The Paper › Ep. 106

Things on the paper have gotten so bad that Amanda must confide in her loyal dog Gabby. Amanda confesses to the West Highland Terrier that things have reached an all-time low but she's optimistic that things might change because Mrs. Weiss claims to have a brilliant plan to shake things up: she's going to re-arrange the seating chart to break up the cliques that have formed. Amanda also warns Gabby that Homecoming is upon them. Although such traditions aren't really Amanda's thing, everyone else is super-excited -- especially Adam, who's running for Homecoming King.

Back in the classroom, Adam has gotten his wish to be nominated to Homecoming Court. Although happy he's made it this far, Adam's friends fear for their sanity if Adam doesn't secure victory. Alex, Giana and Trevor are more concerned about maintaining their sanity in the new separated seating arrangements and make their displeasure clear. Amanda doesn't see a problem with it, but Dan points out that she's the only one who didn't get moved.

Upset that Weiss's plan failed to unite the class, Amanda wracks her brains on what she can do to help the situation. She comes across an old "Wanted" Old West photo that the newspaper group took together the year before. Everyone's smiling and actually looks happy to be around each other. Amanda shares the photo with Cassia, who's equally nostalgic for the happier times.

Hoping the photo will evoke similar emotions from her other editors, Amanda brings it to school and posts it in The Circuit classroom. Everyone does notice the picture and laugh at the fond memories, but Adam's the only one who thinks it's a good reminder of how peaceful things could be. He even approaches Alex, Giana and Dan about taking a new group photo at Homecoming but their responses are lukewarm at best.

Although big school dances may not be her thing, there's one young gentleman who's intent on making Amanda his Homecoming date. A member of the Latin Club, Joey leaves a Latin Dictionary and a note in Latin on Amanda's desk. Once she translates the message to meet him in the courtyard, Joey asks if Amanda will go to Homecoming with him which she gladly accepts. Could there be a new power-couple to challenge Alex squared?

Homecoming Week at Cypress Bay continues with "color wars", in which the different grades show their pride by dressing in a designated color. Amanda chooses to allow her spirit to be reflected in her academic and extra-curricular accomplishments, not what color she's wearing. With deadline approaching, there are much more important things to worry about. Adam, however, can only focus on whether or not he'll win Homecoming King and prove you don't have to be a jock to win the title. Knowing about Adam's insecurities, Dan invites Adam's main jock competition to the classroom for a show-down. Although he's twice Adam's size, the journalist manages to joke his way out of an uncomfortable situation.

Adam makes everyone (even Amanda) promise to show up at the pep rally that night, where they'll be announcing Homecoming King and Queen. Amanda appears to be getting more and more into the Homecoming madness, as she makes Alex promise to save her a dance. And, although she doesn't know what's going on for most of the game, Amanda does show up at the pep rally and football game to cheer Adam on. Much to everyone's surprise, Adam annihilates his jock competition and takes home the title of Homecoming King.

Amanda is equally surprised that she actually enjoyed a school event. She's beginning to think that things are looking up when her date Joey sends her a message informing her that he's been grounded and can no longer take her to Homecoming. Nothing like a last minute cancellation to raise one's spirits...

The boys kick off the big day with some man-pampering at a local spa. While they're facial masks go to work, Adam again asks Alex and Dan about taking a group picture at the dance. Dan flat-out declines, saying he knows he'll be busy and Alex says he simply doesn't want to think about it.

Meanwhile, Amanda has decided that she's an independent woman and can enjoy the dance with or without a date. She's even designated a number for how many boys she'll dance with that night: twenty-three. Amanda embraces this freedom by repeatedly pointing at boys and demanding they save her a dance. Still, Amanda is constantly left on the outside while Dan dances with his date, Giana dances with Trevor, and Alex dances with Alix.

Determined to get a new picture, Adam throws the idea out to Amanda and Cassia. With the girls on board, Adam tries to collect everyone else but can't even get Trevor, Giana and Dan to leave the ballroom and Alex isn't much more agreeable. He begrudgingly consents to the picture so long as they take it immediately -- and even then, he refuses to smile and makes sure everyone knows he'd rather be anywhere else. He makes such a stink that Amanda doesn't even try to claim her promised dance.

Adam isn't about to let a little crankiness and scowl ruin his picture and he proudly tapes it up next to the "Wanted" picture for everyone to see. Alex, Trevor and Giana mock the new picture and even make a show of taking pictures on their cell phones to "create memories". Amanda, however, compliments the new photo and makes Adam very happy in the process. Could a new alliance be forming? Perhaps we'll find out next week...