
American Dreams (2002)
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Joey Lawrence as Michael Brooks
Episodes 19
Pilot
It's November 1963 and Meg Pryors dream is to appear on the Philly Based American Bandstand.Thanks to her best friend Roxanne, Meg finally gets the chance to appear, but her hopes are dashed when at dinner that night, Jack refuses to let her go on. While at the same time J.J. drops a bombshell on his dad and announces he doesn't wanna play football anymore, so he quit the team. Jack blames his girlfriend Beth and she storms out. Defying her father, Meg goes and does the show, in place of seeing Patty's spelling bee. Jack sees her on TV and when she's asked back as a regular, he refuses to let her appear. Meanwhile Helen struggles with her decision to stop having kids, of which Jack doesn't wanna hear,but finally accepts it.J.J. tells his coach he doesn't wanna play fottball, because he's being forced too and that took the fun out of it, but his coach says he should play anyway.Helen tries to talk Jack into letting Meg appear on the show,but he's made his decision. Which surprises and d
Read MoreThe End of the Innocence
Advance Preview It's Thanksgiving week in 1963, but, in the wake of the JFK assassination, no one feels thankful. Even Meg's selection as a Bandstand regular seems hollow to her---especially since best friend Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies) wasn't chosen. And the resentful Roxanne isn't going easy on Meg (Brittany Snow). Meanwhile, East Catholic's football team has a hole at running back without J.J. (Will Estes); and Helen (Gail O'Grady) gets together with the worldly Rebecca Sandstrom (Virginia Madsen) at Temple University.
Read MoreNew Frontier
To Meg's utter amazement she is asked to dance by Bandstand regular Jimmy Riley,before he is whisked away by another regular Teresa. J.J. quietly rejoins the football team. While Henry's son Sam earns a track scholarship to almost-all-white East Catholic. Jack invites Sam to dinner to meet J.J., being that their both now on the track team. Meg is informed by Teresa to be wary of Jimmy Riley. J.J. gets upset when he finds out Beth applied to Stanford. Helen tries to find a class that will fit her busy schedule at Temple. A Rumor starts circulating about Meg and Jimmy Riley "doing it", which Roxanne thinks is great, because it means Meg's important now. J.J. hears Beth's father call him a "Catholic kid from West Philly" to his country-club friends. Meg is asked out on her first date by Jimmy Riley and she readily accepts. While J.J. dominates the competition in his return to the gridiron.
Read MoreSoldier Boy
Roxanne is positive Meg is the ""Blurry Girl"" in a teen Magazine dancing with Jimmy Riley. Jack and Helen are in New York for a reunion of Jack's World War II unit. Beth tries in vain to reach J.J. but he cuts her off again. Later Meg meets Jay of Jay and The American's as he performs their hit ""Come a Little Bit Closer"" at a Bandstand rehearsal. He and Meg hit it off as does Roxanne and Carl the drummer. They plan a party for that night at the Pryor's house. Meanwhile in New York, Helen is approached by a man who claims Jack saved his life during the war. Patty finds out about the Party and wants to impress her spelling-bee foe Kevin by inviting him to party with Jay Black. J.J. and Will find Jack's 'Medal of Honor' while moving the last of the stuff from Meg's new room to the garage. Jay suggests to Meg and Roxanne they go some place else instead for the party. Beth and Kevin both show up, while J.J. and Beth have a fight, Patty and Kevin wait awkwardly for Meg to get home, which she
Read MoreCold Snap
Meg is angered to hear Luke, the new record shop employee, talking bad about the music she's about to buy. Elsewhere, a sudden cancellation of his deal to supply a hotel with all there new TV's, forces Jack to examine his family's financial outlook and question his own business philosophy. Sam, who is still adapting to life at East Catholic high school deals with a prank gone too far by the football team, while JJ looks on, unable or unwilling to intervene. While Roxanne uses her Bandstand connections to start her own business of selling autographed 45's, starting with Marvin Gaye. Discovering Luke slipped her a Bob Dylan record instead, Meg rushes back to the store to conmfront him. The Prank gets Tommy suspended and he threatens Sam until J.J. intervenes, which draws a nasty response from Sam. Michael shuts down Roxanne's new business, while Jack tries in vain to still make the big Hotel sell, but it's all for not as Mr. Healey refuses to buy them. Lastly, the bitter cold of the nigh
Read MoreSilent Night
Advance Preview With Christmas a day away, Meg (Brittany Snow) and dance partner Jimmy Riley (guest star Jesse Hutch) are voted one of ""Bandstand's"" favorite couples landing them a date under the mistletoe for their first kiss, which hurts her budding relationship with Luke (guest star Jamie Elman). Meanwhile, JJ (Will Estes) receives an early Christmas present with his acceptance into the University of Notre Dame, which prompts him to reconsider his break-up with longtime girlfriend, Beth (Rachel Boston). Elsewhere, Jack's (Tom Verica) military expertise is called upon when a local boy serving in Vietnam goes missing and Henry (Jonathan Adams) looks for a raise during the store's holiday rush. R&B singing star Ashanti (""Foolish"") guest stars as 1960s pop sensation Dionne Warwick singing ""Walk on By"" on ""American Bandstand."" Gail O'Grady, Arlen Escarpeta, Ethan Dampf and Sarah Ramos also star.
Read MoreI Wanna Hold Your Hand
The Beatles' arrival in America sends the country and the Pryor household into a frenzy, except for a concerned JJ, who receives word that Notre Dame has denied him a full scholarship. Determined to afford his son's college education, Jack seeks financial help from his successful and slightly distant older brother Ted despite Pete and Helen's concerns. Ted offers to pay for J.J. first year in South Bend in exchange for 50% ownership in the shop. Meanwhile, a confused Meg attempts to classify her relationship with Luke, employing Roxanne's ""perfect plan"", which is to simply have Luke introduce himself as Meg's boyfriend, to determine if the record store clerk is in fact her boyfriend. Patty's put in a tough position when she has to teach Will, the twleve apostles or not get to watch the Beattles on Ed Sullivan that night.
Read MoreGreat Expectations
Meg gets two Cs on her report card and Helen, more concerned about it than Jack is, thinks it would be a good idea for Meg to accompany her to her Temple class. Meg dislikes the idea, but not as much as she dislikes the fact that Luke agrees with her mother. Roxanne is also at odds with her mother, so she stays with the Pryors. Meanwhile, Beth notices JJ talking to Colleen; Jack hires Henry's nephew, Nathan; and it seems that there's a bullying problem in Will's third-grade class.
Read MoreThe Pursuit of Happiness
In the aftermath of his confession to Beth, JJ struggles to put their relationship back together again, but quickly realizes that it might be too little too late. Elsewhere, Meg strikes up a musical friendship with Sam as they decide to save money by sharing records - causing problems with JJ who quickly reminds his sister about the trouble she faced after her previous interactions with Sam. Meanwhile, Jack entrusts his new employee -- Nathan, the nephew of Henry with delivery duty, but later questions his decision when Nathan fails to return. Helen volunteers to baby-sit for her professor and gets to know him better while Roxanne fights for a coveted position writing the ""Backstage on Bandstand"" column for Teenzine magazine.
Read MoreFalse Start
In the first track meet of the season, JJ and Sam square off to determine who will race one of the fastest runners in the city, creating a new-found relationship between this unlikely pair. Meanwhile, after their break-up, Meg and Luke try to figure out exactly what to call their relationship with the help of confidents Roxanne and record storeowner Mr. Greenwood. Elsewhere, Helen's classmates lead her to believe that their professor, Mr. Witt, has a crush on her. Musical guest star India.Arie portrays Nina Simone performing at the Vinyl Crocodile record store.
Read MoreAct of Contrition
In the first track meet of the season, JJ (Will Estes) and Sam (Arlen Escarpeta) square off to determine who will race one of the fastest runners in the city, creating a new-found relationship between this unlikely pair. Meanwhile, after their break-up, Meg (Brittany Snow) and Luke (Jamie Elman) try to figure out exactly what to call their relationship with the help of confidents Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies) and record storeowner Mr. Greenwood (guest star Art Garfunkel). Elsewhere, Helen's (Gail O'Grady) classmates lead her to believe that their professor, Mr. Witt (guest star Robby Benson), has a crush on her. Musical guest star India.Arie portrays Nina Simone performing at the Vinyl Crocodile record store. Tom Verica, Sarah Ramos and Ethan Dampf also star.
Read MorePast Imperfect
Celebrating a Pryor family tradition, Jack and Uncle Pete make their annual trip to the cemetery to tend to their father's grave only to be joined by an unexpected visitor - their brother Ted. After impressing him with her musical knowledge, Bandstand producer Michael Brooks asks Meg to help him put together an upcoming special. However, when she is drafted as part of the cemetery expedition, Meg asks Roxanne to fill in, offering her best friend a chance to spend time with her latest crush. Elsewhere, JJ receives some disturbing news from the doctor regarding his broken leg. Helen volunteers to help register voters for the upcoming election, working closely with Professor Witt, while Sam decides to join his cousin Nathan at a local rally.
Read MoreThe One
MEG STRUGGLES WITH HER FEELINGS FOR BOTH HER EX-BOYFRIEND AND FAKE ONE ; WAYNE BRADY GUEST STARS AS JACKIE WILSON -- Making an appearance to sign autographs at the Vinyl Crocodile, Meg (Brittany Snow) struggles with her lingering feelings for ex-boyfriend Luke (guest star Jamie Elman) and rekindled interest in ""Bandstand"" partner Jimmy Riley (guest star Jesse Hutch). Meanwhile, Jack (Tom Verica) moves forward with Henry's (Jonathan Adams) suggestion as he investigates the possibility of opening a second store. Prompted by interest from his brother Ted (guest star Christopher Cousins), he decides to make this a family venture enlisting the help of younger brother Pete (guest star Matthew John Armstrong), thus leaving Henry out of the deal. Elsewhere, JJ (Will Estes) pushes Sam (Arlen Escarpeta) to forget about the former teammate's accident and run his best for the rest of the year. Jackie Wilson (Wayne Brady) performs ""Baby Work Out"" on ""American Bandstand."" Vanessa Lengies, Gail O'Gra
Read MoreWhere the Boys Are
In the midst of a special memory lane ""Bandstand,"" Meg (Brittany Snow) copes with a hostile Bobby Darin (guest star Duncan Sheik) while attempting to help roving columnist Roxanne (Vanessa Lengies) land an interview with the hit singer. In the midst of the chaos, Jimmy Riley (guest star Jesse Hutch ) surprises his dance partner when he shares the big news that he joined the marines. Elsewhere, Jack (Tom Verica), Henry (Jonathan Adams), Nathan (guest star Keith Robinson ) and Pete (guest star Matthew John Armstrong ) spend a rainy day playing an allegedly friendly game of poker. Helen (Gail O'Grady) receives a friendly ride home from her professor (guest star Robby Benson ) while JJ (Will Estes) spends a rainy afternoon drowning his sorrows in beer. Country music sensation LeAnn Rimes guest stars as Connie Francis singing ""Where the Boys Are"" on ""American Bandstand"" and Duncan Sheik portrays Bobby Darin singing ""Beyond the Sea."" Sarah Ramos and Ethan Dampf also star..
Read MoreFear Itself
Meg and Roxanne are chosen for East Catholic's Prom Committee. Their assignment: get ""cool"" seniors onto the ""Bandstand"" set so they can take candid photos known as ""senior snaps."" Success, Roxanne gushes, will make them ""the coolest sophomores in history."" But they don't have permission from ""Bandstand"" to do it. Meanwhile, Will's Soap Box Derby is coming up, but he's afraid of the hills, and JJ's afraid of testing his newly healed leg; Patty has joined the Robins, and is very competitive about earning badges; and Jack hires Sam to do a job at the Girard Avenue store.
Read MoreDown the Shore
June 19, 1964: Jim Bunning's on the mound for the Phils and the Pryors have just begun their annual Wildwood vacation. Roxanne isn't with them because she's still mad at a still-distressed Meg. But her rich new friend Carol has invited her to her beach club at ""the Crest."" And Meg returns the favor, getting Carol and her friends into a Bandstand beach ""hop"" featuring the Kinks (Third Eye Blind does the impersonation). Meanwhile, Helen finally tells Jack about Professor Witt's advance. Back in town, JJ's at home---with Beth while Henry's minding the North Philly store. The neighborhood is steaming and the city pool hasn't opened yet.
Read MoreHigh Hopes
JJ, tender ankle and all, arrives at Lehigh to begin football practice. And Roxanne, who's still on the outs with Meg, meets someone she has been on the outs with for eight years: her father. Meanwhile, Meg gets her learner's permit and wants Luke to teach her to drive. And the Girard Avenue store is about to open, but the timing could be better: riots in Harlem have prompted the Philadelphia police to consider a curfew for North Philly.
Read MoreCity on Fire
In the season finale, racial tensions begin to flare in North Philly sparking a massive riot, while an oblivious Meg (Brittany Snow) makes final preparations for her sweet sixteen birthday party. Unaware of the violent situation building around her, Meg attempts to save her friendship with Sam (Arlen Escarpeta), visiting him at the new store, and finds herself in the middle of the urban chaos. Elsewhere, an angry Nathan (guest star Keith Robinson) who helped incite the violence, urges the enraged rioters forward, while Pete (guest star Matthew John Armstrong) and the rest of Philadelphia's finest race to quell the disturbance. Meanwhile, a defeated JJ (Will Estes) returns from Lehigh after being kicked off the football team and makes a surprising announcement to Jack (Tom Verica) and Helen (Gail O'Grady) about his future, while Michael Brooks (Joe Lawrence) reveals the possibility he might be leaving ""Bandstand"" for a new record-producing gig in California. R&B sensation Kelly Rowland
Read MoreAnd Promises to Keep
In the episode, Meg find herself getitng a little too close to Sam. Causing questions after she defends Sam when he sticks up for a friend being teased for race. After defending, her dad finds out and suspends her from bandstand. Roxanne is shocked to learn the Bandstand Director is leaving. JJ questions Beth's trust, and the only way to not worry-engangment? Helen looks into surgery for Will and against her doctor's best advice calls a clinic. Kelly Clarkson performed
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