"A Star Is Bruised" is a Season 2 episode of Johnny Bravo.
Synopsis[]
Johnny meets his favorite TV star, Squint Ringo, at a book signing. He then becomes a stuntman for Squint's newest action film, leading to a lot of pain for Johnny.
Plot Summary[]
Johnny watches "Kung-Fu Guy" on TV. As the lead actor, Squint Ringo, beats up robotic Girl Scouts, Johnny compares Ringo to a god. After the show, an announcer informs the viewers that Squint Ringo will be at a bookstore in the mall the following morning to sign copies of his book, Ringo on Ringo. Johnny excitedly rushes to get a place in line, but the line has already woven its way through the mall and out to the street. On top of that, Johnny is stuck in front of an annoying Prospector, who declares that there is gold in the mall, and won't stop laughing and dancing around.
The following morning, Johnny has made it inside the bookstore. Squint's assistant announces to the crowd that there is only one book remaining, and whoever did not get a book will need to leave without meeting Squint. Distraught, Johnny starts judo-chopping and flipping everyone in his way until he reaches the front of the line. He tells Squint that he is a big fan, and demonstrates some of Squint's moves. Squint pretends to be impressed until his assistant whispers in his ear. Squint then asks Johnny if he would like to be on the show, but does not immediately say what Johnny's role will be. Johnny excitedly accepts and daydreams about accepting an Academy Award for his acting. He imagines kissing the beautiful hostess, but in reality, ends up kissing the Prospector's donkey. The Prospector hops around and laughs at him.
Later, at the studio lot, Johnny arrives to the "Kung Fu Guy" set. He flirts with the assistant director, but she bluntly sends him to makeup. Soon after, filming begins. In this episode, Squint is declining a phone company's service. The muscular employee moves to punch Squint, then stops short at the director's command. Squint moves out of frame, and Johnny, now dressed like Squint, enters and takes Squint's place in the shot. The director calls for action, and Johnny is punched hard enough to make his sunglasses shatter. Johnny's new role is not Squint's sidekick like he wanted, but he is Squint's stunt double. Scene after scene, Johnny is squished, tossed, stabbed, set on fire, and thrown from the top of a building via explosions.
After Johnny misses the safety mat and lands on the asphalt, the director calls for the crew to take a lunch break. Johnny retires to his trailer, and while tending to his injuries, he reads Ringo on Ringo. Squint explains in his book that before becoming an actor, he waited tables. One day, he was serving a television executive, and tenderized his steak by punching it. The executive liked Squint's style and immediately hired him on. Squint concludes his book by advising the reader to not be afraid to break the rules a little to show the world what they are really made of. Johnny decides to follow this advice while filming the next scene. When filming resumes, Johnny gets into position; Squint has him in a headlock. The director calls for action, and Johnny flicks Squint's nose. Squint recoils in pain and starts to cry, while Johnny poses for the cameras. The director angrily orders the rest of the crew to beat up Johnny for hurting their star.
Some time later, Johnny, battered and wheelchair-bound, is hosting a book signing of his own. The Prospector tunnels up into the room and asks Johnny what he is holding. Johnny gives the Prospector a copy of his book, Never, Ever, Ever Hit a TV Star! The Prospector bites down on the yellow book, and declares that it is gold. He laughs and dances around in excitement. Johnny can only call this situation, "Wiggy."
Trivia[]
- The plot is a heavily retooled version of "Stunt Boy", a previously unused story premise from the Season 1 series bible.
- This marks the first appearance of The Prospector.
- This episode was likely storyboarded by the late Bob Onorato, albeit uncredited, much like "Karma Krisis."
Gallery[]
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