Good Trouble: Season 2, Episode 4 “Unfiltered” – Recap, Review (with Spoilers)

Despite Callie starting a new job, old habits die hard. Also, Davia’s mom, Bonnie, comes to town and reminds us of another reason Davia doesn’t want to go home.

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Recap

Pay The Cost To Be A Boss: Gina, Raj, Mariana, Evan

With Mariana’s app seemingly not charging people double, just doubling, visually, the money collected, she is ready to sacrifice her pay to make things right. However, Raj doesn’t want to let her do that, and in trying to console her, Gina catches them being subtle, yet intimate. Leading her to snitch and coerce Mariana to get rid of Raj from her team so they can keep dating.

But, that might be the least of her worries. With Josh away, and Angela seemingly backing off, now Evan is taking a more hands-on role in managing the company. Which pushes the idea he plans to make the organizational structure flatter, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t dance on the line of what is inappropriate. Case in point, there remains the issue of his intentions when it comes to Mariana. Especially since he decides to cover the $10K she and Raj wanted to cover. Leading to him asking her for drinks, without others, an awkward request. One which Mariana seems pressured to accept.

Pulling A Callie: Callie, Joseph, Isaac, Malika, Marcus, Teresa

It seems we’re truly leaving everyone from Callie’s former job behind as she now works at Legal Aid. A place where she is just a research assistant but within a few days is already causing trouble. How and why? Well, Joseph getting evicted apparently was a mix of Malika and Callie’s fault. Malika for pushing the issue and Callie for overstepping. Leading to two things happening. Callie being forced to tell one of her bosses, Marcus, what happened, which means him getting his partner Teresa involved, who handles things, and Isaac getting involved as well.

Why you may ask? Well, being that Joseph may genuinely want a relationship with Malika, he doesn’t want to take her money to deal with owing $800 in back rent. However, from Isaac, Malika’s boyfriend, it seems things are different since he appears to be taking the money out of his own pocket. In truth, however, it is Malika’s savings money being used. Though, with dishing out so much, it seems both she and Isaac are being cautious. Since who knows why Joseph was behind on two months rent in the first place?

Mommie Dearest: Davia, Dennis, Bonnie

We get to meet Bonnie, Davia’s mother, this episode and boy is she a hoot. She is very body and food conscious, and while she isn’t necessarily nasty, she is passive-aggressive enough to make your blood boil. What doesn’t help the situation is the last time she was in town, Dennis slept with her. Making her return awkward for him and a good amount of suffering for Davia. Someone who really can’t take Bonnie’s commentary for while she is better now, it is what drove her to being 90 pounds at one time.

What also doesn’t help is Dennis trying to give Bonnie a taste of her own medicine and trying to play Davia’s hero again. Not to say she doesn’t appreciate the idea behind it, but the execution was terrible.

Question(s) Left Unanswered

1. So, what happened to Mariana’s major credit card debt? We’re just going to sweep that under the rug?

Review

Highlights

A New Workplace For Callie

Legal Aid seems way more Callie’s speed. It’s diverse, inclusive, and while she is already stirring up trouble, it seems she may have a mentor in Teresa. So while we may miss Judge Wilson and that world, this shakeup is a welcome change. One which, honestly, makes me hope once Callie passes the bar, either we see a major dynamic change in the office, or she moves on. Representing how much job hopping many do who are Callie’s age.

Can We Trust Joseph?

With Joseph being a Black man, having some desire to be a father after his ex kept him from his children, it is hard to not want him to be a good guy. Yet, even with acknowledging as an ex-con how hard getting a job for him is, it’s hard not to wonder why he is two months behind in rent. Also, when he came to Malika, was there some thought of maybe getting her to pay? Not that I’m trying to paint him as a bad guy, since this show usually allows people to be complex and three dimensional. However, considering how Ben barely got fleshed out, and how hard they are going to make Davia’s past actions null and void, there is a need to wonder if we should raise an eyebrow?

Evan Trying To Be Social

While we all know Evan is giving Mariana preferential treatment, I must admit with him being socially awkward, him trying to talk to Raj, ask Mariana out, is sweet. Even with recognizing how inappropriate it is. But, one can only hope that he doesn’t like Mariana, like that, and maybe is genuinely invested in her idea. Though, going by Evan’s past, this seems very unlikely.

On The Fence

Dennis Trying To Be A Hero

Taking note of all of Davia’s actions in season 1, as much as I get the writers are, as we saw with Ben, trying to soften her, it’s hard to get past her vitriol from season 1. Especially since, even with meeting Bonnie, and none of Davia’s past comments dealing with weight or image, it is hard to move past the person she put out there before. So while you have to appreciate depth being given to the character, it is a real struggle to move on. Probably since, unlike Callie, Mariana, and Malika, the only time we see Davia is around Dennis. Maybe if we saw her at work it could help?

Mariana’s Storyline

The thing about Mariana’s storyline is that with it dealing with relationships in the workplace and equal pay, those two topics seem to often consume Mariana’s individual story whole. Making her relationship with Raj, this thing with Evan, even the rest of the men of Speckulate, make her more a representative for any woman out there than it be Mariana’s specific experience.

Then when you add in Gina and the ladies being petty over Raj, you get this work drama that makes you want to roll your eyes. For, like in The Fosters, it seems Mariana is playing second fiddle again. But now with not just individual characters but major themes like Black Lives Matter to compete and be eclipsed by.

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Season/ Episode	Synopsis	Director, Writer, and Introduced Actors	Topics & Focused Characters
Season 2, Episode 8 “Disruptions” [Summer Finale]	In an emotional, or dramatic, finale, if not both, Callie has had enough, Mariana makes things worse at work, and our favorite queer relationships might be in trouble.	Director(s) Peter Paige Writer(s) Joanna Johnson Air Date 8/6/2019 Introduced This Episode Kendra Azita Ghanizada Sariya Presilah Nunez	Things Have Just Become Too Complicated:Lindsay, Alice, Joey, Elijah, Gael You Said Too Much While Saying Very Little:Amanda, Evan, Mariana, Kendra, Davia, Dennis, Jennifer, Jeff, Sariya, Teresa, Marcus, Callie Needing A Change: Malika, Issac, Judge Wilson, Callie, Mariana, Gael, Jamie
Season 2, Episode 6 “Twenty-Fine”	It’s Malika’s birthday and tensions between people who live at The Coterie and their partners nearly throw off the vibe she was aiming for.	Director(s) Chandra Wilson Writer(s) Joanna Johnson, Ashly Perez Air Date 7/23/2019	Love Is In The Air: Malika, Isaac, Davia, Dennis I Just Want You More Confident: Joey, Alice, Raj, Mariana, Gael, Elijah Sisters Fight Sometimes: Mariana, Raj, Jamie, Callie
Season 2, Episode 7 “In The Middle”	While nearly everyone is given a grand opportunity, so comes the question of what they are willing to sacrifice? Be it professional relationships or personal.	Director(s) Jay Chandrasekhar Writer(s) Nicole Paulhus Air Date 7/30/2019 Introduced This Episode Amanda Allison Paige	Does He Or Doesn’t He Alice?: Alice, Dennis, Jeff, Davia Under Pressure: Mariana, Evan, Gael, Elijah Who Needs A Comfort Zone?: Callie, Mariana, Davia, Teresa, Marcus, Malika, Isaac, Gael, Jamie
Season 2, Episode 5 “Happy Heckling”	As Evan reveals his intentions, things blow up at Speckulate. Also, Callie is once again struggling with her dating and life choices.	Director(s) Erica Dunton Writer(s) Adam Starks Air Date 7/16/2019 Introduced This Episode Lindsay Rhea Butcher	An Up And Coming Talent: Alice, Joey, Lindsay I’m Not Who You Think I Am: Elijah, Gael, Callie, Marcus, Jamie, Alice Something Beyond Co-Workers: Mariana, Alex, Raj, Evan, Josh
Season 2, Episode 4 "Unfiltered"	Despite Callie starting a new job, old habits die hard. Also, Davia’s mom, Bonnie, comes to town and reminds us of another reason Davia doesn’t want to go home.	Director(s) Laura Nisbet Peters Writer(s) Resheida Brady Air Date 7/9/2019 Introduced This Episode Bonnie Reagan Pasternak Gina Rachel Rosenbloom Marcus Juan Antonio Teresa Lisandra Tena	Pay The Cost To Be A Boss: Gina, Raj, Mariana, Evan Pulling A Callie: Callie, Joseph, Isaac, Malika, Marcus, Teresa Mommie Dearest: Davia, Dennis, Bonnie
Season 2, Episode 3 “Doble Quince”	Jazmin decides to have a Doble Quince, and despite it being her party, nearly everyone else’s minds are on other things.	Director(s) Bradley Bredeweg Writer(s) Joanna Johnson, Ashly Perez Air Date 7/2/2019	A Lady Is Allowed Her Secrets: Malika, Dom, Isaac, Joseph You Can’t Have A Relationship Without Honest Conversations: Joey, Alice, Raj, Mariana, Evan Sometimes Progress Doesn’t Come Soon Enough: Gael, Elijah, Jazmin, Jamie, Callie
Season 2, Episode 1 “Percussions” [Season Premiere]	The verdict of the Jamal Thompson case is delivered, Mariana deals with how her personal and professional life has changed, and Alice prepares her next chapter.	Director(s) Peter Paige Writer(s) Joanna Johnson Air Date 6/18/2019 Introduced This Episode Jacob Carter Rush Adkins	The Struggle To Move Forward: Dennis, Jacob, Davia, Jeff A Change Gon’ Come: Alice, Joey, Raj, Mariana, Evan Was This The Battle Or Was It The War?:Sandra, Judge Wilson, Malika, Callie, Jamie, Gael
Season 2, Episode 2 "Torn"	Drastic moves are made in order to go from surviving to being happy, thriving even, but they naturally come at a cost.	Director(s) Peter Paige Writer(s) Joanna Johnson Air Date 6/25/2019 Introduced This Episode Naomi Denise Dowse Elijah Denim Richards Joseph Richard Brooks	Case Of The Ex: Davia, Jeff, Elijah, Gael, Callie Moving Past The Pain: Joseph, Dom, Malika, Dennis, Davia A Complicated Future: Callie, Mariana, Evan, Raj, Jamie, Judge Wilson, Naomi, Malika
Season 1, Episode 13 “Vitamin C”	Nearly everything comes to a head as Good Trouble ends its first season which thankfully will be followed up by season 2 in June.	Director(s) Joanna Johnson Writer(s) Joanna Johnson Air Date 4/2/2019 Introduced This Episode Viv Riley Go	From Another’s Eyes: Viv, Davia, Malika, Dom, Sandra The Truth Will Set You Free And Freedom Is A Dangerous Gift: Mariana, Angela, Josh, Evan, Callie, Sumi, Joey, Meera, Alice, Ben Picking Up The Pieces: Raj, Mariana, Dom, Isaac, Malika, Callie, Jamie, Gael, Davia, Dennis, Alice, Trae, Malika, Jeff
Season 1, Episode 12 “Broken Arted”	You may think the title of this episode, “Broken Arted” is about romance but what’ll break your heart is the loss of something, rather someone beyond love.	Director(s) Peter Paige Writer(s) Megan Lynn, Wade Solomon Air Date 3/26/2019 Introduced This Episode Nathan Brandon Barash	True Intentions: Raj, Evan, Angela, Mariana, Josh, Malika, Casey A Complicated Relationship: Gael, Bryan, Callie, Jamie, Jasmin, Sumi, Alice, Meera, Joey Goodbye Big Brother?: Mariana, Dennis, Davia, Jeff, Nathan, Jenn
Season 1, Episode 11 “Less Than”	Good Trouble dives into varying topics dealing with race from pay gaps, representation, privilege, and also how to be an ally this episode.	Director(s) Bradley Bredeweg Writer(s) Kimberly Ndombe Air Date 3/19/2019	She’s Still In Love: Alice, Sumi, Meera, Joey In The Minority: Malika, Isaac, Sandra, Mariana, Casey, Evan, Davia, Josh, Angela The Work Drama Continues: Kate, Judge Wilson, Callie, Jamie, Tate
Season 1, Episode 10 “Re-Birthday”	What begins as a fun night out, with 0 focus on work, leads to a lot of people addressing current relationships, boundaries, and self-respect.	Director(s) Aprill Winney Writer(s) Claudia Forestieri, Dan Richter Air Date 3/12/2019 Introduced This Episode Brandon David Lambert	Communication Issues: Isaac, Malika, Brandon, Dennis, Jamie, Callie, Gael, Bryan Boundary Issues: Sumi, Mariana, Raj, Alice It’s My Party & I’ll Cry If I Want To: Davia, Dennis, Jeff
Season 1, Episode 9 “Willful Blindness”	On top of meeting Malika and Alice’s illustrious mothers, and Rebecca’s, someone says goodbye to Good Trouble.	Director(s) Kelli Williams Writer(s) Lauren Moon Air Date 3/5/2019 Introduced This Episode Moe (Malika’s Mom) Karole Foreman Diane TBD Trea Lee Chen Kate Dianne Doan	Life In The Closet: Trea, Alice, Joey, Sumi, Meera Identity Issues: Callie, Bryan, Gael, Mariana, Rebecca, Diane, Judge Wilson, Kate A New Kind Of Family: Moe, Dom, Malika, Mariana, Sandra
Season 1, Episode 8 “Byte Club”	Rebecca’s past is revealed as she flirts with a future that includes Jesus and Mariana’s Byte Club begins and finds a vital ally of the male staff.	Director(s) Peter Paige Writer(s) Nicole Paulhus Air Date 2/26/2019 Introduced This Episode Tate Zachary Gordon Angela Heather Mazur Josh Charlie Bodin Jesus Noah Centineo	When or Where Did I Go Wrong?: Callie, Judge Wilson, Tate Always Be Ready: Dennis, Jesus, Rebecca No Woman Left Behind: Mariana, Casey, Callie, Raj, Rebecca, Angela, Josh, Alex, Ben
Season 1, Episode 7 "Swipe Right"	“Swipe Right” is purely about establishing the beginning, possible end, of nearly every characters current or future relationship.	Director(s) Troian Bellisario Writer(s) Ally Musika Air Date 2/19/2019 Introduced This Episode Paul Joe Burke Isaac Sarunas J. Jackson Joey Daisy Eagan Eli Steven Krueger Lara Alisa Allapach	Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Paul, Isaac, Joey, Eli, Lara, Mariana, Malika, Davia, Alice, Sumi I Can’t Give All, So I Have To Give Nothing: Callie, Gael
Season 1, Episode 6 "Imposter"	While the truth helps Callie flourish, Mariana is getting sick and tired of being sick and tired. Also, Jazmin returns and clues us into how difficult her life is.	Director(s) Geoff Haley Writer(s) Megan Lynn, Wade Solomon Air Date 2/12/2019 Introduced This Episode Jennifer Annie Little	The Truth Will Set You Free: Judge Wilson, Jamie, Callie, Dennis, Davia, Ben, Jennifer What It’s Like To Be Me: Jazmin, Gael, Callie, Jamie Fight Club: Alex, Raj, Mariana, Casey, Evan
Season 1, Episode 5 "Parental Guidance Suggested"	Stef and Lena come to The Coterie and reveal what is going on in their lives, and shine a light on Dennis.	Director(s) Bradley Bredeweg Writer(s) Joanna Johnson Air Date 2/5/2019 Introduced This Episode Dennis Josh Pence Stef Teri Polo Lena Sherri Saum	Moms Are Coming!: Callie, Gael, Mariana, Malika, Bryan, Davia, Stef, Lena Introducing Dennis: Stef, Dennis The Truth Sets You Free/ Someone Who Understands: Lena, Malika, Callie, Mariana, Gael, Bryan, Ben, Davia
Season 1, Episode 4 “Playing The Game”	Mariana and Alice are given the opportunity to stand up for themselves, as Davia and Callie are tasked with a needed shift in an important relationship.	Director(s) Michael Medico Writer(s) Cristian Martinez Air Date 1/29/2019 Introduced This Episode Libby Jessica Tuck Jeff Chris Sheffield	The Boy Back Home: Davia, Jeff, Mariana You Got To Stand Up For Yourself: Mariana, Raj, Casey, Alice, Malika, Sumi, Alex We All Have Our Secrets: Libby, Judge Wilson, Rebecca, Ben, Callie, Malika
Season 1, Episode 3 “Allies”	Both Mariana and Callie continue to struggle with office politics as Malika’s activism puts her at odds with her family.	Director(s) Laura Nisbet Peters Writer(s) Kris Q. Rehl Air Date 1/22/2019 Introduced This Episode Jamie Beau Mirchoff Sandra Nicki Micheaux Evan T.J. Linnard Raj Dhruv Uday Singh Sam Max Cutler Jazmin Hailie Sahar	You Make Time For The Things, And People, You Think Are Important: Malika, Sandra, Dom Slowing Down The Train Won’t Mean It Won’t Get To Its Destination: Mariana, Alex, Raj, Sam, Evan, Casey Step Your Game Up: Jamie, Callie, Rebecca, Ben, Judge Wilson, Gael, Bryan, Davia
Season 1/ Episode 1 “DTLA”	Good Trouble is charged with messages of equality mixed in with the relationship (platonic and otherwise) drama fans of its predecessor are used to.	Creator Joanna Johnson, Bradley Bredweg, Peter Paige Director(s) Jon M. Chu Writer(s) Joanna Johnson, Bradley Bredweg, Peter Paige Air Date 1/1/2019 Genre(s) Drama, Young Adult Good If You Like Progressive TV Programming Racial & Cultural Diversity Your Usual 20 Something Drama with Random Sex Partners, Job Anxiety, and Unnecessarily Complicated Relationships Isn’t For You If You Don’t Like Your TV Programs Being Political Introduced This Episode Mariana Cierra Ramirez Callie Maia Mitchell Judge Wilson Roger Bart Casey Chloé Wepper Rebecca Molly McCook Ben Ken Kirby Alice Sherry Cola Malika Zuri Adele Gael Tommy Martinez Davia Emma Hunton
Season 1, Episode 2 “The Coterie”	We got a conversation on bi-sexuality, the backstory of multiple characters and work drama – aka what will probably be the usual from Good Trouble.	Director(s) Peter Paige Writer(s) Joanna Johnson Air Date 1/15/2019 Introduced This Episode Jude Hayden Byerly Bryan Michael Galante Dom (Malika’s Brother) J. Mallory McCree Sumi Kara Wang Alex Dustin Ingram	Let’s Talk About Sex(uality): Jude, Callie, Gael, Bryan, Sumi, Alice The Outsider: Mariana, Alex, Davia I’m Trying Here: Malika, Dom, Callie, Rebecca, Mariana, Ben