3. Father Knows Less

Complete story — includes the ending

Alan and Cory are making a sandwich to take to the Blue Angels navy flight demonstration. Unfortunately, the supermarket assistant manager, Lenny Spinelli, comes bringing bad news to Alan that there is chaos and broken shelves. Because he is the manager of the supermarket, Alan is forced to cancel his plans with Cory but promises to make it up to him. Later on, Alan wakes up Cory and invites him to watch the end of the Philadelphia Phillies game with him, even though it is late. In the class the next morning, Cory falls asleep and fails the test Mr. Feeny gave. Cory tries to explain to Mr. Feeny why he was sleepy, but he refuses to accept an excuse. Cory tells Alan and Amy, and Alan talks to Mr. Feeny. Mr. Feeny understands, but he refuses to change Cory's grade. Alan and Mr. Feeny get into an argument and Alan tells him that he doesn't understand because he doesn't have a son. Then, Lenny Spinelli returns to the Matthews household delivering more bad news. Cory accidentally throws a ball in Mr. Feeny's yard and is caught trying to get it. Mr. Feeny invites Cory and talks to him. He reveals that he wanted to spend time with his dad when he was younger to listen to President Truman's speech. But, Mr. Feeny's father refused, not because he had school the next day, but because he didn't want Mr. Feeny to be near his drinking buddies. Mr. Feeny tells Cory that it is important that a boy spends time with his father. Alan returns from dealing with the small fire at the supermarket, and sees Mr. Feeny and Cory talking. Alan sends Cory to bed and assures Mr. Feeny that Cory will go to bed on time. Cory asks Amy why adults change who is right, and she tells him that two adults can think differently about something. Even though he is confused, Cory is sure what Alan meant that he go to sleep on time. Alan them promises to Cory that he'll be there for him if he misses something. Guest stars: Willie Garson as Lenny Spinelli, Thomas Brown IV as TV Announcer