Evan’s rocker dad unexpectedly shows up, complicating things for Evan, Alex, and even Bombay.
Tropes:
- A Day in the Limelight: The B-plot of the episode focuses on Maya and Lauren, who have a falling out over being embarrassed to be seen by each other's friends, but reconcile before the end of the episode.
- Brick Joke: Gordon warns Evan that the passenger's side door of his truck is jammed; this doesn't pay off until Gordon "kidnaps" Evan's dad to take him to his son's game (and he tries to exit the truck).
- Disappeared Dad: Evan's dad, a musician who is on the road with his rock band most of the time, pays a visit.
- Heroic Second Wind: Spurred on by his dad's sudden appearance, an exhausted Evan single-handedly dominates the last 5 minutes of the Hawks game, scoring 5 goals and leading the Don't Bothers to their first win.
- Kidnapped by an Ally: Instead of taking him to the airport for his next gig, Gordon drives Evan's dad to the rink to watch Evan's game.
- Non-Indicative Name: Mary Joe refers to the Hawks/Don't Bothers game as the "Battle for the Basement". This implies that the teams are competing to be in last place, which is obviously not the case. (A better name would be the "Battle of the Basement".)
- Odd Friendship: Maya and Lauren's is put to the test, as each learns that the other is embarrassed by their friendship within their respective cliques.
- Rousing Speech: Nick gives one to convince Maya and Lauren to reconcile and help win the Don't Bothers' first game. It works.
- Security Blanket: Lauren explains to Maya why she her cape is so important to her. In the third grade, she had to wear a back brace for scoliosis and she was mocked by her classmates. Her dad gave her the cape to hide it.
- Wham Line: At the end of the episode, the Don't Bothers are all in a good mood at school following their first win and Maya and Lauren reconciling, when Trevor approaches Evan alone in the cafeteria.
- Trevor: Coach T was at your game last night. He wants to see you. It's about the Ducks.
