This episode marks the second consecutive episode to have a returning guest star; this time Audra Lee - previously seen as Susan in the previous season’s “Richie for President”. This time, Lee plays Stephanie Van Reese, part of a sibling duo alongside Stephanie’s brother Jeff (played by Jeffrey Aranow) attempting to create a fan club for Devyn…and only Devyn.
We start things with a performance of “New Sensation”; causing Flip to compliment he band using the latest in late 1980s slang before two youngsters named Rex and Stephanie Van Reese rushing in talking about how good they were (“A! Mazing!” - the kids quickly point out that’s one word) before throwing out the fact that their father owned a local TV station. Stephanie - despite the Van Reese kids’ less-than-stellar track record of fan club creation - then suggests the creation of a fan club; with the others - unaware of what they meant - are thrilled to hear, leading to “I’m Into Something Good”.
As it turns out; the only member of the band into this something good is Devyn, which the others find out while checking to see how the fan club is coming along (“A! Mazing!”) - with the attention quickly going to Devyn’s head as Devyn misses rehearsal (the fan club bought her a mobile phone for a bike as well as booking her on “The Eric Boardman Show”), and after attempts to bring Devyn back to Earth failed (“She’s a Star”) ultimately suggests it might be best for her and the band to go their separate ways - though Devyn insists the others were jealous of her sudden fame; leading to “Wind Beneath My Wings”.
Showtime arrives on Eric Boardman’s show, during which he mentions that the Van Reeses had Devyn scheduled to go on tour the following month; leading to Devyn having second thoughts to the degree that she announces - on air - that if Kids Inc. would have her, she’d like to return. To the Van Reese’s annoyance; the prodigal band member is welcomed home - with Devyn being thrilled to have returned, at least in part to get away from the Van Reeses after realizing they’re all stars, setting up closing number “Indestructible”.
Songs performed in this episode:
- “New Sensation” (INXS cover; lead vocals by Stacy)note
- “I’m Into Something Good” (Herman's Hermits cover; lead vocals by Devyn)
- “She’s a Star” (Kids Incorporated original; lead vocals by Devyn)
- “Wind Beneath My Wings” (Roger Whittaker covernote ; lead vocals by Devyn)
- “Indestructible” (Four Tops cover; lead vocals by Kenny, Richie, Stacy and Devyn)note
Tropes associated with this episode:
- Ambition Is Evil: Here, Devyn finds herself criticized as the fan club exclusively for her quickly goes to her head.
- As Himself: Eric Boardman appears as himself interviewing Devyn.
- "I Am" Song: In this episode; “She’s a Star”.
- Preppy Name: Rex and Stephanie’s last name being Van Reese, fitting considering their father is wealthy enough to own a local television station.
- Prodigal Hero: Devyn
- Status Cell Phone: Briefly referenced at the end of the 2nd verse of "She's a Star" where Devyn sings about calling on her mobile phone whenever she's away from home.
- Verbal Tic: The Running Gag of Rex and Stephanie starting one word with the other finishing it.
