Heartbreak High Season 2 Episode 8 Boys Don't Cry

I love this finale episode. I love the title "Boys Don't Cry" especially since all of the boys cry in this episode. Cash cries when speaking to his nan, Spider cries when Voss hits him, Rowan cries in the AV room, Anthony cries when he's dancing with Harper, and Malakai cries on the plane. The last thing my best friend and I expected was to tear up during our first watch of this season. We get dropped into immediate drama in episode 1, and the season manages to keep the drama up all the way through. We were so sucked into the chaos that we weren't expecting such emotional scenes to come out of the finale. Cash's conversation with his nan is so good. Hearing how he feels insecure about his relationship with Darren because he feels like anyone he dates would be sacrificing something to be with him is so sad. Mainly because people on the ace spectrum have to deal with that feeling all the time and feeling like something is wrong with them even though there isn't. I really love them together, so I'm curious to see where their story goes in season 3. The scene with Spider and Voss really showed a good example of toxic masculinity. He hits Spider, and after Spider cries he immediately tells him to "man up." This really plays into the episode title because the reality is that everyone cries, and this idea that boys shouldn't show emotions is very harmful. I also think Spider saw what his future could look like if he continued down that path, and I'm glad that he apologized and made up with Missy because they are really cute together. I'm kind of glad that he didn't get it right the first time. When he originally brings it up to Missy that he's dropping out of the election, he says that he's doing it for her. While it is a cute sentiment, Spider has to want to change for himself and not just for Missy. That's why I feel like it was so easy for him to jump right back into his old ways once they had their falling out. I'm glad that it took a little time, and he says in his speech that he needs to do it for himself. Given everything Rowan has been doing to Amerie all season, I didn't think I'd end up sympathizing with him in the end. But, learning that he is acting like that because he was traumatized from losing his brother was upsetting to find out. He needs help so that he can process it in a healthier way. It's so tough to lose anyone close to you. Looking back at the scene of Rowan and Jett on the porch waiting for Amerie, Rowan says "one day you'll be doing this for a girl" and Jett says "no I wont." It's such a subtle line with a double meaning that we don't feel the full weight of until after. I fully agree about Harper and Anthony's interaction. She admits to Amerie that she shut that part of herself off, and it's very easy to see throughout the season that she has a lot on her mind already. It's hard to try and get into a relationship with people after something traumatic. Watching them become friends and watching Ant fall for her has been a surprisingly sweet addition. I'm curious to see where they go with that in season 3. Last but not least, Malakai and Amerie. Ugh.... never have I ever rooted for such a doomed couple in my life lol. I love their scenes together (when they're not angry at each other) throughout both seasons. It's so unfortunate that they are rarely on the same page and at this point I think the show runners love giving Amerie and Malakai shippers nothing but pain. Also, it's funny that you pointed out the scene where Amerie is blinking a lot and its slowed down. This feels like a direct callback to season 1 because there are moments where Amerie does that while looking at him, and he gets nervous and looks down to avoid eye contact. I love how they showed that in this scene because he really does care for her a lot. I also think he felt like he didn't want to do anything to upset her, and decided that if he loves her then he wants her to be happy. But little does he know, she wants that with him instead. They are so frustrating and now with the way things have ended, I have no idea what the direction for season 3 will be. I can't wait to find out! Thanks again Ophelia for sponsoring this show. It really is one of my favorites. I'm glad you enjoyed it Jessie, and as always it's been fun watching it with you!

lifeless_driver