Ep 3. Jinxed / Officer Mikey

Jinxed / Officer Mikey is the third episode of the first season of the beloved animated series Recess. The episode is split into two separate stories, both of which follow different members of the show's central group of friends - T.J. Detweiler, Ashley Spinelli, Vince LaSalle, Gretchen Grundler, Mikey Blumberg, and Gus Griswald - as they navigate the challenges of school and life on the playground.

The first story, Jinxed, is focused on T.J. Detweiler, the charismatic and mischievous leader of the group. After accidentally knocking over a sacred statue on the playground, T.J. is convinced that he has been jinxed. Every time he tries to do something, it goes awry in ways that seem beyond coincidence. Despite the skepticism of his friends, T.J. becomes increasingly convinced that he is cursed and begins to try and find a way to lift the jinx.

Meanwhile, the other kids are dealing with their own problems. Ashley Spinelli, the tough and feisty tomboy of the group, is dealing with a crush on a boy in her class. Vince LaSalle, the cool and athletic member of the group, is struggling to come up with a new move for his signature basketball trick shot. Gretchen Grundler, the nerdy and intelligent member of the group, is trying to impress her teacher with a science experiment. And Gus Griswald, the timid and nervous new kid, is trying to find his place in the group.

As the day goes on, T.J. becomes increasingly desperate to lift the jinx. He tries various remedies, including rubbing his lucky rabbit's foot and standing in a bucket of ice water, but nothing works. Eventually, T.J. realizes that the only way to lift the curse is to admit his mistake and make amends for knocking over the statue. With the help of his friends, T.J. sets things right and the curse is lifted.

The second story, Officer Mikey, centers around the lovable but clumsy Mikey Blumberg. When the school is visited by a friendly police officer for a safety demonstration, Mikey is smitten and decides that he wants to become a police officer himself. Despite his lack of coordination, Mikey throws himself into police training and even helps to stop a playground crime spree. However, when the time comes for Mikey to take his final test to become a junior police officer, he freezes up and is unable to pass.

Feeling deflated and disappointed, Mikey resigns himself to never being a police officer. However, when the officer from the safety demonstration returns to the school to give a follow-up presentation, Mikey's bravery and quick thinking in stopping the playground crime spree are recognized and he is awarded an honorary junior police officer badge. The episode ends with Mikey beaming with pride and feeling a renewed sense of self-confidence.

Jinxed / Officer Mikey is a classic episode of Recess that showcases the humor, heart, and warmth that made the show such a beloved favorite among both kids and adults. With its lighthearted tone, relatable characters, and timeless themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption, this episode is sure to delight both longtime fans of the show and newcomers alike.