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in: Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Episodes

Cruisin' for Bruisin'

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Cruisin' for Bruisin' is the seventh episode of the Paramount+ original series, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. It aired on May 11, 2023.

Synopsis[]

This one's for the boys. Richie is torn up over Jane, but rather than deal with it, he escapes with the T-Birds on a once-in-a-life-time excursion that promises girls, games, and glory. But when things go sideways, each of the T-Birds will have to confront the things they're running from. Back in Rydell, a conversation makes Buddy wonder if everything he knows about himself is actually true.

Plot[]

Richie strutted up to the Frosty Palace where students moved out of his way and gawked. The restaurant was filled with students who celebrated the play. Richie spotted Buddy and stormed up to him where they faced off - Richie bruised and beaten.

YESTERDAY
(THE DAY BEFORE THE PLAY)

Shy Guy boxed against a heavy bag held by his father who then gave him cabbage soup so he could make weight. Gil served customers at his family's delicatessen, and a woman tipped him in his pocket. His mother noticed his yawn and encouraged him to take money from the jar but he turned her down. She was proud of the man he became even if his father was worthless. Gil teased his sister Betty about her makeup until their mother asked her to pour Gil some coffee. Potato made his father breakfast and gave his younger siblings their lunch. He made sure they left silently so they wouldn't wake their father. Richie lay in his bed fully clothed surrounded by beer bottles. Olivia smacked him awake as he had to go to school.

Gil filled his car with oil while Potato and Shy Guy watched. They turned their sights on a drowsy Richie, who claimed he spent his nights with the girls from St. Bernadette's. He saw Jane and Olivia across the lot and announced their plan to skip school and head to Volcano Island, a desert casino. While Potato was thrilled about “thrills, chills, and dollar bills”, reality set in, and the boys claimed they had responsibilities. Richie took in the “sorry sight” of the boys in front of him. He egged them on until they agreed to go. They mused over the girls they'd find and Richie watched Jane as the car sped off.

The student body learned that Buddy won the presidential campaign. Susan cheered as the recount must have meant his win, but he took in the disappointed faces of those around him. He saw Jane across the court where Olivia tried to cheer her up.

The T-Birds drove through the desert as Potato shared his stash of Twinkies, though Shy Guy turned him down as he had to make weight. Richie teased Gil about his slow driving and being slow with girls, but Gil insisted he was doing fine and had his eye on a dime. He quickly covered up his interest as being someone Richie didn't know. He dropped his hands from the wheel so Shy Guy took over. He grilled Richie about how things stalled with Jane, which earned teases from the boys. Richie claimed he cut his losses. Shy Guy worried they couldn't get into the casino, but Richie told them not to worry. He passed around a reefer to help calm their nerves. They skidded into a parking space and put on their jackets. They burst through the doors of the casino as they sang “High Rollin'. They danced with the waitresses, imagined the slot machines came to life and partied. Their song ended when they learned their car was towed.

They rushed to the junkyard only to learn it was $20 to get the car out. Richie tried to talk him into letting it slide, then threatened to turn Shy Guy on him, but the guy was in prison and wasn't fazed. Gil was frustrated so Richie decided they'd earn it back at the casino. They rallied their change, but Potato only had his lucky dollar that saved his father's life in the war. The boys wouldn't let him bet that. Gil remembered the woman who tipped him $5 earlier, which earned cheers.

Susan screamed as she left the Aldridge house. Buddy gave Jane the floor but he started anyway. He wanted to follow her guide of having the dance at the school, but getting Johnny Vavoom would be hard as the PTA had to approve him. He wanted to find a way as they were in it together. She wanted to meet with the PTA herself, but he shot her down. Dick Aldridge arrived to congratulate his son and hoped there were no hard feelings with Jane. She left moments later as Dick ensured Buddy that all the girls would want to go to the dance with him. Buddy shared his thought of having the dance at the school as it's what the kids wanted. Dick agreed and remarked that she must be some girl.

The T-Birds headed to a gambling spot where Shy Guy nudged Potato about their competitors, whom they called an older version of themselves. Gil put their money on black as it was the official T-Birds color, and they won. They decided to split up to increase their chances. Potato won at the slots while Gil faced his “older version” at craps, whose advice on making money was true. They had a side bet of $5 while Shy Guy and his older self played the opposite side. Gil lost his side bet while Richie downed his drink, flirted with a waitress, and played craps.

Buddy went to Johnny Vavoom's studio to convince him to DJ at Rydell High. He startled the man who then turned his offer down as he knew the parents thought he should be strung up in the square. Buddy didn't see what was so bad with Perry Como which disgusted Johnny. He started to leave as she would never take him back, which interested Johnny. He encouraged him to listen to Joe Turner to develop a spine, which Buddy thought was interesting from a man who was afraid to come out of his booth.

The T-Birds made $35 which made Gil happy, as he could get the car back and bring some home to ma. Shy Guy enjoyed a burger while Richie encouraged Gil to make a move on a fellow patron. He only had eyes for one girl and Richie groaned over it being Olivia, which wasn't going to happen. He didn't want some creep all over his sister and thought he would understand since Gil had five sisters. He bet Gil wouldn't want him near any of his sisters either. He encouraged him to take advantage of the situation, but Potato panicked when he saw it was almost midnight. They wanted to leave and Richie mocked Shy Guy for caring about his “little school play”. He didn't care but promised Cynthia he'd do it, while Gil had to open the deli at five. Richie didn't want to stop, so he ordered more drinks. He snatched the chips and danced with a waitress as the boys pondered what to do. Gil knew there was no fighting him, as Richie had to get it out of his system.

Buddy snuck home where Dick was drunk in the living room. He covered for Buddy with his mother and asked if he was with a girl. Buddy admitted he tried to get Johnny Vavoom for the dance, but Dick didn't think he'd fit in at the club. He didn't take Buddy's idea seriously as it was just the hormones talking. Buddy was sure Jane had good ideas and that's why almost half the school voted for her. Dick admitted it was more than half, and revealed how he pulled strings to ensure his son won the election. He didn't see any harm in helping his son now and then. He's done it before with football and grades. Buddy's world shifted beneath him as he took in the revelation.

Richie ordered more drinks from the waitress who wanted a tip, so he told her to meet him in the bathroom. The rest of the boys divided up the chips but Richie stole it, as he felt lucky. They went to the craps table where their “older selves” egged Richie into betting more, even though Gil warned against the fleecer and Potato wanted to quit while they were ahead. Richie bet all of the money and lost. Gil angrily told him they were screwed and Shy Guy knew they couldn't beg. Richie decided to fight instead and told their “older selves” to meet them in the parking garage for a winner takes all fight. Once there, Gil and Potato tried to talk Richie out of the fight as the guys would kill him, but Richie wasn't an idiot and wouldn't fight. He pulled Shy Guy into a fight but he refused to fight for him, so the other party walked away. Richie accused him of leaving them hanging, but Shy Guy lashed out that Richie was the one who lost their money. Richie tried to bribe the men to come back with Potato's lucky dollar bill, which Gil refused to let him use. Shy Guy told him he was acting like an asshole and Richie insulted him back. Angered, Gil sucker punched him, which started Richie's anger-fueled rock song where he egged on the T-Birds to fight him. He also worked out his anger issues and resentment against society. The song tipped to depression when he fell over a ledge. He crawled off the car and sat on the ground, which is when he "got it out of his system" according to Gil.

The T-Birds sat on a ledge as Richie iced his face with ice Shy Guy stole from the seafood tower. Richie apologized to Shy Guy for trying to make him fight, as he just assumed Shy Guy would because he was a boxer. He hated fighting and only did it for his dad, which made his voice crack. He decided to quit as it wasn't what he wanted. His emotional state made Potato admit he wished his dad wanted anything, but he came back differently after the war. Gil thought they were lucky to have dads, as he's been the man of the house since he was eight and is exhausted. Richie broke down as he thought he was in love. But he screwed it all up. The boys blamed the desert air for their cracked voices, allergies for their noses, hay fever, and onions for the tears. Gil saw Richie's sobs and remarked on his “dusty jacket”. He brushed it off with reassuring strokes, and Shy Guy joined in. Potato stood behind him to dust off the back and pat his shoulders. They rested together until they broke apart as the dust was gone. Richie apologized as he dragged them all there but promised to find a way out of the mess. Potato realized they still had his lucky dollar bill left.

Potato and Richie approached the older version of Shy Guy at the casino. They bet one dollar that Potato could tickle his nipple and make him giggle like Shirley Temple. The man took the bet but Potato failed and lost his dollar. Gil and Shy Guy cheered from the bar, as they had bet the guy's friend $21 that he would let them tickle his nipple. Potato swapped out his lucky dollar for the one they'd won from his friend. The gang gleefully leaped out of the casino and ran to the junkyard.

They waved the twenty dollars at the owner, though the fee was upped to twenty-five. Gil stepped forward, but Richie stopped him to tell the guy the truth. They were four kids trying to get home and needed a break. The guy didn't care about the plays or their feelings. He taunted Richie with the keys, so Shy Guy sucker-punched him. They snatched the keys, hopped into the car, and sped through the gate.

Jane gushed over her plans for the play to Buddy, who wanted to tell her about the election. He changed his mind about how lucky he was that she was his number two. She wished him luck with the play and walked off. He was distracted at the play and Mr. Vaughan had to shove him on stage where he struggled to perform. He was taken into a song where he contemplated his entire life, whether he'd ever made a decision, and how doors were opened for him all his life, strings pulled, and people manipulated to get him to where he was. He realized his privilege for the first time. The song carried him through the play and his kiss with Hazel.

Shy Guy fretted over Gil's shoulder about not making it to the play. Richie offered to run lines with him but Potato took the booklet from him. Richie thanked Gil for always driving them around. If Gil wants to ask Olivia out, he should do it. The boy swerved the car out of shock and asked if he was being messed with. Richie assured him he wasn't, as Gil was a good guy. He should date Olivia instead of some jerk-off whose ass Richie would have to kick later. He thinks Olivia kind of likes him, and Gil wondered if she said something. She hadn't, but she was mean to Gil, which is how he knew.

Buddy knocked on the door of the apothecary who didn't answer. Mr. Vaugahn prepared to take the role of apothecary just as Shy Guy raced to the stage. He yanked open the door and wheezed over for a moment before he delivered his line. The T-Birds erupted into cheers and claps for their boy. The cast took their final bow, and Buddy told Hazel he knew she would be great. He left the stage early and walked the halls where Dick found him. Buddy planned to tell Jane about the election and argued with Dick, who tried to stop him. Buddy shoved his father away and walked off.

Buddy walked into a busy Frosty Palace where he looked for Jane. Susan enjoyed a burger - to the surprise of her friends. Buddy asked two nerds if they'd seen Jane, but they were unhelpful. Dot saw her before the play but thought she left. Richie arrived with a bruised face and stormed up to Buddy. He asked if he'd seen Jane, but Buddy was just looking for her . Richie wanted him to be sure and then left the restaurant. Dot heard Johnny Vavoom mention Rydell High and shushed everyone as she turned up the volume. He announced that he would DJ for their upcoming dance and credited Buddy. The students were elated and praised Buddy, which slowed him from leaving Frosty Palace.

Richie arrived at Jane's door moments before Buddy did. She worried they fought but Richie assured her they hadn't, as they didn't come together. Betty and Frenchy eavesdropped from the staircase where they mused over Jane's romantic situation. Richie wanted to go first as he'd make it quick. He didn't know what was going on between her and Buddy and guessed it wasn't his business, but he apologized for Halloween. He saw them together and couldn't handle it. When they got together, he started feeling things, real things, good things. The feelings didn't stop and he felt other things too, things he tried not to feel for a long time, that scared him. It was easier to explode than feel them. But he'd rather feel everything with her than nothing with someone else. He knew he had a lot to prove but hoped she'd let him take her to the dance to start. She didn't have to decide now, as he'd let Buddy say his piece. Buddy walked back over and began to tell Jane, but changed his mind. He told her Johnny Vavoom would DJ as he got him to agree. She was surprised, and Richie approached as she had two offers now. Richie decided to give her time and the two boys walked off the porch as Jane watched them leave, stunned.

The boys went home and sat on their beds. Buddy drank out of a bottle of liquor while Richie smiled and put his beer bottles in the trash. He laid down on the bed and smiled while Buddy lay with his liquor.

Cast[]

Starring[]

Guest Starring[]

Co-Starring[]

  • Claire Friesen as Craps Cocktail Waitress
  • Susan Arntsen as Melinda
  • Jas Burkart as The Bear
  • Abraham Asto as High Roller
  • Trevor Lerner as Dale (Tow Guy)
  • Francisco Cano as Potato's Dad
  • Skylar Monroe as Sofia
  • Isaiah Ramirez as Gabriel
  • Julian Paul as Shy Guy's Dad
  • Kimberly Von Ilberg as Christine
  • Zane Clifford as Fred
  • Abbygale Chung as Lucille
  • Lola Clare as Pearl
  • Peter D'Souza as Tommy
  • Julien Naud as Arthur
  • Emilee Nimetz as Alice
  • Summer Lynn Gillespie as Polly
  • Kallie Hu as Peg
  • CJ Damaso as Maria
  • Andrew Kyrzyk as PR
  • Matt Kennedy as Orson
  • Rachael Withers as Geraldine
  • Victor Lau as Floyd
  • Sam Scherzer as Gus
  • Zac Vran as Irving
  • Jarrett Carlington as Bartender #1
  • Jordan Allarie as Bartender #2
  • Kevin Tookey as Croupier #1
  • Jerome Esplana as Croupier #2
  • Greer Whillans as Patron #1
  • Lisa Ho as Patron #2
  • Jocelyn Pedan as Patron #3
  • Paul Becker as Patron #4
  • Joshua Beamish as Patron #5
  • Josh Martin as Patron #6
  • Clarence Tang as Patron #7
  • Francis Aranton as Patron #8
  • Chantelle Smook as Seafood Dancer
  • Marisa Gold as Showgirl #1
  • Emma Stephenson as Showgirl #2
  • Jessica Keeling as Showgirl #3
  • Holly LaRoche as Showgirl #4
  • Breanne Wilson as Showgirl #5
  • Charmaine Baquiran as Showgirl #6
  • Shae Bourne as Slot Machine Girl #1
  • Hannah Cam as Slot Machine Girl #2
  • Sydney Carlson as Slot Machine Girl #3
  • Briggs Gibbons as Slot Machine Girl #4
  • Kelsey Moss as Slot Machine Girl #5
  • Melissa Mitro as Slot Machine Girl #6
  • Jessa Doll as Waitress #1
  • Teya Wild as Waitress #2
  • Megan Trainer as Waitress #3
  • Stephanie Sy as Waitress #4

Soundtrack[]

Title Performer Notes
High Rollin' Johnathan Nieves, Nicholas McDonough, Alexis Sides, Maximo Salas The T-Birds arrived at the casino.
Hit Me Again Johnathan Nieves Richie tries to pick a fight with the T-Birds.
Pulling Strings Jason Schmidt Buddy realized the extent of his father's influence on his life.

Notes and Trivia[]

Gallery[]

Promotional[]

Screencaps[]

All Screenshots are courtesy of Screencapped.net. For a complete image set, see their gallery.

References[]

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