The first of two episodes in a four-episode span featuring a well-known veteran actress; with Broadway legend Gwen Verdon (best known for her roles in Damn Yankees; Sweet Charity and for being the wife of legendary Broadway director and choreography Bob Fosse) guest starring as Ryan’s grandmother.
We open things up with the kids performing “Man in Motion (St. Elmo’s Fire)”; during which Ryan’s grandmother Ruth arrives. The kids are in the middle of a break trying to figure out who the visitor was when Ruth walks in; attempting to talk with Ryan after a fight they had that morning (owing to Ryan losing his room when Ruth, recently widowed, moved in). The others (who seem to have quickly grown to like her) end up cracking up when Ruth explains having been called “fresh” before Renee and Gloria attempt to explain the 1980s slang that was lost in translation before the kids return to stage (“Rockin’ Robin”).
After Ruth gets overwhelmed in the crash course in 1980s lingo; Ruth then explains why she had arrived at the P*lace…to let Ryan know she was moving to a retirement home due to not feeling needed; persisting despite attempts by Gloria to convince Ruth to reconsider; later reminiscing about meeting her late husband Herbie and how they first met at what was then called the Palace, setting up “Forever”. Gloria then goes to confront Ryan about his attitude toward his grandmother, only for Ryan to initially dismiss it (under the excuse he was closer to Herbie) and then brush her off. Gloria then comes up with an idea (along with the others) to try bluffing Ryan and Ruth into thinking they were going to throw a combination anniversary of Ryan’s grandparents first meeting and a delayed birthday party for Ryan (with Kid noting Ryan’s birthday fell on Friday the 13thnote ); setting up “It’s Only Love”.
If the effort was to bluff Ryan and Ruth, it failed as they both acknowledge seeing through the bluff fairly early on; but the effort proves successful, as Ryan admitted his pride got in the way of telling his grandmother he loved her, while Ruth acknowledged she had spent too much time wallowing in self-pity and both learned the importance of communication; setting up closing song “Someday, Someway”.
Songs performed in this episode:
- “Man in Motion {St. Elmo’s Fire)” (John Parr cover; lead vocals by Ryan and Kid)
- “Rockin’ Robin” (Bobby Day cover; lead vocals by Kid and Stacy)note
- “Forever” (Kenny Loggins cover; lead vocals by Gloria)
- “It’s Only Love” (Steve Perry cover; lead vocals by Gloria)
- “Someday, Someway” (Marshall Crenshaw cover; lead vocals by Ryan)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Continuity Nod: Another reference to the P*lace’s history as the Palace; this time via Ruth’s memories of having met her late husband Herbie at the Palace.
- Imagine Spot: “Forever” (which has Ryan {as his grandfather Herbie?} dancing with Ruth) in the background.
- Pride: What caused Ryan to resist telling his grandmother he loved her, and possibly also what led to Ruth’s spending so much time feeling sorry for herself.
- Took a Level in Jerkass: Ryan’s actions in the argument with Ruth earlier that day.
- What the Hell, Hero?: The others call Ryan out for his refusal to even attempt to develop any real relationship with Ruth.
