Ep 1. The Royal Flush
- September 12, 1966
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7.4 (222)
The Monkees season 1 episode 1, titled "The Royal Flush," introduces the audience to the four main characters of the show – Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith – as they embark on their first comedic adventure together.
The episode begins with the four Monkees hanging out in their apartment, playing their instruments and having a good time, when they receive a call from a mysterious man who asks them to meet him at a nearby casino. The Monkees quickly make their way to the casino and are greeted by the man, who turns out to be a wealthy businessman named Malcolm Kibee.
Kibee informs the Monkees that he has a proposition for them – he wants to hire them to act as bodyguards for his daughter, Princess Betina, who is in town for a visit. Princess Betina, who is young and naive, is being targeted by a group of kidnappers who want to hold her for ransom. The Monkees agree to take on the job, and are soon whisked away to the luxurious hotel where the princess is staying.
Once they arrive, the Monkees quickly realize that keeping Princess Betina safe is not going to be as easy as they thought. Despite their best efforts, the kidnappers manage to sneak into the hotel and try to abduct the princess. In a series of comedic hijinks, the Monkees attempt to thwart the kidnappers and keep the princess safe.
Along the way, they team up with a group of secret agents who are also trying to protect Princess Betina. The agents, who are all dressed in identical suits and black sunglasses, provide some comedic relief as they bumble through their various spy duties.
Despite their best efforts, the kidnappers manage to get their hands on Princess Betina and hold her for ransom. The Monkees are left to figure out a way to rescue the princess and save the day. In a dramatic (but still comedic) showdown, the Monkees and the secret agents storm the kidnapper's hideout.
In the end, the Monkees are able to rescue Princess Betina and deliver her safely back to her father. As a reward, Kibee gives the Monkees a large sum of money. With their mission complete, the Monkees return to their apartment, where they celebrate their success with music and laughter.
"The Royal Flush" is a lighthearted and fun episode that sets the tone for the rest of the series. It showcases the Monkees' musical talent, their goofball personalities, and their ability to get into – and out of – ridiculous situations. While the episode may not have a deep or complex storyline, it is a great introduction to the world of the Monkees and provides plenty of laughs along the way.