High School Musical: The Musical: The Series 2X8: Most Likely To

Well, we've finally made it to the Ricky and Nini breakup. (Are we going to be calling her Nina going forward?) I think this was the right choice. And I actually think they were very mature about it. Especially since they are so young.

So, both us and North High are banned from practicing for a week based on the outcome of last episode. However, before we find that out, we get a rendition of the Gaston number, which I think has been my favorite performance in this show so far. But, it's career week, so we've got something to take our mind off of it. (Plus, I guess it's fine if we want to paint scenery).

E.J.'s dad comes to talk to the class about, whatever his job is, I have no idea, and announces to the class that E.J. got into Duke. Apparently, his dad made some calls and talked them into letting him in. This is not the way E.J. wanted it done, and he ends up going to his dad and telling him he's not going. He wants to earn whatever he gets.

Meanwhile, the gang takes aptitude tests and Red finds out he's well suited for service work, which he seems pretty happy about. But, Ashlyn immediately tells him to retake the test. She cannot fathom that he would be happy doing that when he could literally do anything he wanted to. They end up in a fight about it because he knows Ashlyn is going to be a start and maybe his small town dreams aren't enough for her. Eventually, they make up. But this really resonated with me. I hate that we get annoyed when we feel like kids aren't ambitious enough. We all say, we just want our kids to be happy, but then, when they tell us what makes them happy, we shit on it.

Kourtney is basically refusing to speak to Howie right now. I have no idea what the future looks like for the two of them.

And Ricky and Nini finally have it out. They haven't really spoken since their fight at North High. Nini's Instagram is blowing up, and Ricky isn't dealing well. I'm sure it's even harder because they aren't really speaking. He ends up erasing a message of someone wanting her for a showcase.

They come to blows (yelling wise, not with fists), at the pizza place. Ricky seems shocked, and a little upset, that Nini didn't come back for him. Later, they reconnect in the treehouse, and Ricky tells her he just wants to protect their relationship and keep it safe. But, Nini counters that she wants the opposite of safe. She want wants to take risks and see what's out there in life. Ricky decides he doesn't want to hold her back, and they break up. But, it's a sad break up, since they both love each other, but they want different things.

Also, E.J. ends up having a discussion with Gina about Duke. He tells her that he knows he's privileged, and that throwing away this opportunity might seem crazy, but he wants something he earned. The two of them have a really poignant conversation about the best they see in each other. I'm hoping this is the beginning of a relationship for them. I know Gina wants Ricky, but I think E.J. is much better match for her.