Ep 4. My Funny Valentines / The Ratings Game

In the episode "My Funny Valentines / The Ratings Game" from season 3 of Recess, the students at Third Street School prepare for Valentine's Day festivities. The first half of the episode, "My Funny Valentines," follows the story of Gretchen, who is feeling left out as all of her friends have Valentine's Day dates. She decides to take matters into her own hands and creates a machine that matches students based on their personalities. However, the machine malfunctions and matches students with their exact opposite, causing chaos and confusion. Meanwhile, Vince is struggling to come up with the perfect Valentine's Day gift for his crush, Ashley. With the help of his friends, he learns that the best gift is something personal and heartfelt.

The second half of the episode, "The Ratings Game," sees the students competing in a school-wide rating system. The students are given a score based on their popularity and talents, and tensions rise as they try to outdo one another. T.J. finds himself at the bottom of the list and becomes obsessed with improving his score. Along the way, he learns that true friends appreciate him for who he is, regardless of his popularity.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to the classic humor and heart that Recess is known for. The various storylines come together to explore themes of friendship, individuality, and the importance of being true to oneself. As always, the show's colorful animation and lively soundtrack make for an entertaining and engaging viewing experience. Overall, "My Funny Valentines / The Ratings Game" is a must-watch episode for any fan of the beloved animated series.