California Dreams - S1:EP11 - "They Shoot Videos, Don't They?"

Sly enters Sharkey's wearing a wacky vest, and carrying a giant camcorder.  Remember those things?

Sly introduces the viewers to the Dreams.  He introduces Jenny as his future wife.  Jenny: I'll be your wife when Murphy Brown marries Dan Quayle.  Whoa, that's the 2nd Dan Quayle reference this season.  So timely!

Tony wants to say hello to some special ladies.  He begins listing them when Sly reminds him that it's only a 2 hour tape.

Sly walks over to Matt and Randy Jo (hey! she's back!)  "having a tender, private moment"  Matt tells Sly that he ruined said tender moment and shoves a hamburger bun at the camera.  Randy Jo wonders aloud if Sly is on some medication that he forgot to take.

Sly tells them that he wants to enter them in a video contest.  The winner gets $10,000.

Sly and Tony drool over a girl who walks by.   Tiffany hands Sly a tissue.  Randy Jo tells Matt that he's the best boyfriend ever because he didn't even look at the girl who walked by.  Matt tells her that he already has everything he wants to look at.   The audience reaction track "Awwwws"

Sly runs off to begin casting the video.  He approaches the girl from a few seconds ago and tells her he's going to make her a star.  She says that she's always wanted to be an astronaut.

Back at Casa de Garrison,   the family is eating dessert.  Mrs. Garrison says how much she likes the cheesecake.  She admits that it's not as good as the cake from hers and Mr. Garrison's honeymoon.  The kids finish the story for her.  They've heard this one before!

Dennis and Jenny joke about how mushy it is.  Matt thinks it's nice; he wants to be romantic when he's old!  Mrs Garrison: Thanks!  I think"

In the Garrison kitchen, Sly, Matt and Jenny are discussing plans for their video.  Sly's plan involved Matt kissing someone named Nikki Denteen.  Jenny tells him that Randy Jo will never go for it.  Sure enough...

Later that night at the movies, Matt and Randy Jo are arguing about it.  Matt insists that it's "just acting"  Randy Jo asks Matt how he'd feel about her kissing the football captain, and suddenly it clicks.

In the garage the next day, the gang is preparing to film their video.  Matt tells Sly that he's not going to kiss Nikki.  Sly tells him that he has to.   Matt tells him that he promised Randy Jo that he wouldn't kiss Nikki.  They argue for a bit, then Tiffany jumps in and gives Sly a pep talk about keeping promises.  Sly agrees to change the script.  He walks over to Nikki and whispers something to her.  She nods.

At that moment, Randy Jo runs into the garage and asks if she can watch them film.  They begin fliming, and Nikki kisses Matt anyway.  Randy Jo is pissed.  Sly calls "Cut!"  He tells Nikki and Matt how great it was.  Randy Jo goes up to Matt to give him an earful.  He insists that he didn't know it was going to happen.    She tells him that she'll never trust him again, and leaves.  Matt yells at Sly and leaves to go after Randy Jo.

At Sharkey's, everyone comments on how mad Matt is.  Tony says that Matt has a right to be mad and that Sly is a "no good, video-shooting, bimbo-casting, relationship-killing chump"  -- and that's on a good day!

Tiffany tells them that Sly really wants to help Matt fix things with Randy Jo.  Jenny says that Sly should stay out of it.  Right on cue, Sly runs into Sharkey's and approaches Randy Jo.  She says "back off, Sly!  I've got a fork and I know how to use it!"

Sly tells Randy Jo that Matt is really sick.   He can't eat or sleep, and his fever is so high, "you can fry bacon on his face!"  Randy Jo decides to go see if Matt is okay.  She gets up to leave, and Matt walks into Sharkey's  He's excited to see her, but she gets pissed again.  Matt goes to yell at Sly.  Sly tells him he was trying to help, but Matt says to stop "helping"

In Matt's room, Tony is trying to help Matt too.  He encourages him to try calling Randy Jo again.  Matt said that he's already  called 12 times.  Tony tells him to forget about girls, and leaves for his date with Jasmine.

Down in the kitchen, Tiffany is telling Jenny about a new guy she met.

In the garage, Mr and Mrs.  Garrison have just found their wedding cake topper with a copy of their wedding vows!

Poor Matt can't get away from all the relationship talk.

Also, it should be noted that their "vows" said" We met in the spring, and dated through the summer.  Without you in my life, fall is a bummer!"  Mrs. Garrison says: "and I married him anyway!"

Matt tells his parents that he's still upset about Randy Jo, and they leave him in the garage with his thoughts.  He laments being single while everyone else has someone.  I  know that feeling all too well, Matt!

He sits down at his keyboard and sings a song about being single.  Sly comes into the garage with the camcorder, and tells Matt that the song sounds good.  Matt is still mad and tells him to go away.

Sly has a new idea for the video; this time, he wants to get kissed.  Matt doesn't want to hear it.   He asks Sly again to leave him alone.  Sly gets really serious for a moment and apologizes to Matt.  He actually sounds sincere.  Matt accepts his apology and tells him that they can discuss everything later.  They shake hands, and Sly leaves.

Matt tries singing is new song again, and Sly sneaks back in with the camera.

Later, Sly comes into the kitchen, and sees Mr. and Mrs. Garrison leaving for their anniversary.  He congratulates them and they leave.  He asks Jenny what she thinks about getting the band together to practice.  She thinks it might help lift Matt's spirits, and agrees to call Tony and Tiffany.

When Jenny is out of the kitchen, Sly asks Dennis how he feels about being a "home video engineer"

Cut to the garage, Dennis is hiding in the trash barrel with the camcorder.  Dennis asks why he can't just tell them that he's filming them.  Sly says that he doesn't want them to think he's being insensitive and exploiting Matt's feelings.  Dennis is like "yeah, and?"  Sly tells Dennis to shut up and get in the garbage.

When everyone else enters the garage, Tony goes right for the barrel and is about to throw a cup away. Not wanting Dennis to get caught, Sly tells Tony that he'll take care of the cup.

Sly asks Matt if he can think of a song to play.  He wants something "depressing and not about being in love"  Matt is like "hey let's sing my new song"  Jenny is about to throw away her gum, and Sly takes that too.  Ew.

Tiffany comes into the garage and apologizes for being late.  She offers the gang the last of her milkshake.  When they decline, she throws it away before Sly can stop her.  From inside the trash, Dennis says "mmm! Chocolate!"

Later, (the next day?)  Everyone is wondering where Sly is.  Apparently he asked them to meet him  there.  When he arrives, he asks them if they remember the video contest.  Jenny is like "yup.  Not happening"  Sly is like "haha I entered you anyway!  He tells them that he filmed them when they were in the garage.  Everyone is really mad until they find out that it's going to be on TV.

Cut to some sort of local station, where they play the video.  It starts with everyone in the garage, then cuts to a montage of scenes that we've never seem before.

Everyone loves the video.  They find out that they didn't win, and are a little disappointed.  Sly apologies.  Matt says that it's okay; he just misses Randy Jo.  Sly has something that will cheer him up.  He sent Randy Jo the video, and she's waiting outside!

They make up, and leave to go talk.  Everyone is amazed that Sly did something nice.  Jenny is amazed that Dennis helped.  She wants to know how much Sly paid him.  Right on cue, Sly's date and a girl Dennis' age show up.  Dennis: Come on, Sly !  We can't keep the babes waiting!

California Dreams - S1:EP10 - "Romancing the Tube"

Tiffany joins the gang at Sharkey's.  Matt expresses is condolences that Tiffany broke up with Kevin.   Who is Kevin?  Why are we only hearing about him now?  Tiffany says that she's okay.  Jenny is impressed, as the last time she broke up with a guy, she locked herself in her room and watched thirtysomething reruns for a month.

Tiffany claims that they break up taught her some important lessons that will help her future relationships.  Speaking of Tiffany's future relationships, when do we get to season 2?  I want the Jake episodes!

Tony wants to know what the important lesson was.  Tiffany explains that Kevin couldn't swim, so now she only wants to date surfers.  Right on cue, Sly comes in with a surfboard.   Or, I should say, he TRIED to come in with a surfboard.   He actually ran into the door while holding the surfboard.  Once he makes it into Sharkey's, he ends up running into several people and nearly knocking them over with the board.

Like, McKayla Maroney, Tiffany is not impressed.

Tony explains that Sly doesn't actually like surfing, he just likes surfer girls.  Since they'd rather drown him than date him, his plan is to pretend to be a surfer.

At the next table, Sly is flirting with a group of girls.  He asks them "who wants to make some waves with Uncle Sly?"  One of the girls says "wipe out!" and they all dump their water on him.  An extra in the background makes a big deal out of laughing.

Tiffany tells Sly that surfing is serious business and he shouldn't exploit it.  Sly insists that he's not exploiting it.  He's using it for his own personal gain!  Tiffany offers him some surfing pointers.

Back at the garage, Tony and Matt show Jenny an ad for the "Garage Band Lighting System"  Apparently it's going to "blow away the competition with a pulsating extravaganza of color"  It sounds a lot like the fireworks that my aunt buys every 4th of July.

Turns out, it costs $300.  This will not end well.

Matt suggests asking their mother to hire them to do some work upstairs.  Jenny points out that this is counterproductive because then Mrs. Garrison would have to hire someone to do it right.

Mrs. Garrison comes into the garage.  Matt asks if they can paint the upstairs.  "We'll do it for only $300!"  Mrs Garrison says no pretty quickly.  Jenny points out that some cultures eat their first born. o_O

Matt begs Mrs. Garrison some more.  She's basically like "nice guilt trip, kid!"  and they get the job.  Matt asks to be paid in advance, and Mrs. Garrison agrees.

Everyone cheers.  Then Sly and Tiffany come in after Sly's surfing lesson.  They had a great time on the waves, and Tiffany tells Sly that he's a natural.  Jenny tells them that she, Tony and Matt will paint the room so the surfers can have more time on the waves.

Later, the gang is at Sharkey's.  Tiffany and Sly join them.  The others notice that Sly and Tiffany seem to be getting along well lately.  (Tiffany even gave Sly a surfer nickname - Splashy Nose or something equally silly/ridiculous.

Sly tells them that he and Tiffany are going to the movies together later that night.

Jenny tells Tiffany that she's nuts.  Tiffany says that no, she's not nuts.  Sly wants to be loved, and frolick in the waves like a happy porpoise. No, she really said that  I think I agree with Jenny.  Tiffany is nuts.

Later, at the movies, Tiffany and Sly keep sneaking glances at each other.  The movie ends, the lights come up, and Sly wipes away a tear.  Tiffany catches him.  Sly says that he's not crying about the movie; he's upset about paying $7.50 for "this garbage"!  Aww, remember when movies were cheap?  I remember paying $7.50 in the mid-nineties.  I think it was $4.50 for a matinee back then.  I can't remember what I paid last time I went to the movies.  I think it was over $11.

Tiffany tells Sly that she thinks it's beautiful when a man cries.  Sly tells her that he's glad she didn't see him when he watched Bambi.  Then this happens:

Then they have a conversation that mimics the last line of the movie they just watched.  They kiss, and the camera pans over to the gang watching in disgust.

The next day at Sharkey's, Tony and Matt join Sly, and ask him where Tiffany is.  He tells them that she's out "checking on the surf"  and that he misses her.  Tony and Matt congratulate Sly on his newfound happiness.

Just then, a girl comes over and tells Sly that his surfing impressed her and she wants him to join her for a couple waves.  He perks up for a second, then turns her down.

The girl leaves, and Sly turns back to the guys to talk about Tiffany some more.  Then another girl comes over to ask Sly to boogie with her, using the extra boogie board.  He turns her down too.

Yet another girl comes over and asks Sly to help her rub on some tanning lotion.  He looks at Matt who shakes his head.  Sly pouts and asks "just the shoulders?"

They girl offers to help him. She grabs his hand and puts it on her shoulder.  Sly says "I can't"  The girl says "Your loss!"  "I know" Sly whimpers.

Sly realizes that he misses chasing girls and decides that he needs to break up with Tiffany.

Back at the Garrison house, Matt and Jenny have begun the painting session.  They complain that Tony hasn't done anything yet. Sly comes in and they ask him if he broke up with Tiffany yet.  He confesses that he doesn't know how to dump a girl.  Tony points out that it's because Sly is usually the one getting dumped.  Sly decides that he's going to find a way to get Tiffany to dump him.  Jenny tells him not to play games with her.  Sly says that he's going to give Tiffany a list of rules to follow if she wants to keep dating him.  I don't see this ending well either.

Sly decides to test the rules out on Jenny.  After each one, she rolls paint onto him.

After Sly leaves, Tony, Jenny and Matt end up having a paint fight.  Dennis (I feel like we haven't seen him for a while!) comes in and tells them that Mrs. Garrison wants them to quit it.  They all surround Dennis and include him in the paint fight.

Back at Sharkey's, Sly gives Tiffany the list of rules.  She says that she'd love to commit to his rules.  Sly is quickly realizing that his plan isn't going the way he'd hoped.  Tiffany says that it's important to state your needs upfront.  In fact, she's going to make a list of her own!  After they compare lists, they'll celebrate their love with a "Soul Swapping Surfer Ceremony"  She explains that it's the customary way for Pacific Coast surfers to seal their eternal love.

Tiffany comes into the garage and Sly is there.  She acts surprised to see him at rehearsal.  (why wouldn't he be there?)  He lies that he couldn't stand to be apart from her.  He tells her that he wants to talk to her about the ceremony, and she says that it can wait because she wants to sing him a song.

She sings "Let Me Be the One" which I don't remember hearing more than once on the show.  I know there were a handful of repeats, but I think this is the only time that this song came up, which is fine, because it's, um, not very good.

After the song, everyone cheers.  Tiffany asks what Sly wanted to say about the ceremony.  He chickens out and tells her that he can't wait.  They run off to talk about the arrangements.

Just then, Dennis comes into the garage to tell them that they have mail.  It's their new lighting system!  They run into the kitchen to check it out.  Dennis tells Matt that he tipped the delivery man and wants to be reimbursed.  Matt tells him that it was nice of him, and hands him the money.  Matt leaves.  Dennis giggles and says "Sucker!"

Matt, Tony and Jenny go into the kitchen to open their package, and Matt pulls out.... a flashlight.  Tony wants to know what's up with the "bubble gum boy scout flashlight"

Matt says that they'll return it.  Jenny points out that it's non-refundable and complains that they got ripped off.  Matt says that the box includes colored gels,  He realizes that they did, indeed, get ripped off.

Mrs. Garrison comes into the kitchen to say that the upstairs room looks like a Guns and Roses motel room. Jenny apologizes and says that they threw in the towel.  Mrs. Garrison asks for her money back.  Matt explains that they already spent it on the lighting system.  Mrs. Garrison says that she'll confiscate it until they pay her back.  Oh well!

Next up is the Surfer Ceremony thing and it's ridiculous and I'm tired and can't recap it.  Let's just say that it  involves a lot of surfers hanging around Sharkey's, throwing around words like "Gnarly" and trumpeting out of conch shells.  Matt strums his guitar and sings softly.  The surfer dudes do the wave.

the guy in the middle is the Great Surfer Guru.  No, I'm serious

When the Surfer Guru tells them that the ceremony means they can't "scope other Betties and Tommies"  Tiffany realizes that she wants to be free to date other people.  They Sly gets all upset about it even though he's the one who wanted to break up with her. 

The Guru dismisses everyone to go out and surf.

Two girls come up to Sly and ask him to join them out on the waves.  He realizes that he'll be okay after all.

aaaaaand.... SCENE.  Man, this episode was a weird one.  No wonder it took me a week to finish,

California Dreams - S1:EP9 - "Mother and Child Reunion"

I just checked IMDB, and apparently, this episode aired 20 years ago this week.  We're old, you guys.

The gang walks into the garage, complaining to Sly that it's been a month since their last gig.  Jenny points out that it's actually been 32 days.  Sly says they need a new image.  Matt says they need to practice more.  Jenny suggests more dance songs.  Tony suggests a new manager.

Up in the kitchen, Mrs. Garrison is cooking when there's a knock at the door.  She opens the door, and a blonde woman excitedly greets her.  Mrs. Garrison smiles and nods while trying to figure out who this woman is.  She reveals herself to be Tiffany's estranged mother, Judy.

Back in the garage, Sly is still trying to come up with a gimmick for the band.  Tiffany leaves to go home and do laundry, explaining to the gang that her dad has been busy, so that just leaves her.  Oh, Tiffany, if only you knew what was to come.

Jenny and Matt come into the kitchen and see their mom and Tiffany's mom.  She excitedly greets them too, and Matt has basically the same reaction as his mother.  Jenny, however, knows exactly what's up.

They all ask if Tiffany  that she's back in town.  Judy admits that she tried going to the house, but no one was home.  Since she remembered Jenny, she decided to drop by.  Oh sure, showing up announced to your daughter's friend's house before seeing your daughter that you haven't seen in 10 years.  Seems reasonable.

Sly and Tony come into the kitchen, and Sly hits on Judy.  Shocking.

Judy asks the kids where she can find Tiffany.  Jenny explains that it might not be a good idea to surprise Tiffany like that.  She offers to break the news for her.  Everyone seems to think this is a good idea. Jenny tells Judy to leave everything to her, Matt and Tony.

At Tiffany's house, Tiffany is in her room cleaning her surfboard.    The gang comes into her room.  She's happy to see them.  Sly makes himself comfortable on Tiffany's bed with her stuffed animals.  Tiffany tells him to be careful of her "special stuffies"  Sly protests that stuffed animals are built to last, and demonstrates by accidentally yanking the head off of the bunny.

and he's even wearing a silly vest!

Tiffany tells them how happy she is that they came over.  Matt says that he hopes she still feels that way after they tell her what they have to tell her.  Tiffany is smiling brightly throughout the whole exchange.  Man, she's adorable.  Jenny tells her that it would help if she didn't smile.  Tiffany makes a straight face for like, 2 seconds, then giggles and says that her face is "naturally smiley."

Exasperated, Sly gets up and says that he'll take care of it.  This can't end well.  He starts by saying "all those whose mothers ran away 10 years ago, never to be heard from again, please raise your hand"  Tiffany is confused, but she raises her hand.  Sly puts her hand down and says "Not so fast, Smith!"  Everyone else: "Sly!"

Jenny gently tells Tiffany that her mother is back and wants to see her.  Tiffany is surprised and happy.   Sly is glad she's happy, and takes that opportunity to tell her about the beheading of her bunny.

At the Garrison house, Mrs. Garrison comes to get Tiffany in Matt's room where they're all hanging out.  She tells her that her mom is waiting downstairs.  Tiffany admits that she's nervous now. She's worried about saying something stupid.   Matt and Jenny give her a pep talk, and she decides to head downstairs.  She runs into Sly on the way, who says "Hey Tiff.  Going to see your mom?  Don't say anything stupid!"

Sly plugs in his smoke machine, "The Smoke-a-tron 2000"  The gang is skeptical.  Sly tells them to trust him, and turns on the machine.  In a matter of seconds, the room is filled with smoke.

In the kitchen, Mrs Garrison and Judy are talking.  Mrs. Garrison sees Tiffany and leaves the kitchen so they can have privacy.  Tiffany and Judy hug and cry.  The audience "awwwws"  They try to figure out what to talk about when they suddenly smell smoke.  Everyone else comes downstairs, followed by the cloud of smoke.  Matt tells Sly that he thought he knew how to use it.  Sly says "It's not my fault your room isn't a well ventilated area!"  Tony says "Someone should ventilate your head, you big Smokey the Bear lookin' chump!"

Sly says that it's just smoke, and it's not like anything is on fire.  Just then, they hear firetrucks on the way.  Tiffany and Judy leave to find somewhere quiet to talk.  

In the garage, the band is getting ready for practice.  Tiffany and Judy come in from surfing and tell the gang that rollerblading is next.  Sly thinks that the Dreams should rollerblade as part of their new image.

Tiffany says that she's not sure  about rollerblading, but that some bands have dances.  She suggests having her mother help them out with some dance moves.  They all keep crashing into each other, but Tiffany does well.  Judy tells her that she must get her talent from her, as her dad has two left feet.  Tiffany looks uncomfortable, and turns off the music.  Jenny asks Tiffany if she's okay, and she says that everything is fine.

They next day, Judy is sitting at the counter at Sharkey's.  Tiffany comes in and says that she got a message to come to Sharkey's and wants to know what's up.  Just then, the gang jumps out from behind the counter and surprises her.  It's her birthday.  I think it's weird that this is the first time in the whole episode that we're hearing about this.

Tiffany says that her birthday isn't until the next day.  Jenny says they did it early because she always has dinner with her father on her birthday.  Tiffany asks her mother if that's okay, and Judy tells her that she doesn't want to get in the way of her relationship with her father.  Everybody "awwws" again.

Sly comes in and yells "Surprise!"  and realizes that he's late.  Tony tells Sly that the "Tony Wicks Surprise party etiquette"  rule is very simple:  "Don't be late"  Sly explains that he was late because he was busy lining up an audition for the band.

Tiffany asks whose present she should open first.  Everyone thrusts theirs at her.  She opens her mother's first.  It's a plane ticket to New York.  Judy says that even though it was awkward, she talked to Tiffany's dad and he agreed that Tiffany could live with Judy for a year if she wants to.  Well, that's out of the blue.

Then Tiffany implodes.  It's about damn time!  Go, Tiff, GO!

Judy just sits there and watches Tiffany yell.  Then she leaves.  The rest of the gang looks concerned, but Judy just sits there.

Back in the Garrison kitchen, the band sits around talking.  Matt says that he's never seen Tiffany so angry.  He never knew she could get angry.

Tiffany joins them in the kitchen and tries to convince them all that she's fine.  Mrs. Garrison comes into the kitchen and tells her that her mom is leaving, and hands her Judy's address and phone number in case she changes her mind.    Tiffany says that Judy is doing what she does best - leaving.   She rips up the paper, and hands it back to Mrs. Garrison.

The band leaves for their audition.   

In the garage, they're in costumes that fit their new image, thanks to Sly.

Jenny asks if anyone else wants to "slamdance"   Tony says no, but he's pleased that he can dress like that and still look good.

Sly brings the club owner into the garage.  He introduces them as the "California Nightmares"

The club owner bops his head along with the music and gives Sly a thumbs up.  Jenny slamdances.  Everyone else jumps around the garage acting like maniacs.  At one point, Sly lands in the lap of the guy they're auditioning for.

The guy tells them that they're great, but he hates the image.  He wanted a "nice" band.  Everyone gets mad at Sly.  Sly says "I'm an idiot!"  and no one disagrees.

Tiffany gives Sly a pep talk about getting what you want, and realizes that she has to stop her mother.  Back at Tiffany's house, the phone rings. It's Jenny wondering how everything went.  Tiffany admits that she couldn't catch her mother because her spikes on her jacket set off the metal detector and she couldn't get past security.  20 years later, and you can't even get to  security without a boarding pass.

Tiffany hangs up, and goes into her closet.  Just as she closes the door, her mother enters the room and goes over to the bed and starts picking up all the stuffed animals.  Tiffany comes out of the closet and sees her mom.  Judy is pleased that she kept all of the "stuffies"  Tiffany tells her that she loves them because they remind her of Judy.

Judy asks what happened to the bunny (Hoppy Harry, is his name for those of you making the super hard trivia game), and they both say knowingly, "Sly!"

Judy asks what they should do now.  Tiffany says that they can't get back the time they lost, but they could try to be friends.  Judy agrees, and the episode ends.  Bye, Judy!  Too bad we'll never see you again!

and that's a wrap.  See you next time I have a free moment to recap!

California Dreams: S1:EP5 - "Dream Man"

The episode opens with Matt sitting at the counter in Sharkey's playing his guitar and writing.  He says "this is great!" over and over again, then "this is terrible"

Tony comes over, and Matt tells him that he's having trouble writing a song.  Sly joins the other two guys and   rambles about fire-breathing concerts and burning eyebrows... or something.

Jenny walks in with a friend of hers, and Tony and Sly stare.

The guys go over, and Tony tries to pick up the friend by saying, "Afternoon, Jasmine.  You are as fine as wine, and if I had a glass I would toast to your beauty."  Jasmine says, "You better take your smooth talking, wine drinking, desperate for a date behind and get out of my face." 

Sly tells Tony to "Watch a professional" and turns to Jenny, who tells him not to bother, as she only dates humans.  The guys give up, and Tiffani joins Jenny and Jasmine.  Tiffani says that her father is going away for the night and asks if she can stay at Jenny's.  Jenny says that it's fine and invites Jasmine to join them.  Jenny suggests inviting someone named Penny.  Tiffani is excited about the idea of having a slumber party.  Sly overhears, and he's also excited about the slumber party.

Next scene!  The girls are sitting in Jenny's room eating brownies.  This makes me reminisce about all the sleepovers my friends and I had in elementary and middle school.  We used to order pizza and watch movies and stay up late.  I had one friend who moved away in 4th grade, but she used to invite me to her parties with her new friends.  We played Dream Phone and Girl Talk and never slept.  Good Times!

Penny looks through Jenny's closet, and pulls out a dress.  She says, "Our tastes are SO similar!  Like, if I saw this dress in a store, I'd totally buy it!"  Jenny points out that the dress is  Penny's.  Jenny borrowed it from her.

Tiffani finds the diary that she gave to Jenny several years earlier.  Tiffani reads aloud, and finds an entry where Jenny talks about how happy Tiffani always is.  Tiffani's like "I used to be kinda perky, huh?"  and the other girls nod knowingly.

Down the hall, Matt is playing the piano in his room.  Tony comes into join him, hoping to get a little closer to Jasmine.  Sly joins them as well, dressed in all black, for some reason.

Matt asks if he was spying on the girls.  Sly says that he was until they pulled the shades down.  Tony tells Sly that he shouldn't spy through the windows, he should use a peephole!  Then he looks around Matt's room for one.  Matt's like "I don't spy on my sister, weirdo"

Sly pulls a stethoscope out of his duffel bag and suggests that they try to listen to the girls.  Matt kicks them out so he can concentrate, and Sly formulates another plan.  They're still driving Matt crazy, so he goes downstairs to practice.

Dennis comes into the room, and initially refuses to help the guys spy.  Sly offers him a quarter.  Dennis is like "HELLS NO!  Gimme $5" Sly agrees.

Next scene.  Back in Jenny's room, the girls are playing truth or dare.  Dennis comes in and tells Jenny that when he was in her room earlier, he lost Phil... his pet tarantula.  The girls all run out.  Sly comes in and hides under the bed.

Down in the kitchen, Matt finally has some peace and quiet.  Then the girls run down, still screaming.  Matt tells them that he's still trying to write the song, and Tiffani offers to help.

He tells her that the song is about a guy who moves to the beach from the midwest, and doesn't know how to surf or swim.  Tiffani says that if he can play volleyball, he'll fit in.  Matt looks at her like she's crazy, but is willing to give it a try.  He asks Tiffani to write some lyrics.

Tony joins the girls in the kitchen, and pretends to be surprised to see them.  Jasmine just looks annoyed.  Tony reads Jasmine a poem he wrote.

You're the one who I desire

My heart is burning, It's on Fire

That I feel this way is not surprising

When You're around, my temperature is rising

Back in Jenny's room, she says that she's surprised the Sly isn't there since he's always following her around. Unbeknownst to her, he's under the bed with a notebook!

Tiffani tells Jasmine that Tony really likes her.  Jasmine admits that she thinks he's cute, but also thinks that he tries too hard.  

The girls start talking about their dream guys.  Tiffani says that her dream man loves children, wears sweaters, and likes fish tanks and trolleys.  She pauses for a moment and realizes who she's just described.  

Jenny starts to describe her dream man, so Sly grabs a piece of paper and a pen from the basket under Jenny's bed.  He starts taking notes.  Her dream man is "handsome and honest, loves french food, fine art and foreign films."  The first time she sees him he'll be wearing an Italian suit and a silk tie.  He'll say something incredibly romantic. From under the bed, Sly decides he's up for the challenge.

The next day in the garage, Tiffani brings Matt the lyrics she wrote.  Matt starts to play guitar, while Tiffani sings:

Tommy came from the hills of Iowa-y

to live on the beach in sunny LA

He knew how to farm and how to breed cattle

But when it came to swimmin', he couldn't doggy paddle!

Tommy can't swim

Tommy can't surf

Tommy can't throw a frisbee

Tommy can't tan

Tommy can't clam

Tommy's allergic to sand fleas

At this point, Matt can't go any further, and just sits in awe.  Tiffani asks him why he stopped.  She has another whole verse about spiking the volleyball, goshdarnit!

Matt lies that he was moved by her song.  Poor Tiffani is so happy, that she suggests they play it at practice later.  Matt quickly says no, and takes the lyrics from her, suggesting that they "let it breathe"

Jenny and Tony come into the garage.  Tony complains that Jasmine turned him down again.  Sly comes in to the garage in a suit, carrying a bouquet of flowers.  He introduces himself as the "sensitive, honest Sylvester"  Everyone laughs, and he gives Jenny the flowers.  Jenny asks the others if it's a joke, but none of them know what's going on.  He tells Jenny that it's not a joke and excuses himself to drive his mother's church group to the Museum of Fine Arts.

Later, at Sharkey's, Jenny confesses to Tiffani that she "might like" Sly.  Sly comes over to sit with Jenny and Tiffani leaves.  Sly asks Jenny if she'd like to go to a French Bistro, then "catch a foreign film"  When I was in high school, "dates" consisted of hanging out in the center of town and eating at Papa Gino's.

Sly brings Jenny home after the date, and she happily dances around the kitchen.  Matt spits out his water when Jenny tells him that Sly might be the man of her dreams.  Dennis comes into the kitchen and asks Jenny where Sly is, because Sly hasn't paid him the $5 yet.  Jenny asks what the $5 is for, and Dennis spills the beans after Jenny offers him $10.  

The next day at Sharkey's, Matt is talking to Tony about Tiffani's lyrics.  Tony isn't listening.  He's still bummed about Jasmine turning him down.    Matt tells him that it's okay if one girl isn't into him.  Tony goes over to Jasmine to apologize for always bugging her.  She gives him a kiss, because it was the first time he didn't use a line on her.  Tony makes sure to let Matt know that he was wrong, then goes off with Jasmine.  

Later, at band practice, Sly arrives in another suit.  Jenny goes over to him and suggests a romantic dinner for later.  She has a plan.

Tiffani suggests that they start off the practice with the new song.  Matt is forced to tell Tiffani what he really thought of the lyrics.  Tiffani says that she's more hurt that he didn't trust their friendship enough the tell her the truth.  Matt looks at her and very seriously says "I know, you're right.  I'm sorry"  Tiffani smiles and says "Okay, I forgive you!"  That exchange reminded me so much of how my old co-worker and I were when we made up after an argument.  Maybe I was unintentionally channeling Tiffani that whole time?

Next scene!  Jenny is preparing dinner for her and Sly.  She "accidentally" pours their drinks on him

Jenny goes to get the soup, and pours that on Sly too.  When he finds out that dinner is shish-kabobs, he suggests skipping dinner and talking instead.  Jenny brings her journal into the kitchen, and leaves.  Sly snoops and finds out that she knew he was faking everything all along.  She chases him around the kitchen, and tells him that him using her private thoughts to manipulate her really hurt.  Sly apologizes and tells her that he's been hurt too.  Jenny doesn't believe him, until he tells the story of a crush he had when he was younger. He wrote her a love letter, and it made everyone laugh, even the teacher.  Jenny apologizes and offers to talk if he ever needs to.  He thanks her and asks for a kiss.  Jenny declines.

California Dreams S1:EP3 - "Beat of His Own Dream"

The gang is hanging out at Sharkey's.  Tony tells Matt that he loves the new song and goes on to sing and dance around the restaurant.

A delivery man comes into Sharkey's to deliver flowers to Tiffani.  He keeps sneezing all over them.   I don't think it's normal to get deliveries while you're out to eat, but then again, these kids are always there, so it's basically their second home.

The delivery guy keeps sneezing, and Matt asks him if he's okay.  He explains that whenever he delivers flowers, he can't stop sneezing.  Jenny's like "Maybe you're allergic to flowers, idiot"  She didn't say the "idiot" part.  I embellished a bit.  Anyway, the sneezing flower delivery guy ponders this for a moment, then runs off.  (Presumably to reconsider his current career path)

The note with the flowers reveals that Tiffani has a secret admirer.  Tony, Jenny and Matt: "oooh"  Tiffani wonders aloud who it could have been.  Sly runs over and announces "Guys, I did it!"  Tiffani was like "aw hell, no!"  Sly: Why would I send you flowers?  You're not dead!"

Sly reveals that the "I did it!" refers to him convincing Sharkey to let them play at the restaurant.  He's even going to pay them $150.   Everyone is excited.  Tony runs off to tell his dad the good news.

Next scene:  Locker room.  Tony's father is writing on a blackboard.  Tony comes in.  He compliments his dad on the football team's recent win.  Wait, wasn't it still summer vacation in the last episode?  Did we skip over the school year starting?  Oh well.  90s sitcoms aren't exactly known for their continuity.  One of the football players comes in to talk to Tony's dad about football stuff.  Aw, poor Tony.  I think we can all guess where this is going.  Mr. Wicks sends the football player to do 20 laps.  If their track is the same size at the track of the high school I went to, that's a good 5 miles right there.  Running 5 miles seems a bit rough, but hey, I never played football in high school, so what do I know?

Tony tells his dad about the upcoming gig, and mentions that he has a solo.  Mr. Wicks tells him it's great, but he's not convincing me.  Tony invites him to come, and his dad basically tells him that football is more important than his son.  "Your rock and roll fantasy is not important"  Tony tries to explain that it's not a fantasy.  Dad: "Do something more practical, like playing football"

In the next scene, Matt and Tiffani are in the garage and Dennis is playing the drums.  Tiffani, always diplomatic, tells him that with some more practice he could be really good.  Dennis thanks her, and asks her if she'd be in his band.  She sweetly tells him that she's already pretty busy with the California Dreams.  Matt's like "what about your totally rad older brother"  Dennis tells him that he's not blonde and beautiful.  Aw.

Another delivery arrives for Tiffani.  This time it's a box of chocolates.  Wait, why is she getting deliveries at Matt's house?  It's the same delivery guy from before.  He explains that he quit the flower delivery job and got this one instead.  He tells her that she'll love the chocolate.  "You can't eat just one!"  She offers Matt and Jenny each a piece, and they open the box.  Turns out, the delivery guy couldn't eat just one either.  The box is empty.  There's another note from the secret admirer, but still no clues about who it is.

Tony walks in and tries to act excited.  Tiffani can see right through him and asks him what's wrong.  He explains that his father wants him to play football.  Tony is bummed because he loves music but wants his parents to be proud.  Matt and Jenny tell him that at their age, no parents are proud of their kids.  Right on cue, Mr. Garrison comes into the garage and tells them how happy he is about their upcoming gig.  Side note.  I really need to start calling Matt and Jenny's parents by their first names, because whenever I type Mr. Garrison, I think of this: 

worstprofessorever.com

He tells Tony and Tiffani that he's sure their families are proud of them too.  Everyone shifts uncomfortably.  Tony says that his dad will be proud as soon as he joins the football team.  He quits the band and leaves.  Jenny glares at her dad, and he's like "Did I do that?"

Next day:  Jenny, Matt, Sly and Tiffani are sitting around a table at Sharkey's (where else?) lamenting the loss of Tony.  Sly's like "I can't believe he quit.  He loves playing the drums!"  Tiffany is impressed that Sly is thinking of his friend's feelings.  Sly says that it's not Tony's feelings he's worried about.  He's blaming Tony for "ruining" the gig.

Tony comes in from football practice and did not have a good time.  Here's what I find weird.  I know his dad is the coach, but can he really just join the team after the season has already started?

They suggest that Tony come back to the band, but he says that his dad won't have it.  Sly says that being in the band is better because of "gorgeous groupies" and football is just "rolling around in the mud with Butch, Bruno and Bubba.  Tony said that it doesn't matter if he hates football.  It made his dad happy and that's what's important to him.   Mr. Wicks comes in to Sharkey's and Tony leaves the gang to go join his dad for "a couple of protein shakes"  If that's not a metaphor for "cruising for chicks" then I don't know what is.

Oh, so they really ARE having protein shakes.  Mr. Wicks compliments his son on a great practice, and tells him that he really impressed Butch, Bruno and Bubba.  

Back at the Garrison's, Mr. Garrison and Dennis are sitting at the kitchen table.  Mr. Garrison is looking over his credit card bill.  Matt, Jenny, Tiffani and Sly come into the kitchen.  He asks Matt and Jenny (and then Sly too) if any of them have used his credit card.  They all say that they haven't.  Dennis leaves the kitchen.  Apparently there were some credit card charges for flowers and candy.  Matt and Jenny eye each other knowingly.  Mr. Garrison suggests that Sly take a lie detector test.  Sly, by the way, is wearing another wacky vest.

Mr. Garrison leaves the kitchen, and everyone realizes that Dennis is Tiffani's Secret Admirer.  Jenny suggests that she let him down gently so he doesn't get turned off on relationships forever.  Tiffani relates this to a Sports Illustrated article about the Cleveland Indians being the "losingest team in baseball."  When Jenny asks what that has to do with Dennis, Tiffani says, "He's never going to get to first base!"  HA!  Jenny's reaction is priceless:

"What's it like in there?"

I forgot that they made Tiffani seem kind of ditzy in the first season.

Tony shows up and asks how the search for a new drummer is going.  They all beg him to come back.  Tony says that he can't because he's finally getting along with his dad.  Matt tells him that he should be honest with his dad about what he really wants.

In the next scene, Tony's dad leads him into the locker room after an injury.  Every time he moves, he shrieks.  He says that his arm hurts.  His dad looks at it for like, three seconds and goes "eh, it's just a sprain!"  (I sprained my wrist playing soccer once.  I wasn't the goalie.)  His dad pulls a sling out of nowhere, and sticks it on Tony's arm.  He tells him he'll have to miss the next game.  Tony's like "Well, darn!"  His dad leaves.  Tony takes off the sling and throws his helmet across the room.

In the next scene, the search for a new drummer continues.  So far THIS is all they've come up with:

this will not end well.

They talk about why he's not a good fit for the band, and Tiffani suggests that they save their comments, since the dude is sitting right there.  Sly says it doesn't matter because he's pretty spaced out from playing drums with his head.  "Right, Sheldon?"  The kid asks why Sly called him Sheldon.  Sly tells him that it's his name.  Drummer dude is like "I'm such a burnout I don't even know who I am."

Jenny comes into the garage and reminds Tiffani to tell Dennis that he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting with her.  Sly suggests that Matt write a "break up ditty" because "things always sound nicer with music!"  Jenny thinks Sly wasn't hugged enough as a baby.

Tony joins everyone in the garage, wearing the sling again, and complains some more about football.  Sly introduces him to Sheldon.  Upon hearing that Tony was the drummer, he thinks he's off the hook, and gets up to leave.  Sly explains that Tony used to be the drummer.  They still need a new drummer.  Sheldon pretty much says "oh, okay!"  to everything anyone says.  Tony refuses to let them replace him with Sheldon, calling him a "ratty-haired, heavy metal oatmeal brain"  (I love Tony's long-winded ways of explaining things)

Matt's like "You snooze, you lose, Tony" and they start practicing.  Matt tells Sheldon to start with the drum intro, and he basically just starts pounding on the cymbals and ends with a crazy drum solo.  Tony jumps up and starts flipping out.  Then he slowly walks over to Sheldon and takes his drum sticks back.  He sits at the drums and begins to play.  Sheldon is impressed.

Matt realizes that there's nothing wrong with Tony's arm.  Jenny tells him to stop lying.   Back at Tony's house, he's in his room drumming on... something.  There's a knock at his door.  Tony's dad comes in and greets his "no pain, no gain, give it all you got guy"  (Oh, so THAT'S where Tony gets it)  Tony tells his dad that he wants to talk.  Mr. Wicks is worried that Tony wants to have the birds and the bees chat.  Tony's like "no, I know all I need to know about that"  He tells his dad that he wants to quit the football team and admits that the injury was fake.  Then Mr. Wicks tells Tony that he's benching him.  Tony's like "you can't bench me, I quit!"  He tries to explain again that he doesn't like football.  He wants to be a musician!  His father tells him that his band is "a bunch of kids wasting time in a garage."  Then he says it's stupid.  I kid you not.  He actually says that.  Tony says that it's his choice to make.  His dad tells him to go do it in his room.  Tony leaves, then realizes he was already in his room.  

In the next scene, the gang is at Sharkey's getting ready for the gig.  They all welcome Tony back.  One of the cymbals on Tony's drum set is dented, thanks to Sheldon.  Mr. Garrison and Dennis walk in cheering.  Jenny tells him to go away because he's embarrassing them.  Hey, after what Tony went through, at least her dad cares!

Jenny asks Tiffani if she's ready to talk to Dennis.  She is, thanks to an article in Psychology Today about crushes and positive reinforcement.  Tiffani goes to talk to him, and he doesn't understand a word of what she's trying to tell him.  He finally gets it, and asks her for a kiss.  She obliges, and kisses him on the cheek.  It's actually pretty cute.  

The second favor he asks for is for $50 to pay his dad back for the credit card charges.  Mr. Garrison looks up and is like "WTF?"  Tiffani just laughs and goes to join the band.  Sly introduces them, and they play.  Everybody cheers, and then Mr. Wicks walks in!  He greets Mr. Garrison, and we cut back to the band.  This song, "Rain"  is set to a music video.   I wonder how long they kept up having videos along with the performances.  I'll have to investigate this as I go along.  Anyway, this video involves Tony and a ventriloquist dummy.  What?

The band finishes the song, and everyone cheers.  Even Mr. Wicks is cheering!  Mr. Garrison tells Mr. Wicks (whose name is apparently Darren) that he has a very talented son.  Darren is like "huh, I guess I do" Mr. Garrison is like "you're damn right, dumbass"  Tony goes over to talk to his dad, who actually apologizes to his son.  I noticed the random extra in the background wearing a Red Sox hat, so that's why I'm including this last screencap.

Tony and Darren hug, and Darren says that he's proud of his son.  Aw.