by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Jamie is a member of a boy's club which delights in forcing new members to undergo a grueling initiation process. Unfortunately, one of these hazings results in the death of a hapless teenager. Though the townsfolk blame Ted Hoag (Ronny Howard), a homeless youth, for the boy's death, Jamie and the other members demonstrate their inherent maturity by shouldering the responsibility themselves. Written by Douglas Day Stewart, "The Initiation" first aired on September 26, 1972.
