In episode 6 of that ‘90s show, Leia is sad because Jay has a new girlfriend. Bob arrives from Florida while Kitty gets ready for the birthday celebration. Red and Kitty try to outdo Bob by giving Leia an expensive karaoke system for her birthday. The only thing helping Leia get over her breakup is Beverly Hills. But given that Leia did not actually have a breakup, as her friends persistently insist, the ambiguity makes sense. Actually, she's just sad because of a close call with Jay, who is now seeing Serena, the granddaughter of the hot-tub lady. She briefly cheers up with a birthday pot.
While organizing a magnificent birthday party for her granddaughter, Kitty should be in her element, but instead, she is freaking out about everything. The Formans' old next-door neighbor Bob, Donna's father, and Leia's other grandfather, who has since relocated to Florida, will eventually join them. Red also does not like Bob's presence because he bought Leia a karaoke machine that will outlast whatever gifts he might have given her.
Grandpa Bob can't be avoided. Leia tries to move on by being cool. She asks Jay and Serena to her birthday party with what Gwen calls "strong, aggressive" body language. She does jab a pickle at them to emphasize the point. They accept the invitation, and Leia laments that Brenda Walsh, played by Shannen Doherty, reminds her so much of herself since she "obsess[s] over the guy, but never goes for the person.".
The only issue with this strategy is that Jay fails to show up at the event. Instead, Grandpa Bob sings karaoke for Leia, and she feels deflated all around. Red saves the day! He comforts her by telling her that she's not alone in not knowing what she's doing at 15 and that, no matter our age, "we're all just making it up as we go along.“ He then reveals her real birthday present: her dad's Vista Cruiser, along with driving lessons. Grandpa Bob feels defeat, even as Kitty extends him the family's friendly hand. Red once more curses the name of his son for bringing Bob into his life through marriage.
But Leia's celebration of her birthday still hasn't come to an end! Later, Jay enters Leia's bedroom window and begs for forgiveness for missing her party. This act of contrition must have been romantic enough. Leia goes full on Kelly and gives Jay their first kiss. They go for a trip in the Vista Cruiser after he makes a pledge to end things with Serena. But, the police quickly stop them, breaking up their Collective Soul-scored reverie. The fact that this is regarded more like a cliffhanger than an episode-ending button is another indication of streaming TV.
Season 1 of That ‘90s Show is now streaming on Netflix.
