Ryan, Ryan P.I.
Introducing: --
Even Kids Incorporated had its share of continuity problems, and one is
established in this episode.
The majority of the kids are all excited over a new sequel to their favorite horror movie
franchise. “Scary Mary” is some old housewife who falls asleep in front of her
microwave (?), apparently becoming radioactive or something, and proceeds to chase your
typical witless horror movie victims around with kitchen utensils (???). Ryan, however,
seems disgusted by the whole idea (and well he should be – even you copycat losers
could misspell a better horror movie than that!). Instead, Ryan is engrossed in a
higher-class fantasy, the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He makes his detective book
sound even better than the low-budget screamer. The Kid is not the least bit impressed.
“Reading is for school.” he says. “Don’t you want to do something fun
between shows?” But Ryan insists that he is.
After their number, Kid gives Ryan one last chance to join them, but naturally, he
declines. He’s going to be too busy fantasizing. Gotta hand it to KI though;
it’s not in black in white.
As Ryan Ryan P.I. is catching up on his comics, a melodramatic Gloria knocks at his door.
Seems she’s a librarian on the run because “The Brain” is trying to kidnap
librarians all over the city. Naturally, who shows up next to crack you up but The Brain
himself.
Rahsaan can sure pull off a fez.
Brain’s feeling pretty invincible because he comes complete with bookend zombie
librarians. They attempt to hypnotize Gloria, but Ryan zaps them all with his handy dandy
comic book. Hmm. Guess there’s something redeeming about them after all.
Gloria is so grateful she practices a bit of innuendo with a torch song serenade.
Ryan conveniently emerges from his fantasy just in time for the movie to let out. Kid
returns and announces that the movie didn’t pass muster. He’s ready to give
books a try instead.
I gave this movie 4 mics because it was great fun. The film noir/detective plot is usually
done to death by most sitcoms, but I think KI's really turned out good. Ryan has the look,
attitude, and voice of a 40's hardboiled private eye. The fact that it was in color
probably helped, too, although having a librarian in bright orange and lime green would be
really, really distracting if you were trying to read.
However, if you watched the first half of this season, you’ll notice a continuity
error. I can't believe someone Stacy's age would be allowed to see a horror movie,
especially since she's not even old enough for a 10-yr-old's party. Yes, it’s
probably possible to sneak a kid in if you’re over 18, but Gloria isn’t, and
besides, she didn’t seem that interested in going, anyway.
The songs for this episode were good. A nice sampling of everyone’s vocal talent.
"Careless Whispers" turned out fantastic. I wonder, did you think the whole
number was a bit too dramatic for a kids' show? I’m still on the fence about it.
Guest star: --
Invention count: 0 this episode
6 in total
Vocab:
Ryan speaks in typical 1940’s detective lingo throughout his fantasy
“Heh, heh, heh!” (see Gags)
Continuity, gags and themes:
Ryan would rather read.
He particularly enjoys detective stories.
Many of The Kid’s characters use the “Heh, heh, heh!” line
New Locations:
Pop culture references: Nothing specific, but traditional detective film noir movies (and
tv show parodies of those movies) are always done in this same style.
Solos:
Stacy (1) = 12
Ryan (1) = 10
Gloria (2) = 43
Episode Total: 4
Total: 141
Performance outfits:
All the girls have the lime green/orange librarian outfit on
Red sequins
- The storeroom (which becomes Ryan Ryan's office) is inside The P*lace, but whenever
anyone exits the office, they end up outside the garage. To further confuse you: viewed
from inside, Ryan has a typical glass-front door with his name on front - which disappears
when they are outside. Without the glass, this would have almost been believable.
- Ryan is reading the same book that he later reads in "Peter Pam"(63-3-86).
Songs:
Back in my Arms –
Wouldn’t it be Good –
Dare Me –
Careless Whispers –
Dance to the Music –