Jinxed
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| “Jinxed” | |
|---|---|
| Recess episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 11 a |
| Written by | |
| Production no. | 111 a |
| Original airdate | December 13, 1997 |
| Episode chronology | |
| ← Previous | Next → |
| "The Great Can Drive" | "The Great Jungle Gym Standoff" |
| List of Recess episodes | |
Jinxed is the 11th episode of the ABC and Disney Television Show Recess.
[edit] Synopsis
As a new transfer student unsure of the workings of school society, Gus Griswald inadvertently breaks one of the cardinal rules of the playground when he tries to reverse a fairly-made trade. Anxious to fit in, Gus swears he will never again violate the unwritten rules that the other kids live by.
Soon afterwards, the Ashley Girls play a joke on Gus, deliberately joining in with his speech in order to put a jinx on him. "You can't say a word until someone says your name", they tell him gleefully. Worried, but anxious to follow the rules, Gus obeys, not only during recess, but in class as well, leading Miss Grotke and the headmaster to conclude something is wrong with him.
While T.J. tries to figure out what is happening to his friend (all Gus's attempts at explanation being foiled by the mischievous Ashleys), Principal Prickley decided that the self-imposed silence is a direct defiance of authority, and summons the Board of Education, who arrive in the style of government agents while Gus is imprisoned in the headmaster's office. After a falsely sweet interview from one of the Board fails to elicit a response, the message reaches the entire school: Gus has to be taken away to an unspecified destination.
As an unexpected consequence of his continued silence, Gus has become a minor celebrity in the school. Total strangers whisper their support as he is led down the school drive to the waiting car. Only the Ashleys remain unrepentant, and T.J. catches a snatch of their conversation. Realising what has happened, he bolts for the principal's now-deserted office, knowing he doesn't have much time.
Just as Gus is preparing to climb into the car, T.J.'s voice booms out over the tannoy: "Gus Griswald has been jinxed!" Breathing a deep sigh of relief, Gus explains everything to the curious students. To his surprise, they don't lose their respect for him, confessing admiration for any child so loyal to the rules of the playground. As Gus is taken back to class, the Board of Education agents express frustration at being called out for "another jinxed kid" as they drive away.
