Vernell Lewis is character featured in the Disney Channel animated television series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. He is the former best friend of Pops Lafayette turned enemy after a roller skating-related incident in Philadelphia in the 1970s.
Background[]
One night in the 1970s Vernell and Pops were on their way to roller skate at a rink, though were denied entry because it was not Soul Night, meaning people of color were not welcome. As they were walking away, they spotted a vacant piece of land for sale and decided to open their own rink. To promote their rink, they decided to attend the Philadelphia Roller Jam. As they were skating, Vernell's pant leg got caught in one of his wheels, causing him to fall. The crowd laughed at him, and instead of helping him up, Pops stole the show, causing Vernell to abandon his partner. After that night, the two friends became enemies. Sometime after, as Roller Jam grew, they agreed to split custody of it, Vernell getting to host one for the western states and Pops getting the eastern.
Physical appearance[]
Vernell Lewis is a short African American man with curly black hair with gray streaks by his ears. He also wears a pale green shirt, black pants, a gold watch, and is often seen with his signature roller skates.
Role in the series[]
While Pops is making his opening monologue for Roller Jam, he is interrupted by Vernell, who entered with his roller skates on. He then shows off his skating moves and taunts Pops. Vernell thinks that Pops personally invited him, though Lunella reveals she was the one to, albeit by accident. He then turns to leave for his usual hotel, though he is notified by Casey that it no longer exists. An audience member then suggests that he stay with Pops, to which he agrees to.
The following morning, Vernell wakes up and joins the family at the table. Adria reveals that Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur will be present at Roller Jam, Vernell and Pops find a common interest in the superhero, though the two begin arguing, each claiming to be Moon Girl's biggest fan.
Later in the day, as the opening events of Roller Jam begin, Vernell and Pops both angrily compete against each other in multiple competitions and eventually end up ruining the buffet table over a slice of ham.
In an attempt to rekindle their relationship, Lunella invites the two to a meet-and-greet with her, though they both think they were the only one invited. After some arguing, Moon Girl convices them to talk about what happened in Philadelphia and Pops offered to put it behind them. Pops then forgives Vernell, though Vernell says that he should be the one forgiving Pops, as Pops had stolen the show, and the two continue to argue. They then agree to have a skate-off later in the day, with the loser being banned from all future Roller Jams and making Moon Girl the judge.
At night, the main event of Roller Jam begins, and Vernell and Pops enter and begin their skate-off. As it is going on, they get in the way of the patrons, causing them to leave. This angers Moon Girl, telling them that they are destroying the spirit of Roller Jam. Just then, a supervillain by the name of Blue Streak enters the rink, declaring that he wants to be the "best thing on wheels" after hearing about Vernell and Pops' skate-off. Vernell and Pops are then tripped by him. The two are able to hide behind a counter and apologize to each other, becoming friends again. The two then perform their old routine, distracting Blue Streak and allowing Moon Girl to defeat him. Vernell and Pops then apologize to the attendees of Roller Jam, and the event is continued.
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