With the first three episodes out of the way; we now have the first episode focusing on the younger cast members in the Kid.
We start things with the band missing a member as they get ready to perform at the P*lace (similar to the previous episode's beginning); in this case the Kid. It turns out according to Stacy that Kid had been doing impressions of a kid named Casmire - a decision that causes much worry from the others (as Renee puts it; he makes Darth Vader look like Boy George). Riley - noticing they haven't started yet - takes the mic and - after a poorly received joke - introduces the band for the episode's opening number ("Sunglasses at Night").
After the crowd disperses, the other band members make places to search for Kid, who unbeknownst to them was hiding at the edge of the stage (upon spotting him, Renee remarks "Uh, don't look now but some weirdo's trying to get our attention"); but when the others ask where he was, Kid then announces he was there to say goodbye, hoping to hide from Casmire in Saudi Arabia. Sure enough, Casmire shows up demanding to see the Kid; with Riley oddly sending him in the direction of the rest of Kids Incorporated (including Kid - hiding in a speaker); with the kids failing in their attempts to distract him in Casmire's attempts to - in his words - "totally destroy him" (Kid almost gives himself away at this point; but the others play it off as a problem with feedback). Casmire does have some honor, as he won't beat anyone under 10 up (thus sparing Stacy - who attempted to confront him briefly); but he refuses Gloria's suggestion to let bygones be bygones ("We're Not Gonna Take It").
While Casmire is turning the Twisted Sister song into a Villain Song; Riley comes up with an idea and brings Stacy over. Meanwhile, Casmire vows to return in an hour (and if he doesn't show up; he vows to settle the score with Mickey's nose). The others try to convince Kid to apologize to Casmire, but Kid would prefer to have Superman or Indiana Jones ("Holding Out for a Hero"). Meanwhile, Casmire is waiting outside when he sees Stacy walking with Riley - who appears much worse for wear. According to them, Riley got beaten up by Kid (Riley's claim: He said Kid's shoes were dirty and the "master of taro-sushi" went off) - and it appears Casmire was buying the ruse. Meanwhile, inside the others are still trying to convince the Kid to apologize. The moment of truth commences and the still-afraid Kid hands best friend Stacy a note (his "last will and testament"); and the confrontation sets the stagenote only for Casmire to have been spooked by Stacy and Riley's ruse. In the end, the gambit worked; leading to closing song "Let's Hear It for the Boy".
Incidentally; Trevor Weaver (who plays Casmire in this episode) would become the first guest star to make a return appearance; appearing the following season in the Very Special Episode Peer Pressure; while the plot line would be nearly verbatim copied for Season 6's Karate Kids.
Songs performed in this episode:
- "Sunglasses at Night" (Corey Hart cover; lead vocals by Mickey and Gloria)
- "We're Not Gonna Take It" (Twisted Sister cover; guest vocals by Casmire)
- "Holding Out for a Hero" (Bonnie Tyler covernote ; lead vocal by Kid)
- "Let's Hear It for the Boy" (Deniece Williams cover; lead vocals by Stacy and Renee)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Conspicuous Trenchcoat: Kid is first seen wearing this.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Mickey notes it's not normal for the Kid to miss a performance. He shows up just before it starts.
- Playing Possum: Riley feigns being beat up in order to both startle Casmire and convince the Kid to stand up for himself.
- The Cover Changes the Gender: Partially Averted Trope, as Rahsaan Patterson's performance (as it did in The Beginning) retains the line "It's gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet" at the end of the 2nd verse despite using a male vocalist; though the "he's" in the chorus are changed to the third person.
- This Is Something He's Got to Do Himself: Kid briefly considers this action ("A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do") before following up with "I Want My Mommy!".
