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.
Community Rating:
| Network | ||
| FreeForm | ||
| 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 | |
Images and text in this post may contain affiliate links which, if a purchase is made, we’ll earn money or products from the company. Affiliate links and external links have an upward facing, superscript, arrow.
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.
Gina (Rachel Rosenbloom)
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
- 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.
Follow Wherever I Look on Twitter, Like us on Facebook and Subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Season 1, Episode 7 "Swipe Right" | “Swipe Right” is purely about establishing the beginning, possible end, of nearly every characters current or future relationship. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Good Trouble is charged with messages of equality mixed in with the relationship (platonic and otherwise) drama fans of its predecessor are used to. |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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. |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
