The Tale of Locker 22

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Midnight Society

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Intro: The Midnight Society opens things up by taking turns at guessing what Kriten's (Rachel Blanchard) gimmick will be for her story that night. She brought her dog in for 'Hungry Hounds', and dressed as a ghost for 'Prom Queen'; her gimmicks are what make her stories extra fun (to the group, at least). This time around, she enters the scene in hippie garb, along with paraphernalia from the 60s she found in her parents attic (which would be like finding 90s garb today... ouch). Anyway, she soon begins what I consider one of her better stories.

Story: A French transfer student named Julie Dufaux (Karen Elkin) comes to a new school, and has a hard time adjusting, especially when it comes to a couple of bullies and Assistant Principal, Mr. Shaffner (John Koensgen). However, she befriends a guy named Chris (Cory King) who shows her the ropes. Eventually, Julie learns that her locker is actually some kind of time machine she can access using a beaded necklace she discovers one day; a time machine she may be able to use to save the past life of a hippie named Candy (Jennifer Irwin).

Review: For me, this is one of those situations in which I really like the ideas behind the story. They just weren't necessarily executed in the best way. That said, it's a decent one for a few unintentional laughs here and there, especially when they get to the 60s and all of the students are definitely stoners. That wasn't something one could really do on early 90s children's programming, but speaking as a self-proclaimed stoner of sorts, all the signs are there. It's not what I'd call a scary episode, but I have to admit that it is actually kinda fun. It's definitely one to go back and watch after a toke as an adult nowadays.

Closing/Moral: As Kristen closes her story, the rest of the gang comments with their approval, using 60s slang like "far out," "solid," "psychadelic," and... "neato?" and the night comes to a close. Generally, the moral here is that if you don't learn from the past then you're doomed to repeat it, even though the time travel story sorta flips it on its head.

3/5

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