TGI – Episode 622 “State of the Unions”

Summary

Pod Meets World – “State of the Unions” (S6E22) Recap

Podcast: Pod Meets World (iHeartPodcasts)

Hosts: Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, Ryder Strong

Date: August 25, 2025

Episode: S6E22 “State of the Unions”

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Episode Overview

The main theme of this episode is a nostalgic, critical, and humorous rewatch and discussion of “Boy Meets World” Season 6, Episode 22 (“State of the Unions”)—the season finale. The hosts analyze the episode’s big changes, behind-the-scenes stories about shifting cast and character arcs, emotional storylines about marriage and family, and the end-of-season tension as the show faced possible cancelation and a potential Eric spinoff. They also discuss character development, casting changes, and reflect on their personal and professional relationships with iconic guest stars.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Special Guest: Bart Johnson (High School Musical’s Coach Bolton)

• [04:29–12:10]
• Bart Johnson is interviewed about his High School Musical podcast and his relationship to both HSM and Boy Meets World.
  • Bart shares he auditioned for “Boy Meets World,” recounting his own anxieties about playing “the bully” when he was bullied in school.
  • The group discusses the upcoming 20th anniversary of High School Musical and the resurgence of nostalgia-driven fandom, especially on TikTok.
  • Bart highlights the gratitude he feels for being associated with such an enduring pop culture phenomenon.
• Notable quote:
  • “Life’s about gratitude, right? Like, just address everything with gratitude. Fill your heart with gratitude on everything, man.” — Bart Johnson [08:30]

2. The Eric Matthews Spinoff That Never Was

• [23:37–25:43]
• Will shares that this episode was written as a set-up for a possible Eric Matthews spinoff as the network was uncertain about the show’s future and whether Ben Savage (Corey) would return.
  • “You can tell they wrote it in where Eric’s leaving... it was a strange confluence of events because TGIF seemed like it was on the bubble.” — Will Friedle [23:42]
  • Ryder recalls Ben Savage got into Stanford and there was a negotiation over the show’s future.

3. Season 6 Finale Vibes: Character & Series Identity in Flux

• [25:46–28:44]
• The hosts agree the episode feels like a generic sitcom rather than classic “Boy Meets World”—reflecting the uncertainty of the series.
  • Characters feel out-of-character, especially Topanga and her parents. The shifting arcs don’t feel well-developed.
  • The show seems designed to hedge bets: if the show didn’t return, the finale serves as a wrap; if it did, there were unresolved threads.

4. Casting Changes & Inconsistencies: Topanga’s Parents

• [32:12–35:28]
• Michael McKeon and Annette O’Toole debut as Topanga’s parents, replacing previous actors and, oddly, changing character names (Chloe to Rhiannon, making Jedediah a Yale legacy rather than a luthier).
  • The trio bemoans these changes, finding them arbitrary and confusing.
  • “Why do we need any of this? Why can’t her name still be Chloe? It’s already established. What are we doing?” — Will Friedle [68:24]
  • They praise McKeon and O'Toole, recalling fun Spinal Tap chat and the thrill of working with sitcom royalty.

5. Guest Stars as Sitcom Royalty

• [33:23–40:49]
• Danielle gives an extensive rundown of McKeon and O'Toole’s legendary careers and other guest actors (Bonnie Bartlett, Earl Boen).
  • Ryder recalls the thrill of quoting Spinal Tap and Waiting for Guffman to McKeon and O’Toole and seeing their surprise at the show’s cross-generational impact.
  • Earl Boen shared extensive stories from the “Terminator” set and about the old days of Hollywood.

6. Recap & Analysis: Emotional Centerpiece and Narrative Confusion

• [46:41–103:43]
• Main events: Corey and Topanga are prepping their wedding; Mr. Feeny gets married; Topanga’s parents announce their breakup.
• The hosts break down how the episode tries (and often fails) to give each character an arc. They note:
  • Topanga is written as emotionally oblivious, which feels out of step with her earlier intelligence and sensitivity.
  • Corey is reactive and somewhat selfish, while Eric’s subplot (possible departure) feels undercooked.
  • The writers seem to “shoehorn characters into plot situations,” especially with Topanga (now a generic “nag” rather than the quirky, independent character she began as).
• The group laments the “flattening” of Topanga’s character and compares her to Phoebe on Friends, noting TV’s unfortunate tendency to make “different” girls more palatable by making them more typical.

7. Legacy, Characterization, and Missed Opportunities

• [55:02–57:33 & 101:10–103:43]
• The episode’s (and season’s) biggest sin seems to be losing Topanga’s distinctive voice.
  • “The character... became the repository of ‘look what women do to men.’” — Will Friedle [56:13]
• The hosts agree the finale would have been much stronger if Topanga’s arc had been given agency—she should have been the one to call off the wedding after seeing her parents’ split, adding greater emotional weight.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I feel like I'm spoiled rotten because... I'll get 50,000 comments. And, like, all of them are so nice. And then every once in a while, someone's like, 'Move on, bro.' Like, what are you doing?” — Bart Johnson [07:52]
• “You can tell they wrote it where Eric’s leaving… This is me leaving… what they wanted was, you know, kind of go from Boy Meets World to the Eric Matthews show...” — Will Friedle [23:42]
• “What they did with Topanga over the years... Who is this person anymore?” — Danielle Fishel [29:39]
• “Who Topanga reminded me of back in the day was Punky Brewster… Marching to the beat of her own drum. And… she was still Punky Brewster.” — Will Friedle [55:33]
• “The writers seem to ‘shoehorn’ characters into situations. It’s like, let’s create the situations we need and we’ll just shoehorn the characters in.” — Ryder Strong [50:50]
• “Why do we need any of this? Why can’t her name still be Chloe? It’s already established. What are we doing? This, to me, was so— I was like, wait, he’s a banker guy who’s a white collar, and now he’s gone to Yale?” — Will Friedle [68:24]
• “Seeing your parents break up made me realize even more how much I’m in love with you and want to be with you... and for me and her going made me realize maybe no one can make it.” — Will Friedle & Danielle Fishel ([103:31]–[103:40])
• “Is there some reason our show decided to focus on him reading a particular brand of a newspaper? ...What’s the story at USA Today?” — Ryder Strong [47:19]
• “He’s not Squiggy. He was Lenny. So David Lander must have been Squiggy.” — Danielle Fishel [33:07]

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Segment Timestamps

• Bart Johnson Interview: [04:29–12:10]
• Season 6 Finale & Spin-off Discussion: [23:37–25:43]
• Episode Analysis—Highs/Lows, Character Shifts: [25:46–28:44]
• Casting Changes & Guest Star Reflection: [32:12–40:49]
• Episode Recap Begins: [46:41]
• Corey & Topanga’s Arcs in Focus: [58:13–63:40]
• Sean & Eric’s Scene Breakdown: [70:19–75:29]
• Discussion on Topanga’s Character Legacy: [53:54–57:33]
• Suggestions for a Stronger Finale: [101:10–103:43]

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Additional Fun Moments

• Ongoing jokes about set decorations (the elusive “lobster” prop hidden in scenes) [47:48–50:35].
• Extensive riff on Crocs, generational fashion, and “jibbitz” charms—another example of the trio’s friendship and the podcast’s modern, light-hearted tone ([12:12–16:34]).
• Impromptu “worst Irish accents” contest ([17:35–17:46]).

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Summary & Takeaways

This episode is a microcosm of “Pod Meets World”: heartfelt nostalgia, behind-the-scenes peeks, genuine critique, and deep affection for the legacy of the show and its fans. The hosts don’t shy away from pointing out odd narrative choices and production decisions, especially in the show’s late-stage evolution, but always circle back to admiration for their co-stars and the “Boy Meets World” phenomenon. Despite their disappointment with character arcs—especially Topanga’s flattening—they show their wish for more creative boldness and character consistency. The hosts imagine (sometimes more compelling) alternate storylines, while bringing fans into the family of sitcom history with actor stories and revelry.

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For New Listeners & Fans

This summary provides insight into:

• The behind-the-scenes reasoning for unusual character decisions
• The evolution (and dilution) of central characters, particularly Topanga
• The camaraderie and honesty of the podcast hosts, who keep their discussion both critical and loving
• Memorable guest appearances and the value of television “journeymen”
• The emotional and professional complexities of being on a long-running show as it nears its end

Best enjoyed if you know the series, but just as valuable for any TV/nostalgia/podcast enthusiast!

Transcript

[Danielle Fishel]

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[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 and 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]

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[Will Friedle]

And if you don't have yours yet, you'll find it on ebay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Putting you on here fashionistas.

[Ryder Strong]

Ebay is where you'll find those one Of a kind. Can't stop researching. Stay up dreaming about pieces again and again.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm talking that mew mew off the Runway red leather bomber, the cousteau Barcelona.

[Will Friedle]

Top with the cowboy on it, or.

[Ryder Strong]

That Patagonia fleece in the 2017 colorway.

[Will Friedle]

All these finds are on ebay and.

[Danielle Fishel]

They even offer millions of main character pieces backed by authenticity guarantee.

[Ryder Strong]

Ebay is the place for pre loved and vintage fashion.

[Will Friedle]

Ebay. Things people love.

[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.com Feed-Good Feed the.

[Danielle Fishel]

Good SA welcome, please, to Pod Meets World. Mr. Bart Johnson. How you doing?

[Bart Johnson]

Hi, everybody.

[Danielle Fishel]

Gosh, we're happy to have you.

[Bart Johnson]

Can I just tell you guys how much I love Boy Meets World? I know. I know everybody, but, like, I grew up with. It was such a great show. You guys love it. You guys are so good.

[Will Friedle]

Thank you.

[Bart Johnson]

I love it, love it. Always. Like, I've auditioned for the show, like, a million times when I was a youngster and got, oh, my gosh, yes.

[Ryder Strong]

But I'm so.

[Bart Johnson]

Oh, you know what? I keep all that stuff. I will look it up.

[Danielle Fishel]

I want to know over the years, who. Who did you audition to be? It has to. You know what? I wonder if you auditioned to play Harley Keiner or Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner. He wouldn't have been old enough to be Mr. Turner.

[Will Friedle]

No, he wouldn't have been old enough to be Turner. You're right. He would have been Harley. Or one of the biggest.

[Danielle Fishel]

Maybe the Adam Scott spot.

[Will Friedle]

Griff. It could have been Griff. Yeah. Okay, we're gonna have to find out who.

[Ryder Strong]

I just.

[Bart Johnson]

I don't remember if it was recurring or just a guest spot.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't even.

[Bart Johnson]

Back then, it was probably just a guest spot. So whatever guy was passing through would be a bully. I grew up getting bullied so much in school because I was. I was just skinny little Guy.

[Danielle Fishel]

And.

[Bart Johnson]

And then now I grow up to be bull, play a bully, and people are like, I know your type. I know what we were like in school. I'm like, there's no justice in the world, man.

[Will Friedle]

I was not that bullied.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. That's not fair. Don't judge a book by its cover.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, exactly.

[Ryder Strong]

Please, come on.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, we are here to talk to you about your new podcast, which we are very excited about. Get yout Head in the Game, a limited podcast series celebrating High School Musical, hosted by the man who coached it. That's right. That's you.

[Bart Johnson]

Let's go.

[Danielle Fishel]

What are you the most excited about?

[Bart Johnson]

I can't. I'm so, so excited about this because, you know, I was, like, old enough to realize what a gift this job was. You know, when this movie came along, it became such a phenomenon, you know, And. And it was just. It's been so special. And January marks 20 years, if you guys can believe that.

[Ryder Strong]

20 years.

[Danielle Fishel]

Nuts.

[Bart Johnson]

It's nuts myself.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Bart Johnson]

How did that happen?

[Will Friedle]

God, The Wildcats would be having their 20th high school reunion. That's insane.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

That's crazy.

[Bart Johnson]

Yeah, you're right.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Bart Johnson]

20. Yeah. Like, yeah, Everybody's a million years old now. I realized this morning that my. My son Wyatt is the age Zac Efron was in real life when we did High School Musical one.

[Ryder Strong]

So I was, like, such a big.

[Bart Johnson]

I got cast on that job. Well, first of all, I'm like, I'll do anything to get this job. You know what? Like, I. I put gray in.

[Will Friedle]

I did what?

[Bart Johnson]

Like, I did everything to get the job. And then once I got the job, I'm like, I'm not old enough.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm offended.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm so offended by this.

[Bart Johnson]

Yeah. So it's interesting. So now. Yeah, so I'm like, finally at the age of my character, I think seems right.

[Will Friedle]

Well, it's about right.

[Danielle Fishel]

The nostalgia for you and this movie is bigger now than ever, especially on TikTok. You cannot go on TikTok at all without hearing a Bart Johnson reference or a High School Musical reference. You are everywhere, my friend.

[Ryder Strong]

Did you know that's crazy?

[Danielle Fishel]

I.

[Bart Johnson]

It's funny you're saying that, because I thought it was just my algorithm. Like, hey, I see myself. But no, I gotta say, it's such an honor. Like, I love it so much. And, like, I've always kind of, like, leaned into it because it's so fun. And then, you know, the comments, like, I kind of feel like. I feel like I'm spoiled rotten because, like, I'll get 50,000 comments. And, like, all of them are so nice. And then every once in a while, someone's like, move on, bro. Like, what are you doing?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Why?

[Bart Johnson]

This is so fun.

[Will Friedle]

Social media. If somebody wasn't being a jerk. Yeah, that's right.

[Bart Johnson]

Someone's gotta feel good.

[Danielle Fishel]

Isn't it so funny that 49,000 people can tell you, man, I love this content. Thank you so much for doing this. You mean so much for me. And one person goes, move on, bro, and you spend the rest of your day going, man, I really am a loser.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Why? Why did I do that?

[Bart Johnson]

A good response for this guy.

[Will Friedle]

No, it's.

[Bart Johnson]

You know, it's a. That's. At the end of the day, it's like, it. Life's about gratitude, right? Like, just. Just address everything with gratitude. Like, fill your heart with gratitude on everything, man. And then it's eas, like, kind of like, oh, skyline.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, sure.

[Will Friedle]

All right.

[Bart Johnson]

These just.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Maybe he just needs.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know, I'm so grateful that man's engaging with my timeline.

[Bart Johnson]

You know, I see those comments sometimes. Like, hey, you know, at least you're talking. Like, you're. You're talking. You're saying mean things about me, but at least you're talking, mommy.

[Ryder Strong]

I appreciate.

[Will Friedle]

Exactly. It's when they stopped saying mean things that, you know, you no longer relevant.

[Ryder Strong]

It's like, what?

[Will Friedle]

Nobody. Nobody called me fat today. What's wrong with me?

[Bart Johnson]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

So, Danielle, are you. Have you caught up on the high. The. The phenomenon that is High School Musical? Have you seen any or some of them?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, I've never seen them.

[Will Friedle]

You've never seen a High School Musical? Okay, so this is.

[Ryder Strong]

We're gonna have to remember a single one.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know I look 22, but I'm significantly old. I'm significantly older than that, so it passed me by.

[Bart Johnson]

You have to be in the.

[Will Friedle]

You're.

[Bart Johnson]

Are you a millennial?

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, I am, but I'm the last year of millennial. I was born in 81.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. Okay, so. Oh, so then, you know, we're gonna have to. You know, you're gonna need to start your own podcast where you just watch dcoms. Because having done that, now I'm the. I'm an expert.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Will Friedle]

And until you have seen the joy that is Zac Efron singing to himself on a golf course and then looking at himself, his own reflection.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

You don't know art. You have no idea what true happiness is. Your children, all that. No, no, no.

[Danielle Fishel]

None of it.

[Will Friedle]

Zac Efron. Singing by himself on a golf course and then staring at himself.

[Bart Johnson]

I will show up to wherever you are and watch it with you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. I would like that.

[Bart Johnson]

We'll work through this.

[Danielle Fishel]

I would love that. There's nothing I would enjoy more actually than, like, a movie, than a. Than a. Like. Can we use someone's home theater? Will Friedle?

[Will Friedle]

Sure.

[Danielle Fishel]

You've got a home theater.

[Will Friedle]

I do.

[Bart Johnson]

We're coming.

[Danielle Fishel]

You invite us over and we'll do.

[Will Friedle]

I would love to do it. Let's do it. Good. I mean, they're like. So I've only seen the first two because we haven't recapped three or four yet. Well, three. I think we're hoping for a fourth, but it's one of those things where the first one especially, they're great. I mean, somebody like. And the second one, somebody like Ashley Tisdale, with all respect to the great Bart Johnson, kind of steals this movie where she's so good and her character, she plays Sharpay and the character is so funny and so good that it's really. They don't take themselves too seriously at times. They're a bit tongue in cheek. They are really, really funny. So fully think you should watch the hsm, as I call it.

[Danielle Fishel]

I love it. Has it been fun watching the kids from the show grow into their own wonderful, successful adult selves?

[Bart Johnson]

It's so fun to watch the kids, like, they were so unaffected and they were just so grounded and sweet and cool as ever. Like, no egos and just amazing, amazing. So it's really cool to see them stay that way.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, that is so great. Do you think there's any possibility those stars might be joining you on the podcast?

[Bart Johnson]

Oh, gosh, yes. Yes, I've taught. I've already spoken to a few of them and they're like, oh, heck yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

20 year anniversary.

[Bart Johnson]

And I feel we all have, like, a real sense of gratitude for, like, the fans are. I know everybody says, like, the fans are the greatest. They are creating these TikToks and they're just keeping it 20 years later. It's like, it's big. I swear it's bigger now than it was 20 years ago.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, well, it deserves to be celebrated. We're very excited for you. Get your head in the game starts August 27th and we'll release every Wednesday on the Magical Rewind podcast feed. So thank you, Bart Johnson, for being here with us. Always a pleasure to see you. Can't wait to listen to the podcast.

[Bart Johnson]

Thanks for having me. I appreciate it.

[Will Friedle]

Bye.

[Danielle Fishel]

Will. Will have you got any birthday presents yet?

[Will Friedle]

I did. I got my birthday presents this morning and I got a wonderful button down shirt that I wanted. And I got a new phone case.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow.

[Will Friedle]

Which I wanted. Mine was all beaten to heck. And then my dog who gets me a present every year. Though I think it's. The more I'm thinking about it, I think it's probably Susan doing most of.

[Danielle Fishel]

The shopping, so I don't know either.

[Will Friedle]

My dog.

[Danielle Fishel]

Cuz Sammy texted me and wanted ideas.

[Will Friedle]

Okay, good. Well then it's your idea. But I've been jokingly asking for something for years and was flatly denied left and right and left and right. And then Sammy this year ended up getting them for me. So I have my first ever Crocs. Pair of Crocs.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, I knew it. Oh my gosh.

[Ryder Strong]

Your wife is. She will not accept you having Crocs.

[Will Friedle]

Absolutely not.

[Ryder Strong]

But then this year, your dog.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, Sammy. Because Sammy said you can walk the dog in them. You can walk me in them.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, I.

[Will Friedle]

So I. Well, Susan's like, I think that's so funny the way she said it. She's like, I'm so happy you like them. It's great. She's like, these will be great for around the house.

[Ryder Strong]

If you step foot outside of the house in one of these.

[Will Friedle]

She said it was so funny though. She's like, yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Are they comfortable? I've never worn crochet.

[Will Friedle]

I never had either. I'm getting used to them. I didn't know. They're like knobby inside. Like, they're like.

[Danielle Fishel]

Here's the thing. This is gonna. Sue is going to absolutely hate me. But if you're going for peak comfort, you have to wear your Crocs with socks because your feet will also get sweaty.

[Will Friedle]

They already started.

[Ryder Strong]

It's only been like a half hour.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then you kind of slosh around in them, which is a little gross.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, another question. What. What is. What where do I do? Where do I put this?

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, either. Either like that. The way you have it forward or if you want it to hold. If it. You want it to feel like it's more secur. Say you were walking Sammy. You'd put it behind your heel to hold your foot in more in place.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, I haven't taken the tag off.

[Danielle Fishel]

Security. I can see you still thinking about them. Also, here's the fun part. We get to get you jibbitz. Jibbitz are the things you can see all the holes on the top.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

They make little charms.

[Ryder Strong]

I've never heard of the love of crochet called something else. Are they just called croc charms? I've never heard Jibbitz.

[Danielle Fishel]

Croc charms are for the Teemu version where because Jibbus is like assigned to crocs. So it's like Kleenex versus tissue.

[Will Friedle]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

You can call them a croc charm if you want, but if you want crocs, the croc ones, they're. They're Jibbitz. And I just generally call all the tissues Kleenex, so I'm calling them all Jibbitz. But they make them for everything. You could probably find a magic the gathering gibbet. You could find a Batman. 100%. My kids have Batman. Jibbit, Superman, Captain America. You can even make custom ones. I could get you a super fill friedle, Jibbit, but so you can personalize your cross.

[Will Friedle]

Sue called you yet to talk you out of this. I'm surprised your phone isn't ringing as we speak. And she's on a walk with Sammy. She's probably like, there's a disturbance in the force. Something going on.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm so sorry, Susan. I love you so much. But I need. I have to inform my friend of his options here. Yes.

[Will Friedle]

And socks. So I should wear. Do I wear. Now here's the thing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Will Friedle]

Cause the kiddos nowadays, and by that since I'm almost 50, is anybody under 40.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right, right.

[Will Friedle]

They. They're now in. It's like long socks. The small, like the little socks are out.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right, Right. You want ankle socks at least. At least ankle socks. You know, mid calf socks. Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's what the kids are doing.

[Will Friedle]

Pull it all the way up though.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, but I mean, you know, if you're wearing shorts, maybe pick a. A lower mid calf sock. You don't necessarily want them like all the way up to your knee because I know you have some that fully cover your calves.

[Will Friedle]

I do.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's too high.

[Will Friedle]

Yes. No. Well, my. I get it all from my dad, so. My father has worn the same dress socks since 1950.

[Danielle Fishel]

The same.

[Ryder Strong]

What are the things called? The garters. What are they all.

[Will Friedle]

No, he doesn't have those.

[Danielle Fishel]

So I love that idea around the house.

[Will Friedle]

Aren't they great? But they go all the way up to like his knee to the point where since the mid-70s, the man has not had a hair on his leg from the knee down. And he doesn't shave. He doesn't do. It's simply because he wears the lawyer socks every day for 50 years. So there's not nary a hair on that man's leg from the knee down. Yeah. And so I'm. I just wanted to know if that's good.

[Ryder Strong]

We'd be talking about the hair on your father's legs. Really?

[Will Friedle]

That's all.

[Danielle Fishel]

I imagine that's how we really have talked about every subject. Really.

[Will Friedle]

Should we go back to prostitution in the valley?

[Danielle Fishel]

We decided to cut that pre show chatter.

[Ryder Strong]

It's just gonna be a hint out there. It's like the Redwood Shire episode we never released. It's.

[Will Friedle]

Did we never release a red witch?

[Danielle Fishel]

The audio was so bad we couldn't hear anything.

[Will Friedle]

Was it the one where we sat in the living room there?

[Ryder Strong]

No. When we took the walk. Yeah, we released the one. We sat in the living room. We talked about having taken a walk and then we never released that episode.

[Will Friedle]

So that was the most amazing ghost we ever saw in that golden cave. Like wait, what?

[Ryder Strong]

Do you remember when we met the Redwood Shire troll? That was crazy. And the unicorn.

[Will Friedle]

Answer these questions. Three to travel the Shire.

[Danielle Fishel]

Welcome to Pad Meets World. I'm Daniel Vishal.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm right or Strong.

[Will Friedle]

And I'm Will Friedel, aren't I? Those are the three worst Irish accents.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, it's pretty bad.

[Danielle Fishel]

Fully smacked into my microphone while laughing. 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.

[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 this Labor Day.

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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 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 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 carp 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. Summer is right around the corner and you know what that means.

[Ryder Strong]

Barbecues.

[Will Friedle]

Sunny days by the pool with my shirt on.

[Danielle Fishel]

No unwanted hair. No one wants that. So we're here to remind you about Nairobi, the number one hair removal brand, the Gold standard in the field.

[Will Friedle]

You can't go wrong with any of their products. They have the new Lux Wax for Less wait time in between waxes or.

[Ryder Strong]

The dermatologist tested body and shower creams free of dyes, parabens, phthalates and sulfates.

[Danielle Fishel]

But we're focusing on my favorite, the wax strips. It makes for the easiest wax ever and it lasts up to four weeks, all while minimizing hair regrowth and most importantly, saving me time. I have a podcast to record, a Little League practice to watch, and a bedtime of 8.30pm Nair is an actual lifesaver.

[Will Friedle]

You can achieve salon quality results at home, leaving you with stress free, soft, silky skin. Or as I like to call it.

[Ryder Strong]

The triple S. You heard the man. Get ready for summer. Buy Nair wax strips at Walmart, Walgreens or CVS.

[Danielle Fishel]

Welcome to today's episode recap. It is season six, episode 22, State of the Unions. It originally aired May 14th. Sorry, I'm laughing because it's just so funny. This episode, 1999. It's our season six finale. The synopsis. While Corey stresses about his future marriage, Mr. Feeny gets engaged. And Topanga's parents reveal some shocking talking news.

[Will Friedle]

They're different people.

[Ryder Strong]

We have something to tell you.

[Will Friedle]

We're too different.

[Ryder Strong]

We are not really your parents. And tomorrow will be different again. Oh, man.

[Will Friedle]

And I am now a banker for some reason. We'll get into it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, here. So it was directed by Jeff McCracken. It was written by Barbie Feldman. My first question before I jump into even your overall thoughts. Will.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is this them prepping for your. Okay, so this is them prepping for your spin off.

[Will Friedle]

Yep, this is it. This is me leaving. This was they. I mean, you can sell. You can tell they wrote it in where Eric's. Eric's leaving. And this is. You know, I was talking to sue about it last night. It was a strange confluence of events because TGIF seemed like it was on the bubble. I don't know if Sabrina was still there or they were going to be leaving at this point. We didn't know if we were going to get picked up. So I. It seems to make sense that they didn't spin Eric off because they're like, I don't think TGIF lasted much longer.

[Danielle Fishel]

Were you gonna have a show on tgif?

[Will Friedle]

I think so. I think what they wanted was to, you know, kind of go from Boy Meets World to the Eric Matthews show, which was gonna take place in California.

[Ryder Strong]

But was that because Ben was gonna leave because that's what I remember.

[Will Friedle]

Ben was gonna leave.

[Ryder Strong]

Ben got accepted to Stanford, and the question was, could Boy Meets World exist without Ben? And that was where we were at at this point, was like, he had not. Not renegotiated his contract. So his contract was. All of our contracts were up at the end of the season. So they were hedging their bets and I think preparing to have you do a spin off and I guess. But we. I remember them talking about, like, could there be Boy Meets World without boy? And all of us being like, probably not. But then I think considering it probably to make a deal with Ben, like, I think.

[Will Friedle]

I don't think our contracts were up between six and seven.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't think so either.

[Will Friedle]

They were between five and six. Because don't you remember the thing they told us, Ryder, was you and I went in favored nations, and they said, we'll give you this raise if you sign on for season seven. That was the deal.

[Ryder Strong]

That's right.

[Will Friedle]

That's right. So it had to have been.

[Ryder Strong]

So we were already signed on for season seven. But Ben was not.

[Will Friedle]

Ben was not season seven.

[Ryder Strong]

This was smart. We shouldn't have signed. Right. At this point, they were saying that we might go into season seven without Ben, which always, I think, was a bluff. I think it was always a negotiating tactic between his team and the network or whoever. Because I don't, you know, how could you do Boy Meets World with a boy? But I remember the conversation being like, oh, well, maybe we could. And whatever. Of course we didn't. And he. But he would. He postponed his. His acceptance to Stanford by a year, and that's how we got a seventh season.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Interesting.

[Ryder Strong]

But it's a very weird season six ender.

[Danielle Fishel]

I.

[Ryder Strong]

You know, it's like not as much of a cliffhanger as the other seasons. I don't know. Very strange episode. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, what are your overall thoughts other than very strange episode? Are there any. Are there any laughs? I guess. I guess Al. I guess Alan with the parents.

[Will Friedle]

He's funny.

[Danielle Fishel]

Or, you know, he's. His. Him doing impressions really got me.

[Will Friedle]

Yes, me too.

[Danielle Fishel]

Rusty. Rusty's so funny.

[Will Friedle]

I actually paused on. Right. Since we're talking about Rusty, I paused on Rusty at one point and literally looked at sue and I was like, he's a ridiculously handsome man.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. I know.

[Will Friedle]

Like, at one point, he's dressed for the wedding and he looks towards Cameron and he's like. He had what my mom would have called movie star looks. It was like Rusty's a good looking dude.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

And it was. It was striking in this episode. It's like, my God, he's very funny, but he's. That's a good looking guy.

[Ryder Strong]

But last suits are a little ridiculous. Everybody's suits and huge. Very 90s.

[Will Friedle]

Yep, very 90s. We're all talking heads for some reason. Exactly. But we also. We had the conversation that we talked about.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

It was between you and me, Ryder.

[Ryder Strong]

Wait, remember?

[Will Friedle]

It was like. I hope we were. We talked about it a couple podcasts ago.

[Danielle Fishel]

What do you love about her?

[Will Friedle]

What do we love? I hope we talk about what we love about Rachel.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, moment was really nice. It was like the whole show kind of was like, let's acknowledge this thing. It was great.

[Danielle Fishel]

It was really good.

[Ryder Strong]

Other than that, there was nothing I liked about this episode, really.

[Will Friedle]

See, it's funny. I disagree. Here's how I would say it. I thought this was a decent episode of television. None of this was Boy Meets World characters, right? Like as just an episode of tv. Family coming in, younger couple getting, you know, getting married, the older couples breaking up.

[Ryder Strong]

All this stuff.

[Will Friedle]

All great. It's not Topanga. It's not Cory. It's not Topanga's parents.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, also like Corey, I mean, Shawn and Angela are now like back. And it's like, well, what about.

[Danielle Fishel]

What.

[Ryder Strong]

What are the arcs here? Like, I am. I'm so confused as to like.

[Will Friedle]

I mean, obviously I think they're trying to wrap each other things up in case we didn't get picked up for a season seven just as much as possible. Feeny gets married. Maybe Eric's gonna leave and thinking he's gonna find himself. Like, I think there's Cory and Topanga.

[Danielle Fishel]

Don't pick July. But end on a very tearful note. There's no wrap up there.

[Will Friedle]

No, that's true.

[Ryder Strong]

And there's no tag. Like, we just kind of left it hanging.

[Will Friedle]

This was this to me again as an episode of tv. I thought we were all good. I thought the writing was kind of decent again. It just wasn't. Especially Cory and Topanga's like, who is this Topanga again?

[Danielle Fishel]

I know, I know.

[Will Friedle]

What the hell is going on? This is not her family even close to being her family. So, yeah, it was a decent episode of TV that was not Boy Meets World.

[Danielle Fishel]

I also was really. I thought. I agree with you that the episode itself, to me wasn't bad. It wasn't a bad episode of TV at all. It wasn't even really a bad episode of Boy Meets World. It was a Very heavy episode. A very tear filled episode of Boy Meets World. But I did really love the Sean and Eric conversation.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, it was great.

[Danielle Fishel]

I thought the Feeny Lila bowl under. Well, that came out of nowhere, that they were suddenly getting married. And I'm not exactly sure why, other than it set up the idea that then we all were going to be at a wedding and Topanga was going to be sad because, like, why. Sorry, I'm just curious, like, why these two people in their 60s or 70s are deciding now to get married. To get married as quickly as humanly possible.

[Will Friedle]

Maybe it's because they know that the clock is ticking.

[Danielle Fishel]

None of their family invites. No, no, just the people. Just their neighbors.

[Ryder Strong]

And Topangas, they only serve salad for. For one.

[Danielle Fishel]

For one. That's all.

[Will Friedle]

Just a salad bar.

[Ryder Strong]

All we have is a salad. Just one full salad.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's weird. But I am so, like you said, Will, I'm so sad by the idea that I have. I truly have absolutely no idea who Topanga is anymore.

[Will Friedle]

None.

[Danielle Fishel]

Where did this come from? That the reason she believes in marriage is only because his parents are still together and her parents are still together. And also, if you don't see that your parents are not happy, it's clear to anyone on the block from that that they are not getting along well. And Topinka's a really smart person.

[Will Friedle]

Oblivious.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just completely oblivious and so rude of them. So rude of them. The way, like, just either fake. Decide to fake it and then actually fake it or say it's not fair to fake it. We're gonna have to tell her this news when we see her. But, like, the way it all went down is just wrong.

[Ryder Strong]

It's a real waste of two really good actors too, because I love both of them. And I remember, like, I have great memories of hanging out with them on set, which is funny because I wasn't in a single scene with them, but I spent a lot of time, I think, hanging out just because I loved them both so much. And as characters like you say, they're actually just kind of annoying and rude and, like, they're not likable. And it's like you have two of the most likable people in the world. He is so funny in everything he does. And he is not allowed to be funny in this at all. No, it's like, it's just a complete waste. She gets to have some drama, but even that, it just never feels earned. It's like, no, I don't know. It's the whole thing.

[Will Friedle]

And it's Just.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just went.

[Will Friedle]

Now Corey doesn't know if they're supposed to be together forever, and Topanga is sure of it.

[Ryder Strong]

Do we know why they didn't come back?

[Danielle Fishel]

They. They do come back. They do one more. At least one more episode.

[Ryder Strong]

Those two actors.

[Will Friedle]

Do they. Those two.

[Danielle Fishel]

Michael McKay. I think they did two, and I think they wanted them for more, but I do think they come back. I don't think they only.

[Will Friedle]

Okay, it's different parents at the wedding. That's Marsha Cross and.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, my gosh, I think this is it.

[Will Friedle]

I don't know if they came back.

[Ryder Strong]

I think.

[Will Friedle]

Right.

[Ryder Strong]

Maybe you're right. Because I do have memories. Like I said, I have memories of hanging out with them. And I was watching this and I was like, but I'm not in a single scene with them. How did I. So I thought maybe I was just hanging out because I wanted to. But maybe you're right. Maybe they're in another episode. But I just never got the story. Do you guys ever get the story of why they didn't come back or didn't we.

[Danielle Fishel]

I think he was working. I think it was. I think it was like, it was a. Because I do remember there being a conversation about why they weren't coming back, and it was either money, like, they. They agreed to come back, but they wanted significantly more money to come back, or he was doing another. One of them was doing another job and.

[Ryder Strong]

Or probably a little of both.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. Like, I'm working on something else. I'll do it. Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

I think they're still together, too.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

They're a real life couple.

[Will Friedle]

I know they were married then. I think they still are. Been together 30 times.

[Ryder Strong]

So I wonder how that offer came about. Like, if somebody on our writing staff knew them or.

[Will Friedle]

I think so. I think somebody knew them. Also. When you want to hire a husband and wife and they both get to work together, that's probably another, like, incentive to do it.

[Danielle Fishel]

And.

[Will Friedle]

And yeah, I remember, like, you, Ryder, because from Spinal Tap and everything else, we were, like, salivating to just talk. Oh, he had some.

[Danielle Fishel]

So Michael had worked with. Michael had worked with Michael McKeon in the past at some point.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. But, yeah, we were just elevating to talk to him to get stories about, like, Christopher Guest stories and, you know, oh, man, it was so great. And he was open with everything. It was a lot of fun. He's also sitcom royalty. I mean, he was on Laverne and Shirley for years, so it's.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, really? I didn't know that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah. Oh my gosh, he's amazing.

[Will Friedle]

He's been, it's, it's. Yeah. Having him on the set was, he's, he's one of, in my opinion, the coolest guest stars we ever had.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, he was Lenny, right?

[Will Friedle]

Was he Lenny or Squiggy?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, he's not Squiggy.

[Will Friedle]

He was Lenny. So David Lander must have been Squiggy. Yes. Yeah, it was. But he, he walked on and it was just like, oh my God, everything you've done is amazing. And she was in Fooling around, which is one of the greatest movies of all time. If you've never seen it with Gary Busey, it's so good.

[Ryder Strong]

She's also in Superman 3, one of the craziest Supermans ever.

[Will Friedle]

Great movie.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, let's jump into our guest stars. This is the most accomplished group of actors to ever visit the set of Boy Meets World. In one week we have two time Emmy winner Bonnie Bartlett back as Dean Lila Bolander. She's had quite a season six on Boy Meets World here with a big storyline in the finale. And now her and Bill Daniels will finally be surrounded by true talent. Not just our attempts, not just us. Michael McKeon is our new Jedediah Lawrence. He accepts this repeatedly handed down honor, but unlike his predecessors, he is a Hall of fame comedy legend. His almost 50 year career in Hollywood really kicked off when he appeared on Happy Days as Lenny Koznowski. So there it is. Yes, a comedic lead for the resulting spinoff Laverne and Shirley, forever cementing himself as sitcom royalty. And also he played David St. Hubbins in Spinal Tap, a role he will revisit later this year in the long awaited sequels.

[Will Friedle]

I can't wait. It's one of the best movies ever.

[Danielle Fishel]

If any guest star deserves too long of an explanation, it's him. So let's start in movies. Clue, the Big Picture, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Airheads, the Brady Bunch, Movie Coneheads, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, a movie that won him a Grammy and snagged him an Oscar nomination. And now let's do some TV Dinosaurs with Michael Jacobs. The Nanny, Friends, Saturday Night Live as a cast member. Mr. Show, the Simpsons Twice Prime Time, Glick, Homeland, the Good Place, Veep Grayson, Frankie Rugrats as Grandpa Lou Pickle, the Diplomat where he recently played the President. And most notably, he's had another career resurgence as Chuck McGill on better call Saul, a role he was Emmy nominated for. He also just finished a Broadway run in the newest run of Glengarry Glen Ross alongside Bob Odenkirk, Kieran Culkin, and Bill Burr, which sounds like it was incredible.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, no kidding. Geez.

[Danielle Fishel]

So you guys remember getting to hang out with him and chat and writer. I guess at least you were in the wedding scenes with him. So I wonder if during blocking of some of the other wedding stuff, you got to sit around.

[Ryder Strong]

I just remember, you know, it was really. We were doing Spinal Tap to him all the whole weekend. We were putting Spinal Tap to him. But then we also spent a lot of time talking about Waiting for Guffman, and we. He wasn't in waiting for Guffman, but we were quoting it to him. And I remember him and. And. And Annette o' toole being, like, really impressed that we cared, because they didn't think that those movies were, like, for younger people. They thought that they were, you know, and we. I remember we. Us sitting there and going, a penny for your thoughts and, like, doing all the dances and.

[Will Friedle]

And.

[Ryder Strong]

And her being like, he wrote that song. Like, he wrote the music for waiting for God. So he was a big part of government. And I remember watching the two of them being, like, really excited to find out that those movies had actually reached a younger generation. And I wouldn't be surprised if it played into, like, them deciding to do best in show and, like, continue, because I remember them being shocked. Them being like, I can't believe you guys know all of these quotes. All these Spinal Tap, all these waiting for Gutman. We were like, no, no, no. They're the greatest movies ever made, because we were obsessed with them back. I mean, that's, like. I would say that. I mean, I remember when Ben found out that I had never seen Waiting for Guys. Guffman, like, season two or whenever he made me go to his house, sat me down and watched it, and then we would quote it constantly. It was like, one of our favorite go to things on set is to quote Guffman. And I think when they found that out, it was like a. It was a shock. It was like, oh, that. Wow. This is. This is resonating with people. And of course, best in show came out. Whatever. Two years later.

[Will Friedle]

Spinal Tap is one of the greatest comedies of all time. Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

It's just absolutely perfect. One of my favorite quotes ever was Rob Reiner said that he. After he finished the film, he was so proud of it, and he got a fan letter that said, Mr. Reiner, I love your movie so much. I really think it's amazing. But next time, if I can give you some criticism, you should do a. Do it about a more popular band. It's like person didn't realize it was a fake band.

[Danielle Fishel]

Fake band.

[Ryder Strong]

I got to see them in New York.

[Will Friedle]

Really?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah. When After Mighty Wind came out, they. Or it was before Mighty Wind came out, actually. They performed in character, Spinal Tactical, but they also opened for themselves as the folk band from Mighty Wind. And it was before Mighty Wind came out. So they were riffing on their character on these characters, and they came out as this folk band. And it took like a second for all of us to realize, like, oh, my God, that's them in makeup and they're having characters. Then they came back out a Spinal Tap and did a show. It was incredible. And of course, they brought the Stonehands, a little Stonehenge on the stage. It was perfect. Man, it's so fun, so great.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, another big hitter, Annette o' Toole as Topanga's mom, Rhiannon Lawrence. Her first acting gig was on my three sons at just 15 years old. A child actor like ourselves. She would appear on other classics like Gunsmoke, Mod Squad and Hawaii 5o. Then turned to movies where she starred in the classic 48 Hours and played Lana Lang in Superman 3, which would later pay off when she played Martha Kent, Superman's mom for 10 years on Smallville. Other career highlights for Annette, including the the Stephen King it TV movie, Grey's Anatomy, the Kennedys of Massachusetts. She was Emmy nominated for playing Rose Kennedy and she also won that Oscar for A Mighty Wind best original song. And in real life, she is Michael McKeon's wife. What a couple.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. Awesome.

[Danielle Fishel]

And finally, Earl Bowen as Minister. A veteran character and voiceover actor. Bowen is definitely best recognized from his role in the first three Terminator movies. But also, I remember sitting and talking.

[Ryder Strong]

This whole week was legendary.

[Will Friedle]

He was like, talking about conversations.

[Ryder Strong]

I just sat with him and talked about acting and Terminator movies for hours. And I remember every one of the stories.

[Will Friedle]

He was my spoking buddy. We would just sit outside all day and he was telling me stories on mash. I mean, it was like, oh, my God, I got to talk to this guy forever. Yeah, this was a great movie.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're going to have to share a story with us.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, yeah, so the Terminator stuff. I remember him telling me that the. The camera department was so big and James Cameron paid his camera department full rates to always be available for whatever he wanted. So that means that they had, like, multiple Steadicam operators who were getting paid, like, lots and lots of money. To sit around. And so he said he's never been on a set that was that on Terminator 2. He had never been on a set where the director would just be like, okay, walk into. Look at a scene and be like, I want this. This gear, this person, dude. And then the entire crew would just be ready. And he would just get to make it up on the spot or change his mind. And they would have every option available, Every crane, every type of camera, every operator. And he would just. He was like, it was insane. And it would just. They would shoot, and then if. If camera didn't like it, they'd come back the next day and do it a different way with a different camera setup. And he was like, it was the. The crate. Cause he was in the first movie, too. And he was like, talking about the difference between the first movie where they were like, low budget, gritty. Is this ever gonna go anywhere? To the second movie, which was just. He said it was like the biggest set he'd ever been on. And then he would tell me Marlon Brando stories. I don't know if he had worked with Brando, but he. I remember him telling me, I don't know, just these crazy, you know, these quotes of Marlon Brando and how Brando approached acting. And it was great.

[Will Friedle]

Like, it was such a fun week. It was such a fun week for an actor. Yeah, it was great.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, he was also in every TV show you can imagine, including the Will Friedle Trifecta, Mash, Family Ties, and Seinfeld.

[Ryder Strong]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

He also appeared on alf, which will come into play later. Bowen appeared in movies like 9 to 58 Again, Alien Nation, Naked Gun 33, and a third, Nutty Professor. 2. So many numbers. He sadly passed away in 2023 at the age of 81. But the last half of his career was just filled with impressive voiceover credits like World of Warcraft as the narrator, the Secret of Monkey Island, Call of Duty, Dexter's Laboratory, and Kim Possible.

[Will Friedle]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

Does that make it the Will Friedle four?

[Will Friedle]

Maybe. Yeah. He was a legend. I mean, he was one of those actors who was a. Which unfortunately, in our business is now disappearing, is the journeyman actor who just was solid as a rock. You knew you could cast him. You knew he would be able to handle whatever you put him in. And he was in everything and made a wonderful career doing that. And that doesn't exist anymore, and it's really sad.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. 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.

[Ryder Strong]

To the haul 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 this Labor Day.

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[Danielle Fishel]

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[Ryder Strong]

Barbecues.

[Will Friedle]

Sunny days by the pool with my shirt on.

[Danielle Fishel]

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[Will Friedle]

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[Ryder Strong]

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[Danielle Fishel]

But we're focusing on my favorite, the wax strips. It makes for the easiest wax ever and it lasts up to four weeks, all while minimizing hair regrowth and most importantly, saving me time. I have a podcast to record, a Little League practice to watch, and a bedtime of 8.30pm Nair is an actual lifesaver.

[Will Friedle]

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[Ryder Strong]

The triple S. You heard the man. Get ready for summer. Buy Nair wax strips at Walmart, Walgreens or cvs.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, let's jump into our recap. We start in the student union. Corey is reading a USA Today when Topanga runs in with some exciting news. Mr. Rutherford called from the banquet hall. They had a cancellation on July 4th. 4th. So they can get married on Independence Day. Corey grins. Married on Independence Day. How ironic. Topanga immediately asks, you're not getting cold feet, are you? Corey comes clean with some rare continuity. You know those terrible dreams I've been having?

[Ryder Strong]

Hold on. Did I miss something? Why is he reading a USA Today.

[Will Friedle]

Because he woke up at a Motel 6 this morning. Wait, what?

[Danielle Fishel]

Because that's where they have USA Today.

[Ryder Strong]

Why didn't we just have him read in a paper? Like, why is it a plant that. It's actually a real. Like, Corey could have been reading anything. Right. So is there some reason that our show decided to, like, really focus on him reading a particular brand of a newspaper?

[Will Friedle]

Who knows?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, not that I don't think. Isn't that strange? I know I did think it. When I saw it, I was like, USA Today.

[Ryder Strong]

We Mark Paps and our. Are we doctor Paps and our doctor Sodas?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

And yet we chose to. Like, there was some reason. There was some. Like. Like, there's something going on.

[Danielle Fishel]

USA Today, 1999. What's the storyline at USA Today? What's the synergy here? Come on. Did Mighty Ducks own USA Today?

[Ryder Strong]

Something weird.

[Will Friedle]

The world. That's what it is. Lobster everywhere. In this episode again, by the way, over it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Didn't see it once.

[Ryder Strong]

Never. Never noticed everywhere.

[Danielle Fishel]

Didn't notice it. Okay.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, actually, now that you say that, this is the episode that Dede told us about where I'm putting my hand on Trina's hand, and that was where she had put the lobster right there.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, it was too close.

[Ryder Strong]

Is that where you open?

[Will Friedle]

No, it's in the. First of all, it's in the opening shot when Topanga goes in. It's right over her shoulder. Hey, Cory, what do you. Blah, blah, blah. Then it's in the living room.

[Ryder Strong]

He told us a story when we saw her backstage in Phoenix. She told us a story about the time that she was most worried about the lobster being obvious. And it was, I think, the wedding scene where I'm trying to put my hand on Trina, where we're, like, grabbing. I'm grabbing her hand. Apparently, the lobster was right underneath it. So I wonder if that actually made it to the screen or not.

[Will Friedle]

I don't know. But we should definitely, at some point, re. Shoot the Boy Meets World opening theme song, opening title credits with the lobster, like, walking down the street with us because he's in the show as much as we are or she. Whatever.

[Danielle Fishel]

So he says, you know those terrible dreams I've been having? Well, there don't get mad about marriage. There don't get mad. Anti marriage dreams. You don't get mad. Don't come out so. Well, for example, his dream from last night, they got married and ended up in the poorhouse. He knew that's what it was because of a big Sign out front that read the Poorhouse. To make things worse, there was an execution room called the Topanga Room. The executioner was, believe it or not, Topanga. He becomes even more manic. And all of the chopped off heads in the head basket were me. Topanga's unamused. Are we getting married or not?

[Ryder Strong]

And so is the audience.

[Danielle Fishel]

What is it about Topanga? What? What? Other than being extremely understanding through all of his mishaps in the relationship? Why. Why does he. Why would. Why would he associate controlling, weird marriage thing with Topanga?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Again, none. None of these. We don't know any of these characters that are on screen right now. They're. I don't mind the characters that are there, but they're not the characters that we know.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm looking at the shot. The lobster is right under our hands in the flowers. That is crazy. Oh, my God. It's literally in the flowers, poking up out of the flowers right where our hands are touching.

[Will Friedle]

Everywhere.

[Ryder Strong]

It's a full on lobster. And like, this is where Dee Dee was freaking. Because if they caught it in the monitors, like, it would be a big deal, but they didn't notice. Oh, my God, it's everywhere. It's a two shot.

[Will Friedle]

The show starts with a two shot of Topanga and the lobster right after Cory.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, it's.

[Ryder Strong]

This might be the most egregious I've ever seen. That's incredible.

[Will Friedle]

There we are. But, yeah, I don't know who these people are.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't know who this couple is, and I don't know who these people are. It's very. It's sad to me because this.

[Will Friedle]

I was to meet you.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't know.

[Ryder Strong]

It's just generic. Right? It's just like. It just makes everything more like. Like Will said, it's an episode of another show in some way. It's just, let's create the situations we need and we'll just shoehorn the characters into this situation.

[Danielle Fishel]

I think what happened was in the earlier seasons of Boy Meets World, Corey was a character named Corey with some inspiration and some moments of Michael Jacob. Next, Michael Jacobs sprinkled in. And then at some point, maybe it's season five, there became no more Corey. Whatever we had established as being Corey mostly got taken away. And now, at least for. Especially season six, it's a. It's just straight Michael Jacobs. Yeah. Just.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. But then who's Topanga? Because Topanga's completely different.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, Topanga is stereotypical woman. Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

It's like.

[Will Friedle]

It's a generic woman.

[Danielle Fishel]

Generic woman.

[Ryder Strong]

Tensions for this guy.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Correct.

[Will Friedle]

And again, it. I find it interesting that this change happened with her character at a time on the show when there were more women than ever in the writing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I know. And I do think maybe it's just a lot of. A lot of the reigns of Topanga may have been handed over and to people who weren't there from the beginning and also needed to make it. How does this character fit into Corey's world? And so, yeah, I don't think it's. I don't think it's an intentional slight of the character, but it is. It. It did amount to her not necessarily being as well as she was such a great, wonderful, defined character early on, and she just kind of got a little bit dulled as the years went on. And I don't think it was intentional. I don't think anyone was trying to do that to her. I think it just unfortunately happened.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. But, I mean, you look at some of the greatest television shows in history, that. And first of all, we're in rarefied air. You have to keep in mind that the number of television shows that actually went six or seven years is really small.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're right.

[Will Friedle]

And the vast majority of those, the character, whether it's Friends or Seinfeld, whatever, as they're trying to continue to have storylines for all these characters, what tends to happen is the characters get to be more heightened versions of themselves. So Ross is way more Ross. Eric is way more Eric. But they stay true to themselves. Mash, Cheers, the Office, you name it. Dwight is a much more heightened version of Dwight at the end than he was, but he's still Dwight. Topanga is a completely different human being.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

I mean, to the point where now they've changed. Not only her parents, her mother was never named Rhiannon, it was Chloe.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. Jedi Diane.

[Ryder Strong]

But here's the hard question. Did that help her likability? Which is why they did it right from season two, the idea was like, let's soften this character. Let's not make her weird or extreme or outside side. Let's make her more the. Every woman, the. The girl of our. Of. Of the boy's dreams. Right. Like, but here's what doesn't help. Did that help Topanga become more popular, more lovable to most of America? Like, I was. I don't know.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know, Phoebe. Phoebe Buffet.

[Will Friedle]

Great example. That's what exactly would have been what.

[Danielle Fishel]

Topanga grew up to. Okay, so.

[Will Friedle]

Exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

From friends.

[Will Friedle]

From friends.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Okay. Yeah. Phoebe from France, Right?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's who she would have been. She doesn't need to still be. She. I totally agree that we couldn't have Topanga being like. Like, give me your hand in every episode and then channeling spirits and doing things on her head, but, like, being a quirky, free spirit, animal rights activist, weird quote, unquote. Yeah. You know, far left, super woke. That's who. That's probably who Topanga would have been. And. And she probably. They could have maintained that essence while still letting her be a person who could hang out with normal friends.

[Will Friedle]

Right.

[Ryder Strong]

You know, I agree. But. But isn't there. Isn't Topanga successful? Like, aren't you a beloved character? A beloved.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah, right.

[Ryder Strong]

So in some ways, like, you know, I agree, like, if I was in charge of Boy Meets World, I would have kept Topanga. Super interesting. But would that have decreased the popularity of this couple? Because I think part of the reason that people love Cory and Topanga is that they project themselves into those characters.

[Will Friedle]

Right. What do we get told all the time at all our meet and greets and all the shows and everything? People loved early Topanga, like, how weird she was. They dress like her. They do. That's the. When people talk about Topanga, it seems to me they keep talking about the hippie Topanga and God, you made it so easy for me to be the weird girl.

[Danielle Fishel]

And people say to me all the time, there was no one else like you on television. That's only in seasons one and two. The rest of the seasons, there's lots of, you know, average girls on TV.

[Will Friedle]

Who Topanga reminded me of back in the day was Punky Brewster. There was the weirdness of the two shoes and the multiple colored this and doing something.

[Danielle Fishel]

Marching to the beat of her own drum.

[Will Friedle]

Exactly. And I never, you know, I think the Punky towards the end was still Punky Brewster.

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Will Friedle]

I mean, it's still kind of weird. Where had Punky just been a regular girl? I know. That's what I'm saying.

[Ryder Strong]

I think we kind of, like, get it both ways because we established a very interesting, unique, cool character that people still remember, but still remember. But then in terms of, like, as the show went on, it didn't appeal to that. It didn't play into that. And so she was likable in this more sort of generic, like, projectable way.

[Will Friedle]

Was she the nag? That's the thing. She wasn't this wonderfully likable character. She became the. And I can't believe you're gonna do that, Corey and rolling her eyes. And that's the thing. They didn't make her the wonderful kind of amazing girl. They made her the repository of look what women do to men. Like, oh, my God. And that's what it kind of seems like she's become.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, the intelligence and the type A stuff. Like, you know, there are aspects to Topanga's character that they do lean into that aren't just that, but.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Also, we did that whole episode where she so cared about the family. Like, she's obviously very loving. They've definitely.

[Will Friedle]

She's nurturing still.

[Danielle Fishel]

Nurturing. Yeah. They've at least given her that. But yeah, I mean, writer's definitely right. That, like, it has not negatively impacted the legacy of the character. That's clearly for sure the legacy of the character. Topanga is absolutely beloved, and no one on the planet is as lucky as I am that I got to be the person to bring her to life. Like, I. In no way am I saying that, but I do. Just when I'm watching the episode and I'm like, okay, here's what's gonna be the thing that kicks it off this. This big episode. And it's like, oh, this. But all of this is the first time we're hearing any of this stuff, and it doesn't feel. It doesn't feel authentic, which is a little bit disappointing. But I still didn't think the episode of TV was bad.

[Ryder Strong]

On the flip side, we are out of whiny Sean era. Sarah.

[Danielle Fishel]

We sure are wonderfully wonderful.

[Ryder Strong]

It's been a long time since I came back with and had my God to the baby. I have been like, Mr. Positive. I know they were very smart to pull that back because that was.

[Danielle Fishel]

They were.

[Ryder Strong]

That was a really. Getting old. Does it come back in season seven? What happened?

[Will Friedle]

I hope I don't have to see. I don't know.

[Ryder Strong]

Am I just generic? Dude from. Like, they made Sean more generic.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. You're right.

[Will Friedle]

And I'm a surfer guy now, and I think that was kind of my choice, but I don't know where that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, you were going to California. You know, that's.

[Will Friedle]

Maybe that's what I.

[Danielle Fishel]

It was. I don't. Yeah, yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, I'm giving good advice to Eric. Like, Sean is great, and it was great advice.

[Will Friedle]

It was my favorite scene of the show. It was like, oh, my God.

[Danielle Fishel]

It was really good, too.

[Will Friedle]

What we talked about, you know. Yeah, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Corey explains. Yeah. I'm just talking, but how are you so sure about this? She mentions their Parents. They got married young and they love each other now more than they ever did. Corey smiles. Yeah, my parents are still having babies. Which reminds Topanga, by the way, my parents are coming into into town to discuss the wedding. Wedding? Corey can't believe he's just learning this. By the way, Captain Titanic. The ship's in two pieces. Topanga wants to be able to tell her parents they've set a date. Also, are Topanga's parents rushing them to get married?

[Will Friedle]

Maybe, but everybody loves a good Independence Day wedding.

[Danielle Fishel]

Who doesn't? Corey looks even more afraid now, but Topanga assures him that is normal. Then, on cue, Feeny and Dean Bolender walk up, hand in hand. Feeny asks if they want to hear something, but before they can even get an answer, Dean Bolender accepts, excitedly announces, feeny and I are getting married Sunday. The inmates let out a mild cheer as the newly engaged couple leave, and Topanga and Corey look excited.

[Will Friedle]

But before Feeny yeah, I have an etiquette question. Because I didn't go to college. Inappropriate matters. Not at all. No one cares that a professor and the Dean are walking hand in hand, like through the Student Union. Would that matter in any way? It doesn't, right? Okay, I didn't think so because it's college, but I wasn't sure. Yeah, but.

[Danielle Fishel]

Before Feeny can get to the exit, Corey asks, are you nervous? With his future wife now out of earshot, Feeny mouths and nods yes. And then we're in the Matthews kitchen. Feeny and the Dean are sitting at the kitchen table with Amy and Alan discussing their upcoming wedding. Lila explains it'll be a simple ceremony at the justice of the peace, but Amy says they should have their wedding here at the Matthews house. Feeny insists that's not necessary, but Alan argues everyone will want to be there. You can't rob them of that. That Feeny can't imagine anybody being interested in them. He's surprised Lila's even interested in them. The lovebirds look at each other lovingly, and Amy is overcome by romance. Oh my. Allan isn't as mushy. Oh boy. Then Corey bursts into the room shouting, big trouble, chickens in the hallway. Amy ignores his urgency and informs him that Feeny and Lila are getting married in their living room room. Did anyone else notice that? She said, Mr. Feeny and Lila are getting married. And I was like, why do you call him Mr. Feeny?

[Will Friedle]

And you just go, everybody. He's feeding it as Mr. Feeny, everybody.

[Danielle Fishel]

Mr. Feeny to everyone.

[Will Friedle]

That's great.

[Danielle Fishel]

So Corey Scowls. I'm thrilled for you, Feeny. Now get out and take your chick with you. Alan asks if he's lost his mind. Corey simply responds, the in laws are coming. Everyone's facial expression quickly changes as Feeny declares, we're out of here. As Feeny leaves, he pats Corey on the cheek and says in a weird baby voice, you're a good boy.

[Will Friedle]

Just like Feeny.

[Ryder Strong]

What's going on?

[Will Friedle]

Just like Feeny.

[Ryder Strong]

Perfect. They all know, like, oh, the in laws are coming. We've gotta.

[Will Friedle]

Because Topanga's parents are so awful. Or is it just the idea that.

[Danielle Fishel]

It doesn't make any sitcom?

[Will Friedle]

So in laws.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's exactly. It's sitcom. That's exactly right. Corey slams the door and repeats himself. Big trouble. Amy tries to calm him down. It's just Topanga's parents. Cory's on a rampage. Well, I'm going in the living room.

[Will Friedle]

That actually made me laugh because it made no sense. It was just like, we have to move scenes. We're going to go in the living room. I'm going in the. It's like saying, where we're going now.

[Ryder Strong]

That's what he goes to do. Fluffy.

[Danielle Fishel]

Whoops. I know.

[Will Friedle]

I'm going to continue this scene upstairs.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, oh, okay. I'm gonna walk over here now and keep talking to you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, you better follow me if you want to hear me or see me with those cameras. So weird.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, let's go over here. Track me this way.

[Ryder Strong]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Weird. So now we're in the living room as he told us. Cory is frantically fluffing pillows when Amy and Alan, now also carrying a baby bassinet with them, she's just like wheeling.

[Will Friedle]

It behind her, just room to room.

[Danielle Fishel]

Corey says, they used to be Topanga's parents. Now they're the in laws. Now they hate me. Alan asked start this scene in the.

[Ryder Strong]

Living room because they were in the kitchen. But why?

[Danielle Fishel]

Because.

[Ryder Strong]

Why did they start?

[Danielle Fishel]

It would have been too long. We spend too much time in this episode in the living room because Mr. Feeny and Lila.

[Ryder Strong]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Because then there's the wedding and all the scenes with the. With the parents. It's just the whole episode would have been in the living room.

[Will Friedle]

So they was a lot of leaving one door and coming back a completely different door where it's just like it.

[Ryder Strong]

Had something to do with having to dress. The living room. I bet you was a timing thing. They were like, when can we pre tape? What can we pre tape? And what can we do? And they had to break it up.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep, 100%. Allan asks why and Corey explains, the same reason Grandma hates you. Alan gives an understanding nod. He gets it. Now. Corey coyly adds, that's exactly what.

[Ryder Strong]

Sorry, that's exactly what it is. It was that they gave Bill and Bonnie the day off, so they could only be in a scene when the living room was dressed for the wedding. Wedding. Because they had to be in the wedding scene. So in order to get them and have a day off, they put them in the kitchen instead of the living room.

[Danielle Fishel]

So they gave them the pre tape.

[Ryder Strong]

So they got the pre tape day to do the wedding and then they had the actual tape night off.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's right.

[Ryder Strong]

Because. Yeah, that's a really horrible way to like, shoot.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. Okay, wait, do you think we would have then pre taped the student union at the beginning?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, obviously. Or they just wanted to get Bill and Bonnie out, but it's clear that they arranged it around their schedule.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't think it actually had to even do with their schedule as much as it probably just had to do with a logistics thing for how are we gonna shoot this many scenes?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, but think about it.

[Ryder Strong]

They already had to shoot this part in the living room. So adding an extra two pages or three pages to this scene wouldn't have been the problem. Except that this they wanted. Oh, it was probably Michael McKean and Annetto Toole's schedule.

[Danielle Fishel]

No.

[Ryder Strong]

Cause they're in the wedding scenes too.

[Will Friedle]

But wait a second. No, it also has to be logistic because aren't the.

[Danielle Fishel]

The.

[Will Friedle]

The living room is now.

[Danielle Fishel]

Or the.

[Will Friedle]

The boy's apartment is now where the living room used to be. So remember they. Because that once the living room went away, that's where the boy's apartment was.

[Ryder Strong]

Right. So the living room. They actually built the living room on next to the audience.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Ryder Strong]

When you're facing the audience, it was to the left of the audience where the old.

[Danielle Fishel]

Where the hallway is like with. Where the old hallway for the college.

[Will Friedle]

So. Yeah, they had so many sets. That's what it was.

[Danielle Fishel]

Also, though, I, I must say, in every show I've ever directed where you find that there's a lot of scenes that take place in one place. Someone goes, we have to. We have to break this up. Can we. Where else can we move this? Can we move this to the hallway? Can we move this? So whether or not it was based around trying to give someone a day off, which maybe if it's super easy, but considering both Bonnie and Bill are a big part of this episode, I doubt it was them. And considering Annette and Michael are a big part of this episode, I doubt anyone's like, let's give them a day off where we can. I think it's probably just. Just logistics of we have to redress for a wedding, so we've got to get another. Or. And, or also we. This whole episode would then take place in the living room.

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

If we don't just give us at least three pages.

[Will Friedle]

I think they just. You came in with an attitude and you're like, I want to see.

[Danielle Fishel]

I was like, I will not watch one more scene in this living room.

[Will Friedle]

That's probably what happens. And they changed it. And they changed it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, they listened to me. You know, whenever. Whenever I needed something, they listened.

[Will Friedle]

We remember.

[Danielle Fishel]

Corey coyly adds, and other reasons. Amy wants to know what he's talking about. So he starts his list. I'm the reason their daughter's not going to Yale. I'm also the reason their daughter's not living with them in Pittsburgh. He pulls two cards out of his pocket and hands them to his parents. This is why I made these. Amy reads aloud. Do's and don'ts for behavior around the in laws. Corey scoffs. You didn't think I was going to let you be yourselves for this, did you? Allan frowns. No impressions. None. People love my impressions. Amy laughs. No one even knows when you're doing one. Allan accepts her words with defeat and walks away sulking. Why didn't he do a bad impression as a. As a button to that. No one even knows when you're doing one. Why didn't he do like. Why didn't he say something in a weird voice? And everyone would be like, was that.

[Will Friedle]

Was that somebody impression was.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm Arnold Schwarzenegger. Yeah. Just say I'll be back. You don't have to say. You are right.

[Will Friedle]

Exactly. Yeah. We cannot have the wedding here.

[Danielle Fishel]

Then the baby starts to cry and Amy sings, hush. Little baby. Baby.

[Will Friedle]

Real baby. Was it really baby? And then they were close on her.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's not a real baby.

[Will Friedle]

It was. She's holding the baby in a single shot. Yes, we did. Of course we did that. We.

[Ryder Strong]

We.

[Will Friedle]

She's holding the baby in a single. Like there's no. You can't see anybody else. So they obviously brought in, covered it.

[Danielle Fishel]

With the blanket for the next one.

[Ryder Strong]

That's where we had to break.

[Will Friedle]

That's. It was.

[Danielle Fishel]

The baby wanted to be in the kitchen.

[Will Friedle]

The baby wanted to be in the kitchen. The baby's like, I'm going in the kitchen. Do the rest of the scene in here. That was my baby impression, by the way, in case you guys didn't know that.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's good. That's really good. That's exactly what my kids. When she gets to the line, mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird. Corey promptly cuts in. No, she ain't, Ma. Not tonight. Alan jumps up. Ha. You can't sing. He backtracks. I mean, you sing very well, but not tonight, because it's on the don't list. Like my impressions. Then the doorbell rings, and Corey lets out one of his signature shrieks.

[Ryder Strong]

They're here.

[Danielle Fishel]

Amy assures him there's nothing to worry about. And Allan reminds him, their daughter loves you. That's what's important. Corey knows something else that's important. They need to stick to the conversational topics that he has clearly written out for them. Allan reads his bridges and patio furniture. Amy sees hers. Peaches and slipcovers. Corey demands, that's it. Nothing else. Nobody says anything stupid, okay? Then he opens the door, revealing Topanga and her parents. Parents played by two new actors we've never seen.

[Will Friedle]

And that's when Corey says, who the are you? Cause you're not her parents.

[Danielle Fishel]

They exchange a polite hi. And then Corey blurts out, I'm sorry, your daughter gave up Yale for me. Topanga ignores him and introduces, or reintroduces, depending on how long you've watched the show. Her parents, Jedediah and Rhiannon. Rhiannon responds to Corey's comment. It's okay. She's happy where she is. Jedediah sarcastically adds his two cents. Sure, what the hell. Four generations of Lawrences at Yale are plenty.

[Will Friedle]

So now her dad, who was a luthier, literally, now all of a sudden is one of these guys. Four generations at Yale and they changed her name. Why? Why do we need any of this? Why can't her name still be clothed? Chloe, like it's already established. What are we doing? This, to me, was so. I was like, wait, he's a. Like a banker guy who's a white collar, and now he's gone to Yale?

[Danielle Fishel]

What the hell? It.

[Will Friedle]

It made no sense to me. Why couldn't it have been the same storyline with the guy who makes guitars for a living? And. And he's a little bit crunchy. Like, why.

[Ryder Strong]

Why does it.

[Will Friedle]

I mean, ugh, it made no sense to me.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Ryder Strong]

Actually, I mean, that would have been great if, like. Like they were super hippy, dippy, and like, you know, Topanga had changed, and that was what the episode was about is them being like, our daughter's getting married and we don't care because we don't think marriage is that important. And there's tension, you know, interesting tension.

[Will Friedle]

As opposed to Michael McKeon is also an accomplished guitarist.

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Will Friedle]

He can play the guitar. You cast the guy who actually plays guitar to be a banker. What are you doing? Like, it doesn't make any sense to me.

[Danielle Fishel]

He lets out a fake laugh and Corey nervously giggles right back. Alan breaks the tension and asks if they'd like to come in. They exchange handshakes and hugs shortly after. And then we're back in the student union. Eric lines up at the pool table to shoot the white ball into a basket. He makes the shot, then jumps up exclaiming, whee. Shawn just entered in time to witness the whole thing and remarks, you just scratched on purpose. Eric shrugs, yeah, well, I'm a loser anyway. The audience lets out a sympathetic aww. While Shawn gives him a weary look. After a long pause, he asks Eric if he wants to talk. Eric questions, you and me? Sean ponders it. Yeah, can we do that? Eric admits, I don't know. We never have before. This is obviously from you guys having made this joke that you guys never get to work together.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Does it feel silly now? Does it feel silly? It feels ridiculous, right? Yes.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. Because we did a lot together.

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, I was watching it.

[Ryder Strong]

I wouldn't say it feels ridiculous because of that. It just feels ridiculous to comment on it on the show. As if anybody else cares. It's like we cared as actors, and we went to the Michael and said, can we have a scene together? And so they wrote this scene. But why do you have to comment on it? Like, why not just have Sean Nair talk to each other?

[Danielle Fishel]

No one else feels like you guys haven't had scenes together.

[Will Friedle]

No, it was just Ryder and I.

[Danielle Fishel]

Got no one watching the show. Feels like you guys. Like, I kind of think the energy.

[Ryder Strong]

Is a little weird. You don't think the energy is weird, Will?

[Will Friedle]

Between the two of us?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, between our characters.

[Will Friedle]

I think it's. I think it's because Sean is not really Sean and Eric's not really Eric. That's what I mean.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, I feel like you end up pushing in this scene and I end up having to do less.

[Will Friedle]

Bring it back. Agree.

[Ryder Strong]

When we're the. We're like. We're actually a source of energy in most other scenes, you know, and instead I have to, like, flatten to become more of a straight man and you feel the urge to, like, keep making it fun. It's like. It's a weird energy. There are still some nice moments, but it feels a little awkward. Awkward. And it's. You know, it's also just like. I don't know. It's just like. It feels.

[Will Friedle]

I personally really liked the scene again, watching two different actors as two different characters.

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Will Friedle]

To me, it wasn't Shawn and Eric. It was Will and Ryder kind of sitting there talking. And that's what I liked. But it wasn't. I mean, Eric is so far. Is already far, and Sean is now different again. So that's what I meant by, like, I liked this as an episode of television, but I felt like I was watching you and I. And that's why I like. But I also liked that the question was answered that we have talked about, which. Which is good.

[Danielle Fishel]

I also felt like, because you guys thought that the reason you didn't work together all that often was because you kept making each other laugh. I did feel like there was a little bit of energy of Will trying to make Ryder laugh.

[Will Friedle]

Yep. Absolutely.

[Danielle Fishel]

And Ryder really trying to keep it all together, to hold it together. And so that kind of is what felt like. Maybe what you're picking up on is feeling him push. Is him trying to push your buttons to make you laugh, which is also.

[Will Friedle]

Kind of an asshole thing to do to a fellow actor. It's like, I'm trying to make you break.

[Ryder Strong]

Is kind of a dick thingy, though. I would keep breaking. We know that, like, that was the story. So what we're seeing is, like, the reality of me trying not to break and. Yeah, it's just too bad.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. I love the contents of the scene, though, because I, like, this is the. The thing that we've been asking is like, okay, why do you love Rachel?

[Ryder Strong]

And remember, I just wanted to converse with Topanga. Would have been really nice to ask Cory, like, why do you love Topanga?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, right.

[Ryder Strong]

Is it just to keep her and to get her and to not cheat.

[Danielle Fishel]

On her to win?

[Ryder Strong]

Is that to win?

[Will Friedle]

So. But no, I'm glad we had, like. I'm so glad this discussion took place because it was one that needed to happen.

[Danielle Fishel]

So Sean points out. Not in the last six years. Eric adds, not even that year we lived together. Sean says he forgot about that year. He wants to know when that was. Eric thinks about it and finally realizes it was just last year. They both nod, baffled by the revelation. Eric begins to walk away, but Sean suggests that they talk and see what happens. Eric scoffs. What could you and I possibly have to talk about. About. Shawn accepts his answer. Okay. But Eric quickly changes his mind and dramatically spills his guts. My life sucks. Shani. He's lost his apartment, Rachel, Jack, and now Feeny. He blames Jack for most of it. Even Feeny. For some reason, Shawn gets it. I lost something that means more to me than any of that, and I managed to survive. Eric asks, you mean your dead dad? Sean sarcastically points out Eric's sensitivity. Eric thanks John for the compliment and. Which is. And wishes Rachel saw it too. Too. He loves her. Shawn isn't buying it. Do you think the two of you would actually make a good couple? Eric breathlessly responds, she's so pretty.

[Ryder Strong]

Great question.

[Danielle Fishel]

Finally, Shawn nods. But what about her attracts you spiritually? Eric says, again, she's so pretty. Shawn asks about her personality now. And Eric starts with how pretty she is and then also mentions how good she can walk. When he can't think of anything else, he just whines, go ask Jack. He's the one who won her. Shawn notices that Eric seems to care more about the competition with Jack than he cares about Rachel. Eric denies it, but immediately adds, I could have won that.

[Will Friedle]

I could.

[Danielle Fishel]

I swear he cheated. Sean wonders, because dad died? Eric nods. Yeah, he was grieving. Chicks totally dig people that are grieving. Don't get me wrong. I know it was your dad and everything, I really do. But I'm pretty sure it was a fantastic. Sean explains, I feel really good about my life right now because when I took off in my dad's trailer, I had a moment that made everything completely clear for me. As much as we wish it was nobody's angel, Shawn reveals that it was when he was looking up into the night sky. He saw stars, planets, galaxies. Eric assumes he must have felt so small. Shawn agrees, saying he felt like a speck who was here for one moment in time and then gone. So he decided that while he's here, he wants to be with his friends and the people that he loves. Because when I'm with you guys, I don't feel that small. That's what I figured out. Eric knows Shawn had to find that out for himself, so now it's his turn. Eric tells Shawn he's happy he came back, and Sean points out it was a great talk. Eric thinks they should do it again sometime. And then they cheers their soda bottles.

[Will Friedle]

See, I thought it was a nice. I thought that your speech was really nice. And the kind of not feeling small when you. You're with your friends. I loved all that I thought that was great.

[Danielle Fishel]

It is great. 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. Trips.

[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 this Labor Day.

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[Danielle Fishel]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job and 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 Ah yes, it's the season of back to school. The scent of sharpened pencil 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 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. Summer is right around the corner and you know what that means.

[Ryder Strong]

Barbecues.

[Will Friedle]

Sunny days by the pool with my shirt on.

[Danielle Fishel]

No unwanted hair. No one wants that. So we're here to remind you about Nair, the number one hair removal brand. The gold standard in the field.

[Will Friedle]

You can't go wrong with any of their products. They have the new Lux Wax for less Wait time in between waxes, waxes.

[Ryder Strong]

Or the dermatologist tested body and shower creams free of dyes, parabens, phthalates and sulfates.

[Danielle Fishel]

But we're focusing on my favorite the wax strips. It makes for the easiest wax ever and it lasts up to four weeks, all while minimizing hair regrowth and most importantly, saving me time. I have a podcast to record, a little league practice to watch and a bedtime of 8.30pm Nair is an actual lifesaver.

[Will Friedle]

You can achieve salon quality results at home, leaving you with stress free, soft silky skin. Or as I like to call it.

[Ryder Strong]

The triple S. You heard the man. Get ready for summer. Buy Nair wax strips at Walmart, Walgreens or cvs.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then we're in the Matthews living room. All four parents are chatting with each other while Topanga and Corey watch on from the kitchen door. Topanga points out that they look like one big happy family. She knows they're going to be okay. Corey takes all the credit, pointing out that his cards are working like a charm. Topanga wants to know what he did, but Corey just shushes her. They re enter the gathering, and Corey bows. Hello. He wants to know what they're talking about. Jedediah says there's nothing good on TV anymore. Corey's obviously confused. Is television bridges or patio furniture? Dad. Jedediah elaborates, the only good show that was ever on TV is alf. Which is funny because he was on it.

[Will Friedle]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

Which is something no one has ever said in real life.

[Will Friedle]

Nope.

[Danielle Fishel]

Alan laughs, and Rhiannon reminds him that no one watches his elf. In fact, it's not even on TV anymore. Jedidiah tells her that's his point. There's nothing good on tv. But Rannon's got one. What about. And Jedediah finishes her sentence. Ally McBeal. I'll tell you what's wrong with it. She has no passion for the law, and she takes issue with her husband's comments on television in front of other people. Ran. And reminds him she's not even married. Jedidiah emphasizes, and she never will be. Yikes. Man boy.

[Will Friedle]

Seems like a tv. It seems like a family shouldn't even have a tv.

[Danielle Fishel]

And yeah. Yep, yep, yep. Alan butts in. Remember when ALF was on Johnny Carson? Corey's eyes go wide. Oh, no. Alan continues. Nobody did it like Johnny. And Corey knows where this is going. Allan transitions into a terrible Johnny Carson impression despite Corey's earlier rules. But to our surprise, everyone breaks into laughter. Jedediah admits that was hideous, but encourages him to do another one. Alan slumps over. I don't really want to now. Rhiannon scolds her husband. She thought Alan's Johnny Carson was fine. Sure enough, Alan is now confident enough for impression number two. Ed McMahon, laughing and bellowing, you are correct, sir. Corey watches on in horror. This is his actual nightmare. Jedediah assures Rhiannon that he was only having a little fun. Then Topanga asks her dad to do his Johnny Carson impression impression. But Jedediah is focused on his wife. Why is it that everything I say you have to take the opposite point of view? Breaking the tension, Joshua begins to cry, and Amy leaves to tend to him. Rhiannon lowers her voice to her husband. I didn't mean to scold. I just thought you were being a little rude. He insists he wasn't being rude. Rude is just how she chose to interpret it. On cue, Amy begins to sing Hush Little Baby to Joshua again. Despite Corey's clear instruction, Corey runs over to freak out on her. As the singing continues, Allan begins to poorly impersonate Humphrey Bogart. Corey now Looks to his dad. What the hell are you doing?

[Will Friedle]

It's a great beat. That's a great beat.

[Danielle Fishel]

Mid fight ran and tells Jedediah to drop it. But he reminds her that dropping it doesn't make it go away. The room has now gone silent and everyone is staring at them. Alan tries to lighten the mood by asking Corey for some dessert, even resorting to his best Jack Benny voice, when Topanga jumps in in her and Corey have an announcement to make, but Jedediah interrupts her. He's interested in what she has to say, but first he needs to take a walk for some fresh air.

[Will Friedle]

And Topanga picks up on none of this. None of this horrible tension in the room.

[Danielle Fishel]

The smartest person.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, you know, in touch with her feelings, everything.

[Danielle Fishel]

And also so in tune with the people around her generally.

[Will Friedle]

The man literally stands up and walks out. And she still doesn't.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right after she says she has an announcement to make. Sure. Yeah, yeah, sure, honey, I want to hear that. But first I'm gonna go take a yeah.

[Will Friedle]

It's so weird.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's so weird. Rhiannon angrily mutters under her breath. And Topanga is concerned. Rhiannon apologizes to everyone, then rushes out of the room, and Topanga quickly follows behind her. With just the Matthews left in the living room, Corey has a bone to pick with his parents. You just couldn't stick to the cards, could ya? And we're in the Matthews kitchen. Topanga asks her mom, what's wrong? And Rhiannon tries to blame it on being emotional because her little girl is getting married. But Topanga wants to know what's wrong with dad. Rhiannon shakes her head. He and I have been together a long time. Topanga, ignoring the problems in her parents marriage she just witnessed, says that's what she's been telling Corey to reassure him about their own longevity Ran and gently reminds her daughter that every relationship lives on its own. They don't need to use any other relationship as an example. Topanga agrees, but also stays in denial. It's going to be really hard for me and Corey to live up to you guys, but we're going to try. Then Jedediah returns through the back door apologizing for walking out. He blames it on the long drive from Pittsburgh, and Topanga greets him with a big hug. Pushing past the tension, she excitedly asks her parents if they're ready to head back into the living room and start planning the wedding. Her dad smiles and says yes. But once Topanga leaves, Rhiannon and Jedediah stay behind. Rhiannon turns to him and, dripping with anger, asks if he got enough air. And then we're in Jack and Rachel's apartment. The lovebirds are sharing a cup with two straws as they cuddle on the couch. Nobody does does this.

[Will Friedle]

No.

[Ryder Strong]

Anywhere on television.

[Danielle Fishel]

Never anywhere. Rachel announces, I'm making spaghetti. You want to share it like lady and the Tramp? Jack smirks, yeah, I'll be tramp. Unless you want to be. They return to their heavy makeout session, but a knock at the door interrupts them. Jack annoyedly barks, who is it? And we hear it's Eric. Rachel nervously responds, just a second. As she and Jack dart around the room to tidy up and separate themselves themselves. Jack eventually answers the door and Eric happily greets them as he walks inside. He asks what they've been up to and Jack casually mentions, it's just been a normal night. Eric asks, so I'm not interrupting here? And Rachel insists, no, no, we were just reading. And Jack adds, the Bible. Eric jokes, that's good.

[Ryder Strong]

Bible joke. Bible jokes are go to. They work.

[Will Friedle]

They work. Read the Bible.

[Danielle Fishel]

Because I came here to give you my blessing. They all burst into awkward laughter and Eric continues, I'm not going to try to make you feel uncomfortable or bad. And then he notices their shared cup and screams, two straws. But he quickly composes himself. It's okay, it's okay. And here's where I really noticed the lobster on the fridge. But it lives there. It just lives on the fridge. At least that one could be a magnet.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, right. That's one. That's it.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's it. That's the one that never bothers me.

[Will Friedle]

It's the one you get.

[Danielle Fishel]

Eric calmly continues, I just wanted to say that I am genuinely happy for both of you. Rachel is shocked. Oh, isn't that nice? Jack, on the other hand, is suspicious. Why? Eric explains, you remember how excited we were when she moved in? Jack says, yes, and Rachel wonders, maybe this should just be between the. Between you two guys. But Eric asks her to stay. Remember how from the second we saw her, we both wanted her? Jack smiles. Yeah. Rachel nervously giggles, I'm gonna leave now. But Eric is still determined. She stick around. Eric reveals, well, I have been a fool. Fool. This whole time I've been sitting there thinking I'm so in love with Rachel, but I don't even know her. Just living in the same apartment with her, you know, wondering what she's gonna wear every day or catching a whiff of the smell of her hair. Or that cute, funny laugh she's got. Rachel giggles and then realizes, oh, you mean like that? Returning to form, Jack bro hugs Eric. Yeah, our lives were really turned upside down by this one.

[Will Friedle]

And she looks like she's three feet taller than both of us. I know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Eric admits that once he moved out, he realized that the competition was the thing that was most exciting to him. And surprisingly, Jack agrees. Rachel is obviously confused, maybe even hurt, and Jack boasts, I won that one. Rachel questions, won what? And Jack explains, won you. But quickly tries to fix how that sounded. I mean, I didn't won you, I meant. He softly punches her shoulder.

[Ryder Strong]

I like the sentiment behind this, but I just don't believe that Jack would say this. Nope, it's not his character. You know, he would never brag about winning a girl over Eric. Like, his relationship with Eric is not this at all. But I, I, I like that they're having this conversation. I like that he's having this feeling that, you know, I. But it's a weird, it's a weirdly.

[Will Friedle]

Written moment for character.

[Ryder Strong]

Again, really not a current character. Like, I feel like he would be sitting there realizing while Eric talking and then have like a breakdown after he left and be like, oh, God, he's right. He would not be bragging about you, of course.

[Danielle Fishel]

No. Nope, nope, nope. I completely agree. He softly punches her shoulder. One you. Jack winces at his detrimental mistake as Eric makes his way to the door. I just came over here to tell you guys how happy I am for you. It feels so good to finally get it off my chest. He lets out a big sigh of relief and lovingly says goodbye. Now alone, the tension between Rachel and Jack is palpable. They give each other soft smiles, but the damage has been been done. And then we're back in the Matthews living room. Topanga says that while her parents are in town, they would love for everyone to see the wedding venue they have in mind. Amy admits, we never actually had a hall. We eloped. Alan explains her folks didn't think I'd amount to anything, but I guess we showed them, huh? He slings his arm around Amy and she jokingly sighs. I guess. They embrace 23 years of happiness. A brand new baby, these babies getting married, and a wilderness store.

[Ryder Strong]

What, like grocery manager, real estate stay split level on Oak Street.

[Will Friedle]

How old is Eric supposed to be? 22.

[Danielle Fishel]

I was gonna say 22.

[Will Friedle]

Okay, so I figured they're married for, like, they're trying to set it up. They were married when they had Eric.

[Danielle Fishel]

23 years of happiness. I would imagine that.

[Ryder Strong]

But did you graduate from high school?

[Danielle Fishel]

He's still in college.

[Ryder Strong]

Right. But only. I don't know. I've lost.

[Will Friedle]

I don't know. I was trying to get.

[Ryder Strong]

When did you. When did you graduate high school? Was that season in real life?

[Will Friedle]

Oh. As Eric.

[Danielle Fishel]

You didn't graduate high school, Will.

[Will Friedle]

I did, actually, just by the security guy.

[Ryder Strong]

When was the security guy episode? Because that's when you graduate high school. That's. That was season five.

[Will Friedle]

So you've.

[Ryder Strong]

You're two years in college, which means you're only 20.

[Will Friedle]

Okay.

[Ryder Strong]

Eric's only 20.

[Danielle Fishel]

I guess.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Will Friedle]

All right, 20.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ryder Strong]

So Corey's still 18.

[Danielle Fishel]

They're 19.

[Ryder Strong]

Are we in our first year?

[Danielle Fishel]

We're in our first year at prom. We were 18. Remember? Remember?

[Will Friedle]

That's right. So you're 19.

[Ryder Strong]

Okay.

[Will Friedle]

And Eric's supposed to be at least two years old. Yeah. Eric's 21. 21, 22. Okay. Just trying to figure it out.

[Ryder Strong]

It's really important stuff to figure out.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Will Friedle]

Well, I mean, if they say they're married for 23 years and Eric's 28, there's a big problem.

[Danielle Fishel]

Topanga smiles at their love while Rhiannon and Jedidiah stay awfully quiet. Topanga asks her parents, what about you guys? Did Grandma and Grandpa think you'd make it? A clearly upset Rhiannon admits, yeah, they thought we would make it. And that her name was Chloe. She starts to tear up. They thought we'd be together forever. Jedediah says, don't. But Rannon continues, so did I. Topanga's rightfully concerned as her mom starts to break down. Rhiannon just apologizes and Jedediah stands up. Not now. Topanga asks her mom, while she's cr. Why she's crying like this. She's scaring her. Rannon admits, I thought I could get through this, but I can't. I'm so. I. Sorry. Sorry. Amy knows where this is going and stands up. It's time to feed the baby. Alan, why don't you come help me? Alan Clueless. How could I help you feed the baby?

[Will Friedle]

Great line.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Ryder Strong]

So Amy shoots him a look at this episode.

[Will Friedle]

It is.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

He's got all the funny stuff to do.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, he's the funny one.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Can I help you feed the baby?

[Danielle Fishel]

They quickly scurry out of the room. Corey stammers too. Maybe I should go too. Corey.

[Ryder Strong]

I know. Corey is useless in this episode. It's really too bad.

[Danielle Fishel]

Useless. He's not.

[Will Friedle]

He's Would you rather be useless or oblivious? That's the question. Because that's Cory and Topanga in this episode.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. But Jedediah insists Corey stay. He thinks maybe it will calm the situation. Then Rhiannon turns to Topanga. Your father and I argue a lot. Topanga reminds her mom that all married couples argue a lot, which I don't know where she got that. So where she got that fact, all couples hit like.

[Ryder Strong]

Wait, what?

[Danielle Fishel]

All couples beat each other?

[Will Friedle]

That's not accurate.

[Danielle Fishel]

Not. Not. No.

[Ryder Strong]

Actually, I think the line should have been, all couples have disagreements. Right. Like, not everybody gets along perfectly. Agree.

[Danielle Fishel]

Of course. Of course. Rhiannon asks, haven't you ever wondered why we let you stay here when we moved to Pittsburgh? Corey finds a way to make it about him by blurting out, because of me. But Topanga simultaneously answers, because you didn't want to take me away from my last year of high school. Corey chimes in, and me. But Topanga continues, because you didn't want to rip me away from my friends. Corey points to himself. Me ran. And reveals. Dad and I thought we could work things out if we took some time by ourselves. So they thought it was Topanga's fault? Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

The kid that they had finishing high school was the problem.

[Danielle Fishel]

I think maybe the fact that we have a daughter here is just. Do you think she could move to another city?

[Will Friedle]

That's why we let you go away.

[Ryder Strong]

It's like, oh, man, it's so weird.

[Danielle Fishel]

Topanga stays in denial. Work what out. There's nobody like you two. You two are so in love. Her mom responds, people change. Topanga rushes to her dad, why is mom talking like this?

[Will Friedle]

I'm sorry, but the people change had me laugh because it's two different actors. And just her going, people change was.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, your parents have changed.

[Ryder Strong]

They might even change.

[Will Friedle]

Literally changed.

[Danielle Fishel]

We wanted to wait until after the wedding. Topanga can't bear to hear it. But he continues, we tried as hard as we. And then Topanga shouts out, you guys will get through this. Rhiannon shouts, marriage is not something to get through, Topanga. That's not why I got married. Reality is finally set in for Topanga. She starts to cry and heads toward the kitchen. Her parents try to explain themselves, but can't stop. Stop her. Corey is shocked, and Jedediah tells him, maybe we just got married too young.

[Will Friedle]

Yikes. But also, what kind of partner doesn't go and run after your partner who just ran out of the room after hearing something horrible and crying? Corey, go follow Penga.

[Danielle Fishel]

Rhiannon shakes her head and turns to Corey. Not you. This has nothing to do with you.

[Will Friedle]

You.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, then. We're in the. Matthew's living room. We're at George and Lila's wedding. There are chairs and flowers everywhere with a makeshift altar by the fireplace where Feeny stands. Eric is at his side. Angela and Shawn walk in, and Angela reminds him they are not here as a couple. She will.

[Ryder Strong]

I've completely lost track. What is the story at this point? No, just what is the story? Like, what are we like?

[Will Friedle]

Yes.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, how did this episode begin? Because right now it seems like the most tension is for Topanga.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Ryder Strong]

What is.

[Danielle Fishel]

This started because Topanga wanted to book a wedding venue. She wanted to be able to tell her parents they had booked a date. The big announcement was going to be, we want you to come see the hall. We're getting married July 4th.

[Ryder Strong]

So the conflict right now is that.

[Danielle Fishel]

The conflict was between Cory and Topanga. He was a little like Independence Day. And she's like, oh, my God. Are you getting cold feet? No. My parents are coming now. The tension is the in laws are coming, they hate me.

[Ryder Strong]

And then the in laws turn out to be. Yeah. Okay. So we're supposed to be going into this scene with tension around Topanga's journey. I feel very lost. I feel very lost.

[Danielle Fishel]

And that this is also now, I guess, supposed to be that Topanga's dad just reinforced the seed that was already there in Corey's head that maybe they're rushing into this because look what happened to them. He just said, maybe we got married too young.

[Ryder Strong]

Gotcha.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right. And so that he. That's been his concern. And so now.

[Will Friedle]

And they have to set up that Eric might leave.

[Danielle Fishel]

And that Eric is leaving. Exactly.

[Will Friedle]

So, yeah, that's the story writer.

[Ryder Strong]

I know. It's a lot. It's okay. I just.

[Will Friedle]

So they are coming in for Feeny's wedding. Jedediah and Chloe. Rhiannon were not coming in for Feeny's wedding. They just happened to be there.

[Danielle Fishel]

They were coming in to have some sort of planning for the wedding.

[Will Friedle]

Right. Gotcha.

[Danielle Fishel]

Because I keep saying that to plan the wedding time. That we've got a wedding to plan, man.

[Will Friedle]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Angela and Sean walk in, walking. They are not together. Sean goes along with it. I know. You reminded me three times in the car. Don't worry. The only feelings I have for you are friendly feelings. Angela reiterates it's a wedding, so she doesn't want him getting all sappy. SEAN scoffs Am I the Sappy type. Then, on cue, Morgan walks down the stairs with a bouquet of flowers and Sean gushes, oh, Morgan's a flower girl.

[Ryder Strong]

Has Lindsay had a line this episode?

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't think so.

[Ryder Strong]

No, I don't think so.

[Danielle Fishel]

He turns to Angela and begs, gimme kissy. Meanwhile, up at the altar, Eric admits to Feeny, I'm really gonna miss ya. Feeny responds, I'll miss you too, my boy, but I'll be back from Aruba in two weeks. Eric nervously clears his throat. Yeah, I'm thinking of doing some traveling myself. Feeny gives him a look, and Eric quickly adds, don't worry, I'm not going to Aruba. Then he says, I love you, Mr. Feeny, and he gives Feeny a hug.

[Ryder Strong]

Hug.

[Danielle Fishel]

Feeny smiles. I love you too, Eric. I'll see you when I get back. Eric tries to be reassuring, but there's something up. Yeah, I'll see ya then. The wedding march begins to play and everyone watches as Lila walks down the stairs.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, the end of the show is that he won't say I love you. And yet he's already said it here. Like, do you remember? The final scene is like, tell us you love us. And he won't.

[Danielle Fishel]

And he won't.

[Ryder Strong]

For him, the whole thing should be that. Like, even on his wedding day, Eric is like, oh, you know, my, the sentimentality right now.

[Will Friedle]

Maybe he was thrown by my giant suit. Is it possible?

[Danielle Fishel]

Everyone watches as Lila walks down the stairs with two white roses in hand. Eric's eyebrows raise as he nudges Feeny with his elbow. This irritates Feeny, who shoos him away to his seat. Lila arrives at the altar and hands Feeny one of her roses. The officiant begins his speech, and we see shots of the different couples around the room. Amy and Alan kiss, Topanga is crying, and Rhiannon and Jedediah look repulsed by one another. Another Feeny recites his beautiful vows and Lila follows with her own, admitting her only sadness as they met so late in life. We see Jack and Rachel still with obviously tense body language. Then it's Shawn and Angela on the stairs. Shawn reaches for her hand twice, but she keeps pulling it away. Finally, he puts an arm around her. There's a lobster in the flowers.

[Will Friedle]

Giant lobster there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Finally, he puts an arm around her and pulls her in. Angela smiles and allows it. The officiant asks the bride and groom if they each take each other till death do they part, and then declares, George and Lila husband and wife. They share their first kiss and everyone Cheers. Topanga is now silently bawling about her parents, who look truly miserable. On the other side of the room, Corey gives his fiance a kiss on the cheek and then darts out of the room as the kitchen phone rings. Now in the Matthews kitchen, Corey answers the phone. It's Mr. Rutherford. Corey apologizes for not getting back to him yet about the banquet I hall. He listens to Mr. Rutherford on the other end of the phone and opens the kitchen door to check on Topanga, who's still unraveling. So is her mom. Jedediah is unwilling to comfort her. Corey tells Mr. Rutherford that July isn't going to work because they're still thinking about it. He hangs up the phone and heads back over to Topanga. In the living room, Topanga is still sitting, watching her parents. Devastated. She grabs Corey's hand and holds it for comfort. And we fade out on season six. Question. Why do you think Corey passed on the banquet hall without talking about it with Topanga? Do you think he answer a phone.

[Ryder Strong]

Call in the middle of a wedding ceremony, for Christ's sake?

[Danielle Fishel]

I know, but do we think the reason he said no on the July 4th date is because he. He's got cold feet because of what Jedediah said to him? Thank you. Or do you think.

[Ryder Strong]

Think doing it on behalf of Topanga. Right. Because the way he looks.

[Will Friedle]

That's how they were trying to sell it.

[Ryder Strong]

They're playing it as if, like she's. Doesn't seem like she's sure about getting married anymore.

[Danielle Fishel]

But there's.

[Will Friedle]

She didn't know.

[Danielle Fishel]

There's been no hint of that. We know that that's where this is going.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, doesn't she have a whole thing about, like, I. I believe in marriage because my parents. I believe in my parents.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. Right. But.

[Ryder Strong]

So when they're falling apart, the education.

[Danielle Fishel]

You could then assume. I wonder now if this is going to make her change her mind about us. But I guess 50% of the couples are still madly in love. They still have Corey's parents as the example, if that's what she's going to insist on. She also in no way has said to him, I'm not. I'm not sure I can do this now. Like my. So there was a part of me that was like, he tried to act as though with his glance to her that he was doing it as a favor to Topanga. But everything leading up to this point had been Topanga saying, I really want to get married. Let's do it on the 4th of July.

[Will Friedle]

The ending, the end you know what the ending should have been? This is where the idea of a cell phone changes the story. Because what it should have been is Topanga's sitting there. She's looking at her parents, looking at how wrecked they are, and she gets up and walks out of the wedding and walks into the kitchen, her cell phone rings. And she says, says, no, I don't know. We're not going to take the day.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right. But because they don't have a cell phone, I couldn't answer their phone, and.

[Will Friedle]

You wouldn't answer their phone, and you wouldn't. So that having a cell phone and having Topanga saying, I'm not gonna. We're not taking the date. That's what they were. Would have gone for if they knew.

[Danielle Fishel]

That would have saved the. The whole point. If Topanga says, correct, July 4th will not work anymore.

[Will Friedle]

Yep. Then it makes sense. But they're trying to do that. That with that. With making sense of it really should.

[Ryder Strong]

Have just fade out on the wedding. Cut to that night. Cory and Topanga sitting in the kitchen, in the dark kitchen after the wedding.

[Danielle Fishel]

The tag winding down.

[Ryder Strong]

And the phone rings, and they answer it, and she says, we're not ready. And he looks at her and we hold the season. Like, oh, God, what's going to happen? Like, that's how it should have been.

[Will Friedle]

That's how you do it.

[Ryder Strong]

We watch her change her mind based on how that wedding went. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, that would have. And. And by the way, I think I would have loved the episode.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, that's. If it ended on.

[Ryder Strong]

That would have been about Topanga's arc. It would have been. She went from, Corey, we have to get married. We're so ready for each other to. Because of my parents. Doubt. Now I have doubt. And it would have been her storyline, as opposed to, like, having to share it and, like, sort of pass the baton between her and Cory.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like you do. Correct. Yes. It would have saved everything. Because I. Like I said, it's not that I didn't like the episode. I do. I just feel like the. Again, the agency of. Of seeing how this changes for Topanga. Topanga's actually been. At least this season, it's a little out of character. But Topanga's been so sure. She's so sure that her and Corey are supposed to get married. Come on, Corey. And Corey's the one who's like, are we sure? Are we sure? Which is a totally out of character Corey thing. But at least this season, if we're just going to talk about continuity in this season. Corey's been unsure. Topanga's been sure. If at the end of the episode, Topanga says, I can't.

[Ryder Strong]

Right. And Corey has gone to become more sure through the course of the other season.

[Will Friedle]

That's what it should have been. It should have been.

[Ryder Strong]

It should have been that they reverse positions from where they start. Yeah. Yes, it's.

[Danielle Fishel]

And if maybe we could have gotten to the divorce a little earlier and we could have seen Corey be there for Topanga and Corey to realize this is all marriages being there for each other in the hardest moments of our life. And no, there's no one in the world I want to do this with except you. I, I, I want to. I want to be there when you cry. I want to be there when you, you, I know. I, I want to share the highs and the lows with you. Yes. I want to marry you. And Topanga goes, I don't think I can.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, that would have been great. Seeing your parents break up made me realize even more how much I'm in love with you and want to be with you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

And for me and her going made.

[Danielle Fishel]

Me realize maybe no one can make it.

[Will Friedle]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, that would have been great. And we fade out on season six. So, as per usual, before we get into season seven, we will be having a our season six draft and our annual visit with Bruh Meets World. So get ready for the seventh and final season of Boy Meets World. Thank you all for joining us for this episode of Pod Meets World. As always, you can follow us on Instagram Pod Meets World show. You can send us your emails. Pod meets worldshowmail.com. and we've got merch yellow.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, I'm sorry. Did I just change everything and not explain it?

[Danielle Fishel]

Pod meets world show.com Birthday boy, send us out.

[Will Friedle]

We love you all. Pod dismissed. Pod Meets World is an I heart podcast produced and hosted by Danielle Fischl, Will Fredell and Ryder Strong, executive producers Jensen Karp and Amy Sugarman, executive in charge of production, Danielle Romo, producer and editor Tara Sudbaksh, producer Matty Moore, engineering engineer and Boy Meets World superfan Easton Allen. Our theme song is by Kyle Morton of Typhoon and you can follow us on Instagram @podmeatsworldshow or email us at podmeatsworldshowmail.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 Black Label Bacon, Pop Tarts, Quake Waker, Activia Lunchables, Frito Lay, Goldfish and Jack Links. 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 apply. Visit Albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is Danielle Fishel from Pod Meets World Parents, Quick question. When is the last time you won snack time? The other day I handed my son a perfectly portioned Pinterest level snack and and he traded it for a Mott's Applesauce pouch. I'm not mad, just impressed. And that's why Mott's no Sugar added Applesauce pouches are perfect to keep on hand. They're made with real apples packed in a super easy pouch. Perfect for tossing in a lunchbox, keeping in the car or grabbing as you're running out the door. Plus they're a good source of vitamin C and kids love them. Win Win. Make sure your kid wins snack time with my real apples. Make real good applesauce. Learn [e-mail] Every business has an ambition. PayPal Open is the platform designed to help you grow into yours with business loans so you can expand and access to hundreds of millions of PayPal customers worldwide. And your customers can pay all the ways they want with PayPal, Venmo, pay later and all major cards so you can focus on scaling when it's time to get growing. There's one platform for all business PayPal open grow today at paypalopen.com loans subject to approval in available locations with a.

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[Ryder Strong]

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[Danielle Fishel]

Sponsored by Gilead this is an I Heart podcast.