Here it is: one of those elusive first-season episodes of "Kim Possible" that seems to air, oh, once every 18 months or so. In re-watching this episode for the first time since its original airing, I've found (to no great surprise) that "Royal Pain" is just as bad as I remember.
Kim is called upon to protect young ruler Prince Wally from an ancient prophecy, where his end will come at the hands of the Knights of Rodeghan. At the same time, she's in a race for class president against Brick Flagg. The idea is hit upon to have Wally hide out in Middleton until the whole thing blows over. Unfortunately, the prince decides to join the running, and garners some unwanted media attention in the process...
Some might take issue with the fact that Mr. Barkin is a blonde here (a minor nit that bedeviled the equally obscure but much more fulfilling "Tick-Tick-Tick"), but trust me: that's the least of this episode's debits. For one thing, Ron is Kim's best friend; loyal and kind to the end...but here, he thinks nothing of jumping ship on Kim's campaign (and friendship) and backing Prince Wally.
Speaking of His Royal Lowness, I must some spend time on the biggest problem I had here. Now, I'm aware that privileged individuals carry themselves with a fair amount of haughtiness. Unfortunately, someone saw fit to turn this trait up to '11' for Wally. He is so obnoxious, snobby and unlikable throughout to the Possibles who, however inexplicably, are housing and trying to protect him. If you're not, at some point, rooting for the Knights of Rodeghan to finish him off, there's something wrong with you.
At the end, Wally is elected class president by a landslide (American elections - oy!). Surprisingly, though, no mention is made of the presidency or the new addition in subsequent episodes. It would've been nice if some mention were made of the presidency or if Wally were seen or heard from again (or, at the very least, his behavior made into something recognizably human).
As it stands, "Royal Pain" is a royal waste of time.
*.5/****
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