Ep 1. The Break in / The New Kid

The Break In/The New Kid is the first episode of Recess, which premiered on ABC on August 31, 1997. The episode opens up at Third Street Elementary School, where students are gearing up for recess after a long morning of classes. The group, consisting of six friends TJ, Gus, Spinelli, Mikey, Vince, and Gretchen, excitedly anticipates the fun they'll have during the break, but are quickly disappointed when they find that the school has installed metal bars around a tree called the Jungle Gym, a favorite play spot of the group.

Distraught over losing their playground, the group tries everything to gain access to the Jungle Gym. From trying to climb the bars to strategizing on how to take them down, they leave no stone unturned. However, as they are about to give up, they notice a new kid, Ashley Spinelli, who had just transferred to their school. Spinelli, initially standoffish and tough-looking, quickly befriends the group and shares her expertise in fighting with them. Together, they come up with a plan to break into the school library, where they believe they can find the key to the Jungle Gym locks.

The group, including Spinelli, work together to implement their plan, resulting in a near-miss when one student accidentally sets off an alarm. However, they successfully retrieve the key and use it to take down the locks around the Jungle Gym. Delighted to have their favorite play spot back, the group is ecstatic as they play freely on the Jungle Gym. Meanwhile, the school's principal, Dr. Benedict, and his staff are trying to figure out who committed the break-in at the library.

Overall, The Break In/The New Kid sets up the premise of the series, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship between the gang and their unwavering dedication to fun and creativity. The episode also serves as an introduction to the core characters: the clever TJ, the kind-hearted Mikey, the sporty Vince, the intelligent Gretchen, the tough Spinelli, and the shy Gus. The show's signature wit, humor, and go-getter attitude are already evident in this first episode. The show and its characters quickly gained popularity among young viewers, becoming a cultural phenomenon in the late 90s and early 2000s. The Break In/The New Kid is a classic episode that sets up Recess as a fun-filled, adventure-packed show that focuses on the importance of friendship and play.