April 9th

"April 9th" is the eighteenth episode and season finale of Arthur's seventh season. It originally aired on November 29, 2002. This episode is about dealing with a traumatic event, based partially on 9/11. It written by Peter K. Hirsch and the storyboards were done by Gerry Capelle and Jeremy O'Neill.

Premise
This episode consists of four out of six interlocking stories that deal with the aftermath of a fire that burned through Lakewood Elementary School. Arthur is scared when his dad is temporarily trapped in the school. Buster was absent so he didn't see what happened as his alarm clock rang but he spends time with Mr. Morris who injured his leg in the fire. Sue Ellen is saddened when her journal is destroyed and starting to crying, even though Muffy attempts to cheer her up. Having seen the flames, Binky begins having repressed feelings and impulses and pulls the fire alarm at Mighty Mountain Elementary School, the one everyone goes to while Lakewood is being rebuilt.

Trivia

 * This was the final appearance of Mr. Morris, the school janitor as he announces his retirement and relocation. But he makes minor appearences in future episodes.
 * This episode was based on the 9/11 attacks. Details include:
 * The title is April 9th, a reference to the name of the attacks on September 11th.
 * Binky pulled the fire alarm to cause fear.
 * The fire is a reference to the attacks.
 * In this episode, Buster happens to meet Mr. Morris for the first time; but he already knew him in the earlier seasons which had episodes take place long before this time frame.
 * When Arthur's father got home, he needed to take a bath and change from his catering outfit to his normal clothes because there was smoke everywhere.
 * This episode is tied with Elwood City Turns 100! for the most speaking characters.