The Abominable Show Man
Episode 34
Season 2, 1985

Introducing: --

While KI draws a lot of attention, it’s not usually from a guy in a suit.  He approaches them with a lot of glib compliments and introduces himself as Brendan Roberts, talent agent.  Already, Ryan is skeptical.  Brendan ropes the kids into doing a benefit concert for his “charity” – wiping out natural causes.  Uhh…

Well, Gloria thinks he’s cute, but The Kid is also having doubts.  They go off to do another number, and Gloria and Brendan play innuendo.  

No one is really sold yet until Brendan promises that the concert is just the start of his huge campaign to make them famous.  Because of the validity (snerk!) of the disease, the kids agree to do it.  Kid, however, is still unconvinced.

Gloria walks in on Brendan wheeling and dealing later that day, and he continues to schmooze her.  She doesn’t appear to hear that in reality, Brendan lives over a restaurant and has to use their phone.   He finally sways her with clothes and she’s so happy she sings about it. 

The kids are busy setting up for the concert and arguing over Brendan when Ryan and Kid’s fears are confirmed.  Brendan is spotting swiping the ticket money.  The kids dress up and chase him through a number.

Brendan confesses to the Keystone Kids that he needed the money to keep his lousy career going and that he made up all the “natural causes” jazz.  Faced with an audience and a box of money, the kids decide to send it off to a real charity and have a concert anyway.  Brendan slinks off and is never seen again – or is he?

I gave this episode 4 mics because it’s funny, but there’s still a few issues.  It’s hard to believe that not only are the kids that dumb, but Riley overhears the offer and never says anything about it. 

Also, was Brendan supposed to come back at this point, or was that just decided later?  His last scene is like his only convincing performance – he’s sorry for what he did and he won’t ever do it again.  The way he leaves doesn’t really leave anything open.  In truth, I was a bit surprised.  He totally learns his lesson and the kids don’t absorb him into their circle of friends?  That’s what usually happens on this show – they either run you off, or embrace you. 

Guest star: Kenny McMurphy as Brendan Roberts

Invention count: 0 this episode
4 in total

Vocab: old show terms - heavy mitting, beg off,
“the show must go on” (2)

Continuity, gags and themes:
Brendan Roberts, who will continue to be an annoyance periodically in his endless quest to make a buck
Benefit concerts
The typical TV show phone number always begins with 555.
Video effects used for the songs (8) 

New Locations: --

Pop culture references: Tons!!
Babe Ruth
Jerry Lewis
Danny Thomas
Monty Hall
Prince
Stevie Wonder
Michael Jackson (6)

Add-o-lessons (however fake they may turn out to be): Brendan

Solos:  
Kid (1) = 17
Gloria (3) = 31
Episode Total: 4
Total: 98

Performance outfits:
40’s-style policeman outfits
Red w/sequins

 - Ryan knows old showbiz terms…but he doesn’t know what an epiglottis is?

 - Apparently, Brendan is under 20, since he deems that the cutoff point for an agent.

 - Martika performed “Bad, Bad Trouble” on a public access TV show after she’d left KI.  The lyrics are slightly changed (“But I don’t care”), but it’s still the same song.  Whether the song is actually real, or she borrowed it from the show, we’re still not certain.  Wendy is one of the friends she brought along as backup dancers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ed2Y8DcKOk

Songs:

Sussudio –

Bad, Bad Trouble –

Wrapped Around Your Finger –

Running with the Night –

Last Train to Clarksville –

Here’s how you voted!

The Abominable Show Man –

Sussudio –

Bad, Bad Trouble –

Wrapped Around Your Finger –

Running with the Night –  

Last Train to Clarksville –  

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