Previously on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series...
Every year, Color War starts as a battle and somehow ends in peace.
I think you will climb the wall when you're ready.
Gina and EJ connected in a canoe.
- Will you be my date? - I really wish I could.
- Jet connected with the whole camp. - Maybe he just wants to show you he cares?
I just don't wanna let my guard down and get hurt again.
And Ashlyn connected with herself.
(FIREWORKS BURSTING)
Summer's coming to a close and things may finally be stable around here.
Can't you just stay?
You have everything you need to lead. And always have.
Right?
(CAMPERS CLAMORING)
Can everyone please stop singing?
He's hallucinating. Ricky, you don't have to do this. We love you.
Turning 18 tomorrow. Three pizzas. One more bite.
Must finish bucket list.
I can't watch.
(ALL CHEERING)
- Gross. - You did that. How do you feel?
- I can smell colors. - EJ: There you guys are.
-(ALL EXCLAIMING) - JET: Come on.
Y'all, we take camp prom very seriously around here.
Stop eating pizza and start thinking about your outfits.
Does it have to be straight out of a problematic 1970s sitcom?
(CAMPERS SNICKER)
CARLOS: Whoa!
- It's tradition. - Okay.
You good for the plan tonight?
I've got the plan. We'll see if it's good.
So, this is maybe not the best time to ask when you're planning on telling Gina
about the thing you said on camera, but...
Dude, we've got the dance tonight, got the show tomorrow,
and then I've got a long, long time before I gotta handle my very public confession.
Okay. Bye.
Wait. Why do you ask?
I used my Color War phone call to do a little research.
There's gonna be a trailer dropping next month that's full of juicy footage
and maybe some of it was shot through a bush.
Ricky?
(EXHALES)
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
Okay, I am very hyped for this dance tonight,
but someone needs to explain to me why we're doing a vintage theme for camp prom.
Ooh, I think it has to do with Susan Fine's birthday.
Or the day she died.
- Definitely one of those two. - Honestly, I've never known.
Look, any camp tradition that doesn't involve climbing a wall is good by me.
(CHUCKLES)
And I'm gonna miss having all this time with you guys.
- Okay, sisterhood vibes all night, okay? - It's gonna be a night of many vibes.
So, I learned something new about myself last night,
and it goes a little deeper than a rising sign.
It is possible that I have a crush on Valerie, the choreographer,
and all that that implies.
I suppose you could say my dating pool got a little bigger,
and so did my heart,
and so did my world. (CHUCKLES)
Hey, G, are you good going solo to the dance tonight?
I'm not going solo. I have my girls. Honestly, it's fine.
- It's a Shallow Lake tradition, so... - That's right. It is.
Everyone goes stag.
Honestly, Ash, I think your cousin's gonna spend the night without me as his date,
realize he's kind of been ignoring me for a week and a half, and I don't know.
(CHUCKLES)
He promised he'd save the last dance for me, so...
- Oh. Very nice. - The night's gonna end with a bang.
In one way or another, it always does.
- Excuse me. - Oh, my...
(ALL EXCLAIMING)
Maddie, can we talk? Alone?
- Okay, should we be spying on them? - No, we should not.
Can you keep it down? I'm trying to spy.
MADISON: Hi. Is Gadget still in there?
Wow. (CHUCKLES) You went all out with the clothes, Jet.
Honestly, I've been trying to go all out with everything.
I mean, I tried really hard at Color War, but that was just the day,
and I'm trying really hard in the show, but that's just one summer.
What I really wanna do is go back in time.
Well, the jacket's a start. (CHUCKLES)
JET: Maddie, I'm trying to unbreak what I broke,
and I'm not good at fixing things alone, so I just thought,
maybe we could both use a little help?
- What are you talking about? - You can come out now.
No, I already did that, Jet.
Hi, Maddie.
Madison.
- Don't blink, don't blink. - Remember, I want David Bowie, not RuPaul.
I have never shown this much cleavage.
CARLOS: So, we love a dance and we love a theme,
but why is there a dance and why is there a theme?
I think the '70s is when Susan Fine either got married for the second time
or, like, ate her first camper?
It's one of many traditions for the night ahead.
Thank you. Yes, I'm trying not to think about that because it's such a hard pass.
- I'm kinda with Carlos on this one. - EJ: But, guys, it's the coolest.
You get all overheated at the dance,
and then you pour freezing water on your head,
and take a picture for Shallow Lake memory wall. It's tradition.
How is that a tradition?
Anything can be a tradition if you do it more than once.
Like slapping?
Can I do the ice water thing in a suit?
Your birthday suit.
Okay. Well, now I miss Color War.
- Uh, what are you doing here? - Haven't missed a camp prom in a decade.
Really? That's it?
- No. Your brother called and he said... - What did you say, Jet?
Honestly, I said you could use a friend.
(SCOFFS)
Uh, I know I'm not exactly fitting in with the new girls,
but I'm not sure if my ex-girlfriend showing up on the anniversary
of the night she dumped me is the right solution.
- That wasn't the plan. - What was the plan?
I thought I broke something and I just thought if I got you both in a room,
maybe that would fix it.
He was just looking out for you.
I'm sorry. I think I just broke something again.
I'll get out of your hair.
It's good to see your face, Mad. I can't tell you how much I missed it.
I hope you get to dance this time.
Wait.
Wait. Please. Uh...
Maybe I do need a friend.
-(MUSIC PLAYING) -(CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY)
-(DISCO MUSIC PLAYING) -(GIRLS LAUGHING)
Man, I feel like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
I feel like John Travolta in Hairspray.
- Dude, is that a script? - The show's tomorrow.
This is the only time it makes sense for everyone to run lines.
Okay.
Miss Jenn said as long as you guys know your dialogue, you're good.
So I'm making sure you do.
Totally normal behavior at a dance.
Okay.
Ricky, what do you say when I say,
"Elsa freaked out because I only just met him, you know, today"?
"Wait. You got engaged to someone you just met?" And he's got a point.
I just gotta stay in the zone tonight. No distractions.
- Yes, sir. -(DOOR OPENS)
(COUGHS)
Hello, boys.
- Wow. -(CLEARS THROAT)
Hey, Ricky, you okay?
(GINA CHUCKLES)
- Yeah, you good? - Yeah. It's just polyester. Am I right?
- Ooh! The photo wall is lit. (SQUEALS) - We're stealing her. Come on.
Later.
Need some air, Richard?
No, no, I'm good, Elton. Let's run more lines. Huh?
Okay, you know you're missing the prom right now.
Not the first time. Am I right?
(CHUCKLES) Do you remember when we were junior campers?
Oh! And we spent the whole night dodging Dewey Wood
(CHUCKLES) so we could raid the boys' bunk.
Yeah, memories.
Hey, I am really sorry that I broke up with you at last year's dance.
I mean, I was the one who demanded you stay by my side all night,
even though you refused to dance in front of people.
I have two left feet. But, yeah, you were a little intense last summer.
And I never told you why. But here we are.
Ooh! Story time.
Yeah, something I should probably tell you.
The day before camp started last year, Jet shared our texts with my parents.
Okay. Super embarrassed on every possible level.
MADDOX: Yeah, and they hit the roof,
and all summer I thought I was gonna go home and get grounded,
and I'd never see you again.
I was scared.
Turns out, they just didn't like me texting anyone after midnight.
Classic.
The point is, I know I was clingy,
and maybe I held on a little too tight.
Maybe I let go a little too fast.
Your brother, he was pretty emotional on the phone,
and I hope it's okay that I say this,
but it seems like he could use a friend, too.
- He actually made a bunch this summer. - I mean one specific friend, Maddox.
I wish I could just let myself have more fun with everyone.
Well, the night's not over. Neither is the summer.
(DISCO MUSIC PLAYING)
(LAUGHS) Okay.
You are extra-glowing tonight.
I'm still me. Just more.
I don't want this to be weird,
but I brought you a little something to say welcome to the community.
(GASPS)
(CARLOS LAUGHS)
- EJ: Carlos, look alive. - Well, that moment passed.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
Olaf, your prompt is, "How did you get in here?"
Oh, my God. Okay. "I picked the lock with my carrot nose.
"Turns out, it's cute and useful." Truly disgusting line.
You have to get faster.
Well, I usually practice my cues with Seb,
but I'm all alone in the woods, so, doing my best.
You ready to get cold tonight?
Actually, EJ, I've never been the boy who takes my shirt off for people,
or myself, frankly. Is that okay?
Hey, we don't do hazing here. Whatever makes you happy, okay?
Wait. Why are you smiling?
Because I see something that makes you happy.
(GASPS)
- Sebastian. - Hi, honey.
Why are you dressed like my grandfather?
Someone said the theme was '70s, so I dressed like I'm in my 70s.
I've missed you so much.
Why do you look like John Travolta in Hairspray?
- Honey, not now. - Hi. (LAUGHS)
(GRUNTS)
Child, do you even know where your parts are?
I'm worried if I move too fast, a little pizza might come out.
- Ugh... - What is this?
I'm trying to figure out how to be a superhero, okay?
I need to finish my bucket list by tomorrow. Only got two to go.
EJ, can I have this dance?
Yes. Just couple more prompts and then I'm all yours.
Elsa, when Anna says,
(CLEARS THROAT)
"But why? I don't understand," you say...
I know this one. Um...
- Curtain's up, cameras are rolling. - Yeah, I know. Um...
Kourt?
Remember this part?
I'm blank.
- Still got 24 hours. - And counting. (CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY)
Okay, Mr. Bowen, would you like to dance?
Hang on. I think Maddox is taking the stage.
One second.
- Dude, how'd it go? - I think maybe I screwed up.
What?
(FEEDBACK BUZZES)
Hey, gang.
- BOY: We love you, Gadget. - Thank you. Just a...
Just wanna make an announcement.
Actually, it's not an announcement, it's an explanation.
- Madison? - What's up, Rocket Man?
- What's going on? - I wish I knew.
I push people away.
Good people who screwed up like I probably screw up, basically, every day.
(CHUCKLES)
So I thought I might sing something tonight.
- GIRL: Shallow Lake song. -(CAMPERS CHEER)
Actually, I had another idea.
It's a song that used to be my favorite when I was little.
It made me happy, and it made my little brother happy,
and I think maybe we're ready to be happy again.
Maddie, I...
And I know we've had 100 ups and downs since then,
but, Jet, I wouldn't change a thing.
ALL: Aw!
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)
Ooh!
Whoa!
Yeah
They're playing our song.
It's like he doesn't hear a word I say His mind is somewhere far away
And I don't know how to get there It's like all he wants is to chill out
She's way too serious She's always in a rush and interrupting
Like she doesn't even care
- You - Me
BOTH: We're face-to-face but we don't see eye-to-eye
MADDOX: We're like fire and rain JET: Like fire and rain
- You can drive me insane - Drive me insane
But I can't stay mad at you for anything
- We're Venus and Mars - We're Venus and Mars
- Like different stars - Like different stars
You're the harmony to every song I sing
Trust me when I say if you're thinking of dancing, you'll regret it if you don't.
JET: She's always trying to save the day I just wanna watch the game
She's all or nothing But my feelings never change
MADDOX: Why does he try to read my mind? It's not good to psychoanalyze
JET: She tries to pick a fight to get attention
BOTH: That's what all of my friends say
- You - Me
We're face-to-face but we don't see eye-to-eye
- We're like fire and rain - Like fire and rain
- You can drive me insane - You can drive me insane
But I can't stay mad at you for anything
- We're Venus and Mars - We're Venus and Mars
- We're like different stars - Like different stars
You're the harmony to every song I sing
And I wouldn't change a thing
When I'm yes, she's no
When I hold on, he just lets go
BOTH: We're perfectly imperfect But I wouldn't change a thing, no
CARLOS: We're like fire and rain JET: Like fire and rain
- You can drive me insane - You can drive me insane
- But I can't stay mad at you for anything - We're Venus and Mars
- We're like different stars
Like different stars
ALL: But you're the harmony to every song I sing
And I wouldn't change a thing
Come on, G. It's the last dance of the night. Grab a partner.
But I can't stay mad at you for anything
- We're Venus and Mars - We're Venus and Mars
- We're like different stars - Like different stars
But you're the harmony to every song I sing
(CHUCKLES)
And I wouldn't change a thing
(ALL CHEERING)
Everyone, everyone, this is Madison of Mad and Mad fame.
What's up, Wildcats?
(CHEERS)
We have heard so much about you.
(CHUCKLES)
- I have a long drive home. - I know.
- You'll call when camp's over? - Like I could forget your number.
- Hey. - Hey.
- Got a minute to check in? - Yeah, of course.
You wanna put that script down?
(CHUCKLES) Of course.
So, tonight has been memorable.
Oh, yeah, everyone loves the camp prom.
Hey, please don't put that drink on Elsa's castle.
We need it for tomorrow night.
Sorry.
EJ, you missed the last dance.
Crap. Hold on. I'll put on a song and we can just boogie around.
EJ, stop.
We had two completely different nights.
And I'm starting to think we're having two completely different summers.
Look, I'm a little distracted with opening night tomorrow, but...
But maybe it goes deeper than that, you know?
I mean, you graduated from East High.
Your world is getting bigger,
and I'm still at the photo booth
trying to fit three mustaches on my face for a group photo.
- I could do those things. - That's just it.
You've done those things when you were a camper here.
But you're not a camper anymore.
I mean, you missed out on the woman in the woods,
you haven't joined the whole bucket list quest thing,
which has actually been super fun.
Sorry. Is it me or do both of those things have the same person in common?
- This is not about Ricky. - Well, I know there's history there.
I was trying to make a future with you.
And I know that I don't have a solid plan for the fall, but if everything works out,
then I think maybe...
I think the problem is...
I think the problem is that "maybe" isn't good enough for me right now.
All my life has been about change. "Maybe" is all I've ever known.
And maybe I came to the dance solo, and maybe I...
I don't know, EJ. Maybe I should leave solo, too.
Don't do that. We're great together.
For five minutes at the beginning of the summer.
But we haven't really been together this summer. Not really.
And if that's a preview to some future where we can't be together at all,
I think I need to skip ahead.
What do you mean by "skip ahead"?
I mean I can't be a "maybe" anymore, EJ.
Not now and not later.
Look.
- You're wonderful. - But it's over.
Can it really be over if it never really got a chance to start?
Elton John?
(SIGHS)
So then I burst in the door, and I'm like, "Am I too late?"
I've never done a show before. I don't even know the songs.
- Excuse me. - Hey, Gina.
- Excuse me. Excuse me. - One second.
- Hey, is everything okay? - Yeah.
It wouldn't be a dance without me running into you at coat check, right?
Yeah. Hey, while I have you...
There's something important I have to tell you, if you have a sec.
You do?
It can wait if there's something you're working through.
Okay. Thank you.
-(CLATTERS) - RICKY: Oh.
- Hey. Hey, what's the... -(GINA SOBS)
It's okay. I got that. It's okay.
(MIC FEEDBACK BUZZES)
Folks, this is a general reminder about PDA, and the reminder is don't.
It's fine...
(SINGING) You're not alone
You're not alone
Oh!
Sorry. I didn't think anyone would be here. Did you want me to...
No. You're fine. It's okay. Yeah. No.
Okay. What was that song?
It's kind of like a prayer I sing when I can't breathe.
- You can't breathe, but you can sing? - Music is magic.
Kourtney, is there something going on?
Okay. I'm worried about tomorrow.
I completely dropped EJ's line prompt tonight. What if I choke?
- Kourt... - Look.
It happened at the climbing wall and it's happened 1,000 times before.
So I was actually thinking about asking you if you would...
No.
You know all of Elsa's lines and you were looking for a big break. So...
My big break was spending this summer with you girls.
I'm good. You are better.
Oh!
- Sorry. I thought this was gonna be empty. - We can leave.
No. No, it's okay.
Uh, actually, I just said goodbye to somebody
that I wasn't even expecting to say hello to tonight, so I'm a little upside-down.
She was glowing. So were you.
Don't mind us. Just talking about deep fears over here.
- Is this about the climbing wall? - And all it stands for, yes.
I thought your teacher said you would do it when you were ready. Right?
I think I'm just gonna go to bed
and pretend like tomorrow night isn't opening night.
Hey, guys. I was just on the swings.
- I forgot about swings. - Hey. Are you okay?
I think I just broke up with EJ.
Let's talk about it later.
I guess tonight did end with a bang.
Well, as long as it ends soon. I mean, who knows?
Maybe I can wake up as someone else.
Hey, Kourt, can I borrow your prayer?
(SINGING) You're not alone
GINA AND ASHLYN: You're not alone
MADDOX: You're not alone
You're not alone
Can't believe I'm here right now I can see myself lift off the ground
I know how cliché this sounds
But I can hear a voice say through the crowd
OTHERS: You're not alone
- My fears, they keep on rising - OTHERS: You're not alone
But I won't stop trying
Here I come Loud as a lion
I'll keep on fighting I've just begun
See the horizon I'll keep on climbing
I've shown that I've grown through the changes
Had to prove to myself I'mma make it
Here I come I won't stop till the war is won
- Hey. - Hey.
- How was your night? - Confusing.
Mmm-hmm. Same.
OTHERS: You're not alone
Oh, gosh. Here you are. I've been looking everywhere. How many acres is this place?
- One? - It's about Carlos. He wants to do it.
KOURTNEY: Here I come Loud as a lion
I'll keep on fighting I've just begun
See the horizon I'll keep on climbing
I've shown that I've grown through the changes
Had to prove to myself I'mma make it Here I come
I won't stop till the war is won I can be bold
Be unashamed Be in control
Be unafraid Letting it show
I was born to be brave
You got this. No one's judging you, bro.
KOURTNEY: Loud as a lion I'll keep on fighting
I've just begun See the horizon
I'll keep on climbing
I've shown that I've grown through the changes
Had to prove to myself I'mma make it
Here I come
-(SCREAMS) -(ALL CHEERING)
I won't stop till the war is won
(GIRLS CHEERING)
Kourt.
Hey, Gadget? You know you're one of us now, right?
(CHUCKLES)
Wait. So, wait. I'm confused.
EJ is directing a movie for the Disney Channel?
Honey, no. EJ is directing Frozen, the stage version,
and Corbin Bleu is directing the documentary.
And it's not for Disney Channel, it's for Disney Plus.
- Okay, which one was Quibi? - Let's get you home.
Hey, Ricky. Thanks for the encouragement out there. You're my hero.
Did you just call me a hero?
(LAUGHS)
No way. Oh, my gosh.
Bucket list.
(CARLOS GASPS)
Seb. Next time, you're dunking. I swear.
I did not see that coming.
- Hi again. - Hello.
- You look a little better. - You look a little wetter.
What was the thing you were gonna tell me earlier?
- Right. (CHUCKLES) Okay. Um, yeah. -(CHUCKLES)
You know the other day when we had to sing that song in front of Channing,
and it was kind of intense?
Okay.
Um...
I said something to Carlos that day in private.
Or at least I thought it was private.
And apparently, Channing caught it on camera.
What did you say?
Something going on?
We kind of broke up tonight.
- Really? - Yeah. I don't wanna talk about it.
Um, okay, so what did you say to Carlos that day?
Um...
I told him that he looked majestic as Olaf.
(CHUCKLES)
- Nothing wrong with a friendly fib. - You can say that again. (CHUCKLES)
- I'm gonna... - Yeah. Me, too.
- Right. Good night. - Night, Ricky.
Rocket Man. Just the guy I was looking for. Hey.
Hey, are you okay?
Yeah, absolutely. Did you have fun with Madison?
Yeah, that's a little complicated. Like...
I thought it was over, but then she said maybe she still likes me
and to please call when I get home.
I guess none of the new girls caught your eye this summer.
- What's up, hippies? -(CHUCKLES)
- Sorry. What? - You were looking for me?
- Yeah. Did you hear from Val? - No. Why?
She got a tip that Channing is gonna go full reality-show tomorrow.
Like, he wants to try and stir up all kinds of trouble.
And it could mean that opening night will be a train wreck.
Well, what are we gonna do?
Buckle up. (CHUCKLES)
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)