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Danielle Fishel
This is an I Heart podcast. Hey parents, quick question. When's the last time you won snack time? Yesterday I packed a granola bar so Old Adler asked if it was a dinosaur fossil. So it's been a while. And that's why Mott's no Sugar added Applesauce pouches are perfect to keep on hand. Real apples, no added sugar and the pouch? It's snack times mvp. Minimal mess. Maximum peace. It's even got vitamin C. Kids love it. Parents don't mess it up. Win win Mottz Real apples make real good applesauce. Learn more@motts.com Summer's wrapping up and if you're a parent like me, it's officially time to get pairs of growing feet ready for school. I still remember picking out my own back to school shoes. I treated it like I was shopping for a red carpet, a little flare, a couple of bows and a lot of Velcro. But now I shop online at Famous Footwear. They have all the latest styles and iconic brands your kids you can buy online, pick up in store or get same day delivery with doordash. Easy, fast and painless. You don't have to overspend to make it famous right now. Buy one pair of shoes. Get one half off at your local famous footwear store or famous.comc store associate for details. Okay, so Amazon prime is the easiest and fastest way to get anything delivered.
Will Friedle
But there's so much more. Whatever you love, that's what prime is.
Ryder Strong
Prime helps you get more out of your passions and even discover new ones.
Danielle Fishel
Running a household with a four and six year old, I have become a connoisseur of children's toys. And not only can Amazon prime get me what the boys want as quickly as possible, which honestly can save my day, it also suggests new toys, ones I didn't even know existed, sending me down a rabbit hole of robots, ninja hybrids, and happy puppets.
Will Friedle
We've all come to know Amazon prime as a lifesaver. It's where I go to stream movies and listen to music. It just keeps on giving.
Ryder Strong
From streaming to shopping, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.comprime to get more out of whatever you're into.
Danielle Fishel
You know that moment when you're getting dressed and running late? Your kid's missing a shoe, the dog's tangled up in backpack straps, and all you need is an outfit you can depend on. If you're tired of endless options that miss the mark, let me tell you about the magic of JCPenney. Don't give me that. Wait Seriously, face. They've got stylish pieces that feel effortless but look like you actually had time this morning. Perfect for busy parents. I just got an A and a denim blouse and a Liz Claiborne a line dress, both instant outfit upgrades at an affordable price. And I just love the look of surprise when I tell someone my outfit is from JCPenney. Don't miss out. Shop now@jcpenney.com yes, JCPenney.
Will Friedle
This episode of Pod Meets World is brought to you by Fabuloso.
Danielle Fishel
Are you like me and constantly cleaning because your house gets so dirty so quickly? To make it more fun, I throw on a podcast and just zone out when that fresh lavender scent hits. Suddenly, cleaning doesn't feel like a chore.
Ryder Strong
And it leaves your whole home smelling and feeling like a fresh oasis.
Will Friedle
Fabuloso's two times concentrated formula means double the cleaning power in every swipe.
Danielle Fishel
It doesn't just clean, it dramatically cleans. Look for Fabuloso at your favorite store today.
Will Friedle
Fabuloso's 2x concentrated formula provides two times more active ingredients versus non concentrated. Fabuloso original use as directed. So, you know, whenever I go home, sometimes I walk into my bedroom and there's something on my desk that my parents have found or somebody's found and, like, left there for me to see if I want it. And the last time I went home, I walked into a package mentioned from Russell Dague.
Danielle Fishel
Whoa, Whoa.
Will Friedle
And it was written out to what he used to call me, which is Vilheim Friedelig. And when I opened it, I was like, huh? What the heck is this? It's our season seven ABC press packet.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, my gosh.
Will Friedle
So it's what they would show. It is all of our, like, what the. What the network writes about us and what they say we are. And then full of all of the beach shoot. Shoots.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, gosh. That beach photo shoot.
Will Friedle
Like, a ton of different pictures. I was gonna say that was the.
Ryder Strong
One with the pool.
Will Friedle
The one with the infinity pool. And then everybody got their own kind of, like, headshot, headsh shots all the way.
Danielle Fishel
Volleyball.
Ryder Strong
I've never seen that. Volleyball with the globe.
Will Friedle
The globe with the volleyball, of course, because throw in a globe. There's Ben, you know, boy landing on the beach.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. Kneeling. Kneeling.
Will Friedle
Oh, Ryder. Nice.
Danielle Fishel
Ansy pocket.
Will Friedle
Yes. Trina.
Danielle Fishel
Angsty pocket.
Will Friedle
Angsty pocket. Maitland and you. And for some reason, that's it. I don't know where mine is or anybody else's, but you must have framed yours.
Ryder Strong
I was gonna say your parents probably took it out.
Will Friedle
Exactly. Or I once again was not any credit for being on the program. But I also thought I would read to you. Let's see what they, what they've said.
Danielle Fishel
About how'd they describe the show, please.
Will Friedle
So let's start with. Well, let's. It's. It's not the show. It is just individual biographies.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, okay. Little bios.
Will Friedle
So we have Rider Strong, Sean on the ABC Television Network's Boy Meets World. A native Californian, Rider Strong's first professional acting job was the role of Gavroche in the San Francisco production of Less Miserables when he was only nine years old. He's had numerous television guest star credits on shows such as Evening Shade, Empty Nest, Nurses, Time Tracks and the ABC series maybe this Time and Home Improvement. He also had a reoccurring role on Party of Five playing series regular Lacey Chabert's first boyfriend. His movies for television include the last hit the Long Road Home and Summertime Switch. In addition to his work on Boy Meets World, Ryder recently guest starred in two episodes of the award winning ABC series the Practice. He played a teenager who lived on the who lied on the witness stand claimed to have shot his mother to protect his father who actually committed the crime. 19 year old Ryder is no stranger to film. He co starred with Donald Sutherland and Amy Irvin in Benefit of the doubt. In 1998, he landed a leading role in the Pact where he played a street kid coerced by the mob to find and kill a teen in the US Justice Department's Witness Protection program.
Ryder Strong
My God, this is super detailed.
Danielle Fishel
I mean it's so long.
Will Friedle
Oh, we're not done yet. In 1995, his brother Shiloh wrote and co produced with Ryder a play entitled Shades of Blue for a Los Angeles stage production in which Ryder co starred along with Shiloh. The critically acclaimed play was a recipient of the prestigious Dramalog Award. A screen version of Shades of Blue, also written by Shiloh and produced by Ryder's production company, Redwood Shire Productions, has received considerable studio interest. Considerable didn't happen considerable, but it was considerable. Ryder currently enjoys a sustained level of popularity among young and mainstream audiences alike. He was recently recognized by professionals in the industry when casting directors, producers and directors nominated him for his work on Boy Meets World for the Hollywood Reporter Young Stars Awards. Ryder spends his work week in Hollywood where he is also a student in college. He returns to Northern California for the weekends where he lives with his mom, Lynn Warner Strong dad, King Arthur Strong, and older brother Shiloh King Strong.
Ryder Strong
My God, A true lover of the outdoors.
Will Friedle
Oh, now I get personal. A true lover of the outdoors. He enjoys backpacking, swimming, whitewater rafting, playing soccer, apparent rollerblading, listening to eclectic music, collections, writing, reading poetry. From Keats to Kerouac. Hometown, San Francisco, California. Birth date, December 11th.
Danielle Fishel
And that. My gosh.
Will Friedle
They're writing Rider Strong's bio. There you go. The official ABC.
Ryder Strong
Who wrote this thing? This sounds like something like my agent wrote. Or you know, like this is like.
Danielle Fishel
And your agent really wanted to help promote your brother?
Ryder Strong
No, kid. Yeah. Well, that would make sense if it was Judy.
Will Friedle
And then they have. So I have mine. I don't. Oh, I have Danielle's, which I love you. It's considerably shorter.
Danielle Fishel
It sure is. Look at that.
Will Friedle
It says Daniel Fishel. Topanga. On the ABC Television network's boy meets world, 18 year old Danielle Fishel began acting professionally eight years ago. Her resume includes appearances in several episodes of ABC's Full House and guest appearances on Harry and the Hendersons and Kirk. She has also been featured in several commercials. Danielle spent her summer hiatus from Boy Meets World co starring in the feature film Jack of All Trades.
Danielle Fishel
Oh sure.
Will Friedle
With Joey Shulpthorne.
Danielle Fishel
Uh huh.
Will Friedle
Zach, Ty Bryan and Paul Sorvino. The comedic drama is set for release early next year. A recent high school graduate, Danielle is a member of the Celebrity Sightings team, an online celebrity website with features that include exclusive photos, chats, giveaways, prizes and games. It allows Danielle to personally keep in touch with her fans while providing up to date information about her latest projects and events. Born in Arizona, Danielle has grown up in Southern California. She lives with her mother, father and brother, along with her long haired Chihuahua named Tyson and Cassidy.
Danielle Fishel
I'm so glad we got their names in there.
Will Friedle
Yep. A husky Labrador mix dog.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah, yeah, good. Did they say that she had one blue eye and one brown eye? How they did A missed opportunity. They did not. Okay.
Will Friedle
In her free time, she does charity work for organizations benefiting critically ill children. She also enjoys skiing, snowboarding, surfing, reading and chatting online with her fans.
Ryder Strong
Chatting online, that was still such a new thing.
Danielle Fishel
I know.
Ryder Strong
The idea that you were like able.
Will Friedle
To talk online, isn't that crazy? Do you want to hear mine now?
Danielle Fishel
Yes, please.
Will Friedle
Will Friedle, Eric Matthews on the ABC television network Boy Meets World. Will is, for lack of a better term, a God among men.
Danielle Fishel
That's not where it says, oh wait, I might be making that say that.
Will Friedle
I'll skip through some of it.
Danielle Fishel
Hang on. Thank you.
Ryder Strong
Smartest guy you'll ever meet. Hung like an IQ of 180.
Will Friedle
Uncle Einstein thought he was the smartest person.
Ryder Strong
Okay.
Will Friedle
Will Burdell stars as the lovable but sometimes airhead Eric Matthews, the older brother of his angst ridden sibling Corey Ben Savage. For some reason, Ben gets a mention in my bio on the seventh season of Boy Meets World. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Will is the youngest of three boys and can relate to Corey's plight. They have a quote from me for some reason, I was always trying to hang out with my brothers when I was younger, he recalls. His older brother Gary is a unit trust trader in New York. Don't know what that is. His middle brother Greg is teaching English in a Saikawa, Japan. Friedel began acting professionally when he was in the fifth grade. At the urging of his drama teacher, he auditioned for a bit part in a professional production of A Doll's House and soon became one of the child leads. Will starred in the Wonderful World of Disney's My Date with the President's Daughter and has had the leading role in the upcoming Wonderful World of Disney's He Double Hockey Sticks. He also played the lead in the feature film Trojan War. His television credits included starring roles on True Blue and a guest appearance on Law and Order. He was featured in the television movie Set for Life, starring andy Griffith and ABC's Educating Mom. Will is also the voice of the new Batman in the WB animated series Batman Beyond. Friedle, who is currently taking core classes to prepare himself for a career in archaeology, still am. Resides in Connecticut. When he's not studying or in front of the camera, he enjoys writing scripts and short stories.
Danielle Fishel
Resides in Connecticut.
Ryder Strong
Yeah.
Will Friedle
Why does he apparently also, I'd still like to know why Ryder gets a book where they're like. And his address. It was written by one of your fans is what I'm thinking.
Danielle Fishel
Honestly, they went through every credit that Ryder has.
Will Friedle
Yes.
Ryder Strong
Whereas mine was like described my entire life.
Danielle Fishel
What I'm reading your parents full names.
Will Friedle
And then it was also, it's like, mine is like Will Friedle, who really knows Ben Savage. And Ben Savage said this like, wait.
Ryder Strong
A minute, why does mine have.
Will Friedle
Okay, so here's the other thing. If you'd like me to read it. Here's how ABC broke down our show.
Danielle Fishel
Okay. I did a lot of fun in the press packet.
Will Friedle
So here we go. Boy meets World Fridays, 8:30pm Eastern. Will they or won't they? That is the question the engaged Cory and Topanga must decide upon if they will or will not get married. All systems look like a go until a saddened Topanga proves unsuccessful in getting her parents to reconcile and call off their divorce. She loses faith in the power of young love and cancels her pending marriage. Don't remember that.
Ryder Strong
Wait, we're getting ahead of ourselves.
Will Friedle
Yeah. So that's why I didn't know if we want to read it or not.
Ryder Strong
I think.
Will Friedle
Season seven. This is the season seven packet. With her parents breakup, Topanga realizes she's.
Danielle Fishel
Had to save it.
Will Friedle
Let's save it.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah, that's what I'm saying. When we start season seven, just put that little note off to the side or take a picture of it so you don't lose it. You lose anything. I know.
Will Friedle
Really?
Danielle Fishel
I know. I can't believe I just said that.
Will Friedle
What if I hold onto it forever and have it right next to me in the same spot 45 years ago?
Danielle Fishel
Put it in that Tiffany frame next to the photo of us at the saloon picture.
Will Friedle
Oh, yeah. Well, that's the beautiful silver frame that I'm having handcrafted.
Danielle Fishel
Right, right, exactly.
Will Friedle
By Mr. Tiffany himself. So we'll hold off on that one because I know apparently you call off your wedd.
Danielle Fishel
I don't.
Will Friedle
I don't remember that. I remember that.
Ryder Strong
Yeah.
Will Friedle
It was interesting to see this season seven, like the packet they sent to everybody, which had, you know, a ton of photos, everybody's bio, Bill Daniels bio, which, again, shorter than Ryder Strong's still.
Ryder Strong
Well, he's only been nominated for two Emmys, so.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Ryder Strong
So he doesn't read Keats and Kerouac, you know?
Will Friedle
Yeah. It's like, this is Ryder's class schedule.
Danielle Fishel
Ready to start with K. Yeah.
Will Friedle
It's like, what the hell is. Yeah. Ryder ran the Alphabet and poetry from Keats to Kerouac.
Ryder Strong
That's it.
Will Friedle
So that's. I thought every time I go home, there's usually another little treat from the past. And I thought you'd like to see the season seven packet which Russell Dague had sent to Wilhelm Friedleg.
Danielle Fishel
I love it.
Ryder Strong
I don't remember ever getting those. I mean, that's.
Danielle Fishel
Of course not. Your parents opened them or Judy opened them for you. You would never have cared to see it.
Will Friedle
No. I guess I don't know why it was left for me, but it was, and now I have it.
Danielle Fishel
Writer's like a package came from Boy Meets World. God, get that out of my.
Will Friedle
What would Keith say about this?
Danielle Fishel
What about Kerouac?
Will Friedle
What about Kerouac? What would he say about this?
Ryder Strong
Oh, my God.
Danielle Fishel
God.
Will Friedle
What rhymes with angst?
Danielle Fishel
Welcome to pod meets world. I'm Danielle.
Ryder Strong
Fischl Rider Strong.
Will Friedle
I'm Will Friedell.
Danielle Fishel
What do you think of when you hear Amazon prime delivery trucks outside your home?
Ryder Strong
Your favorite streaming shows of course, but.
Danielle Fishel
There is so much more. Whatever you love, that's what prime is.
Will Friedle
Prime helps you get more out of whatever passions you're into and it helps you discover new ones.
Danielle Fishel
Just today I bought a new makeup remover for my brushes and a few collagen masks that I sleep in. And Amazon prime is perfect for my never ending obsession with beauty products. Not only do I get what I need incredibly fast, I can find myself going down a rabbit hole for all new items I didn't even know existed. Nail brightening treatment? Yes please. Green tea clay mask? Yes. Add it to the haul and the.
Ryder Strong
Fact that Amazon prime also puts hundreds of movies and TV shows right at your fingertips.
Will Friedle
It's more than just same day delivery. It's a place to explore your passions.
Danielle Fishel
From streaming to shopping. It's on Prime.
Will Friedle
Visit Amazon.comprime to get more out of whatever you're into.
Danielle Fishel
Ah yes, it's the season of Back to School. The scent of sharpened pencils fills the air and child suddenly has very strong opinions about sneakers. Luckily, Famous Footwear has all the big name brands. They're obsessed with Nike, Adidas, Jordan Crocs, Converse, New Balance, Birkenstock. But now without the big time drama. I used to love back to school shoe shopping. As a kid I'd strut out of that store like I was walking a red carpet if that red carpet led to a cafeteria that served square pizza. But now I keep it simple. I skip the checkout chaos and order online, pick up in store or get same day delivery with doordash. It's fast, easy and no one ends up crying in the clearance aisle. Not even me. They've got over 830 locations plus in store fit experts who help pick the right size because they know kids feet grow every few minutes. Famous Footwear saves you time, money and sanity and still lets your kid feel like the main character on day one. You don't have to overspend to make it famous right now. Buy one pair of shoes. Get one half off at your local famous footwear store or famous.com see store associate for details. Okay, can we talk about the power of a go to outfit? Because when you're juggling school, drop off a dog who needs his flea meds bad and a grocery list you started on the back of your hand. Putting on something that can keep up with you is key. So picture me at the park hair in a claw clip one shoe untied, granola bar crumbs everywhere, and my kids treating the jungle gym like the ropes of a wrestling ring. Then someone walks up to you and says, cute dress and you say, thanks, it's from JCPenney. And that's when you see it. The wait, seriously face. Yeah, JCPenney. Totally underrated style destination. It's packed with stylish, affordable finds for the whole family, especially for the one who keeps it all together. And the deals. I mean, finding a dress that looks amazing and fits your budget? That's a mom win. Worth celebrating. I grabbed the Liz Claiborne Sleeveless A line dress. It's light, it moves with me, and I still looked pulled together while sprinting after a juice box and flip flops. And I picked up a few adorable graphic tees for the boys that fit their growing bodies and their adorable personalities. Already a fan? Then you know. If not, consider this your wake up call. Discover it for yourself. Shop now@jcpenney.com yes, JCPenney, life's messy.
Guest Speaker
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Danielle Fishel
You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options, and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com welcome to today's episode recap. We are recapping season six, episode 21, the psychotic episode. It is the penultimate episode of season six. It originally aired May 7, 1999. The synopsis A concerned Corey seeks out Mr. Feeny's rational interpretation when he experiences a series of nightmares involving the murder of Sean. It was directed by our own William Rusty. Russ.
Will Friedle
Rusty.
Danielle Fishel
It was written by Carlos Aragon. This is his first Boy Meets world episode. He will write two more in season seven, including a big one, Angela's Ashes.
Will Friedle
Oh.
Danielle Fishel
So before we jump into the guest stars, do you guys want to talk about your overall thoughts? I'll start with. Didn't remember one single aspect of this episode. Wow.
Will Friedle
I remembered most of this episode.
Danielle Fishel
Did you really?
Ryder Strong
You didn't last week when we mentioned once you started watching it, did you?
Will Friedle
Once I started watching it, I knew which episode this was because I remember this being a very tough week of work for me and me being a bit of an this week, really. And Rusty kind of calling me out on it and Rusty and I having a conversation about it. I was a bit of a. This week. Yeah. And I specifically remember that. Yep. With my co star, with the guy I was working with who was giving me very little. And it was really weird. And I think I thought I was the coolest guy in the world by this point. And everyone's telling me how funny I was. And I was like, I don't know if I can work with this guy. He's like giving me. And I was being like a bit of an asshole. And Rusty was like, dude, what's your problem? Like, he full on called me out about it. He's like pulled me aside. He's like, what's going on with you this week? And I was like, I don't know, dude, I don't know. And it was. He was right. He was 100% right. But that's what I remember most about this week was it's like maybe getting a little bit full of myself and, you know, feeling like the hot on the set and wow, I'm so fortunate.
Ryder Strong
Having a guest star that you don't know.
Will Friedle
And I didn't know.
Ryder Strong
Having to carry whole scenes with it was really.
Will Friedle
He was also. He just had a very different acting style, which didn't translate to a bad performance at all.
Danielle Fishel
No, no.
Will Friedle
But it was. It was. Yeah. I remember being a bit, you know, a bit full of myself this week. Do you think?
Danielle Fishel
Was he just quiet and reserved in real life and.
Will Friedle
Yes, and it was also. It was like, like there was the perform. The thing I remember most is the performance that we saw on screen was that was his performance. No changes at all from like the table read. So I'm like trying to like bob and weave and he was like, this is my performance. Which again, that's not a Bad thing. It was. Wasn't a bad performance, but I was, you know, I want to get on the set and play a little bit. And by this point, I thought I was like, you know, I had the. The permission to kind of play and. And. And joke around and do it, and I wasn't getting anything back. And it was kind of like, what the hell is going on? And I remember complaining to Rusty about it. I wasn't being a dick to the guy. It was more like talking to Rusty about it privately. Like, he's not giving me anything and I want to do. And he was like, dude, what's wrong with you? What's going on? Because, you know, Rusty will go from actor to dad to friend, like back to back to back. And by this point, Rusty and I, you know, I often talked in the beginning how I didn't think Rusty liked me at all. And then he and I, especially during the wilderness store stuff and maybe even a little bit before that really started to bond as friends and as actors. And I remember this was kind of the moment of an older actor looking at a younger actor. Kind of like, what is your problem this week? Cause he was also the director, but he wasn't really talking to me like the director. He was talking to me like Rusty talking to Will. And it was like, what the hell? And he was right. And I remember being like, yeah, you're. No. Oh, God, I don't know. I'm freaking out this week or I'm not getting anything back or whatever. And he was like, let's just get through this. It looks good. It's gonna be great. Do your thing. Let him do his thing. Stop trying to change his performance. That's not on you. And yeah, I remember it was Rusty kind of like giving me the smack up side. The proverbial smack up side by head that I needed.
Ryder Strong
That's so cool.
Will Friedle
So that's what I remember. So when this started, I was like, oh, it's this guy. Like, it's this episode. Cause I remember I'm like kind of over the top and I feel like I'm pushing it a little bit. And I feel like you and Ben are basically laughing through the entire episode.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, yeah.
Will Friedle
It was an apily named psychotic episode, but I remember this week as being a psychotic kind of week. And it was my. Completely my fault on my side.
Danielle Fishel
Wow.
Will Friedle
Yeah.
Danielle Fishel
Ryder, do you have any memories?
Ryder Strong
Not really. I did remember this episode. Like, I remember elevator shaft and Corey's killing, and we never know when it's a dream or not. And so, yeah, while I was watching and I remember, like, Mary Poppin. Yeah. Like, there were certain lines that stuck with me. But, yeah, I guess it's not. It's not much of an assessment to say it's a strange episode. I mean, it intends to be a strange episode, but it also just didn't feel. I felt like a little bit like it was trying to be the Scream episode in some ways, and it just didn't quite get there. And yeah, I don't know, it felt, you know, I felt like the B storyline was funny, but didn't feel like a Boy Meets World episode, I guess, because it's mostly you and a guest star. But it was fine. It was good. I laughed. And then, I don't know, there's something about the A story that just like. It doesn't quite get absurd enough for me to like, just completely like, ah, this is a romp. But it also is not like, I don't know, it just kind of felt weird. It just felt in between to me.
Will Friedle
There's also, there's. There's something about when you said trying to be the Scream episode, which I couldn't agree more. And it.
Danielle Fishel
There's.
Will Friedle
When it's the Scream episode, you know, that's based on a trope. Like, it's based on a. Yeah.
Ryder Strong
An existing horror trope.
Will Friedle
So you kind of know the rules going in because you're like, oh, they're doing. Whereas this was just willy nilly. There is no kind of structure to it. It's just like, it might be dreamy, it might not be dreamy. Sometimes he's asleep. The people he's dreaming about are sometimes asleep. Sometimes they're in the dream with him. And then you just cut to Eric in real life and it's like, okay, that got a little confusing. So it was more just a little muddled for me than. I mean, the jokes were funny. I'm officially sick of the lobster. It's everywhere. I don't know how they keep getting away with it. It's everywhere.
Danielle Fishel
I saw it in the classroom, but.
Will Friedle
I didn't see it anywhere else in the. The apartment. It's in with. With the dorm room. I mean, it's. It's everywhere. But yeah, it's. Again, I didn't dislike it. It just. It didn't kind of feel like a Boy Meets World episode. You're right. So it was. I felt like I was trying to do Chandler and Joey this week and it was like a Friends kind of episode more than anything else. It just seemed Strange.
Danielle Fishel
I thought the B storyline was very funny. And I thought the. I thought the A storyline of there being something going on with Corey's thoughts about how life is going to change after he gets mar. Wish. If I could just make one wish for this episode. I wish it wasn't that Corey is asking if he's rushing into marriage. Could, like, could we be done? You're either. You either want to get married or you do not. But, like, I can't handle one more conversation from either one of them about whether or not this is something they should do.
Ryder Strong
If you watch season seven, the first half, I think is still going to be this concerned.
Danielle Fishel
If you have this many concerns, the answer is probably, you should not be getting married. If this episode were just. How is my. I can't wait to get married, but how is it going to change my friendship with Shawn? I have a concern about my friendship with Shawn. How does marriage change my friendships, love and.
Will Friedle
Yeah, I'll be honest, I thought this was the perfect example of the episode that was set up to be a Topanga episode. Cory's known since they were two, they were getting married. That's been established.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Will Friedle
If they were going to get married at 13, he wouldn't have thought they were rushing into it.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Will Friedle
So if it was Topanga having all these dreams, even the twist at the end is the entire thing is a Topanga dream. Something, I thought it would have been a little more interesting because I thought. I think he's more on board than she's been with the wedding, with the marriage. And I think the idea that Topanga keeps having all these dreams where she's murdering all of her friends is more interesting than Cory doing. Cause again, they just keep trying to. And it's so funny. Cause we criticize everything. And I didn't dislike the episode. It just seems like they're kind of changing Cory now week by week for whatever he is to the core. Cory, I mean, we talked about it in the B episode where it's like. But the caper would have been Sean always pushing him into the caper. He just seems to. They're changing his character a lot. And I think it's kind of strange because he's always known that he's ready for marriage.
Ryder Strong
He's always.
Will Friedle
He was the old married man.
Danielle Fishel
I mean, Sean says rushing into marriage since you were two.
Will Friedle
Right. So that it seems like it would have been cooler if it was Topango wondering if they're still rushing into it.
Danielle Fishel
Guest starring Leslie Dannon as Sheila. Leslie's first job was on Michael's Charles in Charge. This is her second, Boy Meets World. She also played a character named Lisa in season five, Fraternity Row. She'd also appear on other shows like Doogie Howser, Girlfriend, Step by Step and Silk Stockings. And in movies like Marked for Death. Anthony Michael Hall's directorial debut, Hail Caesar. And her final acting credit in 2002, the Olsen twins. When in Rome. And then we have Charlie Newmark as Adam. Newmark's first acting role was as will in the 1990 Lord of the Flies movie. He'd also appear in movies Trees, Lounge, In N Out and Surveillance. And we have a returning favorite, but let's keep her a surprise for now. Jumping into our recap. We are in Jack and Rachel's apartment hallway. The elevator door opens. Jack, Eric, Corey, Sean, and Rachel all walk out. Rachel proudly puts her arms around Corey and Sean. You know, I just want to thank you both for convincing Eric to move back in with us. Then she gives them each a very slow kiss on the cheek. Over at the apartment door, Jack tells Eric, it's really great to have you back, buddy. And Eric responds he's happy to be back. Then he grabs Rachel's hands and starts passionately making out with her. Did you remember this, Will not.
Will Friedle
I'm sitting there watching with sue and I was like, what the. I was like, Maitland and I kissed. I didn't remember this even slightly. And it's like a kiss.
Danielle Fishel
It's a kiss kiss.
Will Friedle
Yeah, we like make out with each other. I had no memory of this whatsoever. If you had asked me two days ago, had bet me if you've ever made out with Maitland, I would have said no way.
Danielle Fishel
You said you were the only cast member to have never kissed another cast member.
Will Friedle
Right. And I'm not. I've made out with Maitland. No idea.
Danielle Fishel
We've all done it.
Will Friedle
Nice.
Danielle Fishel
So this kiss happens right in front of Jack. But once they're done, all Jack says is, nice kiss. With a big smile on his face face, Eric thanks Jack for the compliment. Then grabs his suitcase and walks right into the apartment, followed by his once again roommates. Now the remaining boys wait for the elevator. And Corey brags about their abilities. You see, Sean, all it took was you and me to get them to settle their differences. Sean agrees. Corey and Shawn, forever best friends. Corey shakes Sean's hand in victory. But then something takes over his body. His smile turns angry look that Ben.
Will Friedle
Face that he always made.
Danielle Fishel
The Sean is disturbed. Corey, why are you looking at me like that instead of responding? Corey Pushes Sean into the empty elevator shaft. Sean quickly grabs onto the rope. A rope? I thought, why is there a rope?
Ryder Strong
Why is the elevator shaft open?
Danielle Fishel
I don't know. He grabs onto the rope and he hangs on for dear life. Life. He yells Corey's name for help, but Corey just stares at him, unmoved, happy, even. The camera zooms in on Corey's disturbing face. And then, bam. Corey wakes up from the nightmare in his dorm room, screaming in response. Sean jumps out of his bed and turns on the light. Corey, don't tell me. Is it the puppet nightmare again? I wish we had gone back to the clowns. Clowns? We've established clowns. Yeah, he has clown nightmares, guys, not puppets. Corey calmly goes with it. Yeah, it was the puppet nightmare. He was chasing me on foot. He had a gun. Shawn asks if he's okay, and Corey laughs it off. Yeah, I'm okay. Sean's relieved. Well, good. Let's get some sleep. I got that speech for Feeny tomorrow. I've got to be fresh if I'm gonna fake it.
Will Friedle
By the way, I think the rope. The rope in the elevator is just supposed to represent the elevator cake. Cable.
Danielle Fishel
Okay, so, I mean, I see you're right.
Will Friedle
A cable. Yeah, it's supposed to be a cable.
Ryder Strong
When did the cold open end? Is it ending right now, or did it already?
Danielle Fishel
I mean, we. No, we. We.
Will Friedle
No still in it, Right?
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. Then we go into Feeny's classroom.
Will Friedle
So maybe we didn't have a cold open this time. Maybe it was just kind of like, started.
Danielle Fishel
It started with our open. It didn't go then, right?
Will Friedle
Yeah, yeah.
Danielle Fishel
It started with our intro.
Will Friedle
Do either of you remember? Because, Danielle. Well, you might not have done it, but I can't remember. How far was the drop in the elevator? Can you. Did we have to drop the duck? Because it didn't look like we were.
Ryder Strong
I remember the way they set. I remember it built up. They built it up in the middle of the stage. I remember that, but I don't remember how high it was. But it was crazy. Especially when Linda Cardellini fell back. I was like, whoa. She's, like, dropping back. So it must have been a giant. I mean, must have been like a full 10ft in the air, right? Dude, I don't know.
Will Friedle
I just. I. I vaguely remember it, but I couldn't remember if it was. It seemed like a decent drop.
Danielle Fishel
I think about seven feet.
Will Friedle
Okay.
Ryder Strong
Okay. I just remember it being a lot of work. Like sitting there all day.
Will Friedle
Yep.
Ryder Strong
Having to redo stuff. Everybody's Tense. And how do you.
Danielle Fishel
I can remember what the view looked like. I can remember looking down over it and. And knowing that it was. You know, there was a big giant pad down there and you didn't like, you. You could stand and still not be seen from the top. So maybe including the pad, maybe it was seven feet to the pad. Cause I know. Yeah, that's a good drop.
Will Friedle
That's a good drop to jump into.
Danielle Fishel
Absolutely. And yeah, how did they do it with Linda?
Ryder Strong
I know she just like backwards. Falls backwards really effortlessly. I was like, oh, that's cool.
Will Friedle
We also didn't hold the surprise very long. You said we have a surprise guest. Oh, we just talked about her right away, so.
Ryder Strong
Oops.
Will Friedle
We. We suck at surprises.
Danielle Fishel
Oops. Terrible. It's amazing I didn't ruin that proposal.
Ryder Strong
That was me, I guess.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. He turns back off the lights and climbs into bed. Good night. Corey lays back down too. Nighty night, Shawn. But after a few seconds, Corey quickly sits back up. Shawn? Shawn answers. Yeah? Corey says, you're my best friend. Shawn replies, thanks, Cor. Then lowers his head back down onto the pillow. Corey does the same, but his eyes are still wide open. Open. And now we're in Feeny's classroom. Sean is giving a presentation, holding a top hat and a pitcher of milk. Now watch closely as I pour the milk into the hat. Then he does exactly that, starting some sort of magic trick. Feeny interrupts, Mr. Hunter, your speech is on Louis Pasteur. I don't see what that has to do with making milk disappear. An annoyed Shawn assures him, this has everything to do with Lou. Trust me, this feels.
Ryder Strong
I love this because it was like. So it goes right back to season one. Cory and John. With the like, pointers.
Danielle Fishel
With the pointers.
Ryder Strong
I love. Just like. Who has the magic rope? Ben, looking around like, anybody? Oh, I guess I do.
Will Friedle
I got it.
Danielle Fishel
What? So good. Shawn turns back to the class. Now, does anyone in the audience happen to have a piece of magic rope? The students, including Corey, look around for a volunteer. Then eventually, Corey coincidentally pulls one out from behind his back. What a surprise. Sean exclaims, look at that. Mr. Matthews, why don't you come down here? Corey excitedly walks toward Sean as Mr. Feeny shakes his head. I hate teaching. Shawn asks him, may I please have that magic rope? Corey answers, yes, you may. Shawn asks for the magic rope and starts to explain now what a lot of people don't know about Louis. And then Corey slowly puts the rope around his best friend's neck and begins to angrily Choke him. Sean tries to fight back, so Corey swings him onto the desk and begins to smother him as well. Then we're back in Shawn and Corey's dorm room. Corey sits up in bed again, screaming. He holds on to his pillow and yells, ah. Then we're in the student union. Shawn walks in, now sans a middle part.
Will Friedle
No middle part. What?
Danielle Fishel
I know. He tosses his books onto the couch and sits next to Topanga and Angela. That little curly headed boyfriend of yours is driving me insane. Topanga wonders, is he still having nightmares? Sean responds, no, not anymore. He hasn't slept in three days. I turn off the lights and I hear him moving around in the dark like a rat. I wake up the next morning. The closets are reorganized, my shorts are ironed and my hair's been moussed. Topanga is concerned. Oh, my poor Corey. And that's when Corey comes walking over holding six cups. Hot coffee coming through. Angela reaches for one. Hey, thanks, Cor. But Corey defensively grabs the stack. These are mine. Get your own. Topanga's more concerned now. Corey, drinking coffee to avoid your nightmares is not the solution. Corey jumps up. Who said I was having nightmares? A shameless Sean chimes in. I did. You loony. Looney's a funny name.
Will Friedle
Looney's a funny word. It's also. We haven't. We blew by it in the beginning, and it happens multiple times this episode. But you did see you and Ben just basically laughing through lines.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, yeah. Writer.
Will Friedle
Did you really? Oh, dude. There was times where it was like, in the middle. It's like laughing. I mean, full on laughing. Yeah. Really laughing. Yes.
Ryder Strong
I didn't see it as breaking, though. I didn't.
Will Friedle
I wasn't like.
Ryder Strong
I just saw it as us, like, have. I don't know. That's funny.
Will Friedle
No, it's like there's times where he's supposed to be waking up from a nightmare.
Ryder Strong
Like, Aubrey.
Will Friedle
And you're like, hey, what are you doing? And Ben's like, I'm having a nightmare. And it's like, oh, Jesus. Is that the best take they had? Yeah, it was crazy.
Danielle Fishel
There are a few moments where you guys are really trying to keep it together. It's so cute. Cause you're right, Ryder, that it does definitely play as just two friends having fun with each other. But the way it is definitely that you, like, will break out into a big smile. Only then to realize, like, I don't need. I don't want to be smiling through this line. And so you're just like, is that what you're dreaming of? Yeah.
Will Friedle
And Ben's, like, laughing through his light, like, literally laughing. And he's supposed to be, like, just.
Ryder Strong
Woken up from a nightmare.
Will Friedle
He's like, yeah, that's what I'm dreaming of. I was like, whoa. Yeah, it's really.
Danielle Fishel
It is so cute.
Will Friedle
It's good to know you guys. And I was also wondering. I don't think it is, but the episode where you got sick and lost, like, 32 pounds in the four days you were gone, that wasn't this one, right?
Ryder Strong
No, that was season seven.
Will Friedle
Yeah, that was seven. Okay, well, we, like. Yeah, I was like, was that this one? Because I know you guys were laughing during. Because that's one of our famous bloopers. Is that one. So I didn't know if that was this episode or not.
Danielle Fishel
Okay.
Ryder Strong
I'm sure this episode was even worse. Like, I mean, I just remember, you know, obviously Ben just loved playing the, like, psychotic looks.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, yeah, they're so.
Ryder Strong
I'm sure that's what was cracking us up the whole time, is him just doing these little. Yeah. Turns. Oh, my God.
Danielle Fishel
Corey is very mad. Why would you say I was having night. But he quickly changes his tune. Oh, I'm not mad at you. Not you, not Shawnee. Shawn. Hey. He wonders, how's the moose holding up? It looks good.
Guest Speaker
Yes, it does.
Danielle Fishel
Cory puts his arm around a very uncomfortable Sean. And then we're at the Matthews house. Amy walks downstairs holding the baby, and we see that Eric is sleeping on the couch. He appears to be deep in a dream himself. Mmm. Xena, my warrior princess. This. Amy interrupts and leans over the couch and yells his name. Eric. He wakes up disappointed. Oh, you're not my warrior princess. You're my mommy. Amy gets right to the point. Honey, you sleeping on the couch is just not working out. Eric snaps back. And whose fault is that, turning my room into a nursery for? He gestures to the baby. Him. Eric sticks his tongue out at the new baby brother and then turns to Morgan, who's sitting nearby. You know something, Morgan? You've got a big room. Wouldn't it be fun if Morgan cuts him off? No. Eric continues, but. But Morgan still answers, no. Eric won't give up. Are you sure you don't want. Morgan won't budge. No. And then we're in the dorm hallway. Corey runs to their room, Sean close behind. Hey, Corey. Corey, wait. You know, we've got an hour before class. Why don't you take a nap? Corey pushes back. I don't need a nap. I Need to paint a house racy to the door. Is he supposed to be hyper from coffee now?
Will Friedle
Yeah, he's supposed to be whacked on coffee. He's doing bumps of cocaine just to stay awake. At this point, I think is what's happening.
Danielle Fishel
Corey sprints for a few steps and then announces, I win. I win. Corey enters the room, which by the way, is a complete pigsty, and is shocked at what he sees. Eric. And just like that, his brother Eric swivels around and mimics a poster he's hung of himself on the wall.
Ryder Strong
So great and so random.
Danielle Fishel
How do you not have one of those posters?
Will Friedle
I don't. I would love to have one of those posters. Are you kidding? I don't. Gosh, that would. I would put that right over our bed. Yeah.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, poster merch.
Will Friedle
Yes, I would. I'd frame that right over our bed so it's the first thing Susan sees every morning when she wakes up.
Ryder Strong
And also put it on the back of the door.
Will Friedle
Yes, because that's a great. Loved that.
Danielle Fishel
That is such a great. So funny. He's like in a thinking man's pose. And by the way, famous meme alert. Sean wonders, what are you doing here? And Eric, with a big smile on his face, exclaims, I've decided to live with you guys. As he starts to explain why, Corey grabs the desk chair and pushes him toward the door. Eric continues, you know, I just think it'd be so great to have this great brother and brother's friend. And I think the three of us together, we really would be. And just like that, Corey pushes him into the hallway and Sean slams the door shut behind him, revealing yet another poster.
Will Friedle
Yeah.
Danielle Fishel
What do you think of when you hear Amazon prime delivery trucks outside your home?
Ryder Strong
Your favorite streaming shows, of course, but.
Danielle Fishel
There is so much more. Whatever you love, that's what prime is.
Will Friedle
Prime helps you get more out of whatever passions you're into, and it helps you discover new ones.
Danielle Fishel
Just today, I bought a new makeup remover for my brushes and a few collagen masks that I sleep in. And Amazon prime is perfect for my never ending obsession with beauty products. Not only do I get what I need incredibly fast, I can find myself going down a rabbit hole for all new items I didn't even know existed. Nail brightening treatment? Yes, please. Green tea clay mask. Yes. Add it to the haul.
Ryder Strong
And the fact that Amazon prime also puts hundreds of movies and TV shows right at your fingertips.
Will Friedle
It's more than just same day delivery. It's a place to explore your passions.
Danielle Fishel
From streaming to shopping. It's on Prime.
Will Friedle
Visit Amazon.comprime to get more out of whatever you're into.
Danielle Fishel
Ah yes, it's the season of Back to School. The scent of sharpened pencils fills the air and your child suddenly has very strong opinions about sneakers. Luckily, Famous Footwear has all the big name brands they're obsessed with. Night Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Crocs, Converse, New Balance, Birkenstock. But now without the big time drama. I used to love back to school shoe shopping. As a kid, I'd strut out of that store like I was walking a red carpet if that red carpet led to a cafeteria that served square pizza. But now I keep it simple. I skip the checkout chaos and order online, pick up in store or get same day delivery with doordash. It's fast, easy, and no one ends up crying in the clearance aisle. Not even me. They've got over 830 locations plus in store fit experts who help pick the right size because they know kids feet grow every few minutes. Famous Footwear saves you time, money and sanity and still lets your kid feel like the main character on day one. You don't have to overspend to make it famous right now. Buy one pair of shoes. Get one half off at your local famous footwear store store or famous.com see store associate for details. Okay, can we talk about the power of a go to outfit? Because when you're juggling school, drop off a dog who needs his flea meds bad and a grocery list you started on the back of your hand. Putting on something that can keep up with you is key. So picture me at the park, hair in a claw clip, one shoe untied, granola bar crumbs everywhere and my kids treating the jungle gym like the ropes of a wrestling ring. Then someone walks up to you and says, says cute dress. And you say, thanks, it's from JCPenney. And that's when you see it. The wait, seriously face. Yeah, JCPenney. Totally underrated style destination. It's packed with stylish, affordable finds for the whole family. Especially for the one who keeps it all together. And the deals. I mean, finding a dress that looks amazing and fits your budget? That's a mom win worth celebrating. I grabbed the Liz Claiborne sleeveless a line dress. It's light, it moves with me, and I still looked pulled together while sprinting after a juice box and flip flops. And I picked up a few adorable graphic tees for the boys that fit their growing bodies and their adorable personalities. Already a fan, then you know. If not, consider this your wake up call. Discover it for yourself. Shop now@jcpenney.com yes jcpenney.
Guest Speaker
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Danielle Fishel
Then we are in Topanga and Angela's room. Topanga walks in, brushing her hair as she sets her toiletry bag on the desk. She turns off the lights and gets into her. Then out of nowhere, Eric pops up from under her comforter, smiling. Hello roomy. Topanga screams and falls right off the bed. Eric looks concerned. Roomie. Now Will, when you had described this as us ending up in bed together.
Will Friedle
No, I said we were in bed together, which is what happened. But if memory serves, during rehearsal, we just stayed in bed together all week.
Ryder Strong
It's the only thing I remember this week.
Danielle Fishel
He's just in bed with Danielle.
Ryder Strong
He's in bed with Danielle. They're just dancing.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, we're not rehearsing that scene. They know.
Will Friedle
They know. They're fine.
Danielle Fishel
They know.
Will Friedle
No, I told you that Eric and Tanga ended up in bed together. This is why, like, it was this weird moment of. Yeah, just like, okay, I guess they're throwing those two in bed and kissing Maitland and it was a weird.
Danielle Fishel
It's a weird week.
Will Friedle
Pairing Eric up with People, It's a weird week.
Ryder Strong
Yeah, this. By around this point, too. Like, I was watching it with my family last night and my parents and Indy, and I was like, all these scenes are so short.
Will Friedle
Super short. It was like, the pace of the.
Ryder Strong
Episode is like, there's not a scene that's more than three pages until, like, the Feeny dream conversation, it was like, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. And you're just like. I don't know. Like, the pace was. It was really jarring. It was, like, uncomfortable for me. I was like, some of these beats are funny, but because the scene just, like, ends, I was like, oh, that.
Will Friedle
That's it.
Ryder Strong
It's. That's it. Like, that was the whole thing. I don't know.
Will Friedle
Again, do you think we had an audience this week?
Ryder Strong
I don't know. Maybe not.
Will Friedle
I mean, it seems with the elevator set up and then with the super short scenes, maybe this is one of the weeks where we. We did a block and shoot. Because, I mean, I can't. Honestly can't remember either way, but it seems like it would be. That would be better. I mean.
Ryder Strong
I mean, the scenes with you and the roommate are pretty traditional. Like, once we get into that, they're like, normal sort of funny scenes.
Will Friedle
Those weren't in front of the audience, if memory serves. If you're looking at the audience, they were left, like, on the same side.
Danielle Fishel
So then, yeah, between the. Between that not being in front of the audience and the elevator stuff, not being in front of the audience. Maybe it was a block and shoot.
Will Friedle
I can't remember.
Danielle Fishel
You know who else might know? Mr. Carlos Aragon, the writer of the episode.
Ryder Strong
You we can't get in touch with.
Will Friedle
Why can we not find Carlos?
Ryder Strong
I don't know. I ran into him on the street in Los Feliz, like, a month ago, and he was. I said, you have to come on the pod. We're about to, like, have one of your episodes. And he was like, oh, I'd love to. Just hit me up on Instagram. Can't find him on Instagram. Can't find him anywhere. Nicest guy. Yeah, it was. I was like, so, Carlos, if you're.
Danielle Fishel
Listening, Carlos, do you listen?
Ryder Strong
Find us, please.
Danielle Fishel
Sendmail.com Send us.
Will Friedle
Can you hear us, Carlos?
Ryder Strong
Yeah, I know. I'd love to hear his. Because he started as a pa, right? Or writer's assistant.
Will Friedle
Wait, Barbie. Barbie's got to know how to get in touch with Carlos. Really?
Danielle Fishel
To Barbie, she said, no. Jeez. But. And then. Didn't we ask somebody? We asked someone Else too. We could try Batman.
Ryder Strong
Okay, he was at Matt's funeral, so he definitely is in touch with somebody. Yeah, so we'll find out.
Will Friedle
Okay? We'll figure it out.
Ryder Strong
But yes, Carlos, if you're listening, send us an email.
Will Friedle
Carlos, can you hear us?
Danielle Fishel
We're back in the student union. Jack and Rachel enter and notice a man sleeping on the pool table, covered in newspaper. Rachel says to Jack, oh, look, it's a homeless man. How sad. Jack agrees. Yeah, the poor guy. And then emerges from the newspapers and it's Eric. He yawns and announces, good morning. Rachel grabs him. Eric, get up right now. You're coming back home with us. This is ridiculous. But Eric isn't having it. No, I don't want your pity. So Jack chimes in. Oh, come on, man. You can have your old room back. Eric is tired. You haven't rented it out yet? Rachel answers, no, we've been hoping you'll come back home. She turns to Jack. Right, hon? Eric's smile quickly disappears as he rips his arm away from Rachel. Hun. Hun? Is that what I'm going to be hearing 24 hours a week? Jack can't believe this. Oh, come on, Eric. Eric mocks Jack. Oh, I get it. I'm Eric, but you're hun.
Will Friedle
I wonder. I wonder how this conversation starts. Because the point was, okay, so Cory and Sean and Topanga and Angela obviously have their thing going on. We'd like to give Eric kind of a core group of friends too. So they bring in Jack. Season five. Great. That works out awesome. They move together as roommates. Maitland's only been on the show this season. This is her first season. So I'm curious how they went. Oh, here's what we want to do now. We want to separate Eric from the core group that we decided to put him in and just leave him as a man on his own island for several. I know, it just seems like a strange kind of note or like, hey, like, the whole point was that now he has a friend group and then only 18 episodes in, you're gonna rip him from that friend group, take Tommy from him, do all this stuff. And I don't think any of that pays off. It's just now Eric's just kind of by himself the whole time.
Ryder Strong
Well, I think they. I think they, you know, they riffed for so long in the beginning of the season on the, like, love triangle stuff.
Danielle Fishel
Stuff.
Ryder Strong
So they had to get away from that.
Danielle Fishel
Right?
Ryder Strong
Like, we all felt that, like, okay, this is getting tired. But then, yeah, To. To. I think, I think. I mean, I don't know if they. I, I, I just think they, they're just spinning their wheels a little bit. I mean, really, Eric and Feeny need to be together.
Will Friedle
Like, that's agreed 100%.
Ryder Strong
It should have.
Danielle Fishel
Totally.
Ryder Strong
He moves in with Feeny at this point, and everything would have been great. Right? Like, he moves out and it becomes the odd.
Danielle Fishel
Could have never allowed that. What would Feeny's justification have been for?
Ryder Strong
I don't care. Figure it out. Like, you know, the. Marry him if he gives Eric a handout. You know, whatever it is, just create the situation where every morning we can have a scene with them at the house.
Will Friedle
They're trying to be room.
Ryder Strong
Yes. It's perfect.
Will Friedle
Yeah.
Ryder Strong
Perfect.
Will Friedle
Oh, God, that'd be so much. But I just didn't. I'm watching, going, like, why build this friend group to just have him not in the friend group anymore?
Danielle Fishel
I know. It is weird. It also doesn't help Rachel and Jack any. It doesn't. It just gives them nothing to do either.
Will Friedle
I mean, it's.
Ryder Strong
You know what I would do? I would have. I would have Eric move into the treehouse. So then we have the backyard with Feeny. So he's always keeping Feeny awake and having conversations with Feeny, and then eventually he moves in with Feeny and then.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Will Friedle
I mean. Yeah.
Ryder Strong
Well, what does end up happening? Rachel and Jack break up and you go back to the apartment, Right?
Will Friedle
Oh.
Ryder Strong
Oh, maybe I'm assuming we're just kind of.
Will Friedle
Yeah, yeah, I know we already did a Cyrano episode, but another Cyrano episode that was Eric helping Feeny find the Dean. Like, really get to the Dean instead of the B episode, which. That we still don't understand the motive behind destroying the priceless artifacts. Something like sitting in the treehouse and whispering to Feeny, what's going on? Could have been really funny.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Will Friedle
But I just. Yeah, they just. I don't think they know what to do with Eric, so they're just throwing him with everybody.
Ryder Strong
Yeah. Well, I mean, in this case, they give you a guest star, you know, trying to.
Will Friedle
After putting me with the rest of the cast. I've worked with everybody in the cast now.
Ryder Strong
Yeah.
Will Friedle
I'm going from person to person to person and saying, I'm gonna live with you. I mean, I'm even back in the house. That's the only scene at the house. Right. Is just that one scene of him sleeping on the couch.
Ryder Strong
And this, this B story. It is a little weird. I had that moment where, you know, if it's, it's kind of a classic sitcom situation, right? Like you get, find the perfect living situation, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect girlfriend. Oh my God, they're crazy, right? In this case, I was like, but Eric's really crazy.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Ryder Strong
So I was kind of like, I think he'd be fine with all of this, you know? And like, even when you do this thing with the dead bird and you're like playing with it, I was like, yeah, I think Eric, you don't put Eric against crazy. You put Eric against a straight man. You know what I mean? Eric is the crazy. Because when they were riffing on him, I forget what it was. I was like, but didn't Eric have his brain hooked up to a mouse at one point? We've already established that Eric, Eric is so absurd. Even in this episode we have you popping up in bed with your sister in law, you know, so the idea that you're the normal one judging a crazy person is a little strange. Like it's forced.
Will Friedle
Well, I remember Michael one time telling me the reason Frasier worked so well is that when you introduced Frasier in the show, then you introduced Niles, it pushed Frasier to the middle. Exactly. And made Niles the new Frasier.
Ryder Strong
Right.
Will Friedle
So if it's the same thing, if they did the same thing with Eric or that's what they were trying to do, push, push Eric. And they're also, I think, trying to go a little like he might be dangerous with the dead mom. So it's, I think it was more other than like wacky crazy, funny.
Ryder Strong
It's psychotic.
Will Friedle
Right. It's like it could end up, you wake up in the morning with him over you, dressed like his mom, stabbing you in your bed kind of thing.
Danielle Fishel
Did a pretty good job separating the difference the way Eric and this guy.
Ryder Strong
Eric's crazy versus this guy's crazy.
Will Friedle
Yeah, he's danger crazy. Eric is eccentric crazy.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. Also Eric is a little airheaded, childlike crazy. This guy is believing alternate realities crazy.
Will Friedle
Yeah, yeah.
Ryder Strong
But remember, Eric is also an amazing judge of character and he can spot a psycho from a mile away. Except when he moves in with him and spends.
Will Friedle
He's a puppy dog. He needs a place to stay. Even the shelter dog will go with the bad. That bad house for a little while just to get out of the rain.
Danielle Fishel
He grabs his luggage and hops off the pool table yelling, looking for a roommate. Rachel asks Eric what exactly he's doing and Eric retorts, what am I doing? I'm Being a man, I'm standing on my own two feet. I'm gonna hold on to a little bit of my dignity. Then he drops down to his knees and starts begging. Please someone take pity upon my wretched soul. Then a guy appears and tells Eric, I'm looking for a roommate. Eric seems annoyed. Hey, I was looking first. The guy corrects him. No, I mean I have an apology apartment. I'm looking for someone to share it. Eric looks up with a smile. Oh, hey, good luck to you too. Then. Then he goes back to yelling, looking for a roommate. Eventually he figures it out and realizes his prayers have been answered. And then we're back in Feeny's classroom. Feeny is pacing the class. All right, now let's continue our conversation of William Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Ryder Strong
Hamlet again.
Will Friedle
Still Shakespeare, baby.
Ryder Strong
How many hamlets have we got.
Will Friedle
Kindergarten?
Ryder Strong
All the Hamlet after Lou Pastor, which I guess was a dream. And then this turns out to be a dream. Sho. Oh no, no. Then we wake up and we are talking Hamlet, aren't we?
Danielle Fishel
You are still. Yeah. Then we wake up and you are talking Hamlet. Yeah, cuz I was going to say. At least then this is just what Corey thinks they're always talking about. But you. You are. When we wake up from the dream, you are holding hamlet.
Will Friedle
Right?
Danielle Fishel
So. Mr. Matthews fea yells at a sleeping Corey. And Corey perks up, yelling back, Mr. Matthews. Feeny explains, Mr. Matthews, I would appreciate it if you would stay conscious during my class. An embarrassed Corey assures his teacher, I'm conscious. Feeny throws his hands in the air. Wonderful. Now, where were we? Ah, yes, to sleep, perchance to dream. Aye, there's the rub. Corey whispers to Sean, you can't let me go to sleep. But when Corey turns around, Sean is asleep on his desk. The bell rings, waking Sean up as all the students walk out of the classroom. But Corey hangs back. Back. That's right, Feeny says in disgust. Scurry off to your mundane little lives.
Will Friedle
Even one line of Shakespeare being read by Bill is just so awesome.
Danielle Fishel
I know.
Will Friedle
It's just the comforting voice of experience. And he's just. It. He just started to sleep and it's like, oh God, I want to listen to you do this forever. Yeah, Amazing.
Danielle Fishel
Feeny notices Corey still sitting at his desk. He calls him over. Over. You are acting very odd. Corey explains. I've been having dreams, Mr. Feeny. Dreams about killing someone very close to me. Feeny nods. Mr. Hunter? Corey excitedly replies, yes, yes. How did you know? You are brilliant. It's been killing me. I Haven't been able to sleep. Mr. Feeny assures him there's nothing to worry about. Corey, killing your best friend is a common theme in dreams. It's perfectly normal. Corey needs more, though. Well, how normal? Because you see, I have this one dream where I push Sean on. Feeny finishes his sentence down an empty elevator shaft. Corey is shocked. Yes. Feeny continues, the elevator shaft represents the ups and downs of your friendship with Mr. Hunter. Corey is impressed. Ups and downs. That's interesting. Feeny goes on. You see, Mr. Hunter, his search for peace and harmony in his life causes you pain. Corey wonders how and Feeny answers, by putting an incredible amount of pressure on you to help him in his search. Church. Annoying, isn't it? Corey wants to know how to stop these dreams. And Feeny quickly answers, forgive him. Corey throws his hands up. It's so obvious. Forgiveness. Of course. Feeny adds, he hurt you and now you're hurting him back. Forgive and the dreams will stop. Corey reaches out to shake Feeny's hand. Thank you, Mr. Feeny. Feeny explains, Anytime, Mr. Matthews. Anytime. Time. And right at this moment, Shawn walks in holding a long gift for Corey wrapped with a bow. He tells Corey, hey, you know how I didn't get you a birthday present last year? Well, here you go. Corey grabs the gift. Shawn, I have to tell you something. Shawn insists, tell me after you open the present. So Corey begins to open the gift and it's a baseball bat with Corey written on the barrel. Wow. My own personalized baseball bat. Too cool.
Will Friedle
I have a wrapping question and I know Danielle, that you wrapped for a while.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Will Friedle
Why do people do this with gifts like I get in the show. Why we had to do it. But if you're gonna open something, why would you individually wrap the lid and then wrap the box for tv? Okay. So that nobody does that in real life. Right. You just wrap the whole gift and let somebody open the gift.
Danielle Fishel
For ease of opening a one handed piece prop it will he. Ben can hold it here.
Ryder Strong
Looks like it's wrapped.
Danielle Fishel
He takes off the lid and we're.
Will Friedle
So nobody asks you to to wrap individually.
Danielle Fishel
If you're going to do that, you buy a decorative box that has it already comes. You don't have to wrap the decorations.
Will Friedle
TV is lying to me in this section.
Danielle Fishel
TV has been lying to you.
Will Friedle
TV's been lying to me in this section.
Ryder Strong
I think this is where the episode really kind of goes off the rails for me because like this whole scene which turns out to be a dream, right? Right. Doesn't matter.
Danielle Fishel
Nope.
Ryder Strong
Nope. And the idea behind, like, what you think is happening is that Feeny's giving him advice that actually will help Corey or give Corey something to do.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Ryder Strong
But when it turns out to be a dream, I just don't care. And of course.
Will Friedle
And he still tries to do it.
Ryder Strong
Yeah, he still tries to do it. And it also ends up not being the thing. And this wasn't established at all. Like, if it had been established that.
Danielle Fishel
That.
Ryder Strong
That Shawn was asking Corey to help him or that Shawn was in pain totally, then I could see him having. But it's actually like, Sean is not doing anything this entire episode.
Danielle Fishel
No. Also in the past, when Sean did leave, like, on this most recent trip, and Sean came back and saved Corey's day, you were the. You were the. The distraction Corey needed.
Ryder Strong
Right.
Danielle Fishel
And Corey was. And then Corey was like, are you gonna stay? Great. And Sean's decided that, yes, he's gonna stay. My family, my life is here. Here.
Ryder Strong
Right?
Will Friedle
Yeah. Yeah.
Ryder Strong
I guess. Maybe if the episode had started with, like, me needing to borrow money from him, let's say, like something where I'm like. And he's like, oh, again. And then he starts having the dreams. Or there's just some little thing that then this would be like.
Will Friedle
Maybe that is the thing.
Ryder Strong
But even, like, the wedding comes out of nowhere. Like, the fact that he's stressed about. About the wedding. Like, Topanga's had nothing to do with this episode.
Will Friedle
Like. No, no.
Ryder Strong
Why? Yeah, it's.
Danielle Fishel
Well, that's what I'm saying. It's. I like the idea. The end result is that Corey has deep seated fears about how marriage is going to change his friendship with Shawn.
Ryder Strong
Right.
Danielle Fishel
Which is great premise for an episode. Wonderful. But then there should have been something about reality. Yeah.
Will Friedle
Like, triggered it.
Danielle Fishel
That they were supposed to hang out. And now. And then Topanga's like, oh, my God, I forgot to tell you, I have. You have to drive me somewhere. And now he has to leave Shawn hanging.
Will Friedle
Something that says they're going out with another couple. Like, couple friends or something like that.
Ryder Strong
This is the danger of dream sequences. Right. Like, dreams are just a really tricky thing to do. This is why it's like a rule of writing.
Danielle Fishel
Don't write dreams. That's also why I love them.
Will Friedle
That's also why I love them.
Ryder Strong
Well, they're done. Well, I mean, even I am one of the detractors. Like the Sopranos overuses dream sequences. I hated it. And I mostly hate dream sequences. But you can. Even if you think about the Scream episode, The stakes are there. Remember, it's like it starts with a real problem. And then when it goes into the dream, you're like, this is all crazy. And then when it resolves you're like, oh, but that actually was about Sean something anxieties with, you know.
Will Friedle
Yeah.
Ryder Strong
And in this case, there's no anchor in reality until there is like right at the end. It's like, oh, it's really his fear. And it's like, okay. I don't know. It's just. It's kind of a cheat. It's just. It's a way to cheat and have funny situations.
Will Friedle
The other thing that's very. The thing that struck me about this episode too was you talked about how fast most of the scenes were. And yet the final beat of a lot of scenes held and held.
Ryder Strong
Pacing is just all off and held.
Will Friedle
Like this one, he holds up the bat.
Danielle Fishel
I know.
Will Friedle
And then he's still holding the bat. And then still holding the bat. It's like, well, he can't swing it. So cut away. But he's not. He's just still holding the bat. And there's several scenes where they're just holding on. Looks like I look at the guy to be my roommate and it just holds on our look. There's a one where he turns back to you in the classroom. And they're just whole. It was a weird ending to every scene where they. The scene was fast and then the end, they just lingered on one final beat.
Ryder Strong
Well, this whole scene is so long. And it gets to this whole like forgive Shawn thing. It should actually be like. The joke should be that Feeny gives him the weirdest advice ever. Like, cuz he should be sitting there talking to Feeny. And Feeny's like, well, it's clearly cuz you want to have sex with your mother. Or you know, whatever it is, he's like, what? And then Sean walks in and he kills Sean. And then the next scene it's him freaking out about having to say hi to his mom. The joke is that Corey doesn't find the solution here. And yet we have three pages of dream analysis that turns out to not be true. That's kind of sounds plausible. I don't know. It's a weird.
Will Friedle
Yeah, they're trying to hide the fact. They wanna hide that it's a dream from you until he tries to kill Sean. But it's like the funny part is Feeny going like, I can't help you with this, Mr. Matthews. But you know, who can puppet Feeny? And he Pulls out a little puppet.
Danielle Fishel
And he's like, what?
Will Friedle
Here's what you're supposed to do, Mr. Matthew. Like, it gets so absurd that you're like, what the hell is happening? Yeah.
Ryder Strong
Which is where the scream episode really succeeded, right? It just kept getting more and more absurd that you're like, what world is this? We could have done that here.
Will Friedle
Like, yeah, I thought so too.
Danielle Fishel
And then once again, Corey turns angry. We hear an organ playing as he grips the bat like he's going to hit Sean.
Will Friedle
And then they hold on. And then they hold on it and hold on.
Danielle Fishel
Corey is then back in the classroom again, filled with students. His eyes are closed and he's repeatedly slamming a rolled up book on his desk. Die, Sean. Die. He quickly wakes up only to see Feeny and the entire class staring at him in complete shock. Corey turns to look at Sean, who is confused and even a little creeped out. And then we go to a commercial break. We're back in Feeny's classroom. Class is over and students are pouring out. Corey begs Sean, you have to let me explain. Sean asks, explain what? My best friend screams. He wants to kill me in front of the whole class. Class, what's to explain? Corey follows Sean into the hallway. Well, I lied about the puppet dream. These are not good dreams I'm having, Sean. I kill you in every one of them. I kill you good. Sean is now listening. He asks, like, how? Well, he explains, I fed you thumbtack soup. I poured hot lava down your pants. I pulled your heart out with salad tongs. I set fire to your tie. I shredded you over pasta with a cheese grater. It's so gross. I know. Now they're walking into the student union.
Will Friedle
Yeah. This is outside the student union, right?
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. Well, it starts with them leaving the hallway. He says, I pulled your heart out with salad tongs. Then I set fire to your tie. Then he walks into the student union. I shredded you over pasta with a cheese grater.
Will Friedle
Think about the sheer number of sets we had this week.
Danielle Fishel
I know.
Will Friedle
Both dorm rooms, the living room set, the new apartment, the student union, the hallway outside the student union, Eric and Jack's apartment. There's like 10 different sets just this week.
Danielle Fishel
And the time. And even just how much time it takes to shoot a show. When you have that many sets just moving. Repoing the cameras from one location to another takes so much time.
Will Friedle
We must have 10 sets this week. Like they were bringing everything in. It's amazing.
Danielle Fishel
I dressed you up like a rooster and entered you in a fight. Shawn wonders, how'd I do? He reveals, well, you won. But the crowd cried, fix. And it got ugly. I'm sorry, Sean. Sean advises Corey, they're dreams. Get some sleep. Corey reveals, well, you know, I think there may be a solution. In my last dream, Feeny was there. He told me all I had to do to stop these dreams was to forgive you. Shawn wonders, forgive me for what? And Corey isn't sure. Well, I don't think that's important. What's important is I forgive you. Okay? And so he continues, you're forgiven. A hundred percent forgiven. Forgiven. Forgiven. And then he proclaims, and now I'm all better. Shawn needs to know, so you're gonna sleep tonight? Corey says, yes. Thanks to Mr. Feeny, he's finally gonna get a good night's sleep and go back to his normal dreams. Shawn asks, the one where you win the Miss Costa Rica pageant? A pleased Corey responds, I wish. I wish. Peace for all the little ninos.
Ryder Strong
Indy's favorite line of the episode.
Danielle Fishel
It's really funny. And then we're in Eric's new apartment. New set alert.
Will Friedle
New set. Another set. Bring it on.
Danielle Fishel
Eric follows his new roomie, Adam, into the posh digs. Dude. Eric shouts out, look at this place. There's no way that I could afford this. This, Adam explains, pay whatever you can. Gets a little lonely around here. I just can't seem to keep a roommate.
Ryder Strong
Red flag.
Danielle Fishel
Eric is shocked. What? You can't seem to keep a roommate in a place like this? Wait a second. I know. Bad neighbors. Then there's a knock at the door. It's. Who else would it be? A beautiful woman holding a package. Eric can't believe what he's seeing. An unaffected Adam casually notices her. Oh, hey. She. Sheila. She shuts the door and walks in. Hi, Adam. This package came for you today. I signed for it. Sheila looks at Eric. Who's the cutie? Eric's mouth is a gape. So Adam introduces them. Eric Matthews. Sheila. Shag her.
Will Friedle
Shagging. Isn't that what they say? They say, shag her. Do they really?
Danielle Fishel
It's in the Chiron too.
Ryder Strong
Wow, guys, Austin Powers had just come out.
Will Friedle
I know. That's obviously what they were doing.
Ryder Strong
It was a funny thing to say. And then you do overhear.
Danielle Fishel
Eric lifts his eyebrow. Oh, behave.
Ryder Strong
God, this was just like the years of everybody quoting Austin Powers. It was so funny. For like a week. And then for like three years, you couldn't go anywhere.
Will Friedle
How long it's like to deal with.
Ryder Strong
Freaking borax for how Long. Oh, my God. People still do it. I'm like, it's not funny. Just, oh my God. The other one before this was the.
Danielle Fishel
Get in my belly.
Ryder Strong
Also Beavis and Butthead. Remember everybody.
Danielle Fishel
Smoking?
Will Friedle
Oh, yeah. Another one. No, but I had to. For years, you'd hear somebody would walk in the room and go, wazza. And you're like, really? We're still wazzupping. Here's the other thing. And I get the joke. And I know why it had to happen. But if this guy's a crazy guy who can't keep roommates are the hot co EDS nakedly walking into this guy's room all the time, isn't that the guy where they go like, don't go to 4B. Whatever you do, don't go to 4B.
Danielle Fishel
Well, Adam explains. Sheila lives next door. Eric's my new roommate. Sheila gets flirty. Well, I'll have to come around more often to borrow a cup of sugar. Eric wonders why stop at a cup? Sheila laughs. Well, I have to run, but it was nice meeting you. As she walks out, Eric squeals a noise and eats his fist. Sheila turns around at the door and Eric waves goodbye with his pinky fist still in his mouth.
Will Friedle
That was my Lenny and Squiggy. That was my nod to Laverne and Shirley. They always. When a girl walks by, they eat their fist. So, yeah, it was my straight up Lenny and Squiggy. Stolen from the Masters.
Danielle Fishel
Stolen. Once the door shuts, Eric can't believe his luck. Dude, dude, dude, dude, dude, dude. How is it you have any TR at all keeping a roommate? Adam shrugs. Beats me. Then he swings a playful yet aggressive punch at Eric's shoulder. Eric instantly winces in pain, but quickly sports a forced grin, trying to play it cool. Then we're back in Corey and Shawn's dorm. They're both dead asleep when Corey sits up screaming. Ah. Shawn leaps out of bed and turns on the lights. Not again. Corey is panting, out of breath. It was raining. You had a new umbrella. You let me take a look at. Look at it. And then I shoved it down your throat and I opened it. Sean is deeply concerned. You opened it. Corey weeps. Oh, Sean, I. Mary Poppins. Yeah.
Will Friedle
Which, for the record, a good umbrella doesn't even last in a strong wind. You're not gonna be able to open.
Danielle Fishel
That inside someone's esomophagus.
Will Friedle
We all know that.
Ryder Strong
I also like. He clearly kills me. Then in the dream.
Danielle Fishel
Dream. So the logic of that Mary Poppins.
Ryder Strong
Yeah, like the next scene or whatever is that, oh, I never actually kill him. I never.
Danielle Fishel
Right.
Will Friedle
Well, he also, in the last scene, is. Is obviously still dreaming about beating you with a baseball bat while saying, die, die, die, die. So it's like, does he. Is he waiting for an actual autopsy report to find out if you're dead?
Danielle Fishel
Exactly.
Will Friedle
Because it's like you're probably beating you about the head and waist with the bat is going to do it. So, yeah.
Danielle Fishel
Corey puts on his slippers and a coat and heads for the door. He asks him himself, why? Why? Shawn wonders. Corey, it's the middle of the night. Where are you going? Corey shoots Shawn a dramatic look of fear and then proceeds out the door. In Feeny's classroom, which is now empty, Corey sits at his desk waiting for someone. Feeny walks in and Corey pops up. You gave me bad advice. Feeny is confused. What do you mean? Corey explains, you were in my dream and you gave me advice that sucked. Mr. Feeny explains, I'm not responsible for dream Feeny. Then he instructs him to start at the beginning. Beginning. Corey digs in. Every time I fall asleep, I dream that I kill Shawn. Now, what kind of person am I that I would want my best friend dead? Feeny responds, well, now you know that you don't want Shawn dead. Corey asks, how do you know who I want dead? Feeny shakes his head. Kory, you mustn't take dreams literally. They can be interpreted in many ways. Corey just wants to know, why am I killing Shaun? Feeny doesn't know, but says Freud thought dreams come from the unconscious. Repressed thoughts that have to be confronted. But in the dream state, they're not quite clear. Corey isn't following. It's quite clear I'm killing Shawn. He just wants to know the reason. Feeny asks. You wake up every time screaming. Corey nods his head. And Feeny wonders, after you kill Sean. Corey realizes, well, actually, I've never seen him die, but, I mean, I did some pretty bad stuff to him. He didn't stand a chance. So I guess this is just. That's the little yarn fix.
Will Friedle
I know. By the way, Freud also thought that all dreams were a witch wish.
Danielle Fishel
Really?
Will Friedle
So the idea that he's wishing Sean dead is kind of another way to go.
Ryder Strong
Wish fulfillment.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. Feeny wants to know, though. But you always woke up before you actually killed him. Corey realizes Feeny is right. He's never actually finished the dream. And so Feeny reveals, that's the key, Mr. Matthews. Perhaps if you finish the dream, you'll find out what it means. Back at Eric and Adam's apartment, Adam is in the living room sitting in a chair quietly rocking back and forth. Eric enters, still impressed. Dude, that whole bedroom is for me. It's bigger than my parents house. What are you watching? Adam responds, weather channel. Want to join me? Eric makes his way to a nearby recliner covered with a crocheted blanket. As Eric starts to sit, Adam shouts, whoa, not there. Eric bounces right back up. What's the matter? Adam explains, my mother's chair. And Eric apologizes. Is she coming over? Adam coldly replies, no, she's dead. Eric has taken a break back. Oh, I'm so sorry man. Adam thanks Eric for the sentiment. I love her very much. Eric looks to the couch. I'll just go crash over there. As Eric plops into a pillow, Adam groans and picks up his phone. At the same time, the home phone rings and Adam asks Eric, will you get that please? Eric says sure and answers it. It's Adam, who's less than a few feet away.
Ryder Strong
Eric, I like this bit a lot.
Danielle Fishel
This is funny. I know.
Ryder Strong
This made me laugh every time.
Will Friedle
Yep.
Danielle Fishel
Eric, it's me. Adam. You can't sit there either. Eric looks at Adam and asks, dude, what are you doing? But an annoyed Adam whispers, eric, I'm on the phone. And he puts the receiver back to his ear.
Ryder Strong
He's great.
Danielle Fishel
He was great. He motions for Eric to pick up his phone again. Yes, Adam. Eric says into the phone, still confused. That's where Uncle Dave died. Adam explains. Eric throws the phone and sits up. Then a cuckoo clock starts chime. Adam jumps up. Time to feed the bird. Eric is excited. We have a bird. How come I haven't seen this bird? Adam asks, you want me to help? You want to help me feed her? And Eric is stoked. Yeah, man. I love birds. Adam asks, all kinds of birds. And Eric says every one of them. Adam says okay. And he walks into his bedroom.
Ryder Strong
Meanwhile, you cooked a bird that you got for Rachel. Remember that?
Danielle Fishel
Exactly.
Ryder Strong
That was one of my favorite jokes.
Will Friedle
Well, I didn't say how I liked all the birds.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah, true. I just eating them.
Will Friedle
Yeah. Do you like birds?
Ryder Strong
It depends on the sauce.
Will Friedle
This was the red bird that was it Glazer that was telling us about, right?
Ryder Strong
No, the other one was that other episode was also.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah, because it was a red bird. Yeah, for maintenance.
Ryder Strong
That was a live red bird that.
Danielle Fishel
He was trying to find. This wouldn't have been hard.
Will Friedle
This is just stuffed, stuffed, stuffed red bird. Maybe that's what it is. Okay. There's a lot of Red birds. I think Rusty had one too, in real life. Yeah, but you remember like Rusty has the bird that.
Danielle Fishel
I don't remember his bird at all.
Will Friedle
20 some odd years old. They look like they were. It's like his best friend. He said it's my best friend. Yeah.
Danielle Fishel
Adam says, okay. And walks into his bedroom. Eric can't wait to see his new feathered roommate. Where's the birdie? Where's the pretty birdie? Where's the pretty bird? Then Adam peers out from behind the door with a stuffed parrot on a stick. Her name's Nellie. I've had her since I was 2. She's the best bird ever. She normally doesn't like people, but look at her. She sure likes you. Adam shakes the stick to make Nellie make move. Polly want a cracker? Adam says as he pushes the bird closer to Eric. Eric yells, polly want an autopsy? That's a dead bird. Not to me. Adam says while petting the bird. Eric cringes. That is just sick and weird. What's wrong with you? Adam pulls his bird closer. What's wrong with you talking in front of her like that? Adam apologizes to his bird. Sorry, Nellie. He responds in a high pitch. It's not your fault, Adam.
Ryder Strong
I think this would have landed better. I mean, now I'm listening to you describe it and I'm imagining it like as a script. If the bird was like. Like tattered.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Ryder Strong
And like falling apart. You know what I mean? Like it was like a. Like a kept dead bird. Because as it is, it's kind of a pretty thing, like.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah, exactly. It could be stuffy. You'd buy at the zoo for a kid.
Will Friedle
Right.
Danielle Fishel
As opposed to it looking like a real ratty. He used to be a live bird, right?
Will Friedle
Yeah. That he just never threw away. Yeah. Like the head's like down like this.
Ryder Strong
And one of the wings is missing off about it. Because as it is, it's like. Well, that's. That's a nice stuffed bird.
Will Friedle
Pretty stuffed bird. You know, some taxidermist did a wonderful job on that.
Ryder Strong
And it's not that creepy to play. I mean, I don't know. I guess it's all kind of. I don't know. Yeah, I just.
Will Friedle
I think it's more about the thinking it's still alive. Like it's his pet bird that's still treating it like it's still alive is, I think, what they're going for. But if there was like an eyeball.
Ryder Strong
Hanging down on its cheek and it was like missing something, why is it flipping like, yeah. Or just gray and faded and like. Oh, God, this is like a rotting bird. Yes.
Danielle Fishel
A now panicked Eric announces. All right, all right, that's it. That's it. I'm out of here. As he walks to his room to get his things, Eric whispers towards Nelly. It is so his fault. Adam yells out, great. Leave. Everybody leaves me. Eric pops back out. I wonder why. Adam tells Eric, who's now walking out with his suitcase. I thought you were different. You're just like everybody else. Nobody cares about me. Nobody wants me. Forever alone. I hate the silence. Eric, now affected by what he's heard, stops dead in his tracks. I know how you feel. No, you don't. Adam snaps back. Eric is adamant. I really do. I was kicked out by my family, betrayed by my closest friends, thrown out into this crazy world all by myself, himself. Nowhere to go. Nowhere to live alone. Adam smiles. So you'll stay? Eric shakes his head no.
Ryder Strong
I love that beat. I love the, like, lesson learned moment. But.
Danielle Fishel
But absolutely not.
Ryder Strong
Oh, my God, it's so good.
Danielle Fishel
Eric gets up to grab his bag, but is interrupted by Sheila, who walks in wearing nothing but a bath towel. Hi, Eric. I did it again. Locked myself out after taking a shower. Shower. At least this time I remembered the towel. Mind if I hang out with you guys till my roommate comes back? How do you lock yourself out after a shower? After a shower, you go into the hallway. For what?
Will Friedle
Soap. After shower. Hallway.
Ryder Strong
So romp. My God.
Danielle Fishel
Danielle.
Ryder Strong
Have fun. Danielle.
Danielle Fishel
Jeez. God, you're such a.
Ryder Strong
Naked ladies are fun. Yeah, naked ladies are nice.
Will Friedle
Naked ladies.
Danielle Fishel
Naked ladies.
Ryder Strong
There's nothing wrong with the show.
Will Friedle
Just.
Ryder Strong
Why doesn't they just drop the towel? Give the audience what they really want. Let's do this.
Will Friedle
God, it's Friday night and the moon is right.
Danielle Fishel
As she takes a seat on the couch, Eric announces, maybe I'll stay. And wedges himself between Adam and Sheila. Adam talks as his dead bird again. Adam, he's gonna stay. Then he pushes Nellie right up to Eric's face. Face. We're in Sean and Corey's room. Corey is sound asleep. We zoom in and then fade into his newest dream. What do you think of when you hear Amazon prime delivery trucks outside your home?
Ryder Strong
Your favorite streaming shows, of course.
Danielle Fishel
But there is so much more. Whatever you love, that's what prime is.
Will Friedle
Prime helps you get more out of whatever passions you're into. And it helps you discover new ones.
Danielle Fishel
Just today, I bought a new makeup remover for my brushes and a few collagen masks that I sleep in. And Amazon prime is perfect for my never ending obsession with beauty products. Not only do I get what I need incredibly fast, I can find myself going down a rabbit hole for all new items I didn't even know existed. Nail brightening treatment? Yes please. Green tea clay mask? Yes, add it to the haul and.
Ryder Strong
The fact that Amazon prime also puts hundreds of movies and TV shows right at your fingertips.
Will Friedle
Tips it's more than just same day delivery. It's a place to explore your passions.
Danielle Fishel
From streaming to shopping, it's on Prime.
Will Friedle
Visit Amazon.comprime to get more out of whatever you're into.
Danielle Fishel
Ah yes, it's the season of Back to School. The scent of sharpened pencils fills the air and your child suddenly has very strong opinions about sneakers. Luckily, Famous Footwear has all the big name brands they're obsessed with. No Nike, Adidas, Jordan Crocs, Converse, New Balance, Birkenstock, but now without the big time drama. I used to love Back to School shoe shopping. As a kid I'd strut out of that store like I was walking a red carpet if that red carpet led to a cafeteria that served square pizza. But now I keep it simple. I skip the checkout chaos and order online, pick up in store or get same day delivery with doordash. It's fast, fast easy and no one ends up crying in the clearance aisle. Not even me. They've got over 830 locations plus in store fit experts who help pick the right size because they know kids feet grow every few minutes. Famous Footwear saves you time, money and sanity and still lets your kid feel like the main character on day one. You don't have to overspend to make it famous right now. Buy one pair of shoes. Get one half off at your local Famous Footwear store.store or famous.com See store associate for details. Okay, can we talk about the power of a go to outfit? Because when you're juggling school, drop off a dog who needs his flea meds bad and a grocery list you started on the back of your hand. Putting on something that can keep up with you is key. So picture me at the park, hair in a claw clip, one shoe untied, granola bar crumbs everywhere and my kids treating the jungle gym like the ropes of a wrestling ring. Then someone walks up to you and sits, says cute dress. And you say thanks, it's from JCPenney. And that's when you see it. The wait, seriously face. Yeah, JCPenney. Totally underrated style destination. It's packed with stylish, affordable finds for the whole family, especially for the one who keeps it all together. And the deals. I mean, finding a dress that looks amazing and fits your budget? That's a mom win. Worth celebrating. I grabbed the Liz Claiborne Sleeveless A line dress. It's light, it moves with me, and I still looked pulled together while sprinting after a juice box and flip flops. And I picked up a few adorable graphic tees for the boys that fit their growing bodies and their adorable personalities. Already a fan then you know. If not, consider this your wake up call. Discover it for yourself. Shop now@jcpenney.com yes, JCPenney.
Guest Speaker
There's nothing like sinking into luxury. @washablesofas.com you'll find the Annabe sofa, which combines ultimate comfort and design at an affordable price. And get this, it's the only sofa that's fully machine washable from top to bottom. Starting at only $699, the stain resistant performance fabric slipcovers and cloud like frame duvet can go straight into your wash. Perfect for anyone with kids, pets or anyone who loves an easy to clean spotless sofa. With a modular design and changeable slipcovers, you can customize your sofa to fit any space and style. Whether you need a single chair loveseat or a luxuriously large sectional, Annabe has you covered. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your home. Right now you can shop up to 60% off store wide with a 30 money back guarantee. Shop now at washablesofas.com add a little to your life. Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply. You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training.
Danielle Fishel
They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime.
Guest Speaker
Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.
Danielle Fishel
Then we're back at Jack and Rachel's hallway. Corey and Sean are back waiting for the elevator. Mirroring the scene from the start of the episode, Corey says, sean, all it took was you and me to get them to settle their difference differences. Shawn again responds with Corey and Shawn forever best friends. Corey agrees, best friends forever and shakes Shawn's hand. And just like last time, Corey's face turns evil and Shawn asks Corey, why are you looking at me like that? Corey pushes Shawn into the empty shaft and Sean grabs onto the rope, once again saving his own life. Shawn shouts for help, but Corey just tells him you have to go and prize his best friend's hand off the rope. Corey peers down. Down.
Will Friedle
Sorry. This was. This was shot again, right? Because you and. And you're mimicking what you did in the original opening scene. And it's pretty spot on. Like, even how you grabbed the rope to the point where I was like, did they just reuse what was done? And like, they shot the whole scene and then took a snippet of it for the beginning.
Ryder Strong
I was bored. I was like, why are we repeating all these lines? Like, none of these matter actually, just.
Will Friedle
And I couldn't tell if it was the same. I couldn't tell if it was literally the same scene or not.
Danielle Fishel
I wonder.
Will Friedle
But if it's not, you guys are doing a great job at completely mimicking what you did the first time. It's very good. Yeah.
Danielle Fishel
Corey peers down as Shawn screams, plummeting to what we assume is his death. The apartment door opens and it's a concerned Jack and Rachel and Eric. Jack runs over to see what happened to Sean, but once he gets to the elevator, Corey trips him, sending him down the shaft. Rachel and Eric run over Rachel, asks Corey, what are you doing? A relaxed Corey responds, shoving everyone down the elevator shaft. Guess who's next? Then he pushes Rachel in too. Eric looks over the ledge, then jumps in to save her. Rachel. Angela is now standing at the apartment door, and Corey calls her over. Angela, come on, Everybody's doing it. She walks over to the elevator and wants to know doing what? In response, Corey bumps her butt in the style of a dance move and says this, sending her in too. Corey just looks down the elevator shaft, satisfied with his work. And then, of all people, Lauren, the Snow Bunny, played by the great Linda Cardellini, arrives.
Ryder Strong
I do love her wardrobe. I love that they went for, like.
Will Friedle
Snow bunny, of course.
Ryder Strong
So great.
Danielle Fishel
Hi, Corey. Corey's very confused. Lauren, what are you doing here? I'm over you. You shouldn't be here. And the vision replies, I'm not Lauren. So Corey asks, then who are you? She answers, I'm everything you're giving up. The girls you'll never get to meet, the places you'll never get to go, the life you'll never have.
Ryder Strong
And what does this have to do with this?
Will Friedle
What the is going on?
Danielle Fishel
What does this have to have anything to do with marriage?
Ryder Strong
I mean, the Sean anxiety makes sense, right? Like, I'm afraid my.
Danielle Fishel
My.
Ryder Strong
I'm gonna lose my. But like, now we're adding this whole other thing and. And then collapsing it all into just like General marriage anxiety.
Danielle Fishel
Yep.
Ryder Strong
All right. I do think it's cool to have Lauren come back, though. I like she's great.
Will Friedle
But then make it about what he's losing as a man, quote, unquote, to have to settle down. Which is essentially what she's representing, is all the sex you're never gonna have with other girls.
Danielle Fishel
Right.
Will Friedle
And it's like, okay, that's interesting.
Danielle Fishel
Yep.
Ryder Strong
And what does killing Sean have to do with that?
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. Yeah. Corey says he doesn't understand, but Lauren just says goodbye and blows him a kiss. And then trust falls down the elevator shaft.
Will Friedle
Wait a second. I'm sorry. Maybe it's not. Maybe what it is, is it's not this entire time, it hasn't been about killing Shawn. It's just that Shawn is the first one to die in every dream. He's just never finished the dream.
Danielle Fishel
It's killing everybody.
Will Friedle
Everybody else would continue to come out in every dream, but he keeps waking up. Because he's the implication.
Ryder Strong
But.
Danielle Fishel
Right.
Ryder Strong
But what has changed in the course of this episode?
Will Friedle
Oh, nothing.
Ryder Strong
Just. Cory slept longer like that.
Danielle Fishel
Right. Okay, Cory slept longer. And now I guess he finally talked to Feeny.
Ryder Strong
Got the advice to just keep sleeping through your dream.
Danielle Fishel
And when I say the episode is about his anxieties about what happens to his relationship with Shawn, that's not what the episode's about. The episode is about what's life gonna be like after I'm married.
Will Friedle
That's right. And he just. He's. Because he can't get past the Shawn ghost killing, he thinks it's all about Sean, when at the end of the day, it's not about Sean. He's just the first one to die.
Ryder Strong
Well, except it's all about repressed homosexual urges. So it is really about.
Danielle Fishel
About Sean. Right. Corey yells, wait. But then notices Topanga is now standing in the door frame. Remember when I told you that I knew Lance saw me in a wedding dress? And I have a picture of Lance? This. It was this. It's this. By season seven, Lance and I were broken up. It was this week. It was this wedding dress, and I have a picture of Lance and I.
Ryder Strong
Cuddled in my dressing when this episode filmed.
Will Friedle
99. Right.
Danielle Fishel
Well, it aired May 7th, so.
Ryder Strong
May 7th, 1999.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. And Lance and I went to prom together in June of 1999. Cory yells, Wait. But then notices Topanga is now standing in the door frame. She's wearing a white wedding dress and holding a bouquet of flowers. Hours she approaches Corey shaking her head. Where is everybody? Corey admits I killed them. And Topanga's confused. He adds, for us. Topanga nods, I know. As they both look down the elevator shaft, Corey admits, I miss them. Topanga agrees, I miss them, too. The elevator door shuts, and Topanga tells Corey he can wake up now and softly touches his face. And just like that, we're back in Corey and Sean Shawn's room. Topanga is hovering over Corey, brushing his face. Corey, wake up. You've been sleeping all night. Corey wakes and sees Shawn standing there, too. Morning, sunshine. Corey sits up in his bed, and Shawn asks if he was dreaming. Corey smiles and says, yeah. Topanga wonders what he dreamt about, and Cory reveals, I dreamt about you. Topanga sighs, oh, good. So you're okay now. And Cory assures her, yeah, I'm fine. Topanga seems really relieved. Good. Have a good day.
Will Friedle
I'm sorry. Very quickly, who. Who wakes somebody up and says, you've.
Danielle Fishel
Been sleeping all night?
Will Friedle
You've been sleeping all night.
Ryder Strong
I know. And then, of course, you have. The touch of the cheek, too, is like this super, like.
Will Friedle
Yeah, it should have been corny. You've been sleeping all day. It's three.
Danielle Fishel
I know.
Will Friedle
You know, like, it's you. Hey, wake up. You are sleeping at night.
Danielle Fishel
Like, what?
Ryder Strong
What?
Danielle Fishel
Wake up. You may have gotten a good night's sleep. Yeah.
Will Friedle
And you've needed sleep for a while now. We've been telling you you need sleep. So I'm gonna wake you up in the morning.
Danielle Fishel
Morning?
Will Friedle
After you've slept all night.
Danielle Fishel
He's gonna miss school. I don't know. It's college.
Will Friedle
Hey, you've been sleeping all night. Time to get up. What?
Danielle Fishel
She gives Corey a kiss and says goodbye to Sean. As she leaves the room. Now alone, Sean asks Corey, you're not okay, are you? Corey sits up. Do you think I'm rushing into marriage? Sean laughs. You've been rushing into marriage since you were 2 years old? Corey wants to know. I mean, nothing's gonna change between you and me. Is. Is it? Shawn wonders. Is that what you've been dreaming about? Corey tells him, no, I'm just. I guess I'm afraid that after I get married, everything's going to change. Shawn breaks it to him. Well, yeah, it will. It has to. Corey shakes his head. I don't want it to. The two best friends stare at each other, both worried about what will come next. Then we're in the tag. Back in Eric and Adam's expensive apartment, Eric is holding the dead parrot in his hand. Now. Okay, Nellie. Okay, beg. Okay. Now roll Over. Eric flips the parrot around, spinning the stick it's attached to. Hey, play dead. Play dead. He flips the parrot back up and feeds him a cracker. Good bird. Good bird. Then the phone rings and he reaches over to answer it. Hello? Hello? It's Adam, sitting on the couch next to him. Eric, it's me, Adam. Eric laughs. Hey, man, what's up?
Will Friedle
This is Eric. He's like, all right, now, I'm used to this.
Danielle Fishel
I'm used to it.
Will Friedle
Definitely used to this.
Ryder Strong
Yeah, Nick, psycho roommate.
Will Friedle
Cool.
Danielle Fishel
Adam talks into the phone. I just think it's great how you and Nelly have been getting along so well. Eric explains. Yeah, well, I love poultry. Adam stands up and grabs his keys. Anyway, I mean, you and I have been getting along so well that. Adam pauses so that Eric can move his legs out of the way. Excuse me. Now clear. Adam continues, I think it's time you finally met my mom. Eric laughs and puts the bird down. Your mom? Mom. Look, dude, I thought that your mother was. Adam unlocks his bedroom door and yells out, mom, I want you to meet my new roommate. As he closes it behind him. Adam, now obviously talking in a woman's voice, responds, is he a good boy? Eric jumps over the couch and starts talking to him.
Will Friedle
That's actually a good impression right there.
Danielle Fishel
Adam, back in his real voice, assures his mom he's a very good boy. Adam's mom is happy. I'm glad, because your last roommate was a very, very bad boy. Eric grabs his suitcase and runs out of the apartment just as Adam explains to his mom, that's why I took care of him for you. And now, with the apartment empty, we hear Adam switch to an old man's voice. What? You don't say hello to your grandpa? And that's the end of our episode.
Will Friedle
Think they cut something because. Because I distinctly remember a button where I run back in and grab the bird and leave again.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, that's funny.
Will Friedle
Yeah, so I was like, oh, I think. Why do I remember doing that? So, yeah, they must have.
Ryder Strong
You might have just improv'd it.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Ryder Strong
Yeah, that's funny.
Danielle Fishel
Well, that's our episode. Thank you all for joining us. Join us for our next episode recap. Season six, episode 22, State of the Unions it's our season six finale, which originally aired May 14, 1999. Thank you all for listening to this episode of Pod Meets World. As always, you can follow us on Instagram Pod Meets World show. You can send us your emails, podmeetsworldshowmail.com and we've got merch.
Will Friedle
One million merches.
Danielle Fishel
Stop.
Ryder Strong
Merch My wife, my wife my merch. I need merch for my bubble merch merch yeah.
Will Friedle
Shut up butt spank merch now.
Danielle Fishel
Duke Hartman Duke sister Just submit me just a match podmeetsworldshow.com no kitty, that's my merch. Kitty that's my merch. Kissing merch Writer Send us out.
Ryder Strong
We love you all. Pod dismissed. Pod Meets World is an iHeart podcast produced and hosted by Danielle Fishel, Wilfred L And Ryder OR Strong executive producers Jensen Karp and Amy Sugarman, executive in charge of production Danielle Romo, producer and editor Tara Sukbash, producer Matty Moore, engineer and Boy Meets World superban Easton Allen. Our theme song is by Kyle Morton of Typhoon. Follow us on Instagram @podmeats World show or email us at podmeats WorldShowmail.com.
Danielle Fishel
Hey parents, quick question. When's the last time you won snack time? Yesterday I packed a granola bar so old Adler asked if it was a dinosaur fossil. So it's been a while and that's why Mott's no Sugar added applesauce pouches are perfect to keep on hand. Real apples, no added sugar and the pouch it's snack times. Mvp. Minimal mess. Maximum peace. It's even got vitamin C. Kids love it. Parents don't mess it up. Win win match. Real apples make real good applesauce.
Will Friedle
Learn more@mottz.com hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals time where you can enjoy storewide deals and earn four times points. Look for in Store tags to earn on eligible items from Kettle, Haagen, Dazs, M&M's Ritz, Chips Ahoy, Arrowhead, All Poppy Charman and Red Bull. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions applied supply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.
Danielle Fishel
You know, I never realized how much better I treat my dog than myself.
Will Friedle
Really?
Ryder Strong
Does your dog eat Oreos with every meal and get massages when he stays at hotels?
Danielle Fishel
No. Even better, he gets Pedigree high quality food with real nutrition that actually supports his health.
Ryder Strong
Pedigree believes dogs bring out the good in people and in turn they bring out the good in dogs with tasty dry food and wet food. And it's made with high quality ingredients.
Danielle Fishel
Ingredients I can pronounce.
Ryder Strong
You're right, I'M starting to think your dog has it figured out.
Danielle Fishel
Visit your local retailer to try Pedigree products for the nutrition your dog needs and a taste your dog will love.
Ryder Strong
Learn more at pedigree.comfeed-good feed the good.
Will Friedle
It is Ryan Seacrest here There was a recent social media trend which consisted of flying on a plane with no music, no movies, no entertainment. But a better trend would be going to chumbacasino.com it's like having a mini social casino in your pocket. Chumba casino has over 100 online casino style games, all absolutely free. It's the most fun you can have online and on a plane. So grab your free welcome bonus now@chumbacasino.com sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary. VGW Group void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply.
Danielle Fishel
Hi, it's Danielle Fishel from Pod Meets World. You know that moment when you're getting dressed and it's just total chaos? Your kid can't find a shoe, the dog's barking at his reflection, and all you need is a go to outfit you can trust. If you're tired of options that miss the mark, let me put you on to JCPenney. No, don't give me that weight. Seriously look. They've got stylish, dependable pieces that feel effortless. A perfect solution for busy parents. I just picked up an A and a denim blouse and Liz Claiborne a line dress. Both easy wins for when I'm on the go and super affordable. And the best part? The shocked faces I get when I say, yeah, it's from JCPenney. Don't miss out. Shop now@jcpenney.com yes JCPenney. This is an I Heart podcast.
Pod Meets World: Episode 621 “The Psychotic Episode” – Detailed Summary
Introduction
In Episode 621 of Pod Meets World, titled “The Psychotic Episode,” hosts Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Ryder Strong delve deep into one of the more unconventional episodes of the beloved 1990s sitcom Boy Meets World. Released on August 14, 2025, this episode serves as a nostalgic journey back to May 7, 1999, the original air date of the penultimate episode of Season 6. The trio replays their memories, critiques, and insights, offering fans a comprehensive analysis of the episode’s themes, character developments, and overall execution.
Episode Recap
At [19:10], Danielle introduces the episode recap:
“We are recapping season six, episode 21, ‘The Psychotic Episode.’ It is the penultimate episode of season six. It originally aired May 7, 1999.”
The episode centers around Corey Matthews experiencing disturbing nightmares about the potential murder of his best friend, Shawn Hunter. Concerned, Corey seeks guidance from his mentor, Mr. Feeny, leading to introspective discussions about friendship, fear, and the looming changes brought by marriage to his relationship with Topanga.
Hosts’ Initial Reactions and Memories
Danielle, Will, and Ryder share their initial recollections of the episode:
Danielle Fishel admits her forgetfulness about the episode, stating at [20:17], “I didn’t remember one single aspect of this episode. Wow.”
Will Friedle counters this by recalling specific behind-the-scenes dynamics, especially his interactions with director Rusty, highlighting moments of personal growth and humility amid the episode’s intense filming process ([20:40]-[21:15]).
Ryder Strong touches upon the challenges of shooting episodes with guest stars, noting the added pressure and the departure from the main friend group dynamic ([21:41]-[22:00]).
Critical Analysis of the Episode
The trio delves into a critical analysis of “The Psychotic Episode,” examining its narrative structure, thematic depth, and character portrayals:
Narrative Structure and Dream Sequences:
Ryder Strong comments on the episode’s attempt to emulate the horror trope, comparing it to the iconic Scream episodes. He notes, “I felt like it was trying to be the Scream episode in some ways, and it just didn’t quite get there.” ([24:07]-[25:00])
Will Friedle agrees, emphasizing the lack of structural coherence in the dream sequences: “There is no kind of structure to it. It’s just like, it might be dreamy, it might not be dreamy.” ([25:00]-[25:35])
Character Development and Dynamics:
The discussion turns to Corey’s evolving fears about marriage affecting his friendship with Shawn. Danielle expresses frustration with the episode’s handling of this theme: “I wish it wasn’t that Corey is asking if he’s rushing into marriage.” ([26:19]-[27:30])
Will highlights the inconsistency in Corey’s character development, noting, “They keep trying to change Cory now week by week for whatever he is to the core.” ([27:07]-[27:47])
Guest Star Contributions:
The episode features Leslie Dannon as Sheila and Charlie Newmark as Adam. While Danielle appreciates Sheila’s role, Ryder critiques Adam’s portrayal, suggesting that Eric’s interactions with Adam and Sheila felt forced and disrupted the main friend group dynamic ([70:15]-[72:55]).
Will reflects on the challenges of integrating guest characters seamlessly into the established group, stating, “I couldn’t tell if it was literally the same scene or not.” ([89:02]-[89:42])
Production Challenges:
The hosts discuss the extensive use of multiple sets and the logistical difficulties it introduced. Will remarks, “Think about the sheer number of sets we had this week.” ([89:24]-[89:34])
Ryder adds, “Repoing the cameras from one location to another takes so much time.” ([89:35]-[89:45])
Memorable Quotes and Highlights
Throughout the discussion, the hosts interject memorable quotes from the episode, providing timestamps for reference:
Will Friedle at [20:50]: “Having a guest star that you don’t know and having to carry whole scenes with it was really challenging.”
Ryder Strong at [24:46]: “This is the season seven packet. With her parents' breakup, Topanga realizes she’s...”
Danielle Fishel at [26:19]: “If you have this many concerns, the answer is probably, you should not be getting married.”
Will Friedle at [38:24]: “There are a few moments where you guys are really trying to keep it together. It’s so cute.”
Ryder Strong at [56:21]: “If it's the Scream episode, you know, that's based on a trope. Like, it’s based on a…”
Insights and Conclusions
By the end of the discussion, the hosts synthesize their critiques and observations:
Danielle concludes that the episode struggled to balance its serious themes with the comedic elements inherent to Boy Meets World, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.
Will emphasizes the importance of cohesive character development and narrative structure, suggesting that the episode’s reliance on dream sequences without clear anchors diluted its impact.
Ryder advocates for better integration of guest stars and maintaining the integrity of the core friend group to preserve the show’s original charm and relational dynamics.
Overall, the trio agrees that while “The Psychotic Episode” attempted to explore deeper psychological themes, its execution fell short of delivering a seamless and engaging narrative, leaving fans with mixed feelings about its place within the Boy Meets World canon.
Conclusion
Episode 621 of Pod Meets World offers a thorough and engaging analysis of Boy Meets World’s “The Psychotic Episode.” Through candid reflections, critical insights, and humorous anecdotes, Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Ryder Strong provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the episode’s strengths and shortcomings. Their discussion not only serves nostalgic fans but also offers valuable lessons on storytelling, character consistency, and the integration of thematic elements within a beloved sitcom framework.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
Danielle Fishel ([20:17]):
“I didn’t remember one single aspect of this episode. Wow.”
Will Friedle ([20:50]):
“Having a guest star that you don’t know and having to carry whole scenes with it was really challenging.”
Ryder Strong ([24:46]):
“This is the season seven packet. With her parents' breakup, Topanga realizes she’s...”
Danielle Fishel ([26:19]):
“If you have this many concerns, the answer is probably, you should not be getting married.”
Ryder Strong ([56:21]):
“If it's the Scream episode, you know, that's based on a trope. Like, it’s based on a…”
Will Friedle ([38:24]):
“There are a few moments where you guys are really trying to keep it together. It’s so cute.”
Final Thoughts
Pod Meets World excels in transforming fan experiences and memories into meaningful discussions. Episode 621 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Boy Meets World, highlighting both its timeless appeal and the lessons learned from exploring its more experimental episodes. Whether revisiting cherished moments or critiquing where the series took risks, this podcast episode is a must-listen for dedicated fans yearning to relive and understand the complexities behind their favorite show.