S2E19: “Mardi Gras”

Synopsis: “The Holograms are invited to wear the pirate Jean Lafitte’s jewels for the Mardi Gras celebration. But could Lafitte’s ghost be after them?”

Summary: Episode 45 (S2E19) is written by returning writer, Mary Skrenes.

We open on a cruise ship as Jem and the Holograms patiently wait for their mystery contact to divulge what hotel they will be staying at. On stage the Melodicus, Jem is invited to wear the pirate Jean LaFitte’s treasure, jewels that haven’t been seen since 1814. Jem announces on stage that the band is going to the Mardis Gras.

Jem and the Hologram music video: “Let Me Take You To The Mardi Gras.”

Pierre Larquette introduces himself to Jem as her liaison with the crew of Melodicus. When she asks why all the mystery about Mardis Gras, Pierre explains that it’s more than just an 11-day party. The identities of the crew are always kept secret. Also, LaFitte’s treasure is invaluable and they don’t want it stolen. Pierre promises to tell Jem more the following day, as long as he meets her for lunch.

Shana is seen looking out at the sunset, as an old woman named Mama Lou mistakes her for someone named Lily. Shana receives a warning.

Mama Lou: Heed the words of Mama Lou. Beware of zombies on fat Tuesday!

Pierre goes over to Shana and tells her not to be frightened of Mama Lou. He then notices that Shana bares an uncanny resemblance to the legendary Lily LaRose.

Pierre: Lily LaRose was a Bourbon street Chanteuse–a singer. Jean LaFitte was her greatest admirer, as I admire you, ma cherie.

Shana: Please don’t. I–there’s someone else. His name is Anthony Julian.

Pierre: So, am I doomed then to a broken heart like poor Jean LaFitte? But I do not give up so easily.

The Holograms arrive in New Orleans and are taken by horse and carriage to Maison Fleur, but first, they take a scenic detour up Bourbon street. Meanwhile, the Misfits are in New Orleans and are jealous that the Holograms are getting all the publicity. Pizzazz promises her bandmates that come tomorrow night, they’ll be the ones wearing LaFitte’s jewels. They also brought along a hired zombie looking goon, named Necco.

Jem and the Holograms arrive at their hotel, Maison Fleur, but the lights are off. The carriage driver says they must have blown a fuse again, but assures them it will be fixed in time for the ball the following night. Jem knocks on the door and a man holding a candle answers. She explains the crew of the Melodicus sent them, but Maurice is distracted by Shana and doesn’t hear Jem’s words. We hear a woman’s voice coming from inside the hotel. Yvette commands Maurice to invite Jem and the Holograms inside. Yvette apologizes on behalf of Maurice for being cranky, as he’s been upset since his friend, Francois, disappeared last week. Yvette explains that it’s nothing to worry about and says it’s not the first time Francois has gone missing. Yvette looks at Shana and says she is the reason why she picked the Holograms to wear LaFitte’s treasure. Shana is confused. Yvette explains the legend of Jean LaFitte and Lily LaRose, who was her great-great grandmother. Maison Fleur was the house that belonged to LaRose.

Jean LaFitte loved Lily LaRose, but she couldn’t return his affection as he was a slaver. Lily was a patriot, so she let LaFitte meet at Maison Fleur in secret, with General Jackson to plan the battle of New Orleans. Late one night, they came up from the river through the cemetery. LaFitte left a casket of jewels with Lily, making her promise to keep them until he returned, but he never returned.

Yvette shows Shana and the rest of the Holograms the painting of Lily LaRose, who just so happens to look exactly like Shana. Yvette warns the Holograms that the ghost of LaFitte haunts Maison Fleur.

While the Holograms are shown their…