Beyond Hunger Dome (Universe 3670) – The episode begins with Davey (Veronika Slowikowska) & Jonesie (Jaelynn Thora Brooks) racing back to the locker as Vice Principal Cheryl Mason (Emily Piggford) pursues them. Cheryl nearly catches them and likely would have if it wasn’t for what appears to be a train or conga line of dancing people.
Arriving in a different universe, Davey and Joesie make an immediate pact to stay as far as possible under the radar. Their hopes of that fade the second they are spotted by a gang of 80s-attired teens (Bo Hong Fu/Isabella Sprovieri). Another chase ensues but it is Emile (Nikko Angelo Hinayo) who saves them this time when they round the corner. Much to their surprise, Emile leads them to what appears to be a press conference replete with cameras, reporters (Bella Reyes), microphones, podiums, and the works. Their shock continues to grow when they learn they are expected to fight to the death.
Emile opens the floor to questions but both Davey and Jonesie fail to inspire the crowd with their best Hulk Hogan impressions. Despite their failure, all attention is soon averted to VP Mason who materializes out of thin air. Thanks to Hall Monitor (Kieron River) and his associate, she is not so kindly encouraged to get to safer grounds. The press conference wraps up with Davey and Jonesie learning that they are expected to fight to the death.
Once it becomes clear there is no rescheduling the match, Davey and Jonesie switch up their tactics by inquiring about Mr. Schneider (Dan Beirne). Despite learning that he is in the faculty lounge, the area is apparently off-limits for students.
Newly attired and reminded not to go anywhere without a Hall Monitor escort, Mason confronts Schneider in the faculty lounge. She doesn’t waste time mincing words and tells him she is well aware he is not only responsible for the portal but for helping Davey and Jonesie. Just as he warns her that any harm to him could threaten an anomaly, Principal Debbie Neighbors (Evany Rosen) arrives to request a private meeting with Mason in the VIP section.
Schneider attempts to scramble back to his lab but is interrupted by Davey and Jonesie hiding in the ductwork. After losing the debate about joining them in the venting system, he explains how repairing the portal is nearly impossible because his lab is located in the ‘Ride or Die Zone’ of the Below-lands that’s off limits to faculty. After a lot of hesitation and much debate, Schneider caves and agrees to help them. After telling them about the legend of the drifter/traveler who might be able to help him safely navigate the area, he sends them in pursuit of a former champ, who can train them in the art of fake fighting.
During their VIP meeting, Principal Neighbors doesn’t waste any time advising VP Mason to not come after her position. She says that better and more capable faculty have tried and failed. Mason doesn’t so as much offer a verbal response but more of an icy stare.
The students appear to be right in the middle of lunch when Schneider makes his awkward arrival. Mark R. Shirt (Parker Lauzon) is the first to call him out after haggling with the Lunch Lady (Lisa Merchant) about the inadequate portion of food she gave him. Schneider’s awkward confrontation is soon interrupted by the Traveler who turns out to be, Joyce (Sydney Topliffe). After a bit of negotiating and a bag of wet hair, she offers her help, as long as he agrees to follow her unwaveringly.
Elsewhere, Sierra (Erika Swayze) is revealed as the ‘Lost Winner.’ Before agreeing to train Davey and Jonesie in the art of fake fighting, she shares a bit about the time she was forced to fight her best friend. In addition to the training, Abbott (Kevin Osea) provides the girls with complete makeovers. As they are nervously awaiting Schneider’s arrival outside the Dome, Abbott also tells them that each of their costumes features a special function that will reveal itself if and when needed.
Schneider finds himself alone in the Ride or Die Zone when Joyce abandons him at the first sign of trouble. It is revealed that later she does return to save him. It appears that Davey and Jonesie may have bought some extra time when a bout is mentioned before theirs. Those hopes are dashed with a near-instant KO, and Mason and Neighbors’ bickering change the entire landscape of the fight.
As they are introduced, they learn that they’ll now be required to fight on a balancing beam, eliminating their ability to circle and counter-circle. After stalling for as long as they can and with the crowd growing tireless, Davey and Jonesie begin to face off. Just as they do, Abbott’s special features activate. Jonesie’s feature is nothing more than a pitiful firework show while it is Davey’s that launches a package into the air that parachutes down and sets off the floor buzzer.
Neighbors’ suspicions about Mason’s coup are confirmed when she knocks her unconscious and announces herself as acting principal. All while this took place, Schneider and Joyce have successfully made their way to the lab. Schneider’s giddy over his success soon dies when the biker gang returns. Much to his surprise, Joyce fights them away.
Under the new leadership of Mason, the crowd turns on Davey and Jonesie. Just as they are about to rip them apart, Alexis (Alexa Yaphe) rappels down from the ceiling. Her inspirational speech about friendship and stopping the fighting appears to be working but the blood lust ultimately wins out. Davey cleverly uses the students’ desire for blood to encourage them to go after the homeworkers, allowing her and Jonesie to escape.
Davey & Jonesie’s Locker Review
The series’ nostalgic throwback to the 80s was clear right from the very beginning of the episode. From Hulk Hogan references, to Bell & Ted electric air guitar riffs, and glam-worthy costumes, if you grew up in the 80’s, you’ll immediately pick up on the references. Unfortunately, the screaming, flailing around, and pitiful acting execution made this episode barely watchable. I can certainly appreciate the nostalgic attempts and some aspects of the series are intriguing as well as intelligent. Unfortunately, they are in the wrong hands. Perhaps with better creative minds and more serious actors, this series could have been something special. As of right now, it feels like a fail, in every sense of the word. I’d give this episode a 3.8 out of 10.
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