Miss/Guided: 1.1 ‘Homecoming’ Recap
Original Air Date: March 18, 2008
BECKY FREELEY was an undeniable dork when she attended Glen Ellen High School. Now, many years later, Principal PHIL HUFFY has hired her to be a guidance counselor there because she’s prettier than he remembers her, although she thinks it’s because he recognizes her maturity.
In the opening scenes, we learn Becky is perpetually perky and optimistic, putting a positive spin on even the most negative behavior and situations. When Vice Principal BRUCE TERRY — who turned the pain of getting his butt kicked three or four times a day as a student into the power of being a top school administrator — accosts her in the hallway because this year she’s in charge of the forthcoming homecoming dance instead of him, she refuses his offer to provide security. She’s already asked cute fellow teacher TIM O’MALLEY to do the honors, and he agreed to co-chaperone the event with her.
Tim used to be an Auto Shop teacher. But, then the school’s former Spanish teacher, Señor Levine, had his hard drive seized by the FBI. Later, Tim jumped at the opportunity to show he’s more than just a mechanic after the school’s janitor (Guest Star Juan Carlos Cantu) turned down the job because he doesn’t want his hard drive confiscated, too. Earnest Tim doesn’t even mind he’s only one language lab ahead of the students in the subject.
Since Tim agreed to co-chaperone the dance, all Becky has to do now is wait for him to ask her to be his date. At first, there’s a good chance he will, too, because there’s not much competition among the other female teachers — that is, until the principal hires Becky’s high school nemesis, former Homecoming Queen LISA GERMAIN, to join the English department. Lisa still clearly remembers that back when they were both students, Becky developed a “thing” for Lisa’s boyfriend, Todd Collins, after she appeared in one scene with him in a school production of The Sound of Music.
While Becky waits and waits and waits some more for Tim’s invitation, Lisa snags him herself when she makes the first move and asks him to be her date. Poor Becky is reduced to learning the news from her student SHANE (Guest Star Chad Broskey), a cute but insecure sophomore who she mistakenly believed has a crush on her when he’s actually interested in a female senior.
Despite her disappointment, Becky shows up at the dance because someone has to be there in case a student faints or cries or has a baby in the bathroom. She gets a ride from her mom, who’s on her way to a date and whom Becky has been living with since her dad left. When she bumps into Kelly (Guest Star Vanessa Marano) — a geeky student who idolizes her and is very reminiscent of her younger self — wearing the exact same outfit, though, Becky decides to hide out in the bushes instead of go inside and feel uncomfortable.
Soon, the school’s resident weirdo, RUSSELL (Guest Star Daryl Sabara), shows up. The next day, Vice Principal Bruce asks how many weapons he was concealing, so you get the idea. Russell didn’t want to come, but his mother told him he should try to do something like a normal teenager.
Ever helpful, Becky advises him that it’s okay to feel different because some people, including her, mature at a different pace than others. Consequently, for that night, it’s okay for both of them to just watch one last time from the sidelines. Despite the moment of heartfelt sharing, however, Becky declines to let Russell touch her boob when he asks if he can point blank.
At the end of the dance, Becky runs and hides behind a car as Tim and Lisa approach in the parking lot. While they’re walking, Lisa explains to Tim how difficult it is being single again, now that she’s not with her husband Jay anymore. Tim responds that she’s not alone since both he and Becky are single, as well.
Up until this point, Lisa seems more or less like a decent person. But, then her ugly side breaks loose when she tells Tim that Becky would be less pathetic if her desperation wasn’t so obvious. As Becky listens from her hiding spot behind a car, Tim reveals his kind nature when he counters that Becky’s continual positivity is inspiring, regardless of her occasional awkwardness.
So, it’s no surprise to anyone but Lisa and a stunned, thrilled, eavesdropping Becky when Tim declines Lisa’s offer to go have a drink next. Score one for the nice, pretty, sincere girl.
MY TAKE: This show is incredibly sweet. I didn’t really laugh out loud much, but I did smile the whole way through. As I’ve already said in the past, series star Judy Greer is terrific, and she really makes Becky Freeley someone you have no choice but to root for. Excellent job on the part of the other cast members, young and old, too.
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Tags: ABC, ashton kutcher, brooke burns, caroline williams, chad broskey, chris parnell, comedies, comedy, daryl sabara, earl billings, homecoming, jonathan sadowski, juan carlos cantu, Judy Greer, kristoffer polaha, missguided, pilot, Recaps, series-premiere, Sitcoms, situation-comedies, Spoilers, Television, todd holland, tv, vanessa marano, Winter 2008Related Stories
POSTED IN: ABC, Miss/Guided, Recaps
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