Ben

When I rewatched the series when the blu-rays came out, I was so mad at myself for never realizing before how much this episode is an homage to Psycho--not just the plot, but a lot of the shots when Laura first goes into the house are straight out of that movie. And Mr. Pike is even played by Psycho's "California Charlie" car salesman, the guy who sells a car to Janet Leigh.

When I was in third grade and needed glasses I was ashamed and didn't want to admit to my parents I couldn't see. And I don't fully understand why either, except that maybe it shows how badly kids don't want to be seen as imperfect? Anyway I always thought that aspect of the episode was pretty perceptive of whoever wrote it. The "four eyes" teasing and Miss Beadle's four-eyes lovin' man, not so much. Did Miss Beadle ever even wear glasses before this episode?