Accidents Happen

"" is the 22nd and final episode in the second season of Punky Brewster. It aired on March 9, 1986.

Summary
At school, Punky makes a presentation about wanting to be an astronaut. Unfortunately, shortly after her inspiring presentation, the Space Shuttle Challenger fatally explodes soon after launch, resulting in the fatalities of all seven astronauts on board. America is observing national mourning, but Punky is hit especially hard. Mike tries to help his class understand the tragedy—especially Punky, whose dream is to become an astronaut, and because of the fatal explosion, her classmates think she's crazy.

Not wanting to see Punky's dream die, Mike pulls some strings and manages to get famous astronaut Buzz Aldrin (as himself) to have a talk with Punky about the disaster. He convinces her to go on with her dreams, and makes her a member of the Young Astronauts. Thanks to Buzz, Punky decides to be brave and keep right on going with thoughts of going into space. Henry is embarrassed when Buzz arrives at the apartment to visit Punky, and sees Henry wearing a dress. Henry is wearing the dress because Betty needed a dummy to put the dress on so she could work on the dress.

Trivia

 * This episode aired almost 2 months after the Space Shuttle Challenger accident which happened on January 28, 1986.
 * This episode also marked the final physical appearance of Mike Fulton
 * Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin Eugene "Buzz" Aldrin Jr guest stars as himself.
 * This is the final episode to air on NBC before being cancelled and moved to syndication.

Cast

 * Soleil Moon Frye as Punky Brewster
 * Cherie Johnson as Cherie Johnson
 * George Gaynes as Henry Warnimont
 * Susie Garrett as Betty Johnson
 * T. K. Carter as Mike Fulton
 * Ami Foster as Margaux Kramer
 * Casey Ellison as Allen Anderson
 * Sandy as Brandon "the Wonder Dog"
 * Edwin Eugene "Buzz" Aldrin Jr as himself