Summary The Carlsons enter the 1980s with a sense of optimism if only because it will have a sense of familiarity at least for Melanie and Dave as children of the decade, and as they perhaps will get back to roles more familiar to them especially in the kitchen. They will find that Melanie is still queen of the kitchen but will eventually get more help as diets, especially winter ones, were heavy on the carbohydrates as filling and satisfying, although the meal preps will not be totally comfortable to unadventurous Melanie. The gender roles leave Dave still largely outside, with some tools purportedly making life easier and others seemingly damaging in the never-ending quest to rid ice and snow. The melding of gender roles will also move into the realm of activities as girls started to play hockey, although had to be self taught in the focus still on the men's game. Both Dave and Melanie partake in outdoor wintertime jogging and downhill skiing, where the objective was speed and looking good in neon. The girls will also test 80s DIY fashion with puffy fabric paint to customize their looks. Speed was also the name with the GT-Racer, the fastest ever downhill sled. The end of the decade saw the explosion of video cameras using VHS tapes, and more indoor lighting to combat the newly coined SAD. They finish off the decade with some Calgary Olympic inspired items, including a visit by someone who stole the show for Canada at the games.

• Documentary