This episode is the 3rd of 4 of Kids Incorporated’s “cast of thousands” episodes (which featured a lighter story and included credits for co-producers Thomas Lynch and Gary Biller’s children); 2nd episode (behind the previous season’s "Win a Date with Renee" to feature a cast member from Head of the Classnote and the 2nd of 3 in which a cousin of Riley plays a significant part in the plotnote as well as Riley’s actor, Moosie Drier, making his debut behind the camera.
We start things off with a performance of “(Love is Like a) Heat Wave” where Ryan sings into a portable fan…which as it turns out is not for show; as a literal heat wave has done a number on - and knocked out - the P*lace air conditioning and melted the ice cream; leaving Riley stuck with repairs that would continue beyond the end of the day. Ryan then suggests the others go to Surf City following their next number (“Fun, Fun, Fun”). The kids then leave to cool off at the beach (Ryan being carried off by some of the dancers on a lawn chair); with Riley mentioning in passing his cousin Barney owned the Shell Shack on the boardwalk, with the kids enjoying themselves at the shops (“Summer Days”)
The mood abruptly changes when they arrive at the Shell Shack only to see Barney closing up - as it happens for good. First, the Shell Shack had been badly wounded by the opening of a nearby mall and Barney falling behind on his lease. Worse yet, some developers were seeking to tear down the Shell Shack and his home for a garbage treatment plant…unless Barney could come up with the money - the next day; leaving the kids devastated (“Circle in the Sand”). Ryan then suggests holding a fundraiser to help Barney make ends meet; with the fundraiser proving a major success - with Barney (filling in for Riley) then announcing that, as a thank-you, Kids Incorporated would be performing on the beach for the following week; and - following a short instrumental performance of “Wipeout”note followed by “Surfin’ USA”.
Songs performed in this episode:
- “(Love is Like a) Heat Wave” (Martha and the Vandellas covernote ; lead vocals by Ryan)
- “Fun, Fun, Fun” (The Beach Boys covernote ; lead vocals by Kenny, Devyn, Stacy, Ryan and Richie)
- “Summer Days” (Kids Incorporated original; lead vocals by Kenny and Devyn)
- “Circle in the Sand” (Belinda Carlisle cover; lead vocals by Stacy, Connie, Devyn and Kenny)
- “Surfin’ USA” (The Beach Boys cover; lead vocals by Ryan)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Green Aesop: This episode is the first with a specifically environment-oriented theme. From this season forward, there would be at least one environment-themed episode per season for the remainder of Kids Inc’s run.
- The Power of Friendship: What leads to the idea of the fundraiser to help Barney pay his bills to avoid losing his home and business.
