Awkward – Season 2 Episode 8 – Full Video and Recap – Time After Time

In a lot of ways, last night’s episode of Awkward was exactly what people who support Jenna reuniting with Matty wanted to see. Here was Matty, truly listening to Jenna for the first time while putting her feelings before his. He was kind, thoughtful, considerate and most importantly honest, all qualities he was severely lacking with Jenna originally. Also, he had not won her back through tricks or sabotage, but by simply being there for her when she needed him. Furthermore, it was Jake who was acting like the petulant child, unable to show any semblance of maturity at the exact point the situation took a turn from ideal. There was the supposed “good guy” as Tamara called him, crashing and burning when the moment really called for it. It was the perfect storm for Team Matty, and yet, everything could not help but feel cheap. In that moment I should have been rejoicing as a Jenna and Matty supporter, and though part of me was at first, I felt as if it was a very counterfeit moment.

Ultimately, I blame this feeling for one the statements Jenna said right before she reconciled with Matty. Jenna claimed that by being free of Jake, she was able to acknowledge her still existing feelings for Matty; that she was no longer running, and was truly making choice at that moment. Sadly, at least for Team Matty, that was definitely not true. Sure, she was macking on Matty right there, but only because Jake had given her a guilt-free out by ending their relationship and acting the way he did. That should not be confused for Jenna choosing Matty of her own volition when given equal choice between him and Jake. Simply put, instead of running from Matty to Jake this time, she was just performing the reverse. In other words, Jenna has still refused to make her decision, and instead allowed circumstances and outside forces determine whom she is with.

Although that fact pains me, I am glad Awkward went in this direction. If Jenna and Matty’s reuniting was being played off right now as something as something that was authentic, I really would not be happy. As much as I want to see her with Matty in the end, it needs to be because that is her decision, not because it was the easiest or most convenient option. Of course, Awkward is also developing the story along these lines because this is standard high school love. It is certainly clear now that Jenna feels something for both boys. What is also clear is that she does not want to make the hard decision about which one to be with, out of fear of hurting the other. Up until now, she has been able to justify her choices due to their actions (i.e. both of them acting like asses.) We are finally reaching the point, however, where it is all coming down to her. I suspect the rest of the season to focus on her being forced to really and truly choose one over the other.

Quick hits:

Val was on fire tonight. That character always comes off a lot better when she is not in a professional setting and around other adults. Which is sad considering she is a high school counselor/vice principal but whatever. Great improvised wedding party speech, and especially loved her teaming up with Sadie at the end. Scary, but in a good way.

Can we please have Ally on every episode? God love that hopelessly trashy woman and her truth telling.

Which is my segue way into saying she totally read Jenna’s dad cold. Run along you coward. Actually, come back and take your wife and Bill with you. Yes, I understand that triangle is supposed to serve as parallel story telling with Jenna’s, but I just cannot with it. Watching high school kids making high school mistakes? Typical and acceptable. Watching the adults that our responsible for them make the same ones? Pathetic. It is okay, they can go do their thing while Jenna crashes with Ally. How freaking unreal would that be?

Get yours T. Might want to aim a little higher for a rebound, but way to shut down Rickey.

Good try random freshman girl whose name I cannot remember and will not bother looking up. Sadly, you had no chance.

Poor Jake. Sure, he acted like a complete ass, but that boy really cannot catch a break.

Ming? Ming? Bueller? Bueller?

Solid episode overall, and I am especially loving that we are getting some true movement on the love triangle plot. We have stalled long enough there and I was ready for some payoff.