Episode 39
Season 2. 1985
Riley’s Rival
Episode 39
Season 2. 1985
Introducing: --
Kids Inc. walks in on Riley dressed to
the nines in a suit and tie, and assume he’s got a hot date. Turns out he’s meeting a childhood rival of
his named Wesley. Riley and Wesley have a
lifetime of one-upping each other. Apparently,
it all started when Riley got a puppy and Wesley decided a bear cub would be better (well,
at least Riley is smarter!). Riley’s
dreading this latest meeting because let’s face it, soda jerk, glorified babysitter
and failed inventor don’t exactly sound very successful.
Wesley shows up in an even snappier
suit, with a nice car, bragging about his restaurant chain and affecting an upper-class
accent. When he asks Riley what he’s been
up to, Riley panics and says he owns The P*lace.
The kids waste no time in letting
Riley know they’re disappointed in him. Wesley
doesn’t seem to notice that their snide remarks aren’t actually compliments. He and Riley begin trading thinly-veiled insults
themselves as they remember their past, with young Riley being unfortunate, and young
Wesley pompous and long-winded. Gee, how
things change!
As luck would have it, the owner calls
and says he’s coming back that very night. When
Wesley announces he’s planned a big party – on Riley’s dime – the kids
convince Riley that being a jerk is actually the better position and it’s time for
him to come clean.
Wesley returns to party and finds Riley in his work clothes. He appears to be disappointed at the truth – until Riley hands him the huge bill. Seems Wesley’s been putting on his own masquerade. He doesn’t own any restaurants – he only cooks in one. He also drops his faux accent. Realizing they have both been freaking out for nothing, the men laugh…and then realize they have to wash dishes for an eternity in order to pay off the party tab.
I gave this episode 4 mics. It was pretty funny.
The thing that bugs me now is, was Wesley on vacation? Did he get fired?
How long was he in town and away from work?
Wouldn’t it be funny if both
owners were at the same convention or something, complaining about their oddball
employees? Imagine the spinoff
possibilities…I’m sure kids live in Wesley’s town, too. Wonder if they’re musically inclined…
Guest star: Rad Daly as Wesley
Invention count:
4 in total
Vocab:
monkey suit
soda jerk (2) (ok, so I was wrong about it not being used much)
“Riles” as a nickname for Riley – it will be back later
Continuity, gags and themes:
The owner of The P*lace leaves town quite frequently,
leaving Riley in charge all the time.
the theme of “Pretending to be someone you’re not in order to impress
someone” – only this time, there’s a twist.
Riley has had small, crappy roles in school plays. This time, he was Baby Bear and the
highlight involved being drenched in porridge.
New Locations: Dial-A-Party, a party
delivery service that apparently hires teenagers and promptly delivers.
Pop culture references:
Goldilocks and the
Three Bears
The boys are playing Monopoly while
Riley is lying his ass off.
Gloria’s “You look
mahvelous” Billy Crystal impression
Solos:
Gloria (3) = 35
Renee (1) = 13
Performance outfits:
black/white/red formal dress
-
The P*lace still uses a rotary phone? We got
my grandmother
a touch-tone in ’85!
-
Asteroids is the game du jour in the background.
-
When the owner calls, the kids are actually rehearsing “Go Your Own Way”, the
last song in this episode.
Songs:
Masquerade –
My Guy – 
(shocked? It wasn’t really her best IMO –
just wait until next episode!)
No Looking Back –
Never Surrender –
Go Your Own Way –
Here’s how you voted!
Riley’s Rival –
Masquerade –
My Guy –
No Looking Back –
Never Surrender –
Go Your Own Way –