The Leprechaun
Episode 12
Season 1, 1984
Introducing: --
A lot of people really like this episode. Sharp eyes – well, no, anyone’s eyes, really – will notice that the leprechaun, a.k.a. Lyle Moriarty, a.k.a. Michael O’Jackson is the same actor who just played Vong the alien in the previous episode. Still with me after all that? Okay.
During the first number, we cut away to Riley bringing in a trunk that’s been delivered to The P*lace. The fact that it’s wiggling doesn’t seem to faze him. Out pops our title character, a walking stereotype in eye-popping green.
Stacy and The Kid are in the storeroom to finish a checker game when they end up being the first people Lyle meets – and terrorizes. 
Despite the fact that he’s green, butchering an Irish accent, and completely invisible to Riley, 
they still aren’t quite sure what to make of him. He reveals that he’s stowed away to meet the band because he’s always dreamed of being a rock star – except he’s got stage fright (Hey, don’t look at me – I didn’t write it; I’m just reviewing it!). The kids skip out to do the next number, but placate Lyle by showing him the peep hole that lets you view the stage.
Not well-versed in leprechaun lore, Kid and Stacy take Lyle out to where everyone is studying and attempt to do the same. But Lyle is impatient, and he manages to get everyone angry at the kids – who are still trying to convince others that he exists. They eventually are forced to give in and tutor him.
After dressing him up and trying out his magic on an unsuspecting Renee,
Lyle gets his chance to sing and dance and everyone’s happy – well, not yet. Seems there’s still one last thing to do before he catches the next trunk out of town. Yes, Lyle wants to be on stage with Kids Inc. Saints preserve us, indeed…
The other kids are getting impatient waiting for the youngest members when they show up and declare they have a friend getting ready to sing with the band. Mickey protests until Stacy tells him it’s an Irish rock star…named Michael O’Jackson. The audience, used to Kids Inc’s stage effects by now, doesn’t seem to bat an eye as a green guy covered in sequins sings “Last Dance”.
This episode gets 4 mics because, well…it’s definitely unique. One wonders if Lynch’s Irish heritage (and possibly a bit too much Guinness) inspired him to do this episode. It’s really over the top as far as “Oirish” goes. Interesting take on leprechaun magic, too. I like how it strays away from the typical pot of gold and wishes. The dialogue is cute, too. I give it 4 mics for being a fan favorite.
Guest: John Franklin as Lyle Moriarty a.k.a. Michael O'Jackson
Invention count: still 0
Vocab:
1950's slang and Irish phrases
"nerd" (6)
Continuity, gags and themes:
Kid and Stacy teasing Renee
the trunk will be back
using The P*lace as a study hall
New Locations:
The storeroom is used for the first time.
Pop culture references:
Obvious Michael Jackson parodies
breakdancing
Solos:
Lyle (1)
Mickey (1)=9
Episode total=2
Total: 28
Performance outfits:
Denim with purple shirts
red/purple "ripped" outfits
-The P*lace has a disco ball.
- You can get KI records in Ireland.
- Leprechauns can not only become invisible at will, but they can make others invisible, too.
- There is a hole in the storeroom wall through which the stage is visible. How this hole got there or why it is stained is not explained.
Things stored in the storeroom:
A mirror and vanity
paint cans
ladders
props
costumes
Songs:
I Want You Back –
Say it isn’t So –
Stuck on You –
Fame –
Last Dance –
Back
