Gretchen wants to be good at a sport. The problem is she's completely inept. Then she tries the yo-yo, and becomes determined to master it. To do so, she enlists the help of Retired Badass yo-yo athlete Tommy "The Tickler" Tate.
Tropes for this episode include:
- Awesome by Analysis: Gretchen uses her knowledge of physics initially to master the art of yo-yo.
- Chekhov's Skill: While learning how to do the Invisible Man, Mr. Tate gives Gretchen an intense crash course on "Walk the Dog". Both of these tricks play into her final routine.
- Continuity Nod: In the scene where Gretchen buys her yo-yo, Kelso's shows that Ajimbo is still on sale.
- Crazy-Prepared: Gretchen keeps multiple yo-yos in her desk in case Ms. Grotke confiscates them.
- Drill Sergeant Nasty: Tommy Tate is a good coach (is upfront about how tough it is, has a thoroughly planned regime, and encourages reasonable breaks and healthy sleep cycles), but he also works Gretchen to the bone.
- Epic Fail: Gretchen gets a tetherball to the face, jump ropes tangled around her leg, and the concrete connected to her head when she attempts to swing.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Tommy Tate is a Drill Sergeant Nasty, but he does teach Gretchen and applauds her decision to retire early to spend time with her friends.
- Kick the Dog: The Ashleys laugh at Gretchen's ill-fated attempt to skip rope with them.
- Let's Meet the Meat: Discussed by a very disturbed Mikey, wondering why a chicken would want to do ads for a fried chicken restaurant.Mikey: I just don't get it? Why would the chicken wanna make us think he taste good? Doesn't he know what happens to tasty chickens?
Vince: It's just a commercial, Mikey.
Mikey: But it doesn't make any sense. What do you think, Gretchen?
Gretchen: Huh? I didn't see the commercial Mikey, I was practicing. Don't you people ever talk about yo-yo's?
T.J.: Sheesh Gretch, why don't you put the yo-yo away?
Vince: Yeah, you've been yo-yo-ing all day!
Spinelli: All day nothing, it's been weeks! Up and down! Up and down! It's getting me a migraine!
Gretchen: Well, excuse me! For once in my life I'm good at a real sport! A sport with trophies! It's important to me, okay?! More important than any science fair, quiz bowl, or chess tournament I've ever been in! If you guys can't support me, then so-rry!
(Gretchen leaves the table)
Mikey: I was just asking about the chicken. - O.O.C. Is Serious Business: You know something's up with Gretchen doesn't pay attention in class. So do her friends.
- Pet the Dog: Gretchen's rival does wish her luck in the finals, subverted right after saying that "luck is for chumps".
- Rule of Three: Gretchen fails at tetherball, jumproping and swinging.
- Took a Level in Jerkass: Gretchen briefly belittles Mikey and her friends for not caring about yo-yos. To her credit, she does recognize this.
- Trademark Favorite Food: Mr. Tate gives Gretchen pureed squash to drink to make the fingers nimbler.
- True Companions: Despite her earlier fight with them, TJ rallies the gang to show up and support her at the yo-yo competition. They yell at the judges for docking her points and cheer her win.
