Awkward - Season 2 Episode 2 - Full Video and Recap - Sex, Lies and the Sanctuary

"Sex, Lies and the Sanctuary" saw Awkward's Jenna confront some of her emotional problems, along with Ming having her shining moment, but maybe being outshone by a newcomer. Season 2 Episode 2's recap is right here!

Regardless of where you fall in the Matty versus Jake debate, everyone would agree that Matty did not always treat Jenna the best in their relationship. That is why it was so great for Jenna to finally call Matty out tonight on his actions for when they were together. Matty needed to understand that it was more than the fact that he let Jenna down, but that he really hurt her and made her feel worthless by hiding her away. More importantly, Jenna needed to express those feelings out loud to Matty, because he was not going to have that realization on his own.

All last season, we watched Jenna work through her emotions and feelings for Matty. More often than not, Jenna did this internally and did not clue Matty in on how she was really feeling. Now, the argument could be made that Jenna’s feelings were blatantly apparent and that Matty should have picked up on them. I would counter that Matty is a sixteen-year-old boy, and therefore inherently an idiot emotionally. No, really. It was just so obvious that tonight was the first time that Matty considered the position that his actions put Jenna in emotionally. If you do not believe me, go watch the scene again between Matty and Jenna where she confesses how she felt. The look on Matty’s face tells the whole story, one in which the kid finally understands that there is a real problem between the two of them.

In other words, Matty thought all of this commotion they were involved in was truly about just simply not going public with Jenna. Hence, why he offered to be publically out with her as his remedy to their problems last week at the party. Until Jenna made him realize what he had done to her emotionally, it was clearly a thought that had never crossed Matty’s mind due to his maturity level. He just did not get before, because he could not see it.

On the flip side, this also demonstrates that Jenna was at just as much fault for the state of their relationship. By not letting Matty in on her struggles, she never gave him the opportunity to fix his actions. Instead, she allowed the problems to fester until they were past the point of being able to be helped. Matty needed to grow up and comprehend that there is a world around him that he affects with his actions, but Jenna also needed understand that keeping what she feels to herself will only bite her in the ass.

Luckily, it seems that Jenna has realized that, indirectly thanks to Matty. Not only did she confront Matty, Jenna also addressed her feelings for her mom and Jake face-on. The Jenna from last season would have been a lot more passive in both of those situations, causing more problems in the end. It was great to see her learn her lesson from Matty, and then apply it in other situation maturely. It is fantastic that the writers are following through with character growth and development in this way, because it just adds to the show. Hopefully, this is a trend that carries through the rest of the season

Quick hits:

How great was is it to see Ming get some well-deserved scene time this episode? Awkward is usually strong when it comes to fleshing out its B characters, but Ming has always been a little two-dimensional for me. Finally, though, she had the opportunity to do something else besides be a whiny victim, and I really appreciated that.

Ming should be careful, however, because Becca might take over her spot as my favorite Asian on the show. Scratch, Becca might just be my favorite supporting character in general. The girl is comedy gold, and I really hope she appears again. With Ming owing her a favor, there seems to be a good chance.

So how many people swooned when Matty ran to find Jenna just to tell her that he loved her? Sigh. Now, just like last week, I cannot help but role my idea of these two actually being in love, but it was still unbelievably sweet. Also, did Matty all but confirm that Jenna took his virginity? Did anybody else take that exchange with Jake that way?

Poor Jake. He is just so earnest and thoughtful; it sucks to know this is all going to eventually blow up in his face. I thought how nervous he was at Jenna’s at the end of the episode was just adorable, and read absolutely true to both character and typically teenage boys. He is really going all in with Jenna, which seems like it is only going to hurt him.

Still, I am not sure that Jenna should have told Jake about Matty. Normally, I would say that somebody’s exes are in the past for a reason, so let them stay there. On the other hand, I can appreciate the special circumstances here with Matty being heavily connected to both Jenna and Jake. Ultimately, I think Jenna should have told him, because the truth always finds a way to get out. That is of course something you have to learn the hard way.

Sadly, not a ton of Sadie tonight, but it is understandable. Have to make room for the other cast to have the spotlight from time to time. Naturally, she still got in a few good ones with her random little bits tonight. You cannot keep a snarky, starving bitch down ladies and gentlemen.t

You also apparently cannot keep Val down either, who somehow rises from counselor to vice-principal? And how would having both the old vice-principal and the principal on tape making out get her there? I get the Cox fired the vice-principal under duress from Val, but how does the vice-principal not just turn around and get the principal fired? Am I missing something there? Regardless, it will be nice to see Val have more power and misuse it terribly. I just wish we did not come to this point in such a sloppy manner.

So for those of you keeping track at home, Jenna’s parents are still unbelievably dysfunctional. Just skipping all of the mom’s crazy, because we really do not have the time for that, anyone want to take bets on if the dad actually parents next episode now that he is in the know? Or does he just throw more condoms at the problem and hope it better? I am voting he does the latter honestly.

All in all, I think this was a decent episode. Plot lines are moving further, as is character development. Top all of that off with one of the best characters the show has introduced, and you have something nice altogether.