Awkward - Season 2 Episode 3 - Full Video and Recap - Three's a Crowd

I think Awkward might have an adult problem. I do not mean that in a sexual way, I mean that in a purely the-adults-are-dragging-down-the-story way. If you were to look at the universe that Awkward is set in, it is clearly an exaggerated one poking fun at normal teenage life. When it comes to the teenage characters in the show, it works, because teenagers are already exaggerated and dramatic beings naturally. At the same time, we also know that high school students have the capacity to deal with mature topics and feelings. In other words, it is not weird for us to watch the younger characters on the show constantly switch between being kids and adults. What is weird, however, is when the adults do it

To compare it to another show, I would point to Glee. One of the biggest complaints I ever hear about Glee is that the adult characters act in ridiculous ways that make you question the realism of the show. Now do not mistake me here, I am not saying that a television show has to be starkly realistic. Still, there needs to be some semblance to real life. How does Val keep her job, let alone get a promotion, with her insane antics? In what world does a woman think a hot tub will make-up for, as far as she knows, driving her daughter to a suicide attempt? How does a dad, who has been shown to be the stable one to this point, all of sudden leave his daughter with that same woman, arguing that he is leaving because the wife nearly ruined the daughter’s life? Even after the daughter asked him to stay? It just does not add up.

I get the show is more than likely commenting on the fact that the adults in children’s lives do not have things nearly as figured out as we like to think. That they too, are just as flaky, irresponsible and asinine as the kids. Still, there comes a point where you have to pull it back. Otherwise, there is no real impact to anybody’s actions; because the situation is so unbelievable it has no bearing or comment on real life. I really enjoy Awkward. I think the writing is clever and it portrays high school students very well. I also just think it pushes its adult characters a step too far at times.

Quick hits:

I still really liked this episode. Comedy-wise, I thought it was spot on. Tamara’s dance routine was spectacular, as was her freak-out and Sadie’s facial reactions to the whole scene. In fact, Sadie had a standout night. She was just dropping the little bitchy bon mots left and right, each one more cutting and delicious than the last.

Speaking of Sadie, whatever she has going on there with Matty I like. I definitely do not want them together romantically, but it is nice to see her have honest communication with somebody. Anything to humanize the raging bitch inside of her is always welcomed.

So the love triangle continues between Jenna, Jake and Matty. Nothing really happened tonight to change people’s opinions. Jake’s camp will point to how easy and comfortable Jenna was with him. Matty’s supporters will argue the passion between Jenna and him proves why they belong together. In other words, it was a wash, and will most likely stay that way until Jake learns about Jenna and Matty’s past

So I guess Jenna’s parents are on an extended break? That whole situation just seems so artificial to me, for the reasons I stated above and more, so I am hoping it is not a real focal point in the narrative from this point on. Should we start taking bets at which episode the parents start dating other people? You know it will be going there, and then they will reconcile. Meh.

Next week’s episode looks promising. Anytime Lissa gets to shine always comes out golden.