Awkward - Season 2 Episode 5 - Full Video and Recap - My Love Is a Black Heart

Alright Awkward, we understand. If that sentence seems a little exasperated, it is become I am. Next week marks the halfway point of this season, and yet we are still at the exact same place when it comes to the Jenna-Matty-Jake triangle that we were at the beginning of the season. In fact, tonight just highlighted all of the same reasons we already know about why each guy is better for Jenna.

Jake, once again, was the consummate boyfriend. He was kind, caring and attentive. Without even having to ask, he was able to figure out so many things that would make a perfect date for her. Plus, he does not hide his feelings for her, and wears them proudly on his sleeve for everyone to see. Jake is an open book, and Jenna will always know where she stands with him.

Matty, on the other hand, inspires really deep feelings in Jenna. Unlike with Jake, you never saw Jenna having to second-guess her feelings for Matty when it came to whether they exist or not. Even though those feelings can be negative at times, it does not matter. Remember, the opposite of love is not hate it is indifference. The chemistry between Jenna and Matty is through the charts, even when they are only trying to be friends. Moreover, Matty has shown a willingness to change for Jenna, to go outside of his comfort zone for her.

Seriously though, what about that is different from the start of this season, or hell, from end of the last one? Even Jenna’s role in this has staid pretty consistent—she has been struggling with her residual feelings for Matty while trying to forge ahead with Jake. In other words, there has been no real movement on this plotline, yet the show has been milking it for the first half of Season 2. To paraphrase the show itself, “We! Get! It!” Time to move along and do something with this plot now.

I think the most frustrating part is that the show is developing its other characters and plots, even while the main one stalls. Tamara looks like she is finally coming to terms with her Rickey Schwartz problem. Ming has started to find her identity, and even a guy. Sadie is slumming it, and definitely sinking from her HBIC role. Lissa is standing up for herself and showing more confidence. Hell, even Val has become more perceptive. For God’s sake, Val’s character has become less one note than the love triangle! That is a little of a terrifying thought.

Ultimately, I get the writers are trying to set-up the season for a big payoff in the end with the Jenna-Matty-Jake situation. I just wish they could figure out a different way to do to give us some variety here. I think the first half of this season has still been very good, but it is time for the show pull the trigger here and see where the pieces land.

Quick hits:

I laughed out loud when Jake told Jenna he loves her. Sure you do kid. I died a little for him when she just replied, “Awesome.” That was a tough one. Still, you love her? You both have been dating for what, four months or so? Oh high school, what a scary time you are/were.

Get your man Ming! Loved that Ming is finally getting some social action outside of Jenna and Tamara this season. Glad the show also did not make her into a lesbian or bisexual, because that would have been so expected at this point. No, better to make her a late-bloomer, and now watch her run wild.

I cannot decide if I like what is happening between Sadie and Rickey. Give me a week to think about it, because I have strong feelings both ways on that thing.

I know I hated seeing Tamara wet herself in front of them. I absolutely cringed, because that was just so unbelievably embarrassing. Poor girl, she is having a rough season.

Jenna’s mom and dad continue to act stupid and like high school students. I continue to wonder how much this will cost Jenna in future therapy sessions as an adult.

Not a bad episode overall, but definitely a sign that Awkward needs to move along with its main plot this season.