Approaching the halfway mark of the season, Riley takes center-stage for the first time in Season 2, and he finds himself learning a lesson on honesty the hard way.
We start off with a performance of “Masquerade” (complete with Andrea and Wendy utilizing the classic theater masks as props); but instead of being on post at the counter, Riley’s in the break room dressed up and attempting to tie a bow tie before deciding to ditch the bow tie. The sudden change in attire grabs the kids' attention (with Gloria and Stacy being quick to compliment him on) - with Gloria first guessing a new dress code (the owner, it turns out, was on vacation) before they learn an acquaintance is visiting (the kids assuming he has a date before Riley clarifies the visitor is a male acquaintance named Wesley (guest star Rad Daly; better known now for playing the apple in commercials for Fruit of the Loom underwear) who was a rival of Riley’s dating to when they were kids). The break ends and the kids return to the stage (though not before it’s noticed that Riley’s tie is in his malted); setting up “My Guy” - during which Wesley drives up in a new Mercedes.
Upon arriving, Wesley brags about being the owner of a burger chain; leading to Riley abruptly claiming he’s the owner of the P*lace (instead of simply being a soda jerk). The two shoot the breeze; with several of the kids in earshot (Kid - responding to Riley’s statement about not thinking of himself as a boss - cracks “Neither does anyone else.” Wesley’s remark that Riley climbed the ladder of success so quickly would be answered by Ryan joking “Practically overnight.” Finally; Riley bragging about how he could remember being a “lowly” soda jerk; Gloria deadpans “What a memory”), taking about their (claimed) wealth; setting up “No Looking Back”.
After the song, remember the mention about the owner being on vacation? Well, Riley receives unexpected bad news - the owner called and is returning early. Worse news: Wesley catered a party at the P*lace courtesy of Dial-a-Party…on Riley’s tab (Mario and Darren are briefly seen delivering supplies). Short version: Riley’s busted and looking at a very strong probability of being fired; though the kids emphasize they liked him the way he was and he didn’t need to pretend to be the owner (“Never Surrender”).
The moment of truth arrives; with Riley finally coming clean, admitting he’s the “soda jerk that didn’t show up” instead of the owner and Wesley’s going to have to foot the bill; only for Wesley to reveal a surprise of his own as it turns out that instead of owning a burger chain he was a cook; the Mercedes was borrowed; the clothes rented (“except the socks”) and even the accent was fake. The result: As closing song “Go Your Own Way” is performed, both Riley and Wesley are working off the bill doing dishes.
Songs performed in this episode:
- “Masquerade” (Berlin cover; lead vocals by Gloria)
- “My Guy” (Mary Wells cover; lead vocals by Renee)
- “No Looking Back” (Michael McDonald cover; lead vocals by Gloria)note
- “Never Surrender” (Corey Hart cover; lead vocals by Gloria)
- “Go Your Own Way” (Fleetwood Mac cover; lead vocals by Stacy and Ryan)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Deadpan Snarker: During the scene where Riley is pretending to be the P*lace owner after meeting with Wesley; in addition to usual snarkers Ryan and Kid poking at Riley’s lies sarcastically, even Gloria gets in on the actnote
- From Bad to Worse: Riley learning that the owner is coming back from vacation early…and Wesley is catering a huge party at the P*lace…with Riley stuck with the bill.
- Honesty Is the Best Policy: Which proves to be the episode’s Aesop.
- Imagine Spot: A “high society” setting is the backdrop for “No Looking Back”.
- Ooh, Me Accent's Slipping: Wesley - upon Riley finally telling the truth about being a soda jerk instead of the owner - has his previous Kennedy-esque accent revealed as fake upon expressing his shock at this discovery and having to pay the bill.
- Shockingly Expensive Bill: Wesley’s party bill is this - and he sticks Riley with the tab.
- Work Off the Debt: Riley and Wesley find themselves having to do this to pay off the tab from the party.
