Brief Summary
This episode of ALF revolves around an earthquake that shakes the Tanner's home and sends Alf into a survivalist frenzy. Key points include:
- Alf's over-the-top reaction to the earthquake, including nailing his bed to the floor and ordering excessive amounts of water.
- The family's attempts to reassure Brian, who becomes fearful of everyday dangers after Alf's influence.
- A lesson about living in the moment and not letting fear control your life.
Alf's Hunt for Food
Alf is depicted as a "great orange hunter" stalking a loin of pork in the refrigerator, which he refers to as the "frigidary jungle." Willie intervenes, telling Alf not to eat the pork. Alf then skillfully maneuvers a weapon, presumably to obtain food, but is ultimately unsuccessful.
The Earthquake
The Tanners experience an earthquake, leaving Alf terrified and uttering bizarre phrases. Willie attempts to comfort him, but Alf's dramatic reaction includes references to Armageddon and white-hot tentacles of doom. Alf claims he had nothing to do with the earthquake. Willie explains the science behind earthquakes, describing the movement of tectonic plates.
Aftermath and Neighborly Check-in
The Tanners discuss earthquake safety rules. Raquel and Kate check in on each other after the earthquake. They find Trevor traumatized on the porch.
Checking Supplies
Willie suggests the earthquake was a good reminder to check their emergency supplies. Kate reads from a list that they should have a half-gallon of water a day for each of them, totaling 35 gallons for two weeks. Alf admits to having eaten their two-week supply of peanut butter and granola bars in 37 minutes.
Water Delivery
A truck arrives with an excessive amount of water that Alf ordered. Willie is shocked by the $476 bill, and the delivery man confirms the order was for a "Gordon Shumway" at their address. Willie tries to return some of the water, but the delivery man refuses.
Alf's Earthquake Preparations
Willie finds Alf hammering his bed to the floor as part of his earthquake preparations. Alf explains his plan to prevent sliding down the stairs, adding bumpers for shock absorption, and even pontoons in case of a tidal wave. Willie tries to dissuade Alf from his extreme measures, suggesting that he would be safer in the doorway. A globe falls, nearly hitting Alf, which he interprets as a sign that the planet is out to get him.
Alf's New Philosophy
Alf shares his new philosophy of "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we croak," influenced by the earthquake. He attempts to spread this philosophy to the Tanners, starting with Lynn, trying to dissuade her from studying and encouraging her to savor the moment. He then tries to impart his worldview on Brian, leading to the boy becoming fearful and withdrawn.
Brian's Fear and Willie's Intervention
Brian expresses his fear of everyday dangers, influenced by Alf's doomsday perspective. He starts living under the bed for safety. Willie and Kate find Brian under the bed and try to reassure him. Willie explains to Brian that focusing on the bad things in life will make him miss the good things.
Confronting Alf and Finding Balance
Willie and Kate confront Alf about scaring Brian with his catastrophic expectations. Willie explains the importance of not being scared of things until they happen and savoring life out of joy, not fear. Alf seems to understand, and Brian emerges from under the bed, feeling a little better.
Water Slide Idea
The delivery man returns, revealing he got a promotion and will pick up the extra water. Alf expresses disappointment that his idea for "Tanner Land" with a water slide won't come to fruition.
