After a humiliating game on the court, Waldo decides to polish up his basketball skills through tap dance. Meanwhile, Laura is finally accepted to the college of her dreams, Harvard University.
Tropes seen in this episode:
- Bittersweet Ending: For Laura — after learning that her family cannot afford to send her to Harvard, she willingly gives up her dream to spare them the burden. It's a heartbreaking choice, but she takes it in stride.
- Continuity Nod: Laura mentioned that she wanted to attend Harvard all the way back in Season 2, when she was still a young teen. Harriette says that it's been her dream since she was ten.
- Dance Party Ending: Waldo gives Eddie, Steve, and their former rival Spider a tap dancing lesson. It delves into a full-on dance circle when Carl jumps in to show off his moves.
- Dancing with Myself: Waldo demonstrates his tap dancing skills with a wildly-impressive solo routine, much to the surprise of Eddie and Steve. Shawn Harrison actually studied tap in real life, and was able to showcase his skills here.
- Go-Karting with Bowser: The Spider, head of the rival basketball team that Waldo and friends play against, later joins them for a tap dancing lesson during the end credits.
- Ivy League for Everyone: Pointedly (and realistically) subverted. Laura gets accepted to one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the country, but in the end, she cannot go because her family isn't able to afford it.
- The Klutz: Waldo suffers a series of clumsy spills during a basketball game, costing him and his team the victory. He eventually boosts his coordination by taking tap dancing lessons, and uses his slick new moves to win the next game.
- Odd Name Out: Waldo has an Aunt Velveeta, an Uncle Jalapeño, and twin cousins, Nacho and… Gary.Eddie: Gary?
Waldo: Yeah. There's something odd about him. - The Oner: Laura's breakdown upon hearing the bad news about Harvard is done in one take, allowing us to see each stage of her reaction: disappointment, heartbreak, and finally acceptance.
- Shoo Out the Clowns: Waldo's story wraps up roughly halfway through the episode, giving way for the more emotional plot involving Laura.
- Surprisingly Realistic Outcome: While Laura gets accepted to Harvard, her family simply cannot afford to send her there; they don't make enough money to qualify for a loan, yet they make too much to receive financial aid. Ultimately, Laura decides to drop Harvard and seek more affordable options elsewhere.
- Title Drop: Waldo drops it before the big rematch at the basketball court.Waldo: Well guys, don't worry. This time, you're playing with Twinkle Toes Faldo. (Tap dances out the door)
