The Wallflower
Introducing: --
Things appear fine when Kids Inc. begins their show, but immediately after the number,
Gloria runs off stage. Ryan follows her and is puzzled by her sudden mood swings.
Eventually she reveals that the object of her affection, Brad, does not seem to admire her
back. In fact, he appears to be avoiding her.
The kids attempt to cheer Gloria up, and something Renee says gives Ryan an illuminating
idea: Brad is intimidated by Gloria’s dancing skills. For Gloria, this is the worst
possible news.
After a brief Season 1-ish comical interlude, we come back to our plot. The boys are a bit
put off by Gloria’s attitude about dances. So what if Brad hasn’t asked her to
dance? Why doesn’t she ask Brad? Gloria refuses because she doesn’t want to look
stupid if he says no. Lucky for us, she’s not embarrassed to be a better singer.
Ryan and Kid are still trying to get Gloria to move Women’s Lib forward. Ryan tries a
new tactic; just dance, Brad or no Brad. This appears to work, because Gloria loves
dancing for the sheer thrill of it – as well as jumping over chess boards while
speaking Spanish.
The girls are hanging around the counter laughing at Riley’s latest invention when
the music starts. Uh oh. What’s Gloria going to do?
Dance like no one is watching, that's what! But not alone. Stacy convinces Riley to go and
dance with her by promising him the one thing he never seems to get: respect for his
inventions.
What’s this? Someone’s trying to cut in. Why, it must be Brad! Gloria is so
happy, she no longer regrets being able to dance circles around Brad and
she…well…dances circles around Brad. Maybe he just couldn't dance because his
pants are too tight.
Brad and a happy Gloria join the Party Train and all is well.
I gave the episode 3 mics because I felt it wasn’t very involved. Brad had no lines
and only one scene, so we never did find out if he was indeed intimidated by Gloria’s
skill, or if he was just a jerk. Gloria was uncharacteristically depressed and dramatic
with her “I may never dance again”.
Guest star: ??? as Brad
Invention count: 1: This episode features Riley's first invention - plastic sheet
music, for people who like to sing in the shower. Hey, I never said it was any good!
Vocab: --
Continuity, gags and themes:
Gloria is a great dancer
Kid’s hat is usually too big for his head (it’s even more obvious in this one)
Gender issues – who says the boy has to always ask the girl?
New Locations: --
Pop culture references:
This is one of the few episodes where no outside references are made.
Solos:
Renee (1) = 8
Gloria (2) = 23
Kid (1) = 13
Episode Total: 4
Total: 78
Performance outfits:
Red and yellow
Pink/purple sequined
- "That’s Dancing", long believed to be an original, is actually from the
TV show "Fame". (I personally think Martika does it better, but hey...don't we
all?)
- Apparently, Riley can dance moderately well - although he claims he can't.
- There's a poster in the schoolyard that says, "Variety Show auditions Wed.
afternoon in Auditorium".
Talk about a kidtastrophe:
OMG Brad won't ask me to dance and he is soooooooo cuuuuuute!!
Songs:
Time is on Our Side – 
Why do Fools Fall in Love? -
Every Time You Go Away -
That’s Dancing -
The Party Train –
Here’s how you voted!
The Wallflower -
Time is on Our Side -
Why do Fools Fall in Love? -
Every Time You Go Away -
That’s Dancing -
The Party Train -
Back