Our four consecutive Very Special Episodenote deals with the toughest issue yet to be covered on the series: physical abuse.
After opening up with “Sayin’ Sorry (Don’t Make It Right)”; the kids go on break from singing for a bit while trying to find an opening act for an upcoming concert (Robin’s dog, who would have been doing some tricks, was having her puppies at the time; Kenny’s friend Michael was supposed to be at the P*lace demonstrating some magic tricks but didn’t show), with Flip calling around trying to help (while attempting a trick of his own) before the next song (“Don’t Tell Me Lies”). At this point, Michaelnote shows up…nursing a bruise on his arm. Initially brushing it off as “no big deal”, when the kids press further, Michael then claims to have fought off a bully named Moose Kelly; resulting in the others preparing to confront Moose (“The Rap”)…though Michael takes off on his own at the song’s end.
Upon finding Moose, Devyn then attempts to talk with him before Moose tells the (scared) kids he didn’t fight with Michael; causing the kids to regroup and find Michael (“Lean on Me”). Kenny manages to do so - with the others (mentioning their run-in with Moose) arriving soon afterwards; only for Michael to remove his sunglasses to reveal a black eye and finally come clean, revealing that he had been the victim of physical abuse…by his father. The others then try convincing Michael to speak up to someone who could help, with Michael then remembering Coach Lynch. He then decides to show the card trick he originally planned, setting up closing song “The Living Years” as Michael leaves to talk with Coach Lynch.
During at least the original airing; a slide with contact information for the charity Childhelp USA (now simply Childhelp) aired between the end of “The Living Years” and the credits.
Songs performed in this episode:
- “Sayin’ Sorry (Don’t Make It Right)” (Denise Lopez cover; lead vocals by Devyn and Robin)
- “Don’t Tell Me Lies” (Breathe Cover; lead vocals by Richie)
- “The Rap” (Kids Incorporated original; lead vocals by Kenny, Devyn, Stacy and Richie)
- “Lean On Me” (Bill Withers covernote ; lead vocals by Kenny)
- “The Living Years” (Mike + the Mechanics cover; lead vocals by Stacy)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Abusive Parents: The main focus of the plot involves Michael having been abused by his father.
- Friendship Song: “Lean On Me”.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Kenny’s friend Michael not showing to demonstrate his magic trick ends up being the first clue something’s wrong.
- Very Special Episode: The fourth consecutive episode of this nature.
