The penultimate episode of Season 5 sees Richie, much like Ryan in Season 2, have his first crush be on a cousin of Riley’s (guest star Lihann Jones)note .
We start the episode with “Tell It to My Heart”; after which the kids gather at the counter when Riley introduces them to his cousin Michelle. Needless to say, Richie is immediately smitten and following Michelle’s compliments of the band (and giving Devyn a copy of a “Teen View” magazine) attempts to schmooze her before Riley breaks things up by pointing out the band’s break is over, leading to Richie crashing en route to the stage (“Heartache”). Following that song and the other guys ribbing Richie; Riley mentions having to leave to do some tutoring, providing Richie an opening to show Michelle around town. The others then try to bring Richie back to earth by pointing out (a) Michelle is 17 and (b) in college - only for their remarks to fall on deaf ears (“Is This Love”); with the two eventually returning to the P*lace, where Richie begins filling his fellow band members in on the details (“Flames of Paradise”).
Later on, Michelle announces she has to leave and that her roommate had arrived to pick her up. The others try cheering him up, as Michelle tries to let Richie down gently; with the two eventually settling on being just friends - though not before Richie receives a quick peck on the cheek by Michelle, leading to closing song “Someday We’ll Be Together”.
Songs performed in this episode:
- “Tell It to My Heart” (Taylor Dayne cover; lead vocals by Stacy)
- “Heartache” (Pepsi and Shirlie cover; lead vocals by Devyn)
- “Is This Love?” (Whitesnake cover; lead vocals by Richie)
- “Flames of Paradise” (Elton John and Jennifer Rush cover; lead vocals by Richie and Stacy)note
- Someday We’ll Be Together” (The Supremes cover; lead vocals by Stacy, Devyn and Connie)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Call-Back: The second appearance of Richie’s Pee-Wee Herman suit
- Imagine Spot: Used for “Flames of Paradise”
- Just Friends: What Michelle decides to settle on being with Richie.
