California Dreams - S1:EP12 - "The Time"

Greetings Loyal Readers!  I know you're out there somewhere.

It's been a long time.  Usually, when I get home from work, the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer screen.   I went out for drinks with a friend from work after work today, so that gave me a bit of a break from staring at a screen.

Now I'm back at home, wrapped up in a sweatshirt because it's unseasonably cold for late May, and I just poured myself a tall drink.  Let's see how drunk re-capping goes, shall we?

We open with the gang drinking milkshakes at Sharkey's.  A leather-clad kid named Eric walks in, and Tiffany comments that she's surprised that his girlfriend isn't with him.  Tony's like "nah, they broke up and I totes got some of that last night"  Matt says that he hates how he treats people, and offhandedly mentions that Jenny also dated him.

Sly runs in and interrupts the conversation by announcing that he got the band a $250 gig at a cafe in Santa Barbara.  Cheers, high-fives all around, and so on and so forth.

Matt points out that it's a two-hour drive and they don't have a way to get the equipment there.  Sly says that he'll take care of it.  Famous last words.

Circle wipe to...Sly showing off a 70's-esque falling apart VW bug.  Tony says that at least they don't have to worry about it getting stolen.

Sly defends the old van by saying that it has new windshield wipers and a new air freshener.  Tiffany goes around to the back and reads off all of the 60s-70s bumper stickers.  She says that you can really sense the history.  She pats the bumper and it falls off and hits Tony's foot.  Jenny finds an old Partridge Family 8-track.  Mrs. Garrison comes into the garage and tells Jenny that Eric is there to see her, and he's waiting in the living room.  Jenny leaves to talk to him.  Matt offers to go with her, but Mrs. Garrison asks him to stay and explain the van.

Matt explains that it's for the band, but Mrs. Garrison ain't having it.  She wants it out of the garage.  Sly goes to move it and to the surprise of exactly no one, it won't start.

Up in the kitchen, Jenny is rehearsing what she wants to say to Eric, and he comes in behind her and overhears the whole thing.

Mr. Garrison comes into the kitchen, and makes pseudo-polite chit chat with Eric.  It's kind of boring and not worth recapping.

Mr. Garrison sticks around the kitchen and tries to eavesdrop, despite Jenny trying to kick him out.  Mr. Garrison says to pretend he's not there, and goes about his business, getting a drink out of the refrigerator.  I just realized that the fridge in the Garrison's kitchen is the same one that my parents have.  I hate that fridge.  It's been on it's last legs FOREVER.  The freezer doesn't even freeze things anymore, which is by definition, THE POINT of a freezer.  Like, I didn't want Cherry Garcia SOUP, okay?  Ack!  Moving on...

Eric begs Jenny for another chance, adding that he still loves her.  From upstairs, Mr. Garrison screams, and a picture falls off the wall.  Wacky hijinks!

Jenny says that she needs to think, and asks Eric to leave. 

Later, Matt knock on Jenny's bedroom door and tries to get her to talk about it.  She doesn't want to, but thanks Matt anyway.  He tells her that if she changes her mind, she can get his attention by knocking on the wall, like when they were kids.  Aww. That was kind of sweet.

We fade into a black and white music montage. 

Back in Jenny's room, she picks up the phone.  "Hello, Eric... It's me", she says seductively, while biting her lip. 

In the garage, Sly is still trying to fix the van.  Jenny comes in with Eric, and asks the gang if they remember him.  They all say yes, and non-nonchalantly greet him.

Matt reminds Jenny that they have band practice that afternoon.  Jenny says that she knows and she'll be there.  Eric tells her that she promised to help him practice for the school play.  He got the lead in Phantom of the Opera.  Jenny tells them that she'll have to miss practice because Eric needs her.  They're not pleased.

At Sharkey's, Jenny and Eric are reading something gooey and romantic that definitely is not Phantom of the Opera.  It's something that Eric wrote, mostly to get a kiss from Jenny.  On the other side of the restaurant, the rest of the gang is watching them.   Matt thinks it's ridiculous, Tiffany thinks it's romantic.  Tony concedes that it's smooth and all, but "a real ladies man doesn't need a script"  He looks to Sly for some back up, but Sly is busy taking notes from Eric.

The band is practicing in Matt's room.  Mr. Garrison doesn't approve, because he has work to do and can't concentrate with the band upstairs.  Matt explains that they can't use the garage while the van is in there.  Mrs. Garrison joins everyone in Matt's room and says that it's time for the van to go.

The next few scenes revolve around Jenny blowing off the band to spend time with Eric.  Matt calls her on it, and she accuses him of not caring about her being happy.  Matt says that it's just the opposite, and he doesn't want to see her get hurt.

Next, in the kitchen, Matt, Tony, Tiffany and Sly announce that the van is okay and ready to go.  Mrs. Garrison wants to know what the problem was.  It turns out, there was no gas in the tank.  Really?  It took them that long to figure that out?  Tony reminds Sly that "E" does not stand for "Enough"

They're about set to go to the gig, but Tiffany doesn't want to go without Jenny.  She talks Matt into going to Eric's cast party to get her.  The cast party is at... where else?  Sharkey's!  Because, why visit another set?

Eric sees Jenny sitting by herself and asks what's wrong.  She tells him that she's disappointed about missing the gig.  Eric tells her that it's not a big deal, and drags her off to meet his friends who thought he was great in the play.

The rest of the band shows up at the party, but Jenny doesn't want to go to the gig with them.   They all leave, and Jenny returns to Eric.  She asks him if they can leave and take a walk.  Eric says that everyone is going to hang out on the beach later.  Jenny clarifies that she means right now, and just the two of them.  Eric says that he can't leave in the middle of "his" cast party.  He is the star of the show, after all.

Jenny tells him that she really needs to talk.  Eric says that it can wait, and that he'd never ask her to give up something important to her.  Jenny tells him that he already did and they break up.  Again.

Back in the garage, the guys are fighting over who's going to drive to the gig.  Tiffany ends the fight by saying that she'll drive.  Then the guys all fight over shotgun.   Jenny arrives just in time.  She tells them that she broke up with Eric, and Sly offers to beat him up.  Jenny says that she'll be okay, and apologizes to Matt.

Matt tells Jenny to sit up front, and they take off for their gig.  

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:EP7 - "Guess Who's Coming to Brunch"

The scene opens with the gang at a party.  Sly asks them what they're doing.  They're waiting for Jenny to come back from the bathroom.

Jenny returns and complains about the rich folk having difficulty choosing the color of their Mercedes.  Sly tells her that it is, in fact, a difficult choice.

Man, when I picked out my car, I was like "woo hoo, it's the make and model I like, and I can sort of afford it!"  I didn't even pay attention to the color, but I do like it, so it all worked out in the end.

While they're all talking, a girl comes up to the table to get a cup.  She and Tony reach for it at the same time.  Their hands brush against each other, they smile, and awww, this is cute.

She's excited to learn that he's the drummer, and compliments the whole band on their performance.  She introduces herself.  Her name is Kimberly.

Tiffani "oohs"  Sly tells Tony to forget it.   Kimberly's dad is a millionaire, and she wouldn't even go out with Sly!  Tony says that Kimberly has good looks and good taste.

Tony gets on stage and tells Matt that he wants to play "Rain."  Matt protests that they never end a gig with "Rain."  Tony whines until Matt gives in.  Tony grabs the mic from Matt and dedicates the performance to Kimberly.

In the middle of the song, the amp blows out in Tony's ear.  Ow.

Kimberly runs up and offers to take Tony outside for some air.  

Later, at Sharkey's, the rest of the gang is trying to think up ways to buy a new amp.  They need $600 by the following Saturday.  Sly suggests having Matt write advertising jingles.  Matt says a quick "no" to that suggestion.

Jenny interjects that maybe Sly has a point (this time it isn't the top of his head!)  Matt gives in and asks what Sly has in mind.  He wants them to write a jingle for "Uncle Slappy's Root Beer"

Across the room, Tony and Kimberly return from their day at Disney World with a giant panda.

They talk about how much fun they had.  I can't stop staring at Kimberly's CRAZY shirt jacket thing.  Kimberly comments on how much Tony liked the haunted mansion.  Tony says that he liked holding her when she got scared.  Kimberly admits that she wasn't scared.  The audience-reaction track "oooohs" in approval.

Tony tells her that he's glad they met.  Kimberly says that they almost didn't meet.  She wanted to go to school in Paris, but her father wouldn't let her.  Tony wonders aloud what kind of parent wouldn't let their child go to Paris.  "When I meet that man, I'm going to say.... thank you very very much!"

Kimberly offers him a milkshake.  "Since you paid for Disneyland, it's on me!"  Oh yeah.  A milkshake for Disneyland.  Seems like an even trade.

Tony refuses, saying that one of the "Tony Wicks rules of Dating" is to "Always pay for your woman, even if it means working your butt to the bone"  (the other one is "Don't call your date by your ex's name")

Kimberly points out that another rule should be "If your date's dad is loaded, let her pay!"  Tony agrees to add that to the list, and accepts the offer.

Kimberly asks what the rule about kissing is.  Tony says the rule is "Do kiss"  They make out in the booth, and I'm left to wonder what happened to the milkshake.  WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE MILKSHAKES?!?

Back at the garage, Sly wants to hear what Matt has for the jingle so far.

"If you're sweltering in the desert

tongue is bloated from thirst

Drink Uncle Slappy's Root Beer

because dying would be worse!"

Sly tells them that the idea is to make them want to drink it, not hurl.  Matt points out that the stuff is terrible. Tiffani says that it would be wrong to lie.  Sly tells them not to lie, "just... take the facts and twist them around a bit."  Tony tells Sly to write the song.  Sly agrees.  

Kimberly comes in.   She invites Tony to join her and her parents for brunch the following Sunday.  The gang "oohs"  Sly makes a bunch of jokes about Tony being nervous.  Tony says he's not.  

Next scene.  Kimberly and Tony arrive at the yacht club for brunch.  Tony says that he's nervous.

Kimberly tells him that all he needs to do is laugh at her father's jokes.  Uh-oh.  This can't end well.

Kimberly introduces Tony to her parents.  Her father says "Kimberly hasn't stopped talking about you for days!"  Tony laughs.  Kimberly tells him that it wasn't a joke.

She tells him to relax.  Tony agrees and says "We're all people.  We all put our pants on one leg at a time!"  Kimberly's father says "Oh, not me!  I jump right in both legs at a time!"  Tony stares.  Kimberly tells him that was a joke.

After brunch, Kimberly's mother excuses herself to go to the rest room.  Kimberly joins her so she can freshen up.  Kimberly's father says that's "Women's code for 'let's go talk about the guys!'"

While the ladies are gone, Kimberly's father tells Tony that Kimberly told him about the amp blowing up.  He says that he wants to help out.  He takes out his checkbook and asks, "Will $1000 cover it?"

After he gets over the shock, he says that it would be great, but asks why he's doing this.  He tells Tony that he wants a favor.  He wants him to stop dating Kimberly, because they're "from different worlds"  Tony asks if it's because he's black.  

Back in the Garrison kitchen, the Dreams and Mr. Garrison sit around talking about what Tony should do.  Mr. Garrison tells Tony that unfortunately, some people just aren't open-minded.  Tony asks if he would have a problem if he were dating Jenny.  Mr. Garrison says no, but if it were Sly...

Sly: Why? Because I'm Italian?

Mr. Garrison: No, because you're YOU!

They all tell Tony that he should talk to Kimberly about it.

Later, at Sharkey's.  Tony tells Kimberly about what her dad said.  Kimberly refuses to believe that her dad is prejudiced.

Back at the garage, the gang is making another attempt at writing a jingle.  Sly sings about fungus, and the gang vetoes that idea.

Tony comes in and tells the gang that Kimberly broke up with him.  They all tell him they're sorry, except for Sly.  Sly suggests that he date Kimberly next.  "Fathers always hate me!  Maybe he'll buy me a car!"

Mr. Garrison enters the garage with a delivery.  It's the amp from Kimberly's dad.  

In the next scene, Tony brings the amp to the yacht club where Kimberly is eating with her parents.  He puts it up on the chair, and tells Kimberly that her father tried to buy him off.  Kimberly and her mother are horrified.  In a crowning moment of awesome, Tony tells off Kimberly's dad, then leaves while a bunch of extras give Kimberly's dad dirty looks.  It would have been so much better if they had applauded Tony.

Back at the garage, the gang is still working on the root beer jingle.  Sly reads the lyrics and tells the gang that Uncle Slappy won't like the lyrics because he's a very serious businessman.  Oh yeah, with a name like Uncle Slappy, he sounds like a serious business man.

Matt, Jenny and Tiffany perform the jingle:

For Guys and Girls who want a drink

If you're short, tall, thin or fat

Drink Uncle Slappy's root beer

Because it tastes like THAT!

Uncle Slappy wants to know what "That" is.  Matt, Tiffany and Jenny explains that anyone can say their soda tastes great, but "that" sounds unique, so people will buy it to find out what "that" is.  Uncle Slappy totally buys their lie.  He ha  nds Sly the check and they're all about to leave to buy an amp.  

Tony comes in and tells the gang that he talked to Kimberly's dad, but it didn't really make him feel better.  Kimberly comes in behind him and tells him she followed him.   She apologizes for not believing him.  Tony tells her that she has to talk to her dad, and she agrees.  They hug and Tony says "now I feel better"

Later, at Sharkey's, Kimberly tells Tony that it didn't go well when she talked to her dad.  Tony says that they can work it out.  Kimberly says that unfortunately, they can't.  Her dad is sending her to Paris.  

Kimberly leaves, and Sly, Matt, Jenny and Tiffani come up to Tony and ask him if he's okay.  He vows to never accept prejudice and always try to teach people that "different" doesn't mean "bad."

Sly asks Tony if he's okay.  Tony says he'll be fine.  Sly: Good!  Please get on stage and make some money!

Matt asks Tony if he wants to start with "Rain."  Tony says he'd rather play "One World"

California Dreams - S1:EP6 - "Friends First"

I was supposed to post this yesterday, but I got sidetracked with going to a job fair, interviewing for a job, accepting an offer from said job, filling out paperwork, etc.  So, loyal readers (I know you're out there somewhere) here's Thursday's entry a day late.  I'll try to post an entry tomorrow as well, but it might take me a bit to get back on my Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday posting schedule.

Without further ado, onto episode 6.

Opening scene: Sharkey's.

Tony comes over to the table and serves cheeseburgers to the gang.  They all tell him that none of them actually ordered cheeseburgers.

Tony tells them to eat them anyway so Sharkey doesn't find out that he messed up yet another order.  Sly agrees, but only if he doesn't have to pay.  Tony doesn't go for it and takes the cheeseburgers back.  On the way back to the kitchen, Sharkey catches Tony with the tray of cheeseburgers and demands an explanation. Tony mumbles something about the kitchen staff making a mistake.  Sharkey reminds Tony to write orders down.

Back at the table, Sly plays a tape of the Dreams for Sharkey.  Sly wants the band to have a regular gig at Sharkey's.  Sharkey says that it will take away from the money he earns from the jukebox.  I remember a similar situation on Saved By the Bell.  Max was upset about the girls all listening to the song by fictional musician Beau Revere, because it took away from the jukebox.

Jenny and Matt talk about an old friend named Teddy coming to visit.  Apparently, he was a tad on the pudgy side, as they call him "Shamu."  Tiffani tells them not to make fun of someone's size.  Across the room, a guy enters.  It's Teddy (not Shamu-like at all)  Matt greets him, and comments that he didn't recognize him.  He greets everyone, and tells them that he goes by "Ted" now.  Tiffany and Jenny are smitten.

Matt leaves the table.  Jenny and Tiffani immediately start arguing about who's going to ask him out.  They finally agree that neither of them will.  Several years ago, a friend and I made that same promise about a guy. They're married now.

In Matt's room, he and Ted are going through old pictures and reminiscing.  Jenny comes in and starts flirting with Ted.   She tells him how great the restaurants in the area are.  They talk about Italian food, and she recommends a place with a "killer caesar salad"  Ted says he'll check it out.  Jenny, thinking she's found a loophole in the promise with Tiffany, asks him if he's asking her out.  They agree to go out the following Saturday.

Tiffani walks in and asks if Matt has seen Jenny.  She walks right past him to talk to Ted.  She talks to him about movies, then "accidentally" drops the newspaper, which just so happens  to have the current movie times listed.  She's even highlighted the movie that Ted wants to see.  They agree to go together.

Tiffani leaves.  Ted looks smug.  Matt: you just asked out 2 best friends, you idiot.

Back in the garage, Tiffany tells Tony to write down the orders at Sharkey's.  Tony thinks writing down orders is "uncool"  No Tony, you know what's uncool?  Getting Rocky Mountain Oysters when you want Fried Pickles.  That's uncool!  Write down your customers' orders!

Tony's two other "Rules of Cool" are: Don't wear hats with clapping hands, and don't listen to NKOTB.

Tiffani tells him that if he doesn't want to write down the orders, he should improve his memory by eating fish.  He won't do that either.

Sly joins the gang to announce that he's secured a gig at Sharkey's.  Everyone is happy.  They ask how much they're getting paid.  Sly admits that they're not getting paid, but they're getting burgers!

Tiffani and Jenny hug and talk about how excited they are.  Matt's like "aww, I'm so glad you're still friends even though you're going out with the same guy!"  Tiffany and Jenny look at each other, and Matt realizes that Ted hasn't talked to the girls about the fact that he's going on a date with both of them.

Tiffani and Jenny start fighting about trust.  Tony tells them to chill out.  Jenny tells him to butt out.  Both girls say that they're keeping the date.

Next scene.  At the move theatre, Jenny points to the front row, and hands something to the usher.  The usher goes to Tiffani and tells her that she has a phone call.  Tiffani gets up.  Jenny goes to join Ted.  He admits that he's there with Tiffani, and Jenny tells him a bunch of fake stories about Tiffany's dad being really overprotective.  She tells him that Tiffani's dad invented his own form of martial arts - Kung Pao Ow!

Tiffani comes back and says that no one was on the phone.  Ted says that he should get her home.  Tiffany protests that the movie hasn't started yet, but Ted insists.  They leave, and Jenny sits in the theatre looking pleased with herself.

The next day, Jenny and Ted are out to eat.  Jenny tells Ted that she used to have a crush on him.  He asks her about the names she used to call him.  She tells him they were just affectionate nicknames.  Ted: "Blubber Butt?  Blimpo the Wonder Boy?"

Tiffani comes in with Sly, and tells Jenny that her black-belt father says "Hi-Ya"  Sly comes over to greet them and realizes that he hasn't been formally introduced.  Tiffani asks, "Sly, HAVE YOU MET TED?"  and I laugh a bit.

Sly heckles Ted a bit, then insists on pulling both tables together.  Ted looks uncomfortable.

Next Scene: Band practice.  Tiffani comes in, and greets everyone but Jenny.  They're about to start practicing "If it Wasn't For You" but Tiffani and Jenny both have a problem with it. -- each other's parts.

They both quit.

Back in the kitchen, Tony, Matt and Sly are moping about the loss of two band members.  Jenny stomps down the stairs and slams cupboard doors.  They she shrieks, "Where's the peanut butter?!?!"

The boys look perplexed.  Tony and Sly leave.  Matt tries to talk to Jenny.  Tiffani comes through the kitchen with her bass, explaining that she's bringing it home since she's not in the band anymore.  Matt begs them to work it out, and they start to cave.  Then Ted walks in.

....aaaaand the claws come out again.

Matt begs Ted to choose one of them to stop the fighting.  Oh, THAT sounds like a good plan.  Ted believes that the girls are like potato chips and doesn't want just one.

He can't decide and tells them he'll make his choice by the next day.  

At Sharkey's.  Matt replaces the California Dreams poster on the bulletin board with a different California Dreams poster. On stage, Tiffani and Jenny continue fighting.

The girls realize that the poster that Matt put up was a picture from the first time the band played together.  They think that Matt is trying to get them to talk again.  They start reminiscing.  Matt's plan worked.

They apologize and hug.  Everyone is happy.

Tony is taking an order, but not writing it down.  Sharkey asks him what he's doing, and he says that he memorized the order.  Sharkey's all "I'm impressed, but you're not even on the schedule tonight."

On stage, they perform "If It Wasn't For You."  Ted walks in.  Tiffani and Jenny look at each other.  

Sharkey and Sly talk about the band.  Sharkey likes them and wants them to perform again the following week.  Sly asks to talk about payment.  Sharkey likes the current plan of Burgers and Fries as payment.  Sly is disappointed.  Sharkey says, "Well, it's not Sinatra, but I'll throw in some onion rings too!"

Ted goes over to Jenny and Tiffani.  He made his choice, and pulls 2 tickets to a Sting concert out of his pocket.  He's taking the "winner" with him.  Tiffani and Jenny decide that they don't want to know, and take the tickets for themselves.  

Ted doesn't know what happened.  Matt tells him that he was nicer when he was fat and offers to buy him a milkshake.

/end

California Dreams: S1:EP4 - "Double Date"

The boys are hanging out at Sharkey's.  (Do these kids ever go to school?  Has school started yet?)  Tony asks Matt where Randy Jo is.  (oh, so she's back?  What happened to Angela?  Why do I ask questions about the continuity of a show that started 20 years ago?)  Matt explains that Randy Jo has things to do for her sister Debbie's wedding.

Sly:  Weddings?  Feh.  Another perfectly good woman off the market!

Matt says that Debbie is nice, but that she's so worried about the wedding, that Randy Jo is freaking out too.  Right on cue, Randy Jo runs into Sharkey's complaining about the latest disaster.  The disaster?  They delivered the matchbooks for the wedding.  Tony:  How dare they?!?!

Randy Jo gets all huffy and whines "IT'S NOT FUNNY!"  Turns out, the grooms name was misspelled.  Instead of "Paul" it read "Paula"  Sly misses the point, and thinks it actually is Paula, and laments that now two women are off the market.

Tiffany and Jenny come in with their new rollerblades, chatting about how much fun rollerblading will be.  Sly calls shenanigans, saying that Jenny never has fun.  She rolls over his hand with one of the skates, and says that that was fun.

Sharkey calls Tony over to the counter to tell him that he's going on a trip, and wants to leave Tony in charge.  If all goes well, Tony will get a promotion and a raise.

Back at the garage, the gang is talking about Tony's exciting opportunity.  Randy Jo runs in, rambling and freaking out and not really forming complete thoughts.  She buries her head in Matt's shoulder.

Matt asks if it has to do with the wedding and RJ is like "I just told you.  You don't listen when I talk!"  She runs out, and Matt is left to wonder what just happened.  He goes after her, and the girls take off to go skating.  Sly yells "Aloha!"  to the girls.  Then he continues to repeat "Aloha, Aloha, Aloha"  while doing the hula.

and another wacky vest!

Tony wants to know what he's doing, and Sly says that they should host a luau at Sharkey's.  Once Tony remembers that Sharkey won't be there, he likes the idea.  Then he and Sly start doing the hula together.

Next scene.  Tony and Sly are sitting at the counter planning the luau.  Tiffani and Jenny skate into the restaurant ready to pass out flyers for them.  Sly wants them to be wearing as little clothing as possible.  Jenny and Tiffani say no way.  Sly backs down and let's them wear regular clothes to pass out the flyers.  

Matt comes in to Sharkey's wearing a jacket.  (What month is this?)  He has good news. The band for Debbie's wedding canceled, so they're going to hire the Dreams!  Tony got them a gig too.  They're going to play at the luau!  Ruh-roh!  The gigs are both on the same night!

Cut to: Garrison's kitchen.  Matt and Tony are arguing about who should cancel their gig.  After a bit more arguing, Matt goes off to talk to Randy Jo.  While they're talking, Debbie and her fiance come in arguing about something.  Matt suggests that they hire a band called "Root Canal" for their wedding.  Randy Jo tries to talk Matt out of canceling.  Matt agrees to play at the wedding after all.  

Back at Sharkey's the gang is trying to decide what to do about the luau.  They consider moving it to the next day, but don't want to advertise again.  Sly says they can pay for the new flyers with Sharkey's money.  Tony hands him some, and Sharkey comes in at that moment, accuses him of being a thief, and catches him with a huge net.

Sly tries to explain what the money is for, and Tony's like "oh, we're just having a luau"  and Sharkey is like "oh, sweet." He asks how much money has gone into it, and Tony says it's around $500.  Sharkey goes "WHAT?  No Volcano?!?"  Sly thinks it's a good idea.  Sharkey says that it the luau fails, Tony's fired and has to pay back what's owed.

Back in the garage, Matt is tuning his guitar.  Sly drags Tony into the garage, and begs him and Matt to make a decision about who's going to give up their gig.  Tiffany and Jenny skate into the garage.  Tiffany announces that she won their race.  Sly tells the girls about the problem, and Tiffany suggests that they just do both gigs. The guys love the idea.

They're plan is to play a set, take a break, move up the beach, then repeat.  Tony is worried that it will take too long.  Tiffany suggests skating, and taking a shortcut via the bike path.  Tony's like "and how do you expect me to carry my drums while skating?"  Sly suggests renting a second set of equipment.  Tony still won't agree to the plan.  He admits that he can't rollerskate, and everyone laughs at him.

Next scene!  Sharkey and Tony are getting ready for the luau.  Tony tells him he'll be missed, as the crowd would have loved to see him do the hula.

The girls skate in, and tell Tony that it's time to get to the wedding.  Tony gives Sly some last minute instructions about collecting cover charges, and they're off.  (the girls on skates, Tony in a wagon)

At the Country Club, Debbie and Paul are wondering where the band is.  Matt says that there's no need to worry, everything is fine...

Then Sharkey walks in.

Turns out, Sharkey is Paul's father's fishing buddy.  Matt's like "Well, get him out of here!"  Randy Jo rushes over to Sharkey and urges him to check out the dessert table... outside.

Tony and the girls enter.  Matt introduces them as the "California Roller Dreamers" and they begin their set.  This time there aren't any montages along with the music.  When they finish the set, they announce their break, and head back to Sharkey's.  

At the luau, they're out of their formal wear, and into "luau wear"  They're singing "Heart Don't Lie"

Transition back to the wedding.  They're singing "Heart Don't Lie" again, and are back in their formal wear.

Matt thanks the crowd and says "It's been a great luau!  I mean, wedding!"  Then Sharkey walks in.  (Has he been at the dessert table all this time?)  The band is heading out the door, when Sharkey spots Tony.  They get out before he can say anything.  

Next scene!  They beat Sharkey back to the restaurant (and even had time to change beforehand!)  They perform another set.  Sharkey arrives and wants to speak with Tony.  He goes "You're here!  So you couldn't have been there!"  Tony pretends to have no idea what Sharkey is talking about and gives him the money that they made from the luau.  Tony asks when they can start talking about his raise and promotion.  Sharkey says "After what you did, I should demote you to toilet-cleaner... but I like your skirt!"

Sly counts the money, and after paying Sharkey back and paying for all the stuff they had to rent, they made a grand total of.... $4. Tiffany points out that that's $1 each for herself, Jenny, Tony and Matt!  

Poor Sly.

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.