This episode is the first since "The Angels" 20 episodes earlier to primarily focus on Gloria, as well as the first since "New Image" to specifically focus on either of the oldest band members, during which most of the episodes in between have focused primarily on the younger band members and/or guest appearances. Here, Gloria learns to face her fears as Space Exploration Week takes place.
We start off with a shot of an unidentified figure in the P*lace (decorated for Space Exploration Week). When the action picks up, Riley tries out a series of space-themed jokes. When those fall flat, he then turns his attention to introducing the band (“Twist of Fate”). During the break, the kids (including dancers Wendy and Carletta) are excited over the upcoming trip to the planetarium, and with that the potential of being the first kid to enter space (something Mickey notes is possible with civilians being trained to enter space)…all with the glaring exception of Gloria, who repeatedly emphasizes her preference for terra firma vis-a-vis the final frontier; with the kids’ attempts to get her to face those fears being placed on the back-burner when their break ends (“Holiday”).
Electing to stay behind, Gloria then runs into a space-suit clad version of herself, specifically her sense of adventure, who then proceeds to challenge her to face her fears of space (“Human Nature”); leading to an Imagine Spot featuring the band on the moon with varying aliens jamming to “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”note
Returning to the real world; the others regale Gloria with tales of what she missed at the planetarium before she informs them that she’s not afraid of space anymore, setting up closing number “Stand Up”.
Songs performed in this episode:
- “Twist of Fate“ (Olivia Newton-John cover; lead vocals by Gloria)
- “Holiday” (Madonna cover; lead vocals by Stacy, Renee and Gloria)note
- “Human Nature“ (Michael Jackson cover; lead vocals by Gloria)note
- “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” (Michael Jackson cover; lead vocals by Kid)note
- “Stand Up“ (Rick Springfield cover; lead vocals by Mickey)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Face Your Fears: A common theme in the series makes the first of three appearances with relation to Gloria (the others being the following season’s "The Wallflower" and “A Pain in the Neck”).
- Imagine Spot: Both “Human Nature” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” serve as examples (the former with shots of Gloria in a spaceship; the latter with all the kids and the dancers in alien costumes)
