Eric’s grades stand between him and his position with Kids Inc. when an exam approaches in his weakest subject: history.
Things start off with opening number “Don’t You Want to Be Mine” (with the kids wearing sunglasses - note Robin is wearing flip-up sunglasses similar to A Different World’s Dwayne Wayne). Back in the break room, the kids are working on homework (Robin quizzing Haylie on state capitals; Kenny and Ana working on algebra - with Ana complimenting Kenny by calling him Einstein, when Kenny asks if she meant he was that smart; Eric walking in joking that meant Kenny needed a haircut).
Speaking of Eric, he is struggling with history…and maintaining an interest in the subject, especially with his teacher, Mr. Gekko (played by veteran actor Ray Young; who was also serving as the series drama coach) - who Kenny had as his history teacher the previous semester. Eric’s lack of interest shows when quizzed over who led the British Invasion (Kenny’s referring to The American Revolution and when Eric answers with The Beatles; Kenny notes “Wrong invasion”); with the kids leaving for the next song (“Mercy, Mercy Me” - also containing the first appearance of a flute being played by one of the dancers). Eric’s still not showing any real interest in history (answering with “to get to the other side” when asked why George Washington crossed the Delaware) despite the fact that Eric’s position in the band depends on his getting a good grade (Kenny tries to convince Eric to apply himself like he had to when Kenny had Mr. Gekko).
Later; Haylie and Robin are discussing their geography results - having both done well - when Eric arrives, answering all questions with “Okay” (his body language suggesting otherwise) before Ana asks if there’s any interesting news. As it happens, Eric was able to pass the history exam with a C+; good enough to pass (and by extension, stay in Kids Inc.)…only for Eric to reveal he has an oral report due tomorrow and no idea how to do it. Kenny then suggests setting the project to music, something that excites Eric. That is, until Eric considers the strong possibility that Mr. Gekko (who Eric jokes was so old he had first-hand experience in The American Civil War) might not like the idea, setting up “Two to Make It Right”.
As the kids work with Eric; Flip checks in to see what’s happening. Evidently, Mr. Gekko has not only approved the idea but set up an impromptu field trip of sorts to the P*lacenote . The class is then treated to Eric’s report (“History”) as he covers Washington crossing the Delaware; the Wright Brothers flight; imperial China; Sir Isaac Newton; Abraham Lincoln; Thomas Edison; Benjamin Franklin; the Vikings and Cleopatra.
Despite what seemed to be a well-received report; Eric finds out from Haylie that Mr. Gekko wanted to see him immediately - with Eric looking like a young man condemned as he met with his imposing teacher. Mr. Gekko seemed unimpressed initially, thinking Eric was trying to dazzle his way into a good grade…before complimenting (to Eric’s shock) the report as an example of making education fun. Eric then passes the test…provided he teaches Mr. Gekko some of the dance steps. Eric gets to work, and to Eric’s shock Mr. Gekko was able to catch on, leading to Eric noting this was history in the making; setting up closing song “I’ll Be Your Shelter”.
Songs performed in this episode:
- “Don’t You Want to Be Mine” (Kids Incorporated original; lead vocals by Haylie, Ana, Eric and Robin)
- “Mercy, Mercy Me” (Marvin Gaye cover; lead vocals by Kenny)
- “Two to Make It Right” (Seduction cover; lead vocals by Kenny)
- “History” (Kids Incorporated original; lead vocals by Eric, Kenny and Ana)
- “I’ll Be Your Shelter” (Taylor Dayne cover; lead vocals by Haylie, Robin, Eric and Kenny)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Book Dumb: Eric - in contrast to Kenny - has struggled in history class.
- Last-Minute Project: Eric also has an oral report due the day after his exam. It’s never explicitly stated whether Eric had put it off or if Mr. Gekko gave him the project at the last minute.
- Gotta Pass the Class: Eric’s future in Kids Incorporated depends on his passing his history exam.
- Stern Teacher: Mr. Gekko is established as this.
- The Power of Friendship: Seen with the kids helping Eric pass his history exam and later in pulling off his oral report.
