ABC AFTERSCHOOL SPECIAL: MAGICAL MAKE-OVER (TV)
Summary
One in this series of dramas intended for young audiences.
In this story, shy high schooler Christine develops a crush on mysterious new guy Scott McCord, fretting to her friend Jody that he's unlikely to ever notice her. When they spot a shooting star, she impulsively wishes for "whatever it would take" for Scott to invite her to the homecoming dance. With her parents out of town, Christine returns to her empty house and is greeted by a self-described angel, Johnny, who announces that he's there to grant her wish; she gradually becomes convinced of his magical abilities when he proves invisible to others. Guessing that Scott likes popular cheerleader types, Christine awakens to find that Johnny has turned her into a pep squad member, complete with surprising gymnastic talents, but she is then disappointed to find that she's no longer friends with Jody in this revised version of her life. Her plan fails when Scott declines to accompany her to the dance, declaring himself disinterested in "this rah-rah stuff."
Johnny points out that Scott did not reject the "real her," as she was assuming a false persona to charm him, but Christine then speculates that he's into heavy-metal music and asks Johnny to give her a new rebellious punk style. At school, she struggles to maintain her uncomfortable new identity, and Johnny narrowly rescues her from being caught shoplifting at the music store. When she again attempts to flirt with Scott, however, he immediately voices his disapproval of her "lifestyle," adding that he's actually more of an R&B fan. Johnny tries to convince a frustrated Christine that Scott is too concerned with "image" over substance, admitting that his own death many years ago was caused by an embarrassing obsession with appearing cool. Still, Christine remains determined to figure out Scott's preference and decides to adopt a supermodel "Elle Macpherson" look.
In the morning, Christine is dismayed to find out just how much time and effort is required by her new façade. However, her plan seems to work when she immediately falls in with the other glamorous girls and finally wins Scott's attention. The two begin spending time together, and when an annoyed Johnny points out his many faults, Christine counters that he's "gorgeous," seemingly confirming that she has also become shallow and image-obsessed. She attends the dance with Scott, as she had hoped, but she is upset when he begins making aggressive physical advances on her. Based on her appearance, he thinks that she's "the kind of girl" who will submit to a hasty sexual encounter. Johnny swoops in and saves her, however, and a dejected Christine admits that she was wrong about her crush. Johnny assures her that she will soon find a guy who truly appreciates her genuine self. After a kiss, he vanishes, explaining that his work on Earth is now done. Sometime later, Christine meets her attractive new neighbor, who somehow "reminds her of someone." Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: December 8, 1994 4:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:44:52
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 112457
- GENRE: Comedy, fantasy/science fiction
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy, fantasy/science fiction; Teenagers; Wishes; Romance; Asian American Pacific Islanders Collection
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 1972-1997
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Noel Resnick … Executive Producer
- Frank Doelger … Producer
- Howard Meltzer … Producer
- William Schreiner … Director
- Tony Blake … Writer
- Paul Jackson … Writer
- Michael Cuneo … Music by
- Amy Hargreaves … Cast, Christine
- Mark Brettschneider … Cast, Scott McCord
- Ingrid Rogers … Cast, Alison
- B.D. Wong (see also: BD Wong) … Cast, Johnny Angel
- Heather Gottlieb … Cast, Jody
- Bette Henritze … Cast, Mrs. Gorniki
- Jeanine Morick … Cast, Coach Laurie
- Kerry Washington … Cast, Heather
- Joyce Lynn O'Connor … Cast, Teacher
- Jonathan Peck … Cast, Security Guard
- Mike Doyle … Cast, Malcolm
- Krystin West … Cast, Marlene
- Pauley Perrett … Cast, Shannon