Scandal is the third episode of the second season, and the 29th episode overall, of the Jem animated series.
Synopsis[]
When Jetta finds Kimber's diary, The Misfits start a scandal to try to ruin The Holograms.
Plot[]
The Holograms arrive at Venice Beach, preparing for their interview, which is Raya's first interview as an official member of The Holograms. Interviewees Connie Long and Terry Stone, from celebrity talk show California Beat, first talk to British teen idol Sean Harrison about a potential new single when The Misfits rudely interrupt on loud quad bikes. In the middle of their own interview, Terry asks Pizzazz if she's free for dinner.
Sean spots Kimber writing in her diary and takes the chance to ask her to write a song about him. She's quickly pulled away for her interview, but agrees to meet him at a restaurant called Las Palomas later that evening. Jetta notices that Kimber has left her diary behind and quickly steals it when no-one is looking. Jem discusses her schedule on the air, planning to attend the Roller Rock-Out the following day and then The Harriet Horn Show the day after. Once the show has been broadcast, The Misfits realize that they cut out their entire segment and want revenge - when Jetta reveals that not only did she steal Kimber's diary, but inside its contents are secrets about having a crush on Sean and horrible comments about both The Misfits and her bandmates.
An envelope arrives for each member of The Holograms, aside from Raya, containing the horrible comments about them all from Kimber's diary. Kimber quickly realizes her diary has disappeared, and The Holograms immediately forgive her, knowing they were written as a way to get out her feelings. Kimber opens an envelope that informs Kimber her diary is in the possession of Pit Slurman, the publisher of Cool Trash magazine, the nation's most recognized tabloid. With help from Synergy, the rock group wear business women attire and they head into Slurman's office. They immediately threaten him with legal action, and they retrieve the diary. However, Roxy appears to have taken the pages with the most harmful content, and Pit decides to interview Sean Harrison using the material to create a scandal.
The Holograms are on their way out of the office when they realize Roxy has given the Rockin' Roadster a flat tire - and after reading her diary, Kimber is reminded that she was supposed to meet Sean over an hour. The Misfits ambush the date, to get an interview with Pit. As he answers the questions, Pit records everything - but has manipulated the audio to make it sound like Sean is in love with Pizzazz instead of Kimber. When Kimber receives photographs of Sean with Pizzazz and Jetta, she refuses to believe that he would be disloyal and decides to attend with the rest of The Holograms to have a chat with him. However, Pizzazz takes the spotlight and The Misfits perform "I Love A Scandal" before playing the manipulated audio tapes. Kimber can't take anymore and skates out of the arena in a hurry - narrowly missing an oncoming bus. The Misfits approach Harriet Horn, asking if now they could be guests on her show. Harriet agrees; on the premise that Jem and The Holograms will be there too.
Ashley calls The Holograms to let them know that Kimber is home safe, but she is sick and tired of appearing to be a little girl. She asks Synergy to giver her a tougher appearance. But after going through Kimber's past, she realizes she needs to stay true to herself. She awakens with a new outlook and writes a song for the band to sing on The Harriet Horn Show. They sing "Dear Diary" and Sean is revealed as a surprise guest. He is able to tell the truth about the interview being false and he asks Kimber to write him a song again, and they make up.
Songs featured[]
- "She Makes An Impression" - Jem and The Holograms
- "I Love A Scandal" - The Misfits
- "Dear Diary" - Jem and The Holograms
Kimber's diary excerpts[]
Throughout the episode, various pages of Kimber's diary can be seen briefly. Here's a transcription of those which can be read or are read aloud by a character in the episode:
- "Roxy isn't dumb but she is so ignorant, and Pizzazz is just a rich spoiled brat."
- "Dear Diary
- I could hardly believe it... yesterday Sean gave me a single red rose! I felt so silly because all I could do was blush! Since he also asked me to write a song for him, I can't tell anymore about the rose of the think were[sic] unprofessional."
- "Dear Diary
- I got in a really stupid argument with Aja today. What bothers [me] is that there was no reason of either of [us to] get so upset. I think [we] were just tired for rehearsing all day. Well, I'll talk to her tomorrow."
- "Shana can be so ridiculously insecure about her talent. It's a real pain."
- "Aja was so cold today. Sometimes I wonder if she has any feelings at all."
- "All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
- I've been for a walk on a winter's day
- I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
- California dreamin' on such a winter's day"
- "Sometimes I wish Jem were[sic] my sister instead of Jerrica."
- "Dear Diary
- If I could only tell someone about Jem's secret it would make things so much simpler. Poor Rio, I don't know how he can keep his heart from breaking (illegible). I hope one day I can find a love like Jerrica's and Rio's."
Quotes[]
- Jem: Mmm. The smell of the ocean.
- Shana: We're free. We've got no worries.
- Raya: I have a small one. In one hour, I'll be in the middle of my first interview. How do you act? What do you do?
- Kimber: Just be yourself, Raya. You'll see. It'll be easy.
- Raya: I just hope I make a good impression.
- Kimber: You're one of the Holograms now.
- Shana: That's right, girl. You can't miss.
- Connie: The Misfits have arrived here and as usual managed to gain everyone attention. Tell us, Pizzazz. What are the Misfits doing here on Venice Beach? Are you working anywhere or are you just cruising for a vagrancy charge?
- Jetta: (takes Connie's microphone) Hey, We've got lunch with Mick Jagger, a possible recording session with Michael Jackson, Pizzazz and Sean Harrison have got something going and...
- Connie (interrupts and takes her microphone back) I see, but you have no work lined up.
- Connie: Raya. How does it feel to be the newest member of Jem and the Holograms?
- Raya: Oh, it's a dream come true.
- Terry: But how will you feel on Friday when you're being barbecued by Harriet Horn, the Queen Barracuda of Rock Gossip?
- Kimber: Oh, come on, Terry. Ms. Horn doesn't incinerate everybody. Besides, we're pretty boring as gossip material.
- Roxy: Why those creeps! They cut out our segment!
- Stormer: Now nobody knows we're in town.
- Pizzazz: Sweet Kimber Benton. Gag me! UGH! I'd love to get something on her! Harriet Horn would beg us to be on her show!
- Roxy: What's that?
- Jetta: Kimber's diary. Here, read what she says about you.
- Roxy: Ha. I wouldn't waste my time.
- Jetta: "Roxy isn't dumb, but she is so ignorant."
- Roxy: Oh, yeah?!
- Jetta: And "Pizzazz is just a rich spoiled brat."
- (The Holograms are each opening and reading the letters they've received)
- Shana: "Shana can be so ridiculously insecure about her talent. It's a real pain."
- Aja: "Aja was so cold today. Sometimes I wonder if she has any feelings at all."
- Raya: Who wrote those things?
- Jerrica: "Sometimes, I wish Jem were my sister instead of Jerrica."
- Kimber (as she walks into the "Cool Trash" offices): Mr. Pit Thurman? Publisher of Cool Trash magazine?
- Pit: Yeah, so what?
- Kimber: I'm Kimber Benton and I want my diary back.
- Pit: What are you talking about?
- Jerrica: As your business manager, I suggest you let your lawyers speak for you.
- Pit: Lawyer?
- Aja: Mr. Thurman, are you familiar with the penalties for receiving stolen goods?
- Pit: Now, wait a minute. What's she doing?
- Shana: I'm recording every word you say.
- Pizzazz: All alone, Shawn.
- Sean: Hello, Pizzazz and good bye. I'm waiting for someone.
- Pizzazz: And here I am. Say cheese. (Roxy takes Pizzazz and Jetta's photo as they sit next to Shawn)
- Pit: Shawn, just give me a little something. Like you know, Kimber Benton, in my opinion, is a flaky little girl. What do you see in her?
- Shawn: I could care less about your opinion. She's a child in spirit, but her work is quite mature.
- Pit: And what about a real woman? Like Pizzazz.
- Shawn: Pizzazz is a real woman! (scoffs and laughs) Don't make me laugh.
- Pit: Well, is Pizzazz going to write a song for you, Shawn?
- Shawn: She can if she wants to, but I won't sing it. (climbs over table) I'm leaving.
- Kimber: Synergy. Synergy. Change me, Synergy. Change me into someone hard and mean. Someone who can never be hurt.
- Synergy: As you wish, Kimber. (her holograms change Kimber, who then checks herself out in the mirror)
- Kimber: Outrageous.
- Synergy: (appears behind Kimber, hovering on a sofa) Is this another phase you're going through, Kimber?
- Kimber: Uh uh. The dumb, little, good girl phase is over. I'm staying tough.
- Synergy: (looking at her nails) Your father hoped you'd be strong, but I suppose tough is good enough.
- Synergy: Kimber, what did your father say in that pep talk?
- Kimber: He said "Be true to yourself. Believe in your song and give the whole audience a chance."
- Harriet (to Pizzazz): So tell me more. Why did you take the diary you found to Cool Trash magazine?
- Pizzazz: Because Kimber's such a wimp. She deserved it.
- Roxy: Yeah. What a sissy? Writing in a diary.
- (after Sean asks Kimber if she's still going to write the song for him)
- Pizzazz: What? I'm suppose to write your song. I'm better than she is.
- Sean: Don't believe everything you read. Quit dreaming and grow up, Pizzazz.
- Pizzazz: Why I ought to...
- Harriet: Sit and stiffle yourself.
Gallery[]
Goofs[]
- Notice as Kimber, who is right handed, is writing in her diary. She writes "Shana can be so stupidly insecure about her talent", but in the note Shana reads aloud "ridiculously insecure".
- Notice as Synergy changes the girls at Cool Trash magazine, Jerrica's earrings change to blue and then back to red.
- During the Misfits interview with Harriet Horn, Stormer's jacket turns purple for a moment.
Trivia[]
- In a flashback, courtesy of Synergy, Emmett Benton is shown in the shadows for the first time while with Kimber.
- "She Makes An Impression" was first sung in The Music Awards (Part 1).
- One of the pages in Kimber's diary has written the first verse of the lyrics of the song California Dreamin' by The Mamas & the Papas (1965).
- Oddly enough, it appears that Kimber never wrote anything in her diary that could uncover Jem's secret identity.
- Even if Kimber had stayed in her new rebel-like look that Synergy gave her, it would not have lasted beyond the room since she would need remote micro projectors to make the change permanent (such as the Jemstar earrings).
- Shana appeared to be disguised as a court reporter when the Holograms confronted Pit.