Breaking Point is the 10th episode of the Second Season and the 23rd episode overall of "The Facts Of Life." It first aired on January 21, 1981.
Synopsis[]
Blair is in the process of becoming the new Student Council President, but she's being opposed by Cynthia, the daughter of a diplomat. However, when the votes are counted, it's revealed that Cynthia has won. Blair will become Vice President, which horrifies her. She becomes jealous, but Tootie and Cynthia bond as friends. Cynthia even gives Tootie a necklace as a gift, but when she learns her father is off on a diplomatic mission to Berlin, Germany, the others think she'll be off to join him. This comforts Blair who thinks it will result in her becoming the new president, but Cynthia crushes her dreams by saying she won't be leaving Eastland Academy.
A few days later, Blair is depressed and wearing her bathrobe. Jo chides her for being a sore loser. Tootie and Natalie discover Cynthia unconscious next to an empty bottle of pills and Mrs. Garrett has Blair call for an ambulance. It's to no avail when it's revealed Cynthia has died. As the girls collect her possessions, Jo looks through Cynthia's diary to try to make sense of her suicide. It turns out that Cynthia's parents were getting a divorce, and the consequences were overwhelming her. Tootie is taking her death the hardest and wants to return her necklace. After Mrs. Garrett reveals what drives teenagers to suicide, the girls suggest starting a hotline where students can talk to others and open up. As the girls leave Cynthia's room, Tootie returns and takes back the necklace to remember Cynthia.
Cast[]
Main Cast[]
- Charlotte Rae as Edna Garrett
- Lisa Whelchel as Blair Warner
- Nancy McKeon as Jo Polniaczek
- Kim Fields as Tootie Ramsey
- Mindy Cohn as Natalie Green
Guest Cast[]
Trivia[]
- Coming Up
Quotes[]
- Coming Up
Gallery[]
- Coming Up