The Monkees are hired for a kiddie TV show with a jealous, two-faced host.
Full Recap
The Monkees arrive to a gig on a TV show for small children. The host, Captain Crocodile, welcomes them with a big smile but gripes to his assistant about having to share the stage. Instead of directing the Monkees to the bandstand, he covers their clothes and hair in plastic ponchos and contemptuously smashes cream pies in their faces.
After the show, the Monkees meet with studio executive Mr. Pinter, twelve years old and all business. Mr. Pinter offers them a regular position as the house band (yes!) on the Captain Crocodile show (no!). The Monkees agree on the condition that no one can pie them in the face again.
Now ordered to cooperate, Captain Crocodile is quaking in his clown shoes to think he’s being edged out by younger rivals.
The next day, Cap obeys the letter of the law in his meanest spirit. He introduces the Monkees as required - for two seconds at a time. Next, he makes the camera zoom around like a drunk hummingbird so they can’t possibly stay in focus. Worse still, a bomb explodes in the bass drum, leaving Micky horrified and the band in a cloud of smoke.
Mike demands the group be allowed to play, or they quit. Cap pretends he’s all for it. They get through “Valleri”, only to find the show ended filming right before the song began.
The Monkees regroup to consider their options. Everyone’s so frustrated that Peter breaks down. The others try to cheer him up by imagining how good the group could be on TV somewhere else. They goof their way through a few parodies of contemporary shows, including Batman.
Back at the studio, Mr. Pinter informs the Monkees the programming chief is deciding whether to keep the band on the show. Of course, they ambush the meeting to plead their case as a fast-talking ratings analyst, a soft-spoken janitor grandpa and two “kids” complete with little-boy hats. The committee agrees to decide by afternoon.
Feeling desperate, Captain Crocodile rallies his small but mighty fanbase to attack the Monkees with “Auntie Grizelda” in the soundtrack. Backed into a corner, the band takes turns keeping the children at bay with a hastily improvised fairy tale. Captain Crocodile is apoplectic with rage to see the kids are enjoying the story. He turns on his little audience, all but cursing them out. They revolt and drive him out of the studio.
It looks like the boys have a chance at top billing since Captain Crocodile and his pies are gone. Unfortunately, the new host is Cap’s assistant. His new schtick of seltzer water in the face guarantees the Monkees will conclude their broadcast day.
After the show, the Monkees meet with studio executive Mr. Pinter, twelve years old and all business. Mr. Pinter offers them a regular position as the house band (yes!) on the Captain Crocodile show (no!). The Monkees agree on the condition that no one can pie them in the face again.
Now ordered to cooperate, Captain Crocodile is quaking in his clown shoes to think he’s being edged out by younger rivals.
The next day, Cap obeys the letter of the law in his meanest spirit. He introduces the Monkees as required - for two seconds at a time. Next, he makes the camera zoom around like a drunk hummingbird so they can’t possibly stay in focus. Worse still, a bomb explodes in the bass drum, leaving Micky horrified and the band in a cloud of smoke.
Mike demands the group be allowed to play, or they quit. Cap pretends he’s all for it. They get through “Valleri”, only to find the show ended filming right before the song began.
The Monkees regroup to consider their options. Everyone’s so frustrated that Peter breaks down. The others try to cheer him up by imagining how good the group could be on TV somewhere else. They goof their way through a few parodies of contemporary shows, including Batman.
Back at the studio, Mr. Pinter informs the Monkees the programming chief is deciding whether to keep the band on the show. Of course, they ambush the meeting to plead their case as a fast-talking ratings analyst, a soft-spoken janitor grandpa and two “kids” complete with little-boy hats. The committee agrees to decide by afternoon.
Feeling desperate, Captain Crocodile rallies his small but mighty fanbase to attack the Monkees with “Auntie Grizelda” in the soundtrack. Backed into a corner, the band takes turns keeping the children at bay with a hastily improvised fairy tale. Captain Crocodile is apoplectic with rage to see the kids are enjoying the story. He turns on his little audience, all but cursing them out. They revolt and drive him out of the studio.
It looks like the boys have a chance at top billing since Captain Crocodile and his pies are gone. Unfortunately, the new host is Cap’s assistant. His new schtick of seltzer water in the face guarantees the Monkees will conclude their broadcast day.
Hey, kids! Let's go to the super-fun tropes!
- Depraved Kids' Show Host: A G-rated clean and sober version. The Captain’s attitude is a mix of panic about aging out of his show and contempt for the only starring role he could get.
- Imagine Spot: The TV parodies of “To Tell The Truth”, “What’s My Line?”, local weather reports, a 60 Minutes style show, and Batman.
- Intro Dump: The panel news program and “What’s My Scene?”
- Pie in the Face: Switched out with seltzer spray by the end.
