JacksonThomas

Kenan & Kel: Pilot (1996)

Unnoteworthy beginnings to one of the most memorable shows of my childhood

Kenan and Kel appears to be greater than the sum of its parts. One of the most iconic shows of my childhood, "I dropped the screw in the tuna" aside, no episode in particular seems to stand out to identify the show.

Here in the pilot, Kenan and Kel are up to their usual shenanigans: Kenan has a goal and Kel wants nothing to do with it. Kenan sets out to purchase a car despite not having a license and being too young to drive. Kel is uncharacteristically in at least mild support of this plan in the beginning, but, of course, as things spiral out of control, he begins to drag his feet.

Notes of interest:

• Despite being the pilot episode, the show format was almost entirely in place, with Kenan and Kel introducing the show and ending the show on stage in front of a curtain, including Kel's "Aww, here it goes!" catchphrase. The only thing missing was Kenan exiting the outro with a list of items Kel should obtain.

• The series begins with what I believe is the one and only exterior shot of Rigby's, as Chris criticizes Kenan for coming to work late.

• The rare comic books Kel is in possession of, Skunkator, is the same comic book series Kenan seeks in the season three episode "Skunkator vs. Mothman". There, however, Kenan is the Skunkator super-fan while Kel insists Mothman can destroy Skunkator in a superhero fight.

• Kyra is originally introduced as a major foil to her brother Kenan, a character and dynamic Dan Schneider later utilizes to larger extent in Drake and Josh.