The WORST episodes of Step by Step
Every episode of Step by Step ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Step by Step!
Set in Port Washington, Wisconsin, Frank Lambert, a divorced contractor with 3 children, sons J.T. and Brendan and daughter Al, impulsively marries Carol Foster, a widowed beautician who also has 3 children, daughters Dana and Karen and son Mark. Both were residents of Port Washington, but met while vacationing separately in Jamaica. Their children are surprised and angered when they learn of the marriage. Stories depicted typical situations of a new blended family, their differences causing arguments and resentments between them, but the family eventually growing to tolerate and develop loyalty to one another
#1 - Take This Job and ...
Season 7 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/10/1997
JT loses his fourth job of the month and can't even afford a date with Sam. JT convinces Sam to get her boss to hire him as an apprentice mechanic. JT is terrible and Sam is forced to fire him on the second day after he nearly kills the boss, twice. JT is frustrated and angry, but the only sympathy he gets is from the people who lost the pool (of how many days he would last at this job). Carol advises JT to not lose Sam because he is too proud to say, "I'm sorry." After JT apologizes to Sam, he gets a job that he is good at-- as a giant weiner. Meanwhile, Frank is delighted when he receives a dilapidated boat in lieu of payment on a job. He spends every free, waking hour fixing the boat. He annoys the whole family, and even though Carol supports him in front of the kids, she is concerned. Frank explains to Carol that his dream at one time was to buy a really nice boat and go sailing on the weekend. While he loved all seven kids, the only opportunity for
#2 - Don't Ask
Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/3/1995
Frank and Carol are overwhelmed by caring for everyone. Karen might get her big chance as a singer. Cody receives a surprise when he orders from a Russian mail-order catalogue.
#3 - The Case of the Missing Diary
Season 3 - Episode 21 - Aired 4/29/1994
Cody is writing a 40's style mystery for his creative writing class. He gets an idea when Karen proclaims her diary is missing. His pun-filled story is played out by the Lambert/Foster family. Kitty Meow (Karen), who sings in the famous trio the Andrews step-sisters, lost her diary. The suspects are as follows: the other two Andrew's step-sisters (Dana and Al), the establishment's piano player (Brendan), comic (JT), and other singing act, Miss Honey Dew (Carol). With the help of the lab technician (Mark), Sam Spud (Cody) discovers it was Honey Dew. In real life, Al turns out to be the one who misplaced Karen's diary.
#4 - Shear Madness
Season 6 - Episode 22 - Aired 8/1/1997
Jean-Luc is asked to cut Hillary Clinton's hair and is so nervous he wants to decline the opportunity. He is finally able to decipher(through a conversation with Carol) that it all stems from his depression from his divorce. Frank disapproves of yet another of Al's dates. He then meets a guy just like him who he goes shopping with and sets up him up with Al. Al goes on a date with him, but afterward makes Frank agree to not interfere with her date life. She does, however, let him chase off a particularly bad date.
#5 - Roadie
Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/17/1995
Cody could leave town to tour with a rock star. Frank becomes obsessed with the kids' car.
#6 - How the West Was Won
Season 6 - Episode 10 - Aired 5/9/1997
Frank's disappointment over the kids not cleaning up the house leads him to dream he's in the wild west, circa 1880. Here, it's up to the inebriated Sheriff Frank to clean up an rid the town of the vile, French gunslinger, Black Bart (aka Jean-Luc), who has a mind for trouble and his eyes on the sheriff's girl -- the lovely Miss Kitty (aka Carol).
#7 - We're Going to Disney World (1)
Season 5 - Episode 22 - Aired 5/3/1996
Frank's mother offers the entire family a trip to Disney World the weekend of Frank and Carol's anniversary. Flash shows up to return Frank's hammer and ends up staying the weekend, and over the weekend he visits more rides than anyone in the history of Disney World has beating out a Russian and bringing the title back to America. JT and Rich dip into their apartment fund to get Rich to come. JT poses as J.T. Disney and ends up spending the whole fund trying to attract 2 girls. They go different ways for a few hours until JT ""redeems"" himself by selling his plain ticket and agreeing to ride the bus back with Rich. Karen enters a country music contest with Dana and Al as backup singers but gets rid of them because they aren't dedicated enough. When she gets on stage the first time, though, she realizes that she needs them.After a little making up Al and Dana agree to re join the group and they rock the house with ""Girls with Guitars"" By ""Wynona""
#8 - Birth of a Salesman
Season 3 - Episode 19 - Aired 3/11/1994
Urged by his parents to either apply to college or find a job, JT gets a part-time position as an assistant salesman in a used-car lot. Not only does he actually enjoy his new job, but it turns out that he's incredibly good at selling cars. He thanks Carol for getting him off his keister and making him get a job. He dreams of one day owning the car lot and gets in a commercial for the place. Dana is assigned to write an essay for her psychology class. After Mark and Karen's refusals, she has to hire Cody as a subject for her study. She writes that Cody is a nutcase, but her teacher claims that she is close-minded. She gets a ""D"" on the paper and has to do a makeup assignment on one person's dreams for a week, and although Cody volunteers, she refuses.
#9 - Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio?
Season 4 - Episode 21 - Aired 4/28/1995
JT and Frank make a bet with Dana and Carol to wear a pregnancy outfit to see if they can cope and see how it is to be pregnant for 48 hours, but JT and Frank soon learn it's not easy being pregnant. They lose the bet and must get down on their knees and kiss Dana and Carol feet while they repeat that men are the weaker sex. Meanwhile, Brendan is stunned when his favorite baseball player turns out to be a ""dilweed.""
#10 - Dream Lover
Season 7 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/31/1997
After the cancellation of the best Halloween party in town, the clan (JT, Sam, Rich, Dana, Karen, and Al) decides to have a party in an abandoned, haunted house. They clean it up and the party turns out to be a success, and while everyone else is having a good time JT secludes himself to get advice from a ghost. He and Sam then break up yet remain friends. Lilly gets to have the house for her Halloween party and dresses like a sunflower. A friend of hers scares her. Lilly gets advice from Carol on how to deal with being scared and Lilly uses the advice to advise her friend who gets scared at the movie. Teddy T-Rex (Frank) was the life of the party-- he fell down the stairs and was attacked by the kids.
#11 - Maid to Order
Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/27/1995
J.T. hires a beautiful model to clean the house. Carol exposes her competitive nature when Karen competes to be head cheerleader.
#12 - Make Room for Daddy
Season 4 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/9/1994
Carol and Frank go on a romantic getaway, but Carol can think of nothing but the baby. Mark meets a girl, but is surprised by her appearance.
#13 - Double Date
Season 2 - Episode 24 - Aired 5/21/1993
Carol sets up Karen with Freddy, who is a 153 on Karen's grading scale. Karen, however, prefers Jeffrey (a 195). Despite disappointing Carol, Karen accepts a date with Jeffrey and dumps Freddy by lying to him. She sneaks out of the house to go with Jeff and they win Perfect Couple right after Freddy confronts Karen. She refuses the award and finishes the evening with Freddy. Carol does not like the way Frank organizes his money. She tries to make him use a male purse, but he refuses. He concentrates his efforts on putting an alarm on Lucille because Cody had his stereo stolen out of it. The alarm was so good Frank got stuck in the van demonstrating it.
#14 - The Facts of Life
Season 6 - Episode 19 - Aired 7/11/1997
Lilly sees Dana and Rich kissing, and proudly announces to Frank and Carol that Rich and Dana are going to have a baby. It becomes necessary that Lilly's parents tell her The Facts of Life. Lilly then shares her new wisdom during show and tell, which causes a conflict between Frank, Carol, and the parents of Lilly's best friend.They agree to overlook their differences for their children. After Jean-Luc tutors Al in French, he notices JT and Rich are into horse racing and helps them win some money. But when JT and Rich want to empty their college fund, Jean-Luc is forced to teach them an invaluable lesson about gambling.
#15 - Sex, Lies and Videotape
Season 6 - Episode 3 - Aired 3/21/1997
JT accepts the hasty marriage proposal made by Michelle, a sexy French woman ten years his senior, but as Jean-Luc discovers that there are some serious hidden strings attached. Michelle as it turns out is about to lose her visa and must return to France. So she tries to get JT to marry her so she can stay. Meanwhile, after Frank refuses to let him go and see Showgirls, Mark and his friends go the video store and discover ""Naughty Nurses"" in a video case of the Little Mermaid. After they get caught watching it in the Garage, Frank has a long talk with Mark.
#16 - Road Trip
Season 6 - Episode 2 - Aired 3/14/1997
JT and Rich convince Frank that they're mature enough to drive down to Mexico. After traveling almost the whole way they finally discover that Dana has stode away in the back seat. After reaching the border town of Tejada, they end up in jail, when Rich gives all his money to Dana and they can't pay for the burritos they just ate. Dana's mouthing off to the officer over what she sees as him trying to take advantage of her, only makes things worse. In the meantime, Carol has a bright idea. Frank should teach Jean-Luc how to drive. But for once he refuses and Carol takes her life in her own hands when she attempts to teach Jean-Luc herself.
#17 - The Bodyguard Formerly Known as Prince
Season 5 - Episode 20 - Aired 3/15/1996
Dana, Karen, and Al go to a ski lodge for a weekend and meet 3 good looking guys one of whom is the prince of Calderone. The prince(Karen's) wants people to like him for who he is, and henceforth makes his bodyguard(Dana's) claim to be the prince. This causes Dana to gloat and Karen to sulk. Meanwhile, Rich gives the remaining Lambert/Foster clan a chain letter which promises good luck if you keep the chain going and vice versa. Everyone except Brendan decides not to return the letters. Everyone gets orange hair (except Brendan) from using Carol's free samples while Rich gave his shampoo to his parents.
#18 - Macho Man
Season 6 - Episode 17 - Aired 6/27/1997
JT, Sam, Rich, Dana, and Al go miniature golfing, and Sam wins. She, also, wins in Ping-Pong, Arcade, batting cage, and Billiards. Then Sam runs to JT's aid when he is threatened by a poolhouse bully. He begins to feel inadequate and his dream about marrying Sam turns into a strange nightmare when Sam's machismo—and Rich's ribbing—get the best of JT. Meanwhile, Jean-Luc escorts a fearful Lilly to the doctor for a tetanus shot. Jean-Luc promises to be with her and hold her hand during the shot and she would get a lollipop afterwards. But Jean-Luc cut his hand and needs one, too. Jean-Luc and Lilly help each other be brave. Contributed By:Rustle
#19 - Beautiful Ladies of Wrestling
Season 5 - Episode 13 - Aired 1/12/1996
JT and Frank will do ANYTHING for Super Bowl tickets. They dress up like women and wrestle Assualt and Battery for 10 rounds to claim them. Meanwhile,Mark is placed in a school for the gifted. On his first day at the new school, Mark gets a ""C"" on a pop quiz. He neglects his friends and stays up all weekend studying. When Carol catches him, they decide that the new school is a step backward for Mark. Also, Cody ""invents"" clothing made from food when going camping. Without having to pack clothes or carry heavy food, it appears to be a good idea. However, Cody realizes that there are a lot of hungry animals in the woods.
#20 - Love, Port Washington Style
Season 2 - Episode 17 - Aired 2/12/1993
Dana has been dumped--AGAIN-- just before Valentine's Day. She acts real moody and volunteers to work a double shift at the 50's cafe, since she is dateless. When a customer does show up, Dana snaps at him and he responds kindly, yet with an irritation of his own. They end up dating, as Dana leaves work early. Carol is so busy in the beauty salon that she solicits Frank's assistance. Frank does his best, which is not good enough. Frank burns a bald spot in some girl's hair. While Carol has to spend hours talking to her parents, Frank's style becomes popular with the high school crowd.
#21 - Close Encounters of the Marital Kind
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/17/1993
Carol has just bought a book named ""Ten Minutes Per Day to a Better Marriage."" The book advised to tell each other a big secret. Carol tells him about a secret bank account with a lot of money in it. Frank feels betrayed and goes to his office to spend the night. Upon seeking support from Cody, Frank discovers that he was unsure in other areas (he had not thrown away his little black book). They realize that in the end they are better off for having told each other. Karen just passed her drivers license exam, creating three drivers (Dana, JT, and Karen) and no car. They decide it is time to buy their own car, but they can only come up with $400. JT manages to find an old Volkswagen Bug for $400. The car is a disaster and although Cody works on it, it is barely driveable. Cody and JT sell it for parts and get $425, and they keep the 8 track player with a Sonny and Cher 8 track.
#22 - Secret Admirer
Season 5 - Episode 16 - Aired 2/9/1996
Frank buys Carol a fake Swiss Rolet watch (for Valentine's Day) and pretends it is the real thing. Carol feels so bad about Frank spending too much money that she tries to return it, and gets thrown in jail. When Frank bails her out, she tells him that she loved the watch because it was from him, and that the most important thing is honesty. Frank sweeps Carol off her feet with one of Cody's letters, but Carol is even more impressed that he tells the truth about it. Dana gets dumped just before Valentine's Day and turns into the man-hater she can be. Cody writes her ""Secret Admirer"" love letters to help lighten her up, hence improving her personality. It works perfectly and allows Dana to get a boy that she really likes.
#23 - Poetic Justice
Season 7 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/17/1997
Karen has a professor (actually a teaching assistant) try to date her by influencing her with grades. Karen tells Dana about her predicament. Dana has the perfect plan to catch Jason in his own deceitful web. While a battery that does not keep going and going causes a hitch, the plan does end up working. Mark's date comes in all her glory for a date with Mark. Actually, she is repulsive to Frank and Carol, a source of comedy to Rich and JT, and a shocking match for Mark to everybody. Mark stays out past curfew, is grounded, and runs off in Frank's truck with this girl.
#24 - I'll Be Home for Christmas
Season 4 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/16/1994
It's christmas time at the Lambert/Foster's and J.T. decides he's to old to spend Christmas with the family and he wants to go skiing with his buddies.Frank doesn't want him to, but doesn't object.J.T. realizes the minute they arrive at the cabin that he made a mistake and would rather go home.He calls Cody and confesses, but refuses to call Frank.Cody talks Frank into going to see J.T. and he admits he would rather be home with the family and Frank says he wants him home too.
#25 - Too Many Santas
Season 7 - Episode 10 - Aired 12/19/1997
Lilly becomes disillusioned when she recognizes that it is J.T. portraying Santa Claus at the local department store. Meanwhile, J.T. pines for his former girlfriend Sam after finding a Christmas present that he bought for her back in July.