The Season 1 Handy-Dandy Guide
The Introduction of Roundhouse and SNICK
SNICK commercials first aired in the summer of ‘92. Hints and glances at two new shows and two familiar ones, fit together to create SNICK = Saturday Night Nickelodeon. Roundhouse was sandwiched between the favorites Clarissa Explains it All and The Ren & Stimpy Show, and the SNICK block closed with Are You Afraid of the Dark?
I credit Nickelodeon for giving a show like Roundhouse a chance, when other networks might not have been so flexible to air a show with such a unique format.
The order I've put these episodes in is based on educated guess. :-)
101 Perfect New Family
(Dominic, Crystal)
Directed by: Dennis Rosenblatt
Songs: “We’re A Family” “Back Where We Belong”
Joey and Jennifer Anykid win a new perfect family with caring, sharing siblings; a cheerful, do good father; and Martha Stewart with a gold card as mom. However, all is not well on the other side of the fence.
notes: Aired 8/15/92. Characters to debut in this first episode: Mark’s Ed McMayonnaise, Julene’s Grandma, Alfred's Cosby, and Ivan’s Dan Quayle.
102 New Kid in School
(Mark, Julene)
Directed by: Bruce Gowers
Songs: “Jump in the Fire” “Be Your Friend”
The Anyfamily moves to a new town. “New Kid” is forced to adjust at a new school.
notes: Character to debut in this episode, Ivan’s Louis the Band Geek.
103 Sports
(Dominic, Crystal)
Directed by: Dennis Rosenblatt
Songs: “Flop Sweat” “I Can Dream”
Calvin’s sluggish talent in sports doesn’t satisfy Dad’s vicarious need to win. Meanwhile Angie trains for the track team against Dad’s wishes.
notes: Crystal’s performance of “I Can Dream” (written by: Benny Hester & Buddy Sheffield) won a Cable Ace Award.
104 Education
(Ivan)
Directed by: Dennis Rosenblatt
Songs: “Substitution” “Sex Education”
Vinny’s crush on his teacher far out-weighs his math scores.
notes: This episode was choreographed by Adam Shankman and Ivan Dudynsky. Introduction of Mark's Principal Bose character.
105 Crushes/Popularity/Idealism
(Crystal, Dominic)
Directed by: Dennis Rosenblatt
Songs: “Self Conscious” “Do Not Care”
Despite total embarrassment of her family, Millie tries as best she can to win the affections of Dylan Mark Chadly, a guy too cool to even talk.
notes: This episode was choreographed by Ivan Dudynsky.
106 TV on Trial
(John, Shawn, Seymour, Crystal)
Directed by: Gary Halvorson
Songs: “TV Head” “U.B. The Judge” (VB) “Don’t Make Me Give It Up”
The Anyfamily Television is accused of airing pointless, silly, brainless, violent, trashy programming and the Anyfamily does all they can to defend the family treasure.
notes: This episode was choreographed by Ivan Dudynsky.
107 First Date/Individuality
(Crystal, Dominic)
Directed by: Bruce Gowers
Songs: “Be A Rebel” “Only Want to be Me”
Mikey goes against the Dudes and takes an interest in “The Girl” (Crystal.) He liked her because she was different, but in the end tried to change her to be like everyone else.
notes: Characters to debut in this episode, Cindy Cheevers and the Dudes. This episode was rehearsed for months and shot as the Roundhouse pilot. The version we saw was filmed months later. The pilot, while mostly identical in content, had different outfits, a different opening reel, different cast assignments, Julene with long hair, no Mark David, and a cast member that didn't work out, Chris Dupre. Jeff Porcaro, mentioned at the end of the episode, was the drummer of Toto and a close friend of Benny Hester and Marty Walsh.
108 Politics
(David)
Directed by: Gary Halvorson
Songs: “I Hate Big Books” “I’ll Be On Your Mind” (VB)
Jeff wants to run for class president, but realizes it’s actually a popularity race.
notes: This episode was choreographed by Ivan Dudynsky. Introduction of John's Ross Perot-ish character (?)
109 Recession
(Mark, Micki, Shawn)
Directed by: Gary Halvorson
Songs: “Higher” “Still Waiting for Love”
The Anyfamily is forced to work for a living to save the treasured TV. Mom seems to get zero respect throughout the struggle.
notes: This episode was choreographed by Ivan Dudynsky.
110 Time
Directed by: Bruce Gowers
Songs: “Take Time, Make Time” “Times”
The cast goes through the course of a year and show us that time is a valuable thing.
notes: Character to debut in this episode, Shawn's Dr. Larita Curran.
111 Beauty Pageant
Contestants: Crystal, Micki, Natalie, Shawn
Directed by: Bruce Gowers
Songs: “Meat Market” “Airbrain”
Is beauty in the eye of the beholder?
112 Conflict
(Dominic, David)
Directed by: Bruce Gowers
Songs: “I’m A Bully” “Whole Lot More” (VB)
Billy the bully picks on little John Anykid and John doesn’t know how to handle this unfair treatment.
113 School Play
(Natalie, Julene, David)
Directed by: Gary Halvorson
Songs: “Stage Mother”
Jody wants to try out for the school play, but is discouraged by her friend Melissa and her stage mother.
