Top 10 Times Recess Tackled Serious Issues
#10: Freedom of Expression “Spinelli's Masterpiece”
Typically when she was angry, sad, fired up, or it was just a regular day, Ashley Spinelli chose to express her emotions through her fists. In this episode, a basketball game leaves her pretty ticked off, and she looks for a productive way to blow off steam, eventually channeling her rage into art. Her friends see the tremendous value in her creation and go out of their way to protect it, even if that means defying the scary Miss Finster. This isn’t the only episode where Spinelli directs her aggression into something artistic. She also puts her rage aside to let loose with Mikey in ballet class. Spinelli may not recognize her own talents, but at least she feels better.
#9: Knowing Your Own Value “The Ratings Game”
In this season three segment, the Ashleys assign all the kids numbers determining their social ranking. This new system quickly causes chaos across the playground as everyone succumbs to the hierarchy. As Gretchen aptly explains, the kids with higher ratings feel flattered, while those on the lower end lack the self-confidence to challenge the system. The ranking starts to tear friends apart, and it’s not long until everyone’s pretty miserable. Luckily, good ol’ T.J. has a plan to restore social order. The gang hands out new ratings, putting everyone right on the same level. It’s a great reminder to never let anyone else determine your worth or make you feel lesser. Or as Mikey put it…
#8: Discrimination “Recess: Taking the Fifth Grade” (2003)
A new year brings new perks for our favorite Third Street gang. Now older, they’re invited into the exclusive Fifth and Sixth Graders club. At first, it’s all fun and games, but eventually, most of the gang is put off by the seemingly popular rhetoric against younger students. That is, except Mikey and Gus, who spend even more time with the other fifth and sixth graders. T.J. forces them to confront their poor behavior, and King Bob even returns to deliver a home truth of his own. However, arguably the most poignant message comes towards the end of the segment. It’s a big playground, with room for everyone; but when you create divides, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.
#7: Standing Up for Yourself “Gus' Last Stand”
As a show centered around elementary school kids, “Recess” addressed this subject several times. However, the one most worthy of mention involves Gus finding the courage to stand up to third street tormenter, Gelman. His friends offer conflicting advice on how to deal with the mean kid, from Mikey who suggests a peaceful approach, to Spinelli whose plan is a little more, shall we say, hands-on. Gus asks his father for advice and ends up with a World War One analogy that only half applies to his situation. Nevertheless, he decides he’s done living in fear. While Gus’ methods are questionable, the message about standing up for yourself is just as valuable today as it was back then.
#6: Peer Pressure “Me No Know”
Vince feels pretty left out when the whole school’s quoting the latest comedy hit movie, “NitWitz 3.” He wants to see it to get in on the joke, but his parents refuse, believing it to be too shallow. Vince’s social isolation drives him to defy his parents and sneak out to the movie theater. After watching the film and taking notes, he gets caught. Vince confesses why seeing the film was so pressing, and his parents remind him that there are more important things in life than being in the loop on the latest jokes. Not only does he lose their trust and get grounded, but by Monday, “NitWitz 3” is last week’s news anyway.
#5: Dealing with Death “Speedy, We Hardly Knew Ye”
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If you had a classroom pet growing up, this episode probably hit hard. The kids are devastated when their precious Speedy passes away over the weekend, and everyone grieves in their own way. We soon learn that the fluffball was seemingly a valuable member of Third Street’s fourth grade for far longer than your average hamster’s lifespan. When Spinelli finally confronts her feelings, the truth about the beloved pet comes out. The episode teaches us that, sadly, death is an inevitable part of the life cycle, and it’s healthy and even important to give yourself the time and space to grieve. It also reminds us to cherish the memories and celebrate the lives of those we have loved and lost.
#4: Being the New Kid “The New Kid”
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We’ve all been the new kid at some point, and even adults can’t evade those first-day jitters. Of course, it doesn’t help when your playground’s king tries to turn your newness into your entire identity. Poor Gus doesn’t stand a chance, and even the rest of the gang are afraid to upset the status quo. Eventually, T.J. concocts a plan to help Gus find his confidence and pave his own way in the playground. This is a great lesson in not judging others at face value, being kind and welcoming to everyone, and quite importantly, not being afraid to challenge injustice. Gus also learns that, new or not, he’s deserving of his own space on the playground.
#3: Shoplifting “Gus and Misdemeanors”
Speaking of Gus, some bad kids take advantage of him after he falls prey to their awful prank. They promise to show him a secret creek and trick him into stealing candy from Kelso’s. We know Gus isn’t a bad kid, so it’s hardly surprising when his guilty conscience starts to play up. His friends notice his bizarre behavior, and T.J. gives him a moving pep talk about doing the right thing. Of course, Gus eventually comes clean, and luckily Mr. Kelso’s very forgiving. However, we can’t shake off how bad he felt throughout the episode. It was an effective way to teach kids that stealing is wrong, even if it’s something as small as a piece of gum.
#2: Challenging Authority & Social Order Various
T.J. Detweiler is a leader at heart with a strong moral compass. He understands that just because a social hierarchy exists, it doesn’t mean it’s the be-all and end-all. Even those in positions of authority sometimes lose sight of the big picture, and he’s always there to steer them back on course with one of his classic schemes. We’ve seen him stand up to King Bob, challenge Principal Prickly and even take on the Department of Education. Miss Grotke also encourages her students to fight the power and stand up to the man. “Recess” taught us how important it is to use our voices to fight for what’s right, even when it means going up against those who hold power.
#1: The Importance of Friendship Various
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Arguably the biggest life lesson “Recess” imparted on us is that you can get through anything with a good group of friends by your side. T.J., Vince, Spinelli, Gretchen, Mikey, and Gus are the dream ride-or-die crew that any kid or adult would be lucky to have. They celebrate each other’s triumphs, commiserate through the hard times, and, more often than not, have each other’s backs through thick and thin. They’re also incredibly altruistic to their fellow playground dwellers, even those who aren’t always so kind in return. Don’t get us wrong, like all friends, they have their fights, but those never last long. Having friends like these is invaluable, or as T.J. might say…
