In this episode, the kids meet a self-styled “world traveler” (guest star Robert Jayne {credited as Bobby Jacoby}); only to find out his stories aren’t adding up.
The kids are performing an up-tempo version of “You Belong to the City” when a mysterious youngster arrives midway through. After the song, the kids go on break during which Riley tries his hand at a magic trick while Gloria expresses her annoyance over the cost of refreshments when the youngster arrives. Introducing himself as John Thomas Roberts, a self-styled “citizen of the world”, he then offers to cover the cost, complimenting the band and telling of various trips while outdoing Riley’s magic tricks. Ryan then notes that the kids have a trick of their own, turning themselves into musicians (“I Like the Weekends”).
After that performance, the kids continue conversing with John, whose tales have them convinced of his experiences…all except Ryan; who begins raising questions about some of his claims such as bullfightingnote ; eventually leading to the others starting to notice some things aren’t adding up, leaving them with the question of “Who’s Johnny?”
We then return to the P*lace after the song; where Renee and Stacy are reenacting some of John’s tales when Ryan notices the cape - and a number of other items - have one thing in common: They all came from Collins’ Department Store…3 miles down (“Looks like our world traveler’s a homebody”). When the kids confront John, he confesses to being a runaway; feeling that due to financial pressures (his father lost his job; and subsequently his family’s house) he was being a burden to his parents; leading to “Never”. Eventually the kids and Riley convince John to return to his parents; setting up closing song “If You Leave” as John leaves to be reunited with his worried parents.
Songs performed in this episode:
- “You Belong to the City” (Glenn Frey cover; lead vocals by Ryan, Gloria and Stacy)note
- “I Like the Weekends” (Kids Incorporated original; lead vocals by Kid, Gloria, Renee, Stacy and Ryan)
- “Who’s Johnny?” (El DeBarge cover; lead vocals by Kid)
- “Never” (Heart (Band) cover; lead vocals by Gloria)
- “If You Leave” (Orchestral Manouevers in the Dark cover; lead vocals by Stacy)
Tropes associated with this episode:
- "Days of the Week" Song: “I Like the Weekends”.
- Imagine Spot: Used for “Who’s Johnny”.
- The Runaway: John, after his stories of traveling the world, eventually admits he ran away because he felt he was a burden to his family after they lost their home when his father lost his job.
- Very Special Episode: 2nd of four episodes involving the kids meeting someone that was homeless.
- Walking the Earth: What John claims to be, but isn’t.
