In this
A Very Special Episode, Jessie becomes addicted to caffeine pills as she strives to be a perfect student. Originally aired November 3rd, 1990.
Tropes:
- An Aesop:
- Don't do drugs to perform better in school.
- Don't put so much pressure on yourself.
- A Very Special Episode: This first serious episode in the series focus of Jessie's caffeine pill addiction.
- Bowdlerization: In November 2016, Peter Engel said that the original script called for Jessie to become addicted to amphetamines (speed). NBC said they would not allow it on the air unless any references to hard drugs were eliminated. Aside from replacing speed with caffeine pills, the script made no changes to Jessie's behavior or reactions to it.
- The caffeine pills that Jessie Spano takes were actually Red Hots cinnamon candy.
- The over-the-counter pills that Jessie procured from the drug store are called "Keep Alert".
- Cassandra Truth: Zack doesn't believe Slater when he tells he found Jessie's caffeine pills in her school backpack and that she may have a drug problem. That is, until he visits her and she tries to take them again.
- Cooldown Hug: Zack gives one to Jessie to calm her down after suffering a emotional breakdown due to her addiction.
- Despair Event Horizon: Jessie starts to lash out and become more irritable taking the pills. Even after she crashes and sleeps late and suffering memory loss,she's still dependent on the pills until she tries to sing for Zack.
- Drugs Are Bad: Jessie becomes dependent on caffeine pills and suffers because of them.
- G-Rated Drug: Sure they're just caffeine pills Jessie gets addicted to, but the pills are clearly meant to represent the original choice hardcore drug speed.
- Irony: In the beginning, Jessie says she hates the taste of coffee and yet she keeps drinking. She admits she needs it to stay awake so she can study and get good grades.
- Madness Mantra:
Jessie: I need them, Zack. I need them! I have to sing! I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm...so scared!
- Noodle Incident: Screech to Zack regarding crossdressing in disguise to sneak into the girl's locker room.
Screech: Oh no, does that mean I have to wear your Aunt Helen's bra again?
- Shout-Out:
- Mr. Dewey says, "I'm off to my tryout for 'American Gladiators.'"
- Zack mentions sneaking out to see "E.T." with Jessie when they were younger.
- A poster of Adam West as Batman hangs in Jessie's room.
- Suddenly Shouting: When Zack tells Jessie there's no time to get ready to sing, she loses it.
Jessie: No time! There is never enough time! There is never enough time to study!
