Cold opening has Tommy in the bio lab, trying to put on some latex gloves and dissecting frogs. The Prof tells the students to sex the frog, and Tommy has a look that tells us he misunderstands the request. And roll credits. Where I notice for the first time that Tommy is a producer for the show.
Drumline practice. Ben Coleman, the Drum Captain, says that he’s a bit upset about Tommy coming in to the band. Bands Director Carolyn Barber note how it’s difficult going from solo drummer to drummer in a marching band. Ben notes that he wasn’t impressed at first, but he decided to help him out anyways. And Tommy appreciates it. The Band Leader says Tommy’s only at 30%, and Tommy’s still afraid about getting dropped.
Chemistry 101, where it’s once again stressed how lost Tommy is. So there’s only one thing to do – no not see Dr. Gay, see Athletics Director Butch “Huggy Bear” Hug. Tommy (new outfit) expresses interest in joining a Division 1 team. Butch asks for his athletic background, and isn’t all that impressed. Tommy wants to try some coed stuff, like volleyball, but Butch thinks he’ll get his butt kicked by the girls. Tommy, of course is into that.
Cut to the volleyball court, where Tommy, as promised, gets his ass kicked by the girls. Butch notes that there’s something for everyone, especially in the intramural and club programs. So he tries swimming. And again gets his ass kicked in the 100m freestyle. Now it’s time for track, and with Butch as the starter, Tommy is left in the dust in the 400m. Not much meat on those chicken legs, to be sure. Finally, he tries a swan dive off the 10m platform, and he manages to do it without hurting himself. Which I find impressive for anyone, to be honest.
British VO guy promises that Tommy is retiring from athletics, and he’ll return to more academic hilarity after the
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It’s Chem Lab time, and Tommy (2 outfits in 30 seconds) heads in with Hot Chick Natalie. Basically, he’s screwing around and doing the experiment. Nothing unusal about lab time here.
Dorm room, as Tommy and Matt play some F1 as they talk about the tough credit Drumline guys get. Which segues to Tommy and Ben practicing the routines late at night. Ben’s impressed with how dedicated Tommy is to getting the routine correct.
Friday morning, and its Judgement Day for Tommy as far as performing Saturday goes. He’s confident he’ll be on the field. Ben thinks that even down to the wire, it’s questionable. But since it’s reality TV, there’s only one possible outcome, and the Band leaders decide that he’s in. Tommy, naturally, gives Ben a shout out for all his help.
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Saturday. Tailgating, students, cheerleaders, and Tommy putting on his uniform. Except his shoes, which his mom helps him put on. It’s halftime, and Tommy notes that he’s freaking out and hopes he won’t choke. We get some football announcers talk about his being on the field, with Matt and Hot Chick Natalie cheering him on. Obviously, he does well. And now, some random shots of Tommy, cheerleaders, etc.
And now we’re at a bar, where the band (and Matt) are winding down. Tommy’s happy, until a random voice asks if he has a test tomorrow.
