'Pen15' Season 2 Review: Funny yet realistic portrayal of two girls struggling to fit into grown-ups' world
For most of us, school was an awkward and uncomfortable form of hell. It's a peculiar period in our lives, where we are struggling to make that transition from pre-teens to adolescents. Adulthood is a distant dream. With the subtlety of a blunt axe, 'Pen15' takes us back to those days of middle-school, where we were struggling to understand ourselves, as well as the people around us. Though it is meant to be a comedy, the show portrayed the raw emotions of the lead characters, Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, thirty-something actresses, who play the roles of the teenagers. While it took a while to see them take on these younger versions of themselves, the two actresses seemed to have now settled more comfortably into the skin of their characters, and it doesn't seem so jarring and comical as it did. In fact, you relate more to it.
Perhaps, this is the reason why the comic elements of the show are rather diluted in Season 2, as everything is more...realistic, for lack of a better word. You don't want to laugh anymore at the awkward comedy of the two girls in school, but instead, you feel for them. There is a layer of emotional complexity to the storylines that wasn't present earlier. On the surface, the bizarreness continues — they join the wrestling team to be near their crushes or engage in "witchcraft" in the hope that their nagging issues mysteriously evaporate. There's a strange naivety surrounding vulgar curiosities and cuss words as well. Their over-the-top actions are absolutely nuts, but somehow it brings forth their stark vulnerability so clearly, that you just wonder why someone can't give these two a hug. They have to contend with "innocent" or not-so-innocent bullying that leaves them rather scarred emotionally, and spurs them on to undertake stranger steps. Laced with trite humour, the show is a rather stark depiction of those who don't get to make a place for themselves in school. It's for those who have always wanted to be acknowledged, loved or praised by others, but are just left in the lurch.
Yet through these trifling times, it's friendship that saves Maya and Anna. Their shining friendship is a treat to watch, as they always have each other's backs. The comfort and warmth of their bond radiates through, and it is a reminder that sometimes, it's only such relationships that can help us survive difficult times. They still need to grow up, but that's alright, that can take it's own course, as long as they make the journey together. 'Pen 15' is a painfully funny and realistic portrayal of growing up. Sometimes, you just don't want to do it. And sometimes, you're forced to do so.
The show is streaming on Hulu.