Peanuts: The Teenage Years Season 1

Episode 11: Overbearing Emerald

As you may or may not already know, Emerald Green has been Tommy Halverson's archenemy for a long time, even back in Australia. It was never specified how Emerald became the lost cause she is, and neither does Tommy. Only one person knows why Emerald's the way she is, but that's a story for another time. Though ever since she was expelled from Birchwood Elementary, Emerald had started to binge eat pizza, French fries, ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, doughnuts, cookies, cakes, and all kinds of unhealthy foods with no consideration for her health, which now put her at 289 pounds.

Due to the fire Emerald had inadvertently started shortly before Thanksgiving, the police had come to take her away. Tommy and Scarlet stayed behind to watch her being carted away.

"Sayonara!" Tommy smirked.

"I never thought Emerald would do something so dreadful!" Scarlet said.

At the police station, Emerald was talking with the police along with her dad, while her mother wondered what to do about her. Outside the room sat Eugene, Emerald's little brother, and Jasmine, their little sister, as well as their mother Anya.

"There's no way Dad will let this slide." said Eugene. "If he tries to defend her actions....."

Riley, Emerald's dad, came out.

"I've spoken to the police and....."

"Yes?" asked Eugene.

"We can get her off if she learns about how to be safe with fire." Riley said.

"Are you insane, Dad?!" exclaimed Jasmine. "You're talking about letting Emerald back in the house! Couldn't you see the damage she'd done?!"

"Now, Jasmine...." Riley started. "She didn't mean to cause the fire."

"But still," said Eugene. "fire can kill people!"

The chief of police came out with Emerald.

"Now, Mr. and Mrs. Green." he said. "What shall we do as far as Emerald is concerned?"

"Let her free!" Riley exclaimed, wasting no time answering.

"Are you insane, Dad?!" exclaimed Eugene. "Sure, she only started a fire once, but she could start another one!"

"As I said." said Riley. "We'll have to teach her how to respect fire."

"Riley, dear." said Anya. "Please listen to our younger ones!"

"Emerald's come home, and that's final!" Riley said firmly.

Anya just shook her head.

The only punishment Emerald got for starting the fire was 2 weeks suspension from school. As Scarlet walked into the homeroom, she talked about Emerald's punishment.

"What happened to Emerald?" asked Charlie Brown.

"She's just suspended for the week." said Scarlet. "Her dad just paid the fine to stop her going into prison."

"What?!" exclaimed Lucy.

"So Emerald got off scot free?!" Linus added.

"I know! It's ridiculous!" said Scarlet angrily. "And her father's not helping matters! He's just encouraging her bad behaviour!"

"At least we won't have to deal with her for a couple of weeks." Tommy smiled.

"Though I fear the day she returns." said Frieda with worry.

The school week was over, and Tommy was walking with Charlie Brown home.

"So, what will you be doing this weekend, Charlie?" Tommy asked his round-headed friend.