Karma and Shane try to one up each other. Amy is surprised by new feelings.
It's finally time for Hester High's prom in "Nuclear Prom." All of the character dynamics were sent up in last week's episode. So it was time for all that intricate character work to come to a head during the dance. Big things happen in this episode. Stuff that solidifies the trajectories all of the characters are on at the moment. So much of it is unexplored territory for the characters as they are just trying to do what will make them happy. Some of that is very self-destructive. Some actions purely happen out of spite. And even more happen because it comes from a truly genuine emotional place. This dance holds so much change for the characters. Not only is it an extremely funny episode of Faking It but it's also very enticing and engaging to watch as the various character struggles with what they want.Amy went to the prom with Felix because she didn't want to reignite any of her old feelings for Karma. She didn't want to put herself in that situation again that could create a problem in their relationship. She's doing her best to avoid the problem altogether without ever really addressing it. She saw Felix as a friend and nothing more than that. A guy she met through Karma who she knows a little bit about but isn't afraid of developing real feelings towards. She thinks he's a pretty cool guy. It would be much more fun to go to the dance with him than it would with some random guy or girl. The expectations aren't there to make it the perfect night. Everyone else at the dance is fretting over what they should and shouldn't do. With Amy and Felix, it's easy and relaxed. But Felix does have the hopes that this date can be something more than just platonic. Karma tells Amy that but she doesn't believe it until he starts to bring it up. It's been a long time since she's been attracted to a guy. Her feelings towards him certainly complicate her need to define herself. But she's also happy that he doesn't want to force labels on her either. The two of them can just be whatever feels right. That's what makes their dynamic feel so rewarding in the moment. Sure, it creates problems for other characters later. But in the moment, it feels right for Amy. She's not just doing this to lead Felix on. She wants it as well.
That stands in contrast with Lauren who wants the prom to go off perfectly. She spent so much time planning the night and had to get Principal Turner to make it mandatory just so people would come. This is a part of her traditional idea of high school. She wants to remember this night for the rest of her life because of how perfect it was. But this isn't the prom she dreamed of. She can't be with the boy she actually loves. All her planning is thrown out the window because the wrong decorations arrive. She is given a completely magical moment on the dance floor. But it's with the wrong guy. She wants to be in that moment with Theo but she can't because of outside circumstances. She loves him more than anything else. And yet, she hates having to live that romance in their own little space. She wants a romance that can exist wherever and whenever. She doesn't want to keep sneaking off to her own special little prom with Theo. It's devastating to her to have to end things with him. But she wants that chance to find genuine and open happiness. It may work out with Theo in the future. But as long as she is in high school, their love simply can't exist as anything more than it is at this moment.
Similarly, Liam is doing everything in his power not to fall for the charms of Shane's sister, Sasha. He wants to respect this new family unit that took him in during his time of need. He loves his friendship with Shane. He's doing his best to look out for him during the prom because Shane can't be objective about his situation. And yet, Liam can't resist the allure of Sasha. Shane tells him time and time again not to do anything with her. In fact, Liam thinks he's going crazy when Sasha insists that she was never flirting with him. But they do eventually kiss. It's a moment the two of them enjoy as they admit it's what both of them wanted. And yet, it's not something that is kept a secret for very long.
Shane and Karma have the potential to completely destroy their lives with this prom. They are locked in this battle with each other. They openly call each other their nemesis for Wade's affection. They both want this guy all to themselves. They are both trying to rebound from their past failed relationships with Liam and Duke. Karma is able to actively flaunt this new relationship in front of Liam while Shane has to deal with Wade's bisexuality creating this awkward dynamic. Both hope that eventually one will give in so that Wade can be all theirs. And yet, neither one wants to quit. They are both completely devoted to seducing Wade. However, it's not about Wade when it comes to determining whether or not they will actually go through with this threesome. It was a fun concept to all go together as three people to the prom. But taking it to the next level is simply a tactic to get the other to back down from their play for Wade. They don't wanna do it for some grand reason. They want to do it to prove just how far they are willing to go in order to win this battle.
Both Karma and Shane go through with the threesome because they catch both Liam & Sasha and Amy & Felix kissing. Both are completely unexpected to them. They feel betrayed in the most emotional way possible. They aren't acting rationally when they go to that hotel room. They are just doing their best in order to get their own version of happiness. Neither Karma nor Shane wants the other there with them and Wade. And yet, neither one wants to be alone in the aftermath of prom either. They just want to be happy. However, the lengths they are willing to go to achieve that could produce some truly devastating results. If they will go through with this threesome (which they aren't completely comfortable with), how much further will they go before someone gets hurt?
Some more thoughts:
- "Nuclear Prom" was written by Dan Steele and directed by Linda Mendoza.
- It's hilarious that a pig and ficus attend the prom and actually win the coveted prizes of prom king and queen. Principal Turner's reaction to all of it is equally great. He just does not understand the way this school works.
- Farrah is so happy that Amy's date for the prom is a guy. She's happy that Amy is showing interest in guys again. Too bad they would rather be a little playful when it comes to the traditional prom pictures. Also, it's cute that she tells them not to do anything she wouldn't do. That's not saying a lot.
- Amy on Karma's dress choice: "Holy nip slip. That V goes all the way down to your v."
- Shane: "She's not getting an inch. All of Wade's inches will be mine."
- Felix: "If you're not straight, then what are you?" Amy: "Allergic to peanuts? And labels?"
- Karma on Shane: "That tux is so fitting the Devil himself would be jealous."
- Amy to Karma: "Oh that age old, high school problem."
- Amy: "Another threesome? What about the first threesome makes you think this is a good idea?"
- Karma: "Bring all the condoms you can find because this threesome is on." Shane: "Giddy up."
- Karma and Shane: "Stay on your side. No eye contact. Keep the lights off."
