Season 4 draws to a conclusion; and after four seasons and 78 episodes overall - the real name of the Kid becomes known to the others.
Things start off with “The Kid’s American” before the band heads to the counter. During this break, Riley introduces a new flavor of ice cream he’s created. The kids, somewhat hesitant initially considering Riley’s reputation, give it a try and love it. All that’s left is to decide on a name, something the kids decide to come up with following their next number (“Walk Like an Egyptian”). Things don’t get off to a good start in terms of coming up with a name; as Richie’s suggestion (“Rocky Road V: The Sequel”) is quickly vetoed, as is Stacy’s idea (“Romantic Summer Surprise”); causing Ryan to note how their names fit.
At this point, Kid - citing homework as an excuse - tries bailing out; but it’s at this point the others realize they don’t know the Kid’s real name, setting up “Wot’s It to Ya”. This proves to be a source of embarrassment to Kid, as he only reveals that he was named after a great-grandfather who was an African tribal chief. After Ryan notes that many names have foreign origins (and Renee uses hers as an example; as she was named after a British relative on her mother’s side who married into nobility), we go into “Sweet Freedom” before Kid reveals his real name: Rahsaan. Rahsaan then returns to order the new flavor before being surprised to learn from the others the flavor’s name: Rocky Rahsaan Ripple, leaving Rahsaan honored as the others celebrate (“Rahsaan, you’re still the Kid to us.”) prior to closing song “Something So Strong”.
As was the norm, there would be changes in between seasons; though fewer than the norm for this series. This episode would mark the final episode for Rahsaan Patterson and Renee Sands, with dancer Challyn Markray also departing. Behind-the-scenes changes saw the departure of original music director Michael Cruz. The other behind-the-scenes change involved Hal Roach Studios; which had co-produced the three previous seasons alongside Lynch-Biller Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) would merge with Robert Halmi Incorporated to form Qintex Entertainment; named after an Australian company that purchased a share in the new company
Songs performed in this episode:
- “The Kid’s American” (Matthew Wilder cover; lead vocals by Connie, Richie, Renee, Stacy, Ryan and Rahsaan)note
- “Walk Like an Egyptian” (The Bangles cover; lead vocals by Connie, Renee and Stacy)note
- “Wot’s It To Ya” (Robbie Nevil cover; lead vocals by Rahsaan)note
- “Shine Sweet Freedom” (Michael McDonald cover; lead vocals by Ryan, Renee, Rahsaan, Connie, Stacy and Richie)
- “Something So Strong” (Crowded House cover; lead vocals by Rahsaan)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Named After Someone Famous: Two variants; both involving characters who would leave after this episode:
- Rahsaan - shortly before his real name is finally revealed - notes that he was named after his great-grandfather, who happened to be an African tribal chief.
- Renee mentions having been named after a British relative on her mother’s side that eventually married into British nobility.
- Shout-Out to Shakespeare: The episode title is an allusion to a line spoken by Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.
