| “ | "Eric, you are the only one who has a chance to beat Senator Davis Graham in the primary!" | ” |
—Eric repeating Wolff's words
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Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels Goes to Washington is the ninth episode in season 2 of Girl Meets World and the 30th episode overall. It aired on July 10, 2015 to 2.1 million viewers.
Overview
Eric Matthews is recruited to run for the Senate, but learns it was only because they expected him to lose. Riley and her friends rally together to help his campaign.
Plot
The episode recaps the ending of “Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels” with a news reporter saying that Senator Jefferson Davis Graham has no chance of re-election. Senator Graham’s team starts searching for a candidate bad enough to make Graham look good and stumbles upon Eric Matthews.
In Cory Matthews‘ classroom, Cory asks what they know about current events. The students say that they shouldn’t care about the election when they can’t even vote. Cory tells them that the parties choose the best candidates they can come up with. Right on cue, Eric bursts in and says that he’s running for Senator of New York .
At Topanga’s bakery, Eric explains to everyone how a man in bow tie and glasses approached him and convinced him that he was the only person with a chance to beat Senator Graham. Topanga says that Eric doesn’t have enough money to run against Senator Graham, although Eric says that the man in the bow tie is taking care of that. Eric also says, “He’s done bad things. People who do bad things don’t shouldn’t be in power. I want to beat him.” Cory turns to Topanga and says, “I don’t know how he does it, but tell me you’re not on his side.” Eric says that he wants Riley Matthews and her friends to run his campaign.
A young man named T.J Murphy overhears their conversation and says he thinks this is a great idea. He tells them that Senator Graham took money from schools. When the kids hear this, they join Eric’s side. T.J says he’s a political blogger and he’s the one who caught Senator Graham taking money from the schools. He tells Eric that he believes in him and he’d like to help.
Later, Senator Graham visits Topanga’s Bakery. He remembers her from when her law firm stood up to him after he tried to charge admission money for public parks. Eric begins to realize they only chose him to run against Senator Graham to make the Senator look good by comparison.
Back in the classroom, the kids are now worked up and more committed to the election. Cory tells them to find their issue and find their passion. When Lucas asks how since they can't vote, Cory suggests they find someone who can. Get your message out and people will listen. He adds, “Have a message. Because it’s your world too.”
At home, Eric is curled up in the living room bay window feeling sorry for himself. Armed with a giant bowl of Cocoa Puffs, Riley and Maya go to Eric and attempt to coerce him to get up, saying they need a voice. When Eric refuses, they tempt him with the bowl of cereal chanting "Get back in the race, you can put this in yo' face". Eric sits up, takes the bowl of cereal, and literally stuffs his face in the bowl. When he asks the girls if they think he can win, Riley says they do. Maya adds, that they completely believe in the impossible; Riley says, “We believe we can change the world.”
At the debate (which takes place at JQAMS, Harley asks Senator Graham what he’s going to do for the little guy. Senator Graham says he believes all voters are equal in stature. Harley says, “I already don’t believe you.” Senator Graham adds that this election isn’t about children since they cannot yet vote. But Eric disagrees, saying that every election should be about children, who are the future. Senator Graham points out that Eric’s biggest issue is his concern for children, but he hasn’t raised any of his own. Eric admits that while he doesn’t have kids, he cares about them very much, but when Senator Graham says he can’t
prove it, T.J stands up in the audience and says that he can. T.J introduces himself as Thomas Jonathan Murphy; Eric recognizes him and asks, “Tommy?”
A series of clips from the Boy Meets World episode Can I Help To Cheer You? show Tommy as a young kid who Eric considered adopting before realizing he’s not equipped to be a parent. T.J says that the difficult decision Eric made was the best thing anyone ever did for him, and that he learned from Eric at an early age. He adds that Senator Graham sacrificed the future of children for himself, while Eric does the opposite. Senator Graham then leaves in embarrassment.
Later at the Matthews' apartment, Lucas asks Eric what would be the very first thing he'd do if he won the election. Eric states that he'd finally adopt Tommy; however, since Tommy is now an adult, Tommy simply asks Eric if he would hire him to manage his campaign. Eric smiles and tells Tommy that that was what he was hoping he would say. Cory and Topanga then rush out of their bedroom with a few suitcases. When Riley brings up the fact that Eric might actually be the new Senator, Cory and Topanga add that they know, and state that they're moving far, far away as they rush out the door.
Cast
Main cast
- Rowan Blanchard as Riley Matthews
- Ben Savage as Cory Matthews
- Sabrina Carpenter as Maya Hart
- Peyton Meyer as Lucas Friar
- Corey Fogelmanis as Farkle Minkus
- Danielle Fishel as Topanga Matthews
Guest cast
- Will Friedle as Eric Matthews
- Danny McNulty as Harley Keiner
- Nicholas Hormann as Senator Jefferson Davis Graham
- Lamont Thompson as Zachary T. Wolff
- J.B Gaynor as T.J (Tommy) Murphy
- Tess Paras as TV Newscaster
Absent cast
- August Maturo as Auggie Matthews (mentioned only)
Quotes
Maya: Well, maybe we don't have a vote, Lucas. Lucas: Did you just call me Lucas? Maya: I've always known your name. I like us all very much. |
Eric: You're right. I don't have the experience you have. But you've been doing this for a very long time, Senator, and we don't see anything getting better. And no, I don't have kids yet. But I care about them very much. Senator Graham: But you can't prove it. T.J: But I can. Senator Graham: Excuse me? T.J: My name is T.J Murphy. Thomas Jonathan Murphy. Eric Matthews once knew me as- Eric: Tommy? |
Eric: You know, they set us up to lose, Maya. Maya: You know my name? Eric: Of course I know your name. I like you very much. |
Maya: Eric, it's Moesha. We need you. |
Eric: I'm done. I'm just going home. I'm going to miss you scarecrow, lion, Dorothy, robot. I think I'm gonna miss you most of all. |
Harley Keiner: Okay, Matthews. You kiss nice. You got my vote. |
Eric: Wow! Ha-ha. This looks just like Harley Keiner. Oh, Harley Keiner. Mmm, Harley Keiner. If I could do my whole life over again, I would give that guy such a what for. You do. You do look a lot like Harley Keiner. You got like the whole Harley Keiner head and the whole Harley Keiner face. It says Harley on your shirt. Oh, this is terrible. |
Riley: So he chose his own future over ours? Maya: Beat the bad, bad man, Eric. Eric: I'm gonna do my best, Moesha. |
Eric: Are you a robot? Farkle: I'm a real boy! Cory: Birth certificate? Farkle: Still looking. |
Cory: Everybody close your books. It's the end of the world. |
Cory: Current events. Someone tell me what's going on in the world. Maya: Stuff happened in some country. Some team won a game. And it's cold somewhere with a chance of I don't care. Am I all caught up? |
Riley: Guys, did you hear? Uncle Eric could win. He could be one of our country's leaders. Cory: Yeah. We know. Riley: So where you going? Topanga: Far Cory: -far, far away. Topanga: As far as we can go. Good luck to you. Cory: Bye. |
Lucas: Eric, what's the first thing you're gonna do if you win? Eric: I'm going to adopt Tommy. T.J: You can't. But you could hire me. I'd like to keep being part of the campaign, if it's okay with you. Eric: I was hoping you'd say that. |
Farkle: Maybe we do have a voice. Riley: So, what do you want to say, robot? Farkle: You, me, Earth. Let's do this thing. |
Eric: You grew up to be a really good person. T.J: Yeah, I learned from some really good people. |
T.J: The best thing Eric ever did for me was one of the hardest decisions he had to make. He gave me up. To a wonderful family that raised me. But I have never forgotten what I learned from Eric, either. Kindness, honesty, and more respect for human beings than I've ever know anyone else to have. Eric Matthews sacrificed himself for the future of a child. You sacrificed the future of children for yourself, Senator. |
Senator Graham: I'm sorry. Did you just say you have children? Because you don't actually have any children of your own, do you, Matthews? Eric: No, I don't. I have a niche and her brother, who's my Cousin Auggie! |
Cory: Okay, first question to Senator Graham. Please identify yourself. Harley Keiner: Thank you. Harley Keiner, head custodian. I'm proud of my school and the environment I help create for my kids. Aw, really? Thank you, my kids. My question is what are you going to do for the little guy? Senator Graham: I have never believed there are little guys. I've always believed all voters are equal in stature. Harley Keiner: I already don't believe you. |
Eric: That's my niche. |
Farkle: We need to treat this planet better. I don't want to go to Mars. I want to rule an earth that has good air and good water. A good Earth for your children. Riley: Our children? Maya: Our children? Farkle: I want eleven. Split them up however you want. Riley: How do you want- Maya: You get eleven. |
Eric: They played me. I'm just supposed to lose. T.J: Supposed to. Riley: Like Kennedy was- Maya: - to Nixon. Eric: Yeah, but those guys weren't real! |
Eric: Well, there's one. Now, how many do we need, robot? Farkle: Three million. Eric: And how many do we have, robot? Farkle: One. Eric: Now burn me with your laser eyes. No, don't. Okay, do it. Do it. Do it. No, no. Let's not. Let's not. Okay, phew. You know, we get along really well, don't we, robot? Farkle: Yes. Because with you around, I feel really good about myself. |
Harley Keiner: What are you doing? Eric: I'm supposed to. Cory: Babies. You kiss babies, you maroon. |
Riley: Uncle Eric is running for Senator. Can we count on your vote? Harley Keiner: I don't know. What are you going to do for the little guy? Eric: Never really though of you as a little guy, Harley. You know something, I'm sure this school is really well taken care of. |
Eric: You guys! We don't need to be afraid. We can win this thing. We just need to remember the wise words of President F Dr. Oosevelt. |
Harley Keiner: Matthews. You mind if I stick around for this class? Cory: Of course, Harley. You're interested in politics? Harley Keiner: I'm interested in why school budgets are being cut. I'm interested in why they take away art, music. Cory: Oh. You like music. Harley Keiner: Without music, I'd do something. Cory: I know, Harley. I know you would. |
Eric: What's your deal, man with the ideas? T.J: I believe in you. I'd like to help. |
Farkle: How do you know so much about this? T.J: I'm the one who caught him. I have a website called Thorn In Your Side. I'm the thorn. |
T.J: It's a great idea. The senator took money from children and gave it to his rich friends. Eric: Why would you do that, who are you? T.J: Because his rich friends are the one that got him elected. I'm T.J. T.J Murphy. |
Cory: I don't know how he does it, but tell me you're not on his side. Topanga: Not. |
Riley: So who has in the limousine? Eric: The bow-tie man with the big glasses. He was a whisperer, right. He's one of these whisperers. He came up to me and he was like "ERIC, YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS A CHANCE TO BEAT SENATOR JEFFERSON DAVIS GRAHAM IN THE PRIMARY." Cory: That's not a whisper, Eric. Eric: I also don't know what a primary is! |
Eric: I am running for senator of the grape state of New York and I need your votes! Riley: Kids don't vote. Eric: Then uh-oh. |
Farkle: When I read the news, it makes me feel like this isn't even a planet I'd want to rule. Riley: Wow, Farkle, I've never heard you say anything like that before. Farkle: I'm a visionary, Riley. I look ahead. You, me, Mars, let's do this thing. |
Cory: Well, that's a shame guys, because this world's gonna belong to you soon. Maya: Uh, the one you messed up? Lucas: Yeah, thanks anyway. |
Eric: Welcome abroad, PK. |
Cory: Eric, Davis Graham is a six term senator. Topanga: Eric, you don't have enough money to run against him. Eric: Eric, the bow-tie man said he would help me with that. |
Eric: So they plucked me off the street and hustled me into a limousine like I was fancy. |
Eric: I'm really dizzy. I've done this in every classroom. |
Trivia
- August Maturo (Auggie Matthews) does not appear in this episode, but he is mentioned by Eric.
- This is the first episode to employ a "Previously on..." voice over (done by Rowan Blanchard).
- The title is a play on the 1939 classic movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington starring James Stewart.
- During the debate, while Senator Graham wears a U.S. flag lapel pin, Eric, for some reason, is wearing a lapel pin of the flag of Italy.
- Fifth episode with a non NYC setting, as the Washington D.C TV Newscaster played by Tess Paras returns.
- This episode is a sequel to the episode, Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels.
- This is Eric Matthews' second appearance on Girl Meets World.
- This is Harley Keiner's fourth appearance on Girl Meets World. The others being Girl Meets the Forgotten, Girl Meets Flaws, and Girl Meets Rules.
- As evidenced by the promotional pictures, scenes were cut where Senator Graham interacted with the kids at Topanga's.
- This is the first appearance of Tommy on Girl Meets World, who last appeared in the sixth season of Boy Meets World as an orphan child.
- He is the 13th character from Boy Meets World to appear in the show after Cory, Topanga, Mr. Feeny, Stuart Minkus, Shawn, Alan, Amy, Joshua, Eric, Harley, Angela, and Chet. JB Gaynor is the thirteenth actor to reappear following Willie Garson, who played three different roles in Boy Meets World and Harrison Miller (Topanga's boss) in Girl Meets World, and the actors for 11 of the previously named 12 characters (all but Joshua).
- Scenes of Boy Meets World episodes Resurrection and Can I Help To Cheer You? are used, depicting Eric and Tommy hanging out, Eric refusing to adopt Tommy, and Eric and Tommy saying goodbye.
- Also this is the first time that a flashback clip didn't receive any happy reaction but the standard laugh track.
- Farkle states he would like to have a family with eleven kids in the future.
- The picture of the kids on the news (featuring Farkle's future new look) appears to be from a time during production of Girl Meets Farkle.
- Maya did not call Lucas any nicknames for the first time.
- Eric meets Harley again for the first time in 20 years.
- This is the third episode that Maya calls Lucas by his proper name (the others being Girl Meets Flaws and Girl Meets the Secret of Life), though he may not have noticed in those episode as he did in this episode.
- Like Danny McNulty, J.B Gaynor did not receive a reaction, however, that was due to Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels Goes to Washington having been filmed without a live audience.
- This episode required extra days of shooting to accommodate Ben Savage, whose father, Lewis M. Savage died (February 7, 2015) during production.
- Sequel to Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels.
International premieres
- November 4, 2015 (Australia)
- January 8, 2016 (Benelux)
- February 2, 2016 (Latin America, Brazil)
- February 15, 2016 (Israel)
- February 19, 2016 (Hungary)
- March 11, 2016 (Poland)
- June 10, 2016 (Italy)
- October 11, 2016 (Philippines)
Gallery
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The image gallery for Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels Goes to Washington may be viewed here.
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Transcript
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To view the Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels Goes to Washington transcript, click here.
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