This week’s episode is dedicated to Valentine’s Day. We start off the episode with Nini and Ricky both trying to do a romantic gesture for the other and failing. It’s honestly the tone for the rest of the episode because it seems that even though Nini is back in time for Valentine’s Day they still keep missing each other. Regardless of the disconnect between the two, the connection they have still feels pretty strong considering the song they sing for each other ending up being a duet.
Besides Nini and Ricky, the episode was a good push for the rest of the romantic couples in the show. I particularly loved Ashlyn’s insecurity storyline. We’ve already seen her resigned to play the side characters in the plays so to see her feel a bit unsure of herself in the lead makes sense. Ashlyn has an amazing voice and is perfect for the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast but I can understand the pressure it must feel when being compared to the standard definition of beauty. Her and Big Red might be my new favorite couple since Nini and Ricky’s future is still to be decided.
Kourtney gets more screen time this episode and I’m here for it. She has a new job at Big Red’s family restaurant as an Assistant Manager (no idea how a high schooler pulled that off) and has tension with one of the workers there. Now I’ve watched enough movies and read enough books to see where this is going so I will be patiently waiting for their love story to unfold. Speaking of love stories to unfold I am strongly an advocate for Miss Jenn and Mr. Mazzara getting together. I am not the biggest fan of Mr. Mazzara yet but I do like the chemistry he has with Miss Jenn.
Last but not least, Gina. I like the fact that her real desire for Valentine’s Day was to get validation from her mom. I enjoy seeing different versions of love on display, not just romantic. Seeing Gina at Ricky’s house just made me realize how few friends she has that understand what she’s going through. It hurt to see her brushed aside when Nini called Ricky. Although I’m still not on board the Ricky and Gina ship I can understand leaning on someone you think will understand what you’re going through. As always, let’s see what happens here.
Questions for the next episode:
Muska Olumi is a columnist for Boardwalk Times
