Wow. This is an impressive band practice.
For your information, we rehearsed for a full ten minutes.
- I'd say ten. - Easily ten.
- Eight, if you count the snack run. - A full eight minutes.
(girls laugh)
I'm gonna pretend Courtney was aiming that sharp projectile at the stereo,
- and let it go. - Generous.
I know. I'm a giver. It's one of the things you love about me.
- What's up, Kev? - Uh, sunset?
Night before school? Sound familiar?
- I didn't realise how late it was! - Time flies when you're not rehearsing.
- Shotgun! - You can't call until you see the car.
- Shotgun! - Um, you're driving.
I know. I just... wanted to win.
(Kev sighs)
When that sun sets, summer is officially over and sophomore year begins.
Well, I'm ready. I have my first ten outfits picked out.
I even numbered my jeans so I wouldn't wear the same pair twice in a row.
Way to make the rest of us feel like slackers.
You made 26 movies this summer, Kevin. I wouldn't exactly call that slacking.
I wouldn't call short films about school supplies an awesome summer.
But I did like the one where the paperclips came to life.
I didn't waste my summer. I spent the whole time practising this.
OK, I guess I did waste my summer.
You guys have it backwards. Don't think of it as wasting a summer,
think of it as saving up energy for an awesome sophomore year.
- You guys, it's time. Make a wish. - You first.
OK. I wish I could anchor the school news channel.
- Since when? - Last year, when I was helping out.
I think that's fantastic, Barbie. You should go for it.
Last year I just felt like I blended into the lockers.
This year, I want everything to change.
Bold. OK, my turn.
I wish that I kick butt as a drummer this year.
I wish I get elected as class president.
What? You can't say your wish out loud. You'll totally jinx it.
- We just did. - (sighs) I know.
Sorry about that. Could've been a great year for you guys.
(Kev) I'm OK. I'm OK.
Get back here!
So then I was... Oh, hey! How you guys doing?
- Hi, guys. - I'll see you later.
(Barbie) I can't believe we're sophomores.
And before you know it, juniors, then seniors, then we're totally in college!
Great. Maybe by then I'll have brushed the tangles out of my hair.
Whatever happens, it's a whole new year, and I have a good feeling about it.
Maybe you're right. (gasps) Check out that parking spot.
(Barbie) See? Our luck is changing.
(tyres squeal)
Oh, I'm sorry. Were you guys going for this spot? How awkward.
It's for the best. It saves the embarrassment
of parking that junk heap where people can actually see it.
- Hm. How nice of me. - (boy) Hey, Raquelle!
Well, hello! Long time no see.
Yeah, How nice of her.
If I wear my hair up, I'll have a presidential look and survive the jeep rides.
Having a crush on Mr Hottie-School-Jock- Guy is a cliché. You're better than that.
She shouldn't crush on the hottest guy in school cos he's the hottest guy in school?
- I'm saying... - Uh, hi! Still here.
And could you please not announce to the entire school that... (gasps)
I think he just smiled at me! Shh! Here he comes!
Hey, Barbie.
Hey, babe.
(Tia) Well, it's not so bad. At least he remembered your name this time.
(Courtney) And we lose him to the populazzi.
(Barbie) It's just a lawn.
Why are the popular people the only ones who can hang out there?
The first thing I'm gonna do when I'm president is eliminate clique hangouts.
Imagine a world without social boundaries.
Where everyone is free to hang out everywhere. (echoes) Everywhere...
(girl) Hey! Barbie, over here!
See ya.
Staring at something? Tell me you don't still have a crush on my boyfriend?
- Isn't that just sad for you at this point? - (laughter)
Observe. The teenage witch in her natural habitat.
- I can't believe you used to be friends. - Used to be, back in fifth grade.
Before she became Miss l-Rule-The-World.
(bell)
- OK. I'm gonna go talk to Mr Wexler. - Good luck.
Forget luck - you rock. Go kick news-anchor butt!
(laughs) Thanks!
(Barbie) I'd rehearsed what I would say. I was calm, cool, collected. I was ready.
- Mr Wexler. I wanna talk to you about... - Shh!
Sure, test scores are up, fitness levels are at an all-time low.
But what about things we care about? Who's dating who?
I wasn't ready for that.
You want real news? How about this?
Who's in, who's out? And what's the latest gossip about?
And cut! Raquelle, that was great. Fan-news-tastic!
I think we've found ourselves this year's anchor.
Oh, hey. I'm sorry, Barbie. Did you want to tell me something?
No... It was nothing.
I'm glad you're here. You're our most dedicated student.
- We could use you around the station. - Really?
I wanna take our news to the next level, be on the tip of everyone's tongue.
And in order for that to happen, Raquelle's gonna need a top-notch assistant.
You can help her with research, do interviews.
You get to do everything an anchor does. Except be on air.
What do you say? Can I count on you?
- You said yes? - It's a stepping stone.
To what? A lucrative career as a doormat?
It's just... those words.
(slow and distorted) Can I count on you?
I can't believe I chickened out. I just saw Raquelle there, all perfect, and I froze.
Something's wrong with me. I'm, like, terrified of taking risks.
- Come on. That's not true. - Oh, yeah? Name one.
Name one risk I've taken in the last 16 years.
I know. That time you wore your pyjamas to the Waffle House on a dare? That was...
Thrilling. I'm totally the most boring person I know.
OK. Everyone knows that I'm the exciting one, Tia's the hot, intellectual one
and you're the kind-hearted glue that holds us all together.
(phone rings)
- Glue speaking. - (Kev) Don't wanna know.
But you need to get to the front of the school right now.
- What's up? - Check it out.
I was shooting cheerleader practice, and look what wandered into my shot.
Why were you shooting cheerleader practice?
Uh... Look, do you wanna see the footage or not?
We don't have to be together every second.
Well, if your seconds are so precious, why don't you take all of them?
- That's not what I meant... - Forget it!
Millions of guys would want to spend every second with me.
Wow. In love with yourself much?
- Raquelle... - So over it.
Kevin, this is amazing.
I know. Real human drama caught on tape.
Come on, you know what I mean. Todd and Raquelle broke up!
Well, tonight's movie night with Kevin, but I could call you before. Six?
Tia, I gotta go. Bye.
- Oh. Todd. - Huh? Oh. Hey, Barbie.
I'm glad you're here. I think Raquelle is absolutely crazy to dump you.
You're great, and I think we should hang out.
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Uh... Barbie?
Oh, uh... You're... blocking my locker.
Oh. Uh, sorry.
I heard about Raquelle dumping you. I-I mean... about your break-up.
- Ow! - (laughs awkwardly)
Gotta get your nose out of those books and live a little.
(to herself) No, I didn't just say that.
I'll just, um...
never speak again.
Barbie? Thanks.
For rubbing in the fact your girlfriend dumped you, or dropping a book on you?
You're the first person to make me laugh all day.
Sure you're close enough? There may be a clogged pore you didn't zoom in on.
Do you want me to help or not? I need to shoot you close.
It'll make you seem trustworthy.
Hi, I'm Tia, and I want to be your sophomore class president.
- (Kev) Whoa. - What?
(Barbie) I couldn't believe it. Todd and I were having a real conversation.
It's the first time I've ever gotten dumped. I have an image to protect.
If I let a girl walk all over me,
how do you think I'll do against a pack of 300lb linemen?
My grandmother says, "What other people think of you is none of your business."
Your grandmother sounds like a cool lady.
Hey, can I give you a ride home?
He drove you home? You're totally in!
What did he say? What did you say? Did he ask you out?
No! I mean, I wouldn't know. It's not like that.
At least, I don't think it is - he just broke up with Raquelle.
(doorbell)
Gotta go. Kevin's here for movie night and we're up to letter N. Call you later.
So, you and the Toddster.
He's nice. He just wanted someone to talk to.
- It's not like he's into me. - Come on. Why wouldn't he be?
Right. Who wouldn't want to date the girl
too chicken to even speak up for herself in front of Wexler?
You were thrown by Raquelle's newscast. You should talk to Wexler again.
- He's already picked Raquelle. - Maybe you guys can co-anchor.
As much as sitting next to her every day would turn my stomach,
that's a semi-not-so-terrible idea.
I'm full of semi-not-so-terrible ideas. It's one of the things you love about me.
- I thought I loved you for being a giver. - I'm a complex guy.
What flick did you bring, Complexo?
Night of the Ninjas. You got snacks?
Nachos and napoleons. Covered the salty and the sweet, all within the letter N.
Sweet. You know, pastries and corn chips are a key staple to the ninja diet.
Helps them keep a keen mind and a cool hand.
(makes ninja noises)
Well, I guess you should eat up then.
Oh, no! Oh, no! Whoa... Oh, no!
Night of the Ninja Napoleons. Look out, it's going for the hair!
I talked to Wexler, laid out all the reasons why I should be anchor.
I even told him red was a good colour on him. He couldn't say no.
I'm sorry, Barbie. Raquelle already has a co-anchor.
- Right! Of course. I just... - Barbie, I'm just not sure you're ready.
Raquelle is exciting, fresh and fun.
She has ideas for really innovative stories. Stuff that hooks people.
If you had a great story, I'd let you anchor it, but...
Woo-hoo! Assistant! Barbie!
We'll talk about this later. Hm. Red is a good colour on me.
- Yes? - I need water. I'm parched.
- The cooler's right there. - I know.
You're such a love. Thanks.
I hate my life.
- Barbie... - Oh! Todd. Hi.
(Raquelle) Barbie? My water?
And tell Todd we're over. I have no desire to see him.
I'm sorry, Todd, but Her Majesty doesn't want to see you.
Good.
I came to see you.
(giggle and squeal)
A chance to go to the fall formal with Todd, the man of her dreams?
She said yes. Of course she said yes. She'd be insane not to.
- You did say yes, yes? - Yes!
Yes!
And he asked me to come to football practice!
What do you wear to watch football practice?
- (coach) Let's go, boys. Hit it harder! - (all grunt)
(song in background)
- (coach) Attaboy, Todd! - Yes!
Woo! All right, Todd!
(whistle)
Hmph!
- Yoo-hoo! - Huh?
Me?
Hi.
I really should've gone to more games last year, but this year I'll make a concerted...
Oh, my gosh!
...state championships. We just dominated these guys.
I had no idea football was so complicated.
You have all those players you need to memorise, and you gotta keep in shape.
You're doing a good job.
The hottest jock in school is your boyfriend? You're like the first lady!
I'm not his girlfriend. We're just going to the fall formal together. (giggles)
I can't believe we're going to the fall formal together.
I really couldn't. Every time I thought about Todd I got all fluttery inside.
Hey, wait a sec. How come Barbie's the only one of us who has a date?
I'm too focused on the election to date, and the last time a guy asked you out,
you drummed on his chest with a Popsicle stick.
I had a riff in my head. I didn't want to forget it.
I need a dress that says I'm a cool, hip, tons-of-fun girl with a mysterious side.
And I have to be able to eat dinner and, you know, breathe in it.
And it should be strapless so the sleeves don't get caught.
And it should be red... I made a list.
Oh, look at this.
Bejewelled Asian utensils. Cute hair accessories or drumsticks?
Shoot!
No way. Raquelle.
- Maybe we should come back later. - Why? You're the one going with Todd.
And you're not at the studio, so she can't make you fetch her a latte.
Let's get shopping.
(dials phone, it rings)
Wow.
This is the one. Right?
Totally. You have to buy it, like, immediately.
- Hi. I'm gonna get this. - Great. Let's ring this up.
(phone rings)
Hello?
Todd, hey! That's so funny you called - I just picked out my dress.
I can't wait for you to... Oh.
N-no, no. I totally understand.
No big deal. It's just a dance, right?
Yeah, I'll see you around. Bye.
Was that Todd? I told him he needed to talk to you ASAP.
Of course, he doesn't understand acronyms, but I guess he got the point.
Yeah. Congratulations. Todd and Raquelle got back together.
Last night - which is really when he should've called you.
Hi? Stephanie? I'm taking this.
You don't mind if I butt in, right?
I mean, you're not still buying that, are you?
No. It's fine.
You go ahead.
What a bummer, getting dumped.
Look at it this way. He only asked you out to get me jealous,
so it's not like you're really losing out on anything, right?
Later!
I think the word I'm looking for is, "Eew".
She's horrible. She's the reason I'd never go back to school.
I can't believe Todd dumped you like that.
Get it anyway. Let him eat his heart out when he sees how hot you look.
I don't think so. I'd rather just go home.
OK, stop.
I can't let you leave all mopy or people in the mall will think this place is lame.
We just got these in yesterday. You're the first to see them.
- They're bracelets. - Not just bracelets.
Each one has its own set of charms that you can rearrange.
No two will ever be alike.
- Wow. Check this one out. - How much are they?
- These are a gift. - No! No, no.
I've been exactly where you are. To me, that makes us sisters.
So pick your bracelet.
Excellent choice. That one comes with a diary.
One of the charms is a key that opens the book. Just wave it over the lock.
(Barbie) I've never kept a diary.
So try it. You'd be surprised to discover the power of your own thoughts.
Put them on paper and amazing things can happen.
Plus, it matches the bracelet and it's really cute.
Thanks. That's really nice of you.
I'll keep this on hold for you, in case you change your mind.
Thanks.
(Tia) How cool was that?
Which part? That she scored us on these bracelets, or that she hated Raquelle?
- Both. Easily both. - Yeah, it's great.
If I could just transfer to another school, everything'd be perfect.
Oh, Barbie.
I felt so stupid and alone.
Tia and Courtney were cool, but they didn't know what I was going through.
There was no one I could talk to.
(song in background)
I can't. I feel like everybody knows.
I can't believe your mom didn't let you stay home.
Please. Unless I have a raging fever or a disfiguring rash, I have to be in school.
(sighs)
(whispering and laughter)
- (voice, echoing) The fall formal... - (laughter)
(mocking laughter)
(bell)
Today I want to blend into the background and not get noticed.
As I'm sure you're all aware, I don't lie - this test was hard.
Courtney, we don't apply makeup in class.
- Hand it over. - (whispers) Good thing I have backup.
And before anyone comes to me complaining the test was "impossible",
I offer proof it was not. Someone managed to get a 97.
No. Not today. Any day but today.
Congratulations, Barbie.
(Raquelle, whispering) Way to throw off the curve, Barbie. Huh.
But you can't blame her. Now that she doesn't have Todd, science is all she has.
"Dear Diary, I can't believe I thought this year would be great. "
"Why would I think anything'd change?"
"I'm always gonna be nice, reliable Barbie. "
"Things have been a mess ever since Raquelle landed that anchor job. "
"I just wish I could show Wexler that I could be exciting. "
Hey. I heard. N-not that it's the talk of the school.
I-I mean, surely people have better things to talk about.
(laughs nervously) Of course, you know, I guess I don't.
- Are you OK? - No. Not even a little bit.
Todd is an idiot. No way...
It's not just him. I mean, it is, but it's also...
- Barbie? Yoo-hoo! Barbie! - What, Raquelle?
I need you to do research for my next big story - fashion.
Do any of us have the backbone to go backless? Hm?
That's your big story? I mean, it's fun and all, but I was thinking...
Don't care. If Wexler had wanted what you had to offer, he'd have chosen you.
Funny. I could say the same thing about Todd.
Research fashion magazines, red-carpet photos, the whole thing.
- Thanks. Love ya! - (frustrated groan)
She doesn't deserve to be anchor. Who cares if she's exciting, fresh and fun?
She sounds like a deodorant. You're way more fun than she is.
Sure, when it's just us. When it's just you or Court or Tia I can be myself.
But when I get around everyone else, I freeze up.
- I just need to break out of... Oof! - Sorry.
(groans)
My bracelet!
- Pardon me. - (girl yelps)
- Whoops. - (girl) Whoa!
- Excuse me. Excuse me. - Whoa.
- Excuse me! - (boy) Watch out!
(girl) Totally rude!
- Pardon me! - Uh...
(groans)
- Coming through here. - What are you doing?
Gotcha.
Fall formal band auditions?
(crowd goes wild)
You've been a great audience. Thank you! Good night!
(fireworks explode)
- You signed us up for what? - To be the band for the fall formal.
We audition in a week. I just saw the sign and figured we should go for it.
But we've never played in front of anybody.
But we could. And Wexler will see that I can be bold and exciting.
People will know me as something other than the girl who ruins the curve.
Wouldn't it be easier to just throw a test or two?
Very funny. The point is, being the fall formal band is a risk that I wanna take.
It automatically makes us someone.
Oh, right. I keep forgetting that I'm no one. Thanks for reminding me.
Come on, you said you wanted to kick butt as a drummer this year.
And who wouldn't want a rock star as their class president?
OK. But if we're gonna do this, we have to do it right.
We have to practise. I don't wanna do it halfway.
We will! We'll rock, I know it.
- Let's do it! - Yes!
Oh, sweet. Girl hug. I so picked the right time to come in.
Kev, Charmz is gonna audition for the fall formal band.
Whoa! Bold move - I like that.
Girl hug with Kevin?
No? Had to try.
You guys do know how to play these things, right?
Cos, come to think of it, I've never actually seen you rehearse.
Just make sure you wear socks to the formal, cos they will be knocked off.
Then I thought, why not do a story about the best pedicure within a mile of school?
And I'll do the research. Paid for by the station's budget, of course.
That's a great idea, Raquelle, totally great. But is it news?
- Who cares? I get free pedicures! - And Wexler went for it?
I told him I had my finger on the pulse of the school. He couldn't argue with that.
Oh, Barbie, I'll be researching my next story myself,
so you can take a little R and R.
Frankly, you look like you could use the break.
- Cool bracelet. - (frustrated groan)
She doesn't even care about the news. All she cares about is being popular.
That's not true. She cares about making you feel like dirt.
Why? Why does being popular mean you automatically have to make everyone else
feel bad about not being popular?
- Maybe you should ask Raquelle. - (laughing) Yeah.
(gasps)
Kevin, you're brilliant. That's news! That's real!
You lost me. I liked the part about me being brilliant.
Who wouldn't be hooked by finding out what makes the populars popular?
A story on the popular kids.
Not just a story, an in-depth study.
Why they are like they are, why they act like they act.
I am brilliant. It's one of the reasons you love me.
I show it to Wexler, he sees I have the know-how and skills to be a real reporter.
"But, wait. Is she exciting, fresh, fun?"
Then he sees you play at the fall formal...
And the deal is sealed.
- Will you help me? - Totally.
- We should go pitch it to Wexler, right? - No. Not until it's done.
I don't want him giving the assignment to someone else.
(song in background)
Wow. That was actually not bad.
- No, I totally wrorphed the bridge. - What's "wrorphed"?
A combination of "wreck" and "morph". Kevin made it up.
And it's bad, right?
Hey, girls. How about we stop the etymology lesson and practise?
- What's etymology? - The study of the history of words.
I give up. Snack break.
(door opens)
And once again band practice sounds... like three girls talking.
Hi, Kevin.
I brought you something.
OK, remember, too much zooming makes your footage seem amateurish
- and your entire story will be wrorphed. - I don't know how to thank you.
I heard something about snacks when I was walking up.
I'll go grab some more.
(door opens and closes)
What?
Did you just start liking her, or did we just start noticing it?
What?
I think he's always liked her, but this Todd thing brought it to the forefront.
- What? - Look, we've rendered him speechless.
- We should do this more often. - I don't know what you're talking about.
Your hopeless, desperate but strangely endearing crush on Barbie.
- Oh. That. - I knew it! You have to tell her.
Or we could, but it's better coming from you. Unless you want us to.
Uh, no one is telling her. She doesn't like me like that. She likes Todd.
If I tell her, she'll get weird and we won't be friends. It'll be majorly...
- Wrorphed? - See? Tell me it's not fun to say.
You could end up a couple and live happily every after.
- Eew. I just grossed myself out. - (Barbie) Thanks, Mom.
Fine. Maybe I'll tell her. But it has to come from me. Promise you won't say anything.
- Fine. - I promise.
Hot out of the oven.
Mm! Mm! Mm...
These... mm... cookies... are...
- awesome! - (giggle)
- What? - Nothing. Let's rehearse.
"Dear Diary, it's one thing to rehearse,
it's another to sing in front of the entire student body. "
"What did I get us into?"
"When we're alone in the garage, it's great,
but how do you get the courage to be the girl in the garage in front of hundreds?"
(bell)
"How do you get the nerve to interview people who ignored you your entire life?"
- What if they won't talk to me? - They will. You just have to take it slow.
Win them over with compliments, then ask the hard-hitting questions. Good luck.
I asked somebody - they said it had these robots in it...
Hey!
I'm sorry, but did we invite you into this conversation?
Uh, no. It's just...
Regen, you mentioned my bracelet the other day.
Oh, right. Yeah, the bracelet's very cool. Dawn, check it.
Very cool. Where'd you get that?
You know, in the mall. Over by the Kebabarama.
Hey, is it true you're auditioning for the fall formal?
- Do you, like, play an instrument? - Yeah, guitar. And sing.
- Guitar is really cool. - Really? I mean, uh...
Brian's brother's band is playing at the Roundabout tomorrow...
Wait! I wanted to ask you...
Oh.
Brilliant reporting, Barbie.
"Dear Diary, this just in, from a lousy reporter... I love the idea of this story,
but I need a way to approach the popular crowd, something to get me noticed. "
"Of course, none of it will matter if I fail school. "
"Which reminds me... homework."
(sighs) Great.
How's it possible that I don't have a highlighter?
Lip gloss? Hm. Disgusting but doable.
Toddy bear, wait.
Can you please not call me that in front of everyone?
- Wow. Too bad Barbie's missing this. - I've got to go. Check you later.
Speaking of missing, watch me not miss this.
- Oops. Sorry. - Hmph!
I think I like ending it that way.
You guys, hey! Check this out. Court, you'll love this.
- It's a highlighter. - You think?
(gasps)
- Lip gloss? - It's cool, right?
I could use it in class without getting caught.
You're a genius and a rebel. Who are you and what did you do with Barbie?
Good morning, class.
If everyone will take out their homework from last night.
Now, question number five was a little tricky.
Did anyone here have trouble with it? Anyone?
(whispers) This is amazing.
Courtney, do you have something to share with the class?
Who, me? Oh, no, Mr Bennett. Just using my highlighter.
All right. Pass your homework to the front.
So, today we're talking about covalent bonds.
How amazing was that? He had no idea!
I know. Cool, right?
You guys, listen to this!
"Your eyes are blue Your smile is charming
"Your hair is shiny Your laugh disarming
"I won't say who I am Don't want to be too scary
"But maybe I'll see you in the library"
- Hey, who's the poet? - I don't know. Nobody signed it.
No way! You totally have a secret admirer!
Come on, that's ridiculous. Right?
Who would send this?
Barbie? Hey. I saw that thing you gave Courtney - the highlighter lip gloss.
- Where'd you get that? - Actually, I made it.
Do you think you could make me one? I can give you all the stuff for it.
- Yeah... I guess. - That'd be excellent.
Dawn's coming over tonight. You should come by and hang out.
- Text me later. - OK, sure.
Uh, hello? We're rehearsing tonight. We have to be ready for this audition.
I know. But if I go to Regen's house, I can interview them for my story.
Can we push rehearsal, like, an hour?
Oh, you guys are the best.
So then they invited me to hang out with them.
Which is kind of weird... but maybe not. Do you think it's weird?
They're just people. Maybe they're not that different.
- Do the story and find out. - I can't wait.
I want this piece to be completely eye-opening.
Something that's never been on the show before. Assuming it gets on the show.
Are you kidding? You crack the secret of popularity,
Wexler will be all over you. You'll be his number one anchor.
Uh, by the way,
what's the story with this admirer?
I don't know. The note said maybe I'd see him in the library,
but... it was probably just a joke.
It's a little more exciting and romantic than I'm used to.
Really? You think it's exciting and romantic?
- Barbie? - Oh. Todd. Hi.
- Hey. Um... do you have a sec? - Sure.
It's about the formal.
- I just feel really bad about backing out. - Good.
Whatever. You got back with Raquelle, I get it.
I just wanted you to know I really liked hanging out with you.
Thanks. Are we done here?
Yeah. Check you later.
That guy's a total loser. I can't believe you even talked to him after what he did.
Yeah. Sure.
You're not even listening to a word I say.
I ate a live iguana yesterday. Swallowed it whole.
- Yeah. Sure. - (sighs)
"Dear Diary, Todd..."
"Could it be? I mean, I know he's with Raquelle,
but maybe he just felt he had to go to the formal with her cos everyone expected it. "
"Maybe he's gonna break up with her."
"I can't believe I have a secret admirer."
(doorbell)
- He said he thought you were cute. - No, he did not.
He did. Hey, Barbie. He said he thought you were cute.
Shut it! Come on in. What else did he say?
Wait! Um...
I wanted to ask you guys something.
- Uh... You guys always dress so cute. - Thanks!
Listen, I'm doing this sort of news story thing on popular girls.
And I was wondering if I could interview you guys.
You know, cos you are the most popular girls in school.
- We totally are, aren't we? - What about Raquelle?
Let's not tell her, cos she would hog the whole interview. Right? Am I right?
She'd be all up in the camera, flicking her hair and talking about how great she is.
Speaking of that, what happened with you and Todd?
- What? Nothing. - (Regen) Yeah, but you guys hung out.
So he must've told you something about Raquelle. You know, like, good dirt.
- Isn't Raquelle your friend? - Totally BFF. Best friends forever.
We were curious if he said anything interesting about her.
No, he didn't really say anything.
Hm. Bummer.
Make lip-gloss pens during the interview.
You should totally set up upstairs.
I have the cutest bedroom. Everyone will be jealous squared.
"Dear Diary, Dawn and Regen are totally into doing this interview,
and everyone wants a highlighter lip gloss. It's crazy. "
"I've made so many that I've lost count. It's funny how things change. "
Hey, Barbie! Thanks for the highlighter!
"A week ago I was no one."
- Nice shirt. - Great hair.
- "And now?" - Barbie. We had an idea.
- Cellphones that are also... - Ahem!
Um, hi. Can you two not hang out with the girl who tried to steal my boyfriend?
- You were broken up. - That was just a trial break-up.
Everyone knows boyfriends are off-limits during... Hey!
Where are you going?
Anyway, we had an idea. Cellphones that are also blush.
So while you hold your phone up to your face...
- Brilliant, right? - I know!
We could do a segment on it for your story.
"Dawn and Regen love the camera."
"Raquelle can't stand that I'm hanging out with her friends,
so she's doing everything she can to make my life miserable. "
What is Barbie doing?
I want to do a story on which coffee bar serves the best latte.
She's doing the research.
- Um, this is a regular latte. I said non-fat. - No, you didn't.
My bad. I guess you'll have to redo all the orders.
"But that's OK. I'll survive."
"And I keep getting those secret-admirer letters. He always leaves a clue. "
"Last time he said I'd see him at lunch."
"He rhymed 'cafeteria' with 'wisteria'. It's a flower - I looked it up. "
"Anyway, I think I saw him there."
"But I've got to stay focused."
"The audition for the formal is tomorrow. Hi, nervous. "
"If we can nail this, everything in my life will fail into place. "
"Wish us luck."
- Could you hear us? - How did we sound?
- I totally dropped the drumstick. - Doesn't matter. You rocked.
Yes! I can't believe it.
I was right about sophomore year. Everything is perfect.
It's like I'm a whole new person who can do no wrong.
- Wrong. - Principal Peters!
Tia, Courtney, Barbie, come with me.
I've been told the three of you are behind this.
- Is that true? - Who told you that?
- That's not important. - Psst!
What is important is you specifically engineered a tool
to help students disobey school rules.
Courtney and Tia had nothing to do with making those lip-gloss pens.
- It was all me. I swear. - That's not the way I heard it.
And, just to be sure, I'd rather none of you make plans for lunch today.
You're all on caff duty. Understood?
Ugh.
Did it have to be Sloppy Joe day?
I cannot believe Raquelle turned us in.
I can. I'm used to her wrecking my life.
Oh. Well, it is all about your life.
It's not like I had plans to work on my campaign speech over lunch.
I was going to finish my trig homework, but, luckily, this came up.
Guys, I'm sorry. I know this is totally my fault.
And if I could do something to make it up to you, I would.
Ugh!
(all laugh)
I don't know about you, but I feel much better.
- Here, let me get that for you. - (squeals)
All right, take that!
(all giggle and squeal)
I can't believe you just did that.
(PA) Teachers and students, may I have your attention, please?
We have the results of the fall formal band audition.
You guys, shh. Listen.
The band chosen to play at the fall formal will be...
- Charmz. - (squeal)
We're gonna play at the fall formal!
(crashing and smashing)
"Dear Diary, it all worked out!"
"Even caff duty turned out to be a good thing. "
"But if I hadn't got splattered with Sloppy Joe,
they may have hated me forever. That was total luck. "
Total luck.
"And then it hit me. Everything I had written in the diary had come true. "
Stephanie, I have to talk to you about the diary and the bracelet.
- I'm sorry, what? - I'm sorry. I thought you were Stephanie.
Maybe that wasn't her name. A cool-looking girl with glasses?
- I don't know what you're talking about. - She sold me this bracelet and diary,
- and... I think they're magic. - Magic?
It's like you can wish on it or something.
Not like, "I wish I had a million dollars",
but more like I write about stuff that I want, and it happens.
I'm sorry. You must be thinking of another store. I'm the only girl who works here.
But if you do figure out where you got it, let me know. I could use a little magic.
Do you want Regen calling that girl's dress a potato sack
or the shot of Dawn filing her nails during a test?
Kevin, do you think I'm crazy?
Yup. Potato sack or nail file?
There's something going on that's kind of strange.
I know. I'm very kindly editing this story for you and you're ignoring me.
You're right. I'm sorry.
I think both potato sack and nail file are boring.
- You do? - Please.
Regen and Dawn are catty and vain. Big whoop.
It's not enough. That's not news.
At Regen's house, she was digging for dirt on Raquelle, her best friend.
- That's lame. - Totally.
I was gonna do a story on what it takes to be popular - good hair, the right jeans -
but maybe what it takes is talking about your friends behind their back.
Which means they really don't have any friends at all.
Now that's a good story.
Yeah. But I just haven't really found a way for them to open up to me yet.
Well, you need to go in deeper.
You know, go Dian Fossey on those girls. Live among them, earn their trust.
You need to become a full-fledged member of the elusive popular tribe.
If I really want them to talk to me, I need to speak their language.
Uh, speak their language?
The only thing they like to talk about is themselves,
so I need some good gossip to get them to open up.
Maybe you could make something up.
No good. You end up spreading a rumour that isn't true. That's the last of the flyers.
I just need to kick off my campaign with a rally after lunch. Think I'll get anyone?
- We'll be there. - Definitely. Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Ooh!
Another admirer letter?
"A fire in your soul sets my world ablaze
"I'm a helpless white mouse lost in your maze
"I'll be in the parking lot today after school
"You may not see me, but I'll see you"
- You guys, that's it! - What? It doesn't rhyme?
I'll tell them Todd's sending secret love notes to me while he's still with Raquelle.
That would be the biggest news ever.
Are you sure the notes are from Todd?
- All the clues point to him. - Barbie, I don't know...
I've got to go find Regen and Dawn. Later.
Regen!
I have something to tell you, and it's for your ears only.
I'm getting these secret-admirer notes
and, I'm not sure, but I think maybe they're from (whispers) Todd.
- I mean, I know he's with Raquelle, but... - Get out. We have to tell Dawn.
- Out there? - Yeah, out there. That's where Dawn is.
"The popular lawn. I was actually invited to go out on the popular lawn. "
"I could feel my story cracking wide open. "
Barbie! Come on! It's time for the rally.
The rally? Barbie, come on. We have to go talk to Dawn.
Hello?
I'm really sorry. I have to go do this.
- Good luck with the rally. - I don't believe this.
Dawn, you've got to hear this.
"After that, it's like the floodgates opened. "
"Dawn and Regen accepted me as one of their own. "
"Now I could tell my story from the inside. "
"We started, like, hanging out for real. "
Hi, here we are in the mall. This is where we buy our favourite shirts. Check it out.
(music plays)
OK. Now it's your turn.
Oh, my gosh! She picked the right colour.
Hi. OK, you have to tell her.
So we decided to audition for the fall... Hi.
Hi!
- He is such a loser. - I don't believe it.
(laughs) No way did Dawn say that about me. I'm not surprised though.
The other day she IMed that she secretly thinks you're disgusting
because you chew with your mouth open. I know! How dare she!
Hey!
We have to rehearse. You're the one who signed us up.
OK, OK. Just give me a sec.
Jingle me back in ten? Thanks!
Sorry.
We've been ready to rehearse for 45 minutes and you've been on the phone.
- Barbie, this is really important to me. - And my story's important to me.
- I thought you understood. - Which is it you care about?
Your story or your lunches on the popular lawn?
Do you think you can stay away from your new friends
long enough to rehearse for a few minutes? The formal is this weekend.
- You're right. We'll be ready. I promise. - (phone rings)
I'm gonna have to take this. Be right back.
(sighs) Unbelievable.
Hey, guys.
- Let me guess, on the phone? - Yup.
- "Regs" or "Dawnie"? - "Regs".
I don't think it's about the story any more. I think she likes being popular.
No way. It's all an act. She's getting amazing footage.
Right here. It's the teaser we made to show Mr Wexler.
Dawn and Regen talking smack about each other.
It's like popular girl warfare. We're giving it to him tomorrow.
So tomorrow after school, it'll be back to normal.
Yeah. Keep reminding me of that.
Otherwise I might have to do a drum riff on her head.
- (girl) Hi, Barbie! - Wow.
Barbie!
"The funny thing about hanging out with the populars..."
Barbie, hi!
"...it's, like, everyone is dying to please you. "
"I have to admit, it's kind of nice."
It's really great out here.
The grounds crew is from Dad's company. They give this area extra attention.
I can't believe it. The grass really is greener on the other side.
(laughs, clears throat)
Hey, Barbie.
I think you should talk to Todd, find out if he's the one sending you notes.
Shh! You didn't say anything to Raquelle, did you?
- Of course not. Don't you trust us? - Yeah... totally. I just...
My bracelet!
You guys, I lost my bracelet! I...
Oh. (laughs awkwardly)
- Never mind. - Freak out much? It's just a bracelet.
It's really stupid, but... I think it might be kind of magic.
The woman who sold it to me disappeared,
and ever since I got it things have been happening.
I mean, not magic as in "abracadabra". (laughs nervously)
Magic as in... anything that makes me look this hot must be magic.
Oh, totally hot.
Hot enough to go make your move on Todd.
- Come on. We're bored. - I don't know.
I mean, what about Raquelle?
- You're much more fun to hang out with. - Really?
- And, frankly, you've got better hair. - And it's not easy. We know.
Having great hair and picking out the right clothes every day is high pressure.
I arrange my clothes in order of colour so I can make a quick choice in the morning.
(all laugh)
- You think he's watched the tape? - Kevin, do you think I have fantastic hair?
I never really thought about it, but Dawn and Regen said...
Barbie?
- What are you talking about? - Uh, nothing.
Come on. Let's go in.
- Hey, Mr Wexler. - Hello, Barbie.
So, I watched your clip...
It's brilliant. Really gutsy reporting, Barbie. I'm impressed.
I want you to put it together and anchor it live on Friday night.
- Can you handle that? - Are you kidding? I would love to!
Thank you, Mr Wexler. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Barbie. This is the kind of news I want. This stuff has a hook.
Congratulations. I'll start airing your teaser as a promo.
A ginger ale toast - to getting on the air.
The preview was fantastic.
Totally. Congratulations.
You guys, thanks for being so patient. I know it couldn't have been easy.
- You are a vicious, evil human being. - Regen!
We thought you were our friend. But all you cared about
was making us look bad on your story.
Your faces are blurred out, so...
So what? Everyone knows it's us.
I started out just wanting to do a day-in-the-life thing,
but then I realised a day in your life was different - full of gossip.
And I just wanted to show the truth.
You wanted to show the world how terrible we are
for pretending to be friends with people when really gathering dirt?
Why does that sound familiar?
(gasps) Eew!
Great. Mustard in my sneaker.
Oh, that's almost sweet. In a fourth-grade summer camp kind of way.
(sighs) It's not as bad as whoever put chilli in my backpack.
What'll happen when I do the actual special tonight?
Easy. The populars will be shown as the shallow people they are,
everyone'll rally on your side, then we'll rock the house at the formal.
As long as I get through the story.
Well, at least you two finally saw the light about Barbie.
- One more time. - You were right.
You were right, she's not popular material.
- I mean, why would Todd like her? - What?
Oh... um...
She told us that Todd was sending her secret notes.
She said it was all because of some stupid bracelet
that was, like, magic or made her lucky or something.
Oh! She... did... not!
Well, I guess we'll just have to take her magic away.
Maybe we shouldn't. She deserves it, but it's stealing.
Honey, we're not stealing, we're borrowing.
Just like Barbie borrowed your friendship to use you for her news piece.
Just like she borrowed Todd when we were clearly on a trial break-up.
Oh, no!
Barbie's little bracelet has magically disappeared.
Have you seen Barbie? We were gonna rehearse before the formal tonight.
- She hasn't answered her phone. - I haven't seen her.
Ooh, is that her piece you're working on? Can we see some?
Sure. It's awesome.
I arrange my clothes in order of colour so I can make a quick choice in the morning.
I have a friend who numbers her jeans so she doesn't wear the same pair in a row.
- (Dawn) No way! Who? - (Regan) Yeah, who?
- Oh, it's no big deal. - Spill, honey.
It's Tia.
Wait. If she wore jeans one day, shouldn't they be in the wash the next day?
Well, I mean...
Oh, my gosh! She totally doesn't wash her clothes!
That's disgusting!
Wait till I tell... well, everyone!
- Who is she? - Come on. Let's go find her.
You guys. Wait.
Barbie, we need to talk.
My bracelet - it's gone. It was in my gym bag but now it's not there.
- Barbie, forget the bracelet. - I can't.
Without my bracelet I can't write in my diary.
I need to write in my diary or I can't do anything tonight.
Not the story, not the concert, nothing.
How could you have told Regen and Dawn that stuff about Tia?
Yeah. Kevin showed us the footage. I can't believe you.
Oh. That. Did you see how they blew it all out of proportion?
That's exactly the dark stuff I want to show in my story.
- That stuff is gold. - Now we know what we mean to you.
You get your story and I get to be the girl who never washes her clothes.
- Thanks a lot. - You guys, it's no big deal. I just slipped.
You've been blowing off band practice, treating us like dirt...
You picked the popular lawn over Tia's class president rally.
You never even asked me how it went.
I tried to help out. I made flyers.
Flyers. Wow. Real friends show up.
You guys, it'll all be over after the story.
Which I won't be able to do if I can't find the bracelet.
Enough about the stupid bracelet. Why is it so important to you?
It brings me luck. I got everything once I had the bracelet. It changed me.
- Into what? - Sorry about your bracelet.
But until you get your priorities straight, I don't want to hang out with you.
We've decided to play the formal without you. It's just better that way.
(door shuts)
In three... two... one.
Hi, I'm Barbie, and this is a special High School News in-depth story.
Tonight's topic, what goes on in the secret society known as the in-crowd,
the popular kids, the populazzi.
To learn first-hand, I did an in-depth report on the ins and outs of popularity.
Which I'm not going to show.
The real truth is, it doesn't matter what the popular people say or think or do.
It doesn't matter how many people in school know who you are.
It only matters that you know who you are, and are true to that.
This year, I wanted people to notice me,
and I worked so hard at it, I forgot the people who already did,
and totally wrorphed everything.
(laughs) It's this word that Kevin made up.
But the point is, I was wrong. I'm sorry.
I know Mr Wexler blocked off an hour for this story,
which I'm not going to show,
but... I do have something:
26 short films that Kevin made this summer.
I particularly like the one where the paperclips attack his e-book.
Anyway, enjoy.
Sorry. I know this wasn't exactly what you had in mind.
"Dear Yellow Legal Pad,
I guess I got kind of wrapped up in the perks of being popular. "
"Tonight's the formal, but I'm not even gonna go. "
"I know Tia and Courtney will do a great job with the band. "
"I just hope that my friends - or should I say former friends -
find some way to forgive me. Eventually. "
(song in background)
- (string breaks) - (door opens)
Oh, my gosh. She's playing.
I'm not sure I've ever seen you actually play in this garage.
That thing better be tuned, cos we have a fall formal to play.
- You guys want me to play? - We saw your story.
You were willing to give up your anchor shot to apologise to us.
And to show Kevin's short films.
He did so much work on editing my story. Something he did should make the air.
It was brilliant! The best hour ever seen on High School News Network.
I feel really badly, you guys - about everything.
You are also horribly underdressed.
Luckily, this little number was still on hold for you.
- You guys are the best. - Yeah, we know.
Now, get ready. With any luck we'll make it to the formal in time to actually play.
Luck? Huh. Unfortunately, that's the one thing I don't have.
- You coming? - I just... I never found that bracelet.
And I know it's crazy, but it really did magically bring me luck.
I'm afraid that without it I'm nothing.
What are you talking about? You did that entire news story.
That's because Wexler was counting on me.
That was old Barbie, just doing what everybody expected of her.
But tonight - to perform in front of everyone? I need the bracelet.
(laughs)
- That's a broken guitar string. - No, it's not. It's magic.
It tells you that you're a beautiful, funny, awesome guitar player
- who's gonna kick butt at the show. - (laughs) Kevin. That's ridiculous.
It's just a stupid piece of metal...
- Exactly. - There's no old Barbie or new Barbie.
There's just me. And I'm gonna rock. Thanks.
Ugh, stop with the mushy stuff and get dressed already, will you?
We got a formal to go to.
(song in background)
- You look awesome! - Whoa. That dress rocks.
- Check it out! - A little something special I rented.
- Shall we? - (Tia) This is gonna be fun!
(Courtney) I can't wait! This limo is amazing!
- Yeah! Fall formal, here we come! - (girls, laughing) All right! Yeah!
(song in background)
Hey, guys. Ooh, you look nervous.
What's the matter? Someone having trouble without their good-luck charm?
- (gasps) My bracelet! - Prove it.
As far as anyone else knows, I just bought this today.
I saw your little news story. So sweet.
Your disgusting, dirty-clothed friends must be so proud.
OK, everyone. It's time to bring on the band.
- Get ready to dance with Charmz. - (cheering)
OK, let's do it.
(boy, whispering) Hey, did you hear about Barbie in the anchor room?
She was supposed to air...
(Barbie) There are some people tonight spreading rumours.
Just to set the record straight, I do wash my clothes.
And, yes, I number my jeans.
But it's that kind of attention to detail you want in a president.
The next time someone tells you some juicy dish about someone else,
note to self: So what?
Two, three, four!
(song in background)
(cheering)
- My dress! - Look out!
Oh... oh...
(squeals)
Nice dress!
And she sticks the landing, folks!
- Todd, we are leaving. - Yeah, cool. I'll check you later.
(frustrated scream)
Thank you! And don't forget - vote for Tia.
That was Charmz. We'll have them back later, but for now, let's take it down a step.
- That rocked! - Oh, my gosh.
- That was amazing! - Thank you!
That was so great! Hi!
Can you believe it? I totally caught the drumstick!
- Did you see that? - Thank you. Thanks.
Uh, excuse me one second.
You guys were awesome!
- You have to tell her how you feel. - Uh... I don't know.
Oh, come on. Tell her or I will.
- You guys, that was incredible! - Yeah, good job.
Man, am I parched. I'm gonna go get some punch. Tia?
Gee, Courtney, punch sounds great.
- That was weird. - Uh, yeah.
Um... Can I talk to you? There's something I wanted to...
Barbie, you were awesome tonight. Wanna dance?
Yeah, I do. I'll catch up with you later, OK?
Yeah, sure.
- You look awesome tonight. - Thanks.
Listen, I wanted to talk to you.
I appreciate the notes you left in my locker, but...
What notes? What are you talking about?
You mean you didn't?
"And that's when I realised."
"All those clues, all those places I was supposed to see my mystery man. "
"In the library. In the cafeteria. Everywhere. "
"There was a guy out there who really got me for me. "
Would you excuse me? I've gotta go.
Hey, w-where are you going? We were... we were dancing.
So if I wore jeans number three on Friday, on Monday, after they've all been washed,
I'll know not to wear them. I'll wear five or seven.
Wow. That's really brilliant.
- Does that work with undies too? - Mm-hm.
Kevin!
- Where are you going? - This isn't really my scene.
Congrats on Todd, though. I'm really happy for you.
Don't be. He's not the right guy for me.
What? What do you mean?
Please. Who else is weird enough to rhyme "scary" with "library"?
- You think I'm weird? - Totally.
It's one of the things I... love about you.
(awkwardly) OK! Well... let's go find Tia and Courtney.
Oh. I'm caught.
Maybe there is such a thing as a magic bracelet.
(gasps)
OK. You're right. I wrote the notes.
I was scared to tell you cos I didn't want to screw up our friendship.
Then you were so happy when you thought they were from Todd...
I don't know... I like seeing you happy. I should've told you, but...
Shut up and dance with me, Kevin.
I thought you'd never ask.
(song in background)
"So there I was, dancing with Kevin - my secret admirer. "
"I guess amazing things do happen when you put your dreams on paper. "
"So next time someone asks you if you believe in magic,
the only answer is yes. "
"Was the bracelet magic? Totally!"
"Cos without it, I never would've discovered who I really was. "
"The bracelet unlocked the diary, and the diary unlocked me. "
"Gotta go, Kevin's here for movie night. We're on Z. "
"Do you know how hard it is to find foods that begin with the letter Z?"
(sniffs)
- Is that ziti? - Yeah. Do you have any better ideas?
- What about zhocolate zhip cookies? - (laughs) Nice try.
Zupcakes? Oh, OK, I've got it. Zice-cream zundaes, huh!
(Barbie laughs)
(song in background)