Borrowed rules
The gang tests explanations from body-switching films and Quantum Leap, but none resolves the transformation.
Supporting source ↗CASE FILE · S12 E01
The Gang Turns Black
S12 E01Photograph not available
After an electric heating blanket shorts out while the gang watches the Wiz they look in the mirror and realize they've turned black. They have to figure out how to get back to being themselves by going through all the classic body switch movie shenanigans they encounter.
THE SHORT VERSION · SPOILERS AHEAD
INSIDE THE CASE.
A toy becomes a threat
Charlie trusts the officers who gave him a train. Another officer mistakes it for a gun and shoots him.
Supporting source ↗The dream belongs elsewhere
The old man wakes to the gang dismissing his story. They have not experienced his lesson.
Supporting source ↗Reflections carry the change
Mirrors show unfamiliar bodies while most scenes retain the usual performers, making the altered perspective visible.
Supporting source ↗THE EVIDENCE
THINGS IN THIS EPISODE.
Characters
Charlie Kelly182 other recorded episodes
Charlie plays with a toy train during the dream interview.Source ↗
Dee Reynolds181 other recorded episodes
Dee searches the encampment with Frank.Source ↗
Dennis Reynolds178 other recorded episodes
Dennis examines a wallet beside the Range Rover.Source ↗
Frank Reynolds173 other recorded episodes
Frank performs beneath the overpass.Source ↗
Old Black Man2 other recorded episodes
The old man wakes after dreaming the adventure.Source ↗
Bakula appears as a janitor within the dream.Source ↗
The social worker questions Charlie across a table.Source ↗
The shopkeeper speaks from the doorway.Source ↗
Locations
Dee’s apartment29 other recorded episodes
The gang gathers beneath blankets for movie night.Source ↗
Nursing homes2 other recorded episodes
Dee accompanies the old man into the care facility.Source ↗
Police station7 other recorded episodes
Charlie answers questions in an interview room.Source ↗
The electronics shop displays a closed sign.Source ↗
Objects
An electrical effect passes through the blanket-covered group.Source ↗
Range Rover20 other recorded episodes
The group attempts to open the parked vehicle.Source ↗
A miniature locomotive occupies Charlie’s hands.Source ↗
Miscellaneous
Mac and Dennis see different faces in the interview-room mirror.Source ↗
Dream sequences5 other recorded episodes
The ending reveals whose dream contained the apparent transformation.Source ↗
Musical theatre3 other recorded episodes
The gang performs together on the sidewalk.Source ↗
FOLLOW THE THREAD
CONNECTED EPISODES.
S03 E08 
Connected through VCRs, Nursing homes, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
S01 E06 Connected through Nursing homes, Mops, Dennis Reynolds and 3 more.
S12 E07 
Connected through Old Black Man, Dream sequences, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
S11 E05 
Connected through Old Black Man, Range Rover, Dee’s apartment and 5 more.
SOURCES & NOTES.
Tags document researched occurrences, not every appearance. Read the research notes and attribution.