Top 10 Times Boy Meets World Tackled Serious Issues
#10: Marriage “The Honeymoon Is Over”
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Cory and Topanga get a rude awakening when they return from their honeymoon and realize there’s a lot more to marriage than pretty new jewelry. In fact, the couple never worked out a sustainable solution for where they would live. Thanks to some poor planning and communication, Topanga’s room is no longer hers. And this time, the Matthews aren’t bailing them out. Alan makes it clear that they made an adult decision, and have to face everything - good and bad - that comes with it. But luckily, Cory and Topanga learn their lesson, and spruce up the crummy married dorm in the following episodes.
#9: Misogyny “Chick Like Me”
Shawn doesn’t typically give much thought to the way he treats women. But that changes when he disguises himself as one for an article in the school paper. After transforming into Veronica, he goes on a date with Gary in a bid to really understand the female experience. Soon enough, he realizes that he’s not being valued for anything other than his looks. In fact, his date tries to get handsy and refuses to back off. The experience helps Shawn understand the disrespect and sexism women face in the dating world, and allows him to examine his own past behavior in the process.
#8: Adoption “Can I Help to Cheer You?”
Eric often acts as comic relief on “Boy Meets World”, but this storyline is a beautiful tragedy. While acting as a store Santa, he meets an orphan named Tommy who longs to have a family and he essentially becomes his big brother. They develop a lovely relationship as the season progresses. But things get complicated later on, as another family wants to adopt the boy while Eric is conflicted about doing so himself. It’s far from easy, but he ultimately does the right thing and gives Tommy up. Their goodbye is absolutely heartbreaking, and seeing the devastation on Eric’s face never gets easier. But thankfully, they reunite years later on “Girl Meets World”, and give us all some much needed closure.
#7: Cults “Cult Fiction”
Shawn often deals with feelings of loneliness, due in large part to the way his family repeatedly abandons him. There’s no doubt that the Matthews’ and Mr. Turner form a wonderful support system. But he always seems to feel like something’s missing. So when he comes across a cult he thinks can help fill the void inside him, he’s eager to join. Everybody wants to save him, but he’s under the organization’s spell and can’t see things clearly at first. However, when Mr. Turner gets into a wreck, Shawn does some soul-searching. Ultimately, he realizes who his real family is.
#6: Double Standards “Wake Up, Little Cory”
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In this episode, Cory and Topanga accidentally fall asleep at school while working late on an assignment. Naturally, in the morning, everyone assumes they were intimate. He doesn’t exactly correct the mistake, and is hailed a hero as a result. But she doesn’t receive the same praise, and is understandably upset. The scene where Topanga confronts Cory about the way he’s letting everyone believe the rumors is nothing short of powerful. It helps him understand the double standards that exist in such scenarios. It’s not so easy to throw her under the bus when he has to look her right in the eye.
#5: Substance Use “If You Can’t Be with the One You Love…”
Cory experienced a massive fall from grace when he kissed another girl and lied to Topanga about it. What followed was arguably one of the most devastating breakups in the history of television. And its impact becomes clear in this episode, as Cory starts drinking in an attempt to make himself feel better. He and Shawn overdo it at a party, and even get in trouble with the police. This storyline deals with everything from peer pressure, to underage drinking, to depression. Perhaps most notably, it also explores the dangers of substance abuse, as Shawn begins to develop a problem. The episode was quite controversial, but it’s undoubtedly one of the show’s most important.
#4: Prejudice “Teacher’s Bet”
Usually, Mr. Feeny is the one teaching everybody important life lessons. But this time, it’s Cory who imparts some wisdom. He learns a hard lesson after Eric’s girlfriend experiences racism at the mall. He didn’t think that kind of thing still happened in the world, and was initially dismissive of Mr. Feeny’s assignment to read The Diary of Anne Frank. Needless to say, he comes to understand just how relevant the story still is. And when he takes his teacher’s place one last time as part of their wager, Cory delivers a powerful monologue that touches everyone in the class. This episode was made in the ‘90s, but it’s still incredibly timely.
#3: Misconduct “Everybody Loves Stuart”
In this episode, the gang learns that their favorite new college professor, Stuart, is not at all who they think he is. He comes on to Topanga in her dorm, and doesn’t listen when she says she’s uncomfortable. The gang is used to the Mr. Feenys and Mr. Turners of the world, educators they can count on. So they’re understandably destabilized when a teacher threatens their safety. Cory ends up shoving Stuart, which nearly gets him expelled. And sadly, the gang has to deal with the reality that, sometimes, the people meant to keep them safe are the ones who want to harm them.
#2: Mistreatment “Dangerous Secret”
This storyline delivers a valuable two-pronged lesson. Cory discovers that Shawn has a girl named Claire staying over at his place, and makes a big assumption as to why. This leads him to think that he and Topanga should take their relationship to the next level. But he steps over the line when he tries to force the situation. And he soon finds out that Shawn’s overnight guest was actually staying with him to avoid her violent father. The boys do their best to help Claire, but learn there are some problems even they can’t handle completely on their own. Plus, Cory realizes that he shouldn't try to rush things with Topanga. Luckily, everything works out for the best in the end. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Dangerous Associations, “Wrong Side of the Tracks” Shawn Falls in with a Bad Crowd Divorce, “Show Me the Love” Topanga Loses Her Faith in Love Prom Night, “Prom-ises, Prom-ises” The Pressures Surrounding the Big Night Are Explored Premature Birth, “Resurrection” Joshua Matthews Might Not Make It
#1: Loss “We’ll Have a Good Time Then...”
It truly seems like Shawn can never catch a break. The woman he believed to be his mom, Virna, and his dad, Chet, both leave him to fend for himself on more than one occasion, and it obviously impacts him in profound ways. So when his dad comes back to town and suffers a heart attack, he’s finally honest and open about how he feels. The two reconcile in a tear-jerking scene, and Chet vows never to leave again. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get to keep that promise. He passes away following another cardiac episode, leaving Shawn alone and heartbroken once more. This isn’t an easy episode to watch, but it tackles topics of family, forgiveness, and loss with plenty of heart.
