'High School Musical: The Musical' episode 2 is filled with mixed emotions, conflicts, backstabbing and scheming
Disney+'s new spin-off mockumentary series, 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' premiered recently and even though fans and viewers seemed to be having mixed feelings prior to its release, most reactions now seem positive.
Episode 1 titled 'Auditions' premiered a week ago, and it was more or less like an introduction to the main cast, and what their story is. We got to see the rise of a love triangle after Ricky (Joshua Bassett) and Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) break up over the summer. Cut to the new school year, Nini who headed out to theatre camp comes back with her new beau EJ (Matt Cornett) who is an actor and jock and over Ricky.
Apart from their love triangle, we were also introduced to their best friends, and Nini's new rival, Gina (Sofia Wylie), a transfer student who is jealous because she didn't get the part of Gabriella. We also caught a glimpse of Carlos (Frankie Rodriguez) who is the play's choreographer and an overdramatic version of Sharpay. The first episode also introduced us to Miss Jenn (Kate Reinders) the drama teacher who wants to aim for the stars but with the school pulling her down, she can barely reach for the sky.
But episode 2, is where we get to witness a little more drama, with conflicts, plotting and backstabbing. Nini is stuck in a dilemma where she eventually realizes she is still not over Ricky and doesn't want to hurt EJ either. But that doesn't mean she goes off easy on Ricky, the two face off in a conflict and she says some pretty harsh things that make Ricky want to prove himself to her.
The second episode titled 'The Read-Throughs' also reveals that Ashlyn (Julia Lester) is EJ's cousin and though she always doesn't see eye to eye with his thoughts and actions, they both seem to be in good terms. Apart from the OG movie songs, episode 2 also has a new solo by Ashlyn who plays the role of Miss Darbus in the play. The song has a pretty good feel to it. It almost feels like a mix between an 'A Star Is Born' soundtrack blended with Tom Walker's songs. That song is clearly the highlight of episode 2.
Overall, the second episode revolves mostly around Ricky, whether he sticks in the production or walks away. The reasons go both ways, it includes his performance and his love triangle with Nini. And that's where Gina's plotting moves come in handy. Added to that she pulls in EJ into her little scheme.
If you like episode 1 of 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' you'll most likely hit it off with episode 2 as well.