Recap / Recess S 3 E 16 The Ratings Game

• An Aesop:
  • No number can "rate" the value of a person. Everyone is valuable in their own way.
  • Alternatively, fitting in with a "caste" isn't the same as finding good friends. TJ and his friends initially split up, but find they're much happier together than in the company of kids who have nothing in common with them outside their number.
• Comically Missing the Point: The episode ends with King Bob thinking that because he was given a 10 twice, that makes him a 20 on the rating scale. His advisors even imply that perhaps he's missed the point of being handed a 10 like everyone else.
• Lonely at the Top:
  • King Bob probably wouldn't mind being rated a 10 by the Ashleys if only they didn't rate themselves 10s as well. As such, he's bored out of his mind listening to their chattering about vapid topics.
  • A downplayed version also happens with Gretchen, who was rated a 8 and pigeon-holed with all the prettier girls on the playground. Although she initially thinks they'll make suitable companions, she's quickly shot down with how they think she looks homely compared to them.
• Throw the Dog a Bone: It's one thing for TJ and his friends to hand out 10 cards in order to restore things back to the way they were. But it speaks volumes of their cause when even Randal is given a 10 card.
• You Are Better Than You Think You Are: When TJ and his friends hand out 10 cards to everybody, Mikey even gives one to Randal. Confused, Randal wonders why he would deserve a card. To this, Mikey tells him with benign sincerity "Because there's no one else like you".