Recap / Kids Incorporated S 5 E 7 Richie For President

We now approach Season 5’s halfway point with the first of two episodes involving a band member running for class president^note with both of those coinciding with years of American presidential elections; as Richie throws his hat in the ring against a girl named Susan (guest star Audra Lee, best known for co-hosting the TBS “Kids’ Beat” segments)

We kick things off with a performance of “Who Will You Run To”; after which the kids see Susan, one of Richie’s classmates and who is running for class president, attempt to butter her other classmates up in exchange for their votes by making outlandish campaign promises; which proves too much even for Richie as he openly complains about her shenanigans. The other band members - noticing how upset Richie was - then suggest he challenge Susan, something he doesn’t decide on immediately (leading to “Say You Will”) before making a last-minute entrance with one week to go before the election. Richie starts by taking a slow start and attempting to challenge Susan to a debate; and after practicing his speech, Ryan suggests Richie take his campaign directly to the people - though things don’t go according to plan at the outset (“Got My Mind Set on You”)^note the football costumes used are the same jerseys in the “Game of Life” Imagine Spot during the performance of “Life is a Contact Sport” from Season 4’s “Now Appearing”. Additionally, one segment features Stacy as a cheerleader; which was a real-life interest for Fergie in her school days

At this point, the turning point in the campaign takes place, and it all began when Jennifer Barnes^note played by Rikke Rask, one of the “nerdy” kids, sprained her ankle as Susan and one of her lackeys walk on by. Richie and Devyn happen to see Jennifer and help her to the nurse’s office, and as a show of gratitude Jennifer promises Richie her vote. However, even with that Richie is convinced that he has an uphill climb, which Devyn tries to encourage him to not give up (“Stick to It”). This is followed by several other groups of students endorsing Richie, providing him with some desperately needed momentum. In the end, Election Day arrives and Susan is jubilant upon receiving 79 votes, only for Richie to turn out to be the winner in a 191-79 landslide. Susan graciously concedes the election, though not before hinting at a possible rematch the next year, setting up closing song “Stand By Me”.

As for Audra Lee, she would make a return appearance in the following season’s “The Hero”; this time as one of the leaders of a fan club for Devyn.

Songs performed in this episode:

• “Who Will You Run To" (Heart cover; lead vocals by Stacy)^note one of the few times Stacy is shown on guitar, and the only time where she is also singing lead at the same time
• "Say You Will" (Foreigner cover; lead vocals by Ryan, Devyn and Stacy)
• "Got My Mind Set On You" (James Ray cover^note also recorded by George Harrison cover; lead vocals by Richie)
• "Stick to It" (Kids Incorporated original; lead vocals by Devyn)
• "Stand By Me" (Ben E. King cover^note which King co-wrote with the songwriting duo of Leiber and Stoller; lead vocals by Richie)

Tropes associated with this episode:

• Assumed Win: Susan begins celebrating upon learning she got 79 votes. Perhaps she should have waited for Richie’s total to be read.
• Election Day Episode: The first of two involving a race for Class President.
• Everyone Has Standards: Susan’s outlandish campaign promises prove too much even for Richie - never known for having a close relationship with the truth to begin with - which is the catalyst for Richie’s eventual entrance into the campaign.
• Imagine Spot: Takes place during “Got My Mind Set on You”
• Landslide Election: Richie more than doubles Susan’s vote total.
• Pep-Talk Song: The episode's original song, "Stick to It".