302 - The Case of the Girl with the Long Face

Summary

The Arthur Podcast

Episode 302: The Case of the Girl with the Long Face
Release Date: November 16, 2023
Host: Arthur Read
Produced by: GBH Kids & Gen-Z Media for PBS KIDS and PRX

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Episode Overview

In this engaging, playful episode, Arthur and Buster take on the role of detectives to solve a heartfelt mystery: why is their friend Fern feeling so down? As Buster launches a (hilariously hard-boiled) private eye investigation, the friends traverse Elwood City, following clues, interviewing classmates, and ultimately learning about feelings, friendship, and empathy. The story highlights how sometimes, there's no clear reason for feeling blue—and that's okay.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fern’s Sadness Sparks a Mystery

• During a rainy trivia game, Fern loses interest and leaves abruptly, explaining, “I just feel sad.” (02:10)
• Buster declares it a bona fide mystery and appoints himself as “Buster Baxter, Private Eye” to crack the case (03:10).

2. The Investigation Begins

• Buster follows Fern through various scenes: eating alone, not enjoying her favorite poetry class, and acting detached (04:16).
• Buster interrogates other friends, including Brain and Muffy, using classic detective tropes and comic flair.

3. The Muffy Confrontation

• Brain tips Buster off to a recent argument between Fern and Muffy over a new lavender hair bow (05:43, 06:32).
• Muffy tries to make amends with a rainbow selection of bows, but Fern isn’t moved:
  Fern: “I forgot all about our little fight.” (08:16)

4. The False Leads & Teamwork

• Buster continues the search, suspecting even Binky, who just wanted to cheer Fern up with some exercise (09:29).
• Buster’s “apology note stakeout” in the school (with most of the gang squeezed together) ends in comic chaos, but Fern clarifies:
  Fern: “Nobody made me sad. Haven’t you ever had a blue day for no particular reason?” (11:33)

5. Resolution & Reflections

• Fern explains that everyone has unexplainable sad days. Her advice:
  “If you have a sad or blue day, don’t worry, you’ll feel better soon. It’s kind of like when it rains and rains, sooner or later, the sun always comes out.” (11:50)
• The friends transition from problem-solving to storytelling, as Fern shares how her “blue periods” give her ideas for stories (12:43).
• They playfully invent a new mystery together, and Buster signs off, his detective hat (temporarily) retired.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Buster’s Inspector Noir Routine

• “A private eye. A case closer. A guy who's seen a few things and then adds those things together and comes up with an answer.” (03:11)
• “It was Wednesday, and it was still raining, water trickling like maple syrup over blueberry pancakes…” (03:38)

Practical Advice on Friendship

• “Sometimes some people just want to be left alone. So sometimes I would just sit next to them and make them feel like they’re not by themselves.”
  — Brain (02:53)

Classic Arthur Humor

• “Her locker is right across from the bathroom.”
  — Buster, launching a stakeout from less-than-glamorous headquarters (10:12)
• “In a case with as many twists as a pretzel on a roller coaster. We had taken one last sharp turn. I have no case.”
  — Buster (12:23)

Fern’s Wisdom

• “Nobody made me sad. Haven’t you ever had a blue day for no particular reason?” (11:33)
• “One good part of my blue periods is that I often get great ideas for my stories.” (12:43)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:10] Fern expresses her sadness, sparking the mystery.
• [03:10] Buster officially launches his investigation.
• [04:16] Buster notes Fern's unusual behavior in her favorite places.
• [05:43] Brain reveals argument with Muffy.
• [06:32] Muffy describes the hair bow misunderstanding.
• [08:16] Fern dispels the hair bow theory—still sad.
• [09:29] Binky tries to help Fern.
• [10:12] Buster and friends stake out Fern’s locker.
• [11:33] Fern explains sadness doesn’t always have a clear reason.
• [11:50] Fern’s “blue days” advice.
• [12:43] Fern uses her feelings for storytelling inspiration.
• [13:45] The friends invent a new detective adventure.

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Conclusion

This episode masterfully blends humor, kid-friendly detective intrigue, and emotional honesty. Through their investigation, Arthur and friends model empathy, curiosity, and the importance of reaching out—and sometimes, just being there for someone. Fern reminds listeners that everyone feels sad sometimes, often for no clear reason, and that those feelings can fade, or even inspire creativity. The gang’s antics—and Fern’s gentle wisdom—offer comforting relatability and practical friendship advice for young listeners.

Transcript

[Arthur]

From your friends at pbs kids.

[IKEA Sponsor]

Support for this podcast and the following message for parents comes from ikea. As a parent, you childproof everything. Well, almost everything. You may not have thought about one thing, and that's securing your dressers and chests to the wall. It helps avoid dangerous tip over accidents. Secure it from ikea. Working to create safer homes together.

[Buster Baxter]

Hello, Podcast nation. No need to check your screen. This is an episode of the Arthur podcast. But the aardvark needs my help with a case. A mystery concerning our friend Fern. Because I'm Buster Baxter, private eye, let me tell you how it all starts. It was a rainy Tuesday, and the water dripped off the roof of the treehouse like spilled milk off a table ledge. Arthur, Fern, and I were deep into a game of trivia. Ah.

[Fern]

I landed on blue.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

What's my question, Fern?

[Fern]

What color blue?

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Fearne Kay.

[Fern]

Did William Shakespeare write poems or plays?

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Um, plays.

[Arthur]

Nope.

[Fern]

He wrote both. Aw.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

That was a trick question.

[Buster Baxter]

My turn. I'm on yellow. Question me. Uh, Fearne, what's my question?

[Fern]

Oh, sorry. Okay, science. What's bigger, the sun or the moon?

[Buster Baxter]

Well, let's see. When Bionic Bunny flew to the sun to melt the icicles off his ship, he was really tiny, so I think the sun is bigger.

[Fern]

Yep, you got it.

[Theme Song Singer]

Ha ha.

[Buster Baxter]

Comic book logic wins again. Your turn, Fern.

[Fern]

Actually, I think I'm gonna go home. I just don't feel like playing.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

But, Fern, you're the closest to the star. You'll probably win.

[Fern]

I'm sorry, guys. I just feel sad.

[IKEA Sponsor]

Sad? Why?

[Arthur]

I don't know.

[Fern]

It's a mystery.

[Arthur]

Bye.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Okay, Bye, Fern. See you, Fern. I hope she's okay.

[Buster Baxter]

Come to think of it, I haven't heard her laugh in a week.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Maybe we could try to cheer her up. Podcast people, what do you do to cheer up a friend? I'm checking my inbox to hear from you.

[Arthur]

I cheer up a friend by giving them a hug. When my friends are upset, I ask, what?

[Fern]

What's going on?

[Arthur]

And I try to help. I cheer up a friend by playing with them. To cheer up a friend, I say, how are you feeling? Are you okay?

[Brain]

Sometimes some people just want to be left alone. So sometimes I would just sit next to them and make them feel like they're not by themselves.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Those are good ideas.

[Buster Baxter]

You know, Arthur, Fern said it was a mystery why she was sad. And you know what a mystery needs?

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Don't say private eye.

[Buster Baxter]

A private eye. A case closer. A guy who's seen a few things and then adds those things together and Comes up with an answer. Can I borrow your podcast stuff, Arthur? I've always wanted to record one of my cases.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Sure, Buster. Need any help?

[Buster Baxter]

Maybe. But Buster Baxter, private eye, is a loner. A wolf on the hunt. A dog without an owner.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

So, see you at school, then?

[Buster Baxter]

Not if I see you first, friend. Not if I see you first. Podcast nation. It was Wednesday, and it was still raining, water trickling like maple syrup over blueberry pancakes. And like syrup, I stuck to Fern. The cafeteria. Fern eats alone. The library. Fernando usually fills her bag with books like a kid getting candy on Halloween. But today she does not take out new books.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches.

[Buster Baxter]

Poetry appreciation. Fern's favorite class. Arthur reads a poem, but Fern does not enjoy it or clap. She is definitely not herself.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

But who's to blame?

[Mr. Ratburn]

Buster, please stop mumbling into that microphone. And everyone, let's stop podcasting during class, shall we?

[Buster Baxter]

Sorry, Mr. Ratburn.

[Brain]

So, Buster, I hear you're investigating what upset Fern. How's the case going, Brain?

[Buster Baxter]

It's as stalled as the lunch line on pizza day.

[Brain]

Maybe you should question her friends.

[Buster Baxter]

Maybe I will.

[Brain]

Maybe you should.

[Buster Baxter]

Maybe I'll question you.

[Brain]

Maybe I'll answer.

[Buster Baxter]

Maybe you told Fern her poetry was as sloppy as a plate of spaghetti. Maybe you put that sour puss on her face.

[Brain]

Maybe you should remember that Fearne is my poetry slam partner, and I think her poetry is top notch.

[Buster Baxter]

Maybe I owe you an apology.

[Brain]

Maybe you do. But I do have information I think you should consider.

[Arthur]

Aha.

[Buster Baxter]

So you want in on the action, eh? Fine. Here's some cheese.

[Brain]

Ew. Buster, was that cheese in your pocket?

[Buster Baxter]

Yeah. And if your tip is no good, I'm gonna want that cheddar back.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Yuck.

[Brain]

Keep your cheese, Buster.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

I just want to help Fern.

[Buster Baxter]

Suit yourself. What's your scoop?

[Brain]

Last week, I saw Fern arguing with Muffy.

[Buster Baxter]

Brain's tip sent me straight to Muffy. Crosswire Eris to an automobile empire and queen bee of the playground. On my way to Muffy's mansion, the rain ran down my umbrella like Mom's chili bubbling over the pot. But mom wouldn't be the only one spilling the beans. Hello, Muffy.

[Arthur]

Faster.

[Fern]

I've heard all about your investigation, but I'm innocent, I tell you.

[Buster Baxter]

That's what everybody says right before I get them to confess.

[Arthur]

Well, I'm not everybody. And I'm not confessing. I'm just telling you the whole story.

[Buster Baxter]

Skip the flim flam, missy.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Fine.

[Fern]

A few days ago, Fern wore a new lavender bow in her hair.

[Buster Baxter]

And everyone knows that color bow is your signature look.

[Arthur]

Exactly. Fuchsia or deep purple I'd be fine with. But lavender.

[Fern]

So we got into an argument.

[Buster Baxter]

And you argued. The smile right off her face.

[Fern]

I smiled. I swear. I didn't know she'd take it so hard.

[Arthur]

Please give her these five bows in.

[Fern]

All the other colors of the rainbow.

[Arthur]

I got them at the mall for.

[Fern]

Her today, and I hope she feels better soon.

[Arthur]

Bye, Buster.

[Buster Baxter]

A friendship tied up in knots over a bow. But I'd untangled it. This case was solved. I just had to check my facts with Fernando.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Hey, podcast people, did you miss me? I'm going with Buster to meet Fern in the park.

[Buster Baxter]

I'd cracked this case wide open, and someone had to help me pick up the pieces.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Buster, you really think Fern is sat over a hair accessory? That doesn't sound like her.

[Buster Baxter]

Trust me, kid. This case is in the bag.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

I thought the hair bows from Muffy.

[IKEA Sponsor]

Were in the bag.

[Buster Baxter]

Ah, there she is. Fern, the girl with the long face.

[Fern]

Hey, Buster. Hey, Arthur. How come we're meeting at the park when it's too wet to play?

[Buster Baxter]

We're not here to play. We're here to deliver you a package with your name written all over it.

[Fern]

Um, my name isn't the Mill Creek Moll.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

It just means there's something for you in the bag.

[Buster Baxter]

It's an apology from Muffy Crosswire. So your wires won't be crossed anymore, if you know what I mean.

[Fern]

Hair bows.

[Arthur]

Oh, right.

[Fern]

I forgot all about our little fight.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

So that's not why you're sad. Nope.

[Fern]

You fellas are swell, but I'm still down in the dumps. Good day, gentlemen.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

At least she didn't leave you holding the bag.

[Buster Baxter]

I'm no mathematician, but this case isn't adding up. Come on, Arthur. We've gotta follow her.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

We?

[Buster Baxter]

Fern tried to give us the slip, but I stuck to her like peanut butter on bread. She went into her house and now we're waiting outside.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

And what are we waiting for again?

[Buster Baxter]

It's a stakeout, Arthur. Be patient. There's something fishy going on here. And it isn't just the tuna sandwich in my pocket.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

That's what's so stinky.

[Buster Baxter]

There's Fernando. She came out of her house and she's running away.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

I think someone's running after her. Look faster. Come on.

[Buster Baxter]

He's over here.

[Arthur]

Round the corner. Where'd he go?

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Look both ways and go.

[Buster Baxter]

He's quicker than a jackrabbit.

[Arthur]

Gotcha.

[Binky]

Hey, what's the big idea?

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Binky, we thought you were chasing Fern.

[Binky]

Chasing her? I was trying to jog with her. I. I told her that some exercise might help kick her bad mood.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Oh, that's actually a good idea.

[Buster Baxter]

So you're not the one who upset her in the first place?

[Binky]

No way. And if I was, I would have sent her a nice apology note.

[Buster Baxter]

Noted.

[Binky]

Now I gotta run even faster to catch up.

[Theme Song Singer]

Bye.

[Buster Baxter]

A note gives me one more idea. Arthur. It's a crazy plan, but like a kid at the end of snack time, I was down to my last chip.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Let me get this straight, Buster. We're in the boys bathroom because you want to stake out Fern's locker? Yeah.

[Buster Baxter]

Her locker is right across from the bathroom.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

And you slipped an apology note in Fern's locker, but you didn't sign it.

[Buster Baxter]

It says, sorry for making you sad, kitty cat.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

And we want to watch her read it because.

[Buster Baxter]

Because when she reads it, she'll go thank the person she thinks wrote it. And that person is our culprit.

[Binky]

Hi. What are you two doing?

[Buster Baxter]

Hi, Binky.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Finding out who really made Fearne sad.

[Binky]

Cool.

[Theme Song Singer]

I'm in.

[Brain]

Normally, I would avoid this sort of badly planned hijinks, but you guys are right in the doorway, so I'm in.

[Theme Song Singer]

Shh.

[Buster Baxter]

She's opening her locker. She's reading the note. What's it say?

[Fern]

Let me see.

[Buster Baxter]

She's turning around and looking for someone. This could be it. Scoot over.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

I can't see.

[Buster Baxter]

It's Mr. Ratburn.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

No.

[Theme Song Singer]

Are you.

[Mr. Ratburn]

What is going on here?

[Fern]

I think they're trying to help me, Mr. Ratburn.

[Mr. Ratburn]

By tumbling out of the bathroom like a bunch of kittens? Does that work?

[Fern]

I got this, Mr. Ratburn. Oh, and here's my permission slip for the poetry slam.

[Mr. Ratburn]

Thank you, Fearne. On your feet, gentlemen.

[Fern]

Buster, did you write this apology note to see who I would say thank you to?

[Buster Baxter]

Um, I can't reveal my sources.

[Fern]

But I already told you, nobody made me sad. Haven't you ever had a blue day for no particular reason?

[Binky]

I have.

[Arthur]

Me, too.

[Buster Baxter]

I don't know.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Most of my bad days are because of dw. But I get what you mean.

[Arthur]

Well, if you have a bad day.

[Fern]

Sad or blue day, don't worry, you'll feel better soon. It's kind of like when it rains and rains, sooner or later, the sun always comes out. Come on, it's time for class. And Buster.

[Arthur]

Yeah?

[Fern]

You have toilet paper on your shoe.

[Buster Baxter]

Oh, thanks.

[Binky]

Come on, we're gonna get.

[Brain]

What'd you get for question seven?

[Theme Song Singer]

Thank you.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

You did the Book report.

[Arthur]

Right.

[Binky]

I didn't do the book.

[Buster Baxter]

In a case with as many twists as a pretzel on a roller coaster. We had taken one last sharp turn. I have no case.

[Arthur]

Hey, Buster.

[Buster Baxter]

Hi, Fern.

[Arthur]

What are you doing in the park? Looking for you.

[Fern]

I was thinking that apology note. That was some good detective work.

[Buster Baxter]

Thanks, Fern.

[Fern]

One good part of my blue periods is that I often get great ideas for my stories.

[Arthur]

For example, all throughout Paris, wild animals were disrupting the peace. A hippopotamus swam in the sand, a monkey had stolen baguettes, and a boa constrictor was slithering down the Eiffel Tower. No one, not even the police, knew what had happened. But Detective Virgo Watteau had the answer.

[Buster Baxter]

Were the animals part of a villainous circus that steals French pastries?

[Arthur]

No.

[Buster Baxter]

The animals were aliens waiting to break out of their animal skin suits.

[Arthur]

Definite ament. No. So what happened? Detective Watteau had noticed the rain. It had been raining all week, water coating the city like the melted cheese on French onion soup.

[Buster Baxter]

Ooh, that's good. I'll have to write that one down.

[Arthur]

The weeks of rain had caused the logs in the zoo to rust and crumble. So the animals had freed themselves. Wow, what a twist.

[Fern]

Maybe Buster Baxter, Private Eye, and Detective Virgo Watteau should solve a case together sometime.

[Buster Baxter]

You're a good egg, Watteau. If I'm ever in a jam, I. I'll call ya.

[Arthur]

See you around, Buster Baxter. Until we meet again.

[Buster Baxter]

And the gal walked right out of the park, the case was solved, the sun was out, and I'd learned something new about the human heart. I'd hang up my hat for now, but I'd be ready for the next mystery, or my name wasn't Buster Baxter, Private Eye.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

You've been listening to the Arthur Podcast. Hey, parents, do you want your kids to answer my next inbox question? First, go to the arthur [e-mail] to find out what I'll be asking. Then email me a voice recording of your child's response to arthurgbh.org your child's answer might even be featured on a future podcast.

[Buster Baxter]

That's the show Podcast Nation. If you liked it, ask your grown up to subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. You can listen to all our podcasts, play games and [e-mail] the Arthur Podcast.

[Arthur (Narrator)]

Is produced for PBS Kids by GBH Kids in partnership with Gen Z Media and distributed by prx. Thanks for listening and have a wonderful kind of day.

[Theme Song Singer]

And I say, hey, what a wonderful kind of day if you can learn to work and play and get along with each other. You got to listen to your heart, listen to the beat. Listen to the rhythm, the rhythm of the street. Open up your eyes, open up your ears. Get together and make things better.

[Fern]

GBH kits.

[Theme Song Singer]

From prx.