“Pepper Ann” was created by Sue Rose, aired on ABC from 1997 – 2000. It had five seasons totallying 65 episodes. The character of Pepper Ann originated in a comic strip published by YM Magazine.
The intro sequence introduces us to Pepper Ann and gives us a few important bits of information, namely that Pepper Ann is way too cool for seventh grade and also that she’s one in a MILLION! The sequence ends with PA attempting to sneak into class late and hiding under her desk, in each episode she find something different there, similar to the famous couch gag created by The Simpsons.
Each episode centers around the titular Pepper Ann and her two best friends, Milo and Nicki. There is also a moderate supporting cast that come and go as needed.
The episodes are generally broken up into two separate stories each spanning about ten minutes, each half episode will usually introduce a conflict that Pepper Ann must overcome, or in some cases, fail to overcome, resulting in her suffering the consequences and learning a valuable lesson. Reality will step aside for Pepper Ann’s fantasies intermittently providing insight into the way this pre-teen girl views the world.
Today I watched the episode titled The Usual Suspects. This is the second half of season one, episode 12. Pepper Ann’s fantasies manifest noir mystery flashes, the episode parodies detective stories like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and of course, “The Usual Suspects.”
Note: About 30 seconds in a kid with perpetual pink eye pulls his oozing socket off of a microscope. I almost threw up my fruity pebbles.
An announcement is made over the school’s intercom system. Principal Hickey calls Pepper Ann, Nicki, Milo, Trinket, and Dieter to his office where he begins interrogating them one by one about the theft of the school’s prized otter statue.
As the Principal interviews the kids individually, everyone one of them implicates PA, even Nicki and Milo, whether they meant to or not.
Just as he’s about to bring the hammer down on PA, his assistant walks in to tell him that she has returned the statue from being cleaned, like he asked.
Hickey apologizes in tears, and Pepper Ann learns that the truth will set you free, as long as you’re innocent.
I’m not sure what it is, but something about this show just appeals to me. I enjoyed it as a kid and have re-watched the series in the last few years, after this morning I’m considering watching it again. Unfortunately, it seems that YouTube has taken down most of the episodes. You can find a box set here for $61.99 and of course, you can watch today’s episode right now.