and Lawrence regarding the draft?

Eddie hopes to not be drafted until after high school, while Lawrence is unexpectedly drafted after losing his deferment.

How does the family react to the draft lottery?

They display a mix of humor, tension, and cynicism, using magic tricks and dark jokes to cope.

What deferment options are discussed by the family?

Lawrence mentions drastic weight loss and moving to Canada, though the latter is dismissed as un-American.

How does the family use humor to deal with their anxiety about the draft?

They make jokes about the absurdity of the situation, including the quality of flags and the prospect of moving to Canada.

What is the significance of the magic trick in the episode?

It serves as a metaphor for the family's desire to escape reality and distract themselves from the stress of the draft.

How does the episode portray the government's handling of the draft?

It is depicted as bureaucratic and insensitive, with young men's fates determined by random lottery draws.

What themes are explored in the episode?

Duty, sacrifice, government responsibility, and the impact of national decisions on individual families.

How does the episode conclude?

The family continues to struggle with the implications of the draft, using distractions and humor to manage their fears.

The Kids Are Alright season 1 episode 12

Vietnam