Matilda and Drea plan to spend the night in the woods to prove their independence. Genevieve goes on her first date with Oscar, and it is mostly not awkward.
In 2020, the television industry aired 493 scripted shows across numerous outlets. The way people consume content now is different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, it's less necessary to provide ample coverage of each episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site provides shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of Freeform's Everything's Gonna Be Okay.
"Regal Jumping Spider" was directed by Rachael Holder with teleplay by Dana Donnelly & Josh Thomas and story by Josh Thomas
It's perfectly normal for people to be nervous about new experiences. This show presents those situations in charming ways as well. These characters are growing up and trying to find the right balance of independence. They support each other. However, this episode largely keeps Nicholas, Matilda and Genevieve separated. Of course, Genevieve still needs a little bit more guidance and support from her guardian. Nicholas knows when to provide comfort to her and when to give her a little push into the great unknown. She goes on her first date here. So much of it is played as going well with Oscar. She is incredibly nervous about this experience. She prepares too much. Her humor doesn't come across as intended. He is nervous as well. He doesn't want to mess this up. And yet, this step towards romance comes with the expectation of maturity in the world. In order for people to embark on this experience, they must have some clarity about themselves and what they want. As such, they are expected to answer those questions. Genevieve doesn't have that clarity though. Oscar certainly sees her as famous. He loves her videos. And yes, they are so much fun and compelling to watch. It's great whenever Genevieve starts talking. Her analyzing events and the emotions involved have informed the character to a great extent while also highlighting the prose with which she dictates it all. It's very specific. It's lovely as well. That also provides power when the big moment of self-reflection comes and Genevieve is completely silent. Oscar goes first. He wants to read some prepared speech about authenticity. In the end, he feels inspired to lambast against the idea in the first place. That is him expressing himself genuinely. It's an invigorating experience for him. He thought this art installation would be a good idea for a first date. He hopes to get things right. He is worried that he isn't. Genevieve finds him charming though. They kiss. It's a sweet and simple moment punctuated with humor based on the room they happen to be in when it occurs. They kiss only to see videos being played of animals at a slaughterhouse. It's funny. When it comes to self-reflection though, it's expected for Genevieve to communicate her every thought. In this instance though, she is confronted by herself and doesn't know what to say. Instead, she laughs and runs away. It's not because of anything Oscar does. They simply have different reactions to this experience. Art provokes conversation. Oscar shares. Genevieve can't do that. She may be able to in the future. In this moment though, she is at a loss for words. The same applies to Nicholas. He has the night to himself essentially. His attempts to actually get some work done around the house fail spectacularly. He can't focus or handle anything. When Alex arrives, he is still waiting for some emotional maturity from his boyfriend. He still doesn't quite get it. Nicholas is still too caught up in himself and his problems. And so, distance remains as Nicholas essentially flails around stuck in the same pattern. Meanwhile, everyone fears what could happen to Matilda and Drea when they go to a cabin in the woods for the night. Drea has a checklist. She doesn't write everything down that must be done though. It's a complicated situation where they encourage one another while also making bad decisions. Drea hopes this night could showcase their ability to be independent together. And yes, the story still highlights how they are perfectly respectful and understanding of what the other needs at any moment. They still struggle. It may still be a step in the right direction though. Matilda couldn't quite handle independence by herself. She may be too dependent on the comfort others provide. Things still work with Drea though. They see the inspiration within each other while also yearning to embrace their own interests as well. More work must be done for them to become totally independent. However, they are growing and trusting in this relationship to make that progress. That is abundantly clear as they see the strength that now props them up. That is freeing in a way. It's also terrifying as well because of whatever future the two might have together. It's scary. But again, that's life. It's okay to be nervous. That can't prevent these experiences from happening though.
It's perfectly normal for people to be nervous about new experiences. This show presents those situations in charming ways as well. These characters are growing up and trying to find the right balance of independence. They support each other. However, this episode largely keeps Nicholas, Matilda and Genevieve separated. Of course, Genevieve still needs a little bit more guidance and support from her guardian. Nicholas knows when to provide comfort to her and when to give her a little push into the great unknown. She goes on her first date here. So much of it is played as going well with Oscar. She is incredibly nervous about this experience. She prepares too much. Her humor doesn't come across as intended. He is nervous as well. He doesn't want to mess this up. And yet, this step towards romance comes with the expectation of maturity in the world. In order for people to embark on this experience, they must have some clarity about themselves and what they want. As such, they are expected to answer those questions. Genevieve doesn't have that clarity though. Oscar certainly sees her as famous. He loves her videos. And yes, they are so much fun and compelling to watch. It's great whenever Genevieve starts talking. Her analyzing events and the emotions involved have informed the character to a great extent while also highlighting the prose with which she dictates it all. It's very specific. It's lovely as well. That also provides power when the big moment of self-reflection comes and Genevieve is completely silent. Oscar goes first. He wants to read some prepared speech about authenticity. In the end, he feels inspired to lambast against the idea in the first place. That is him expressing himself genuinely. It's an invigorating experience for him. He thought this art installation would be a good idea for a first date. He hopes to get things right. He is worried that he isn't. Genevieve finds him charming though. They kiss. It's a sweet and simple moment punctuated with humor based on the room they happen to be in when it occurs. They kiss only to see videos being played of animals at a slaughterhouse. It's funny. When it comes to self-reflection though, it's expected for Genevieve to communicate her every thought. In this instance though, she is confronted by herself and doesn't know what to say. Instead, she laughs and runs away. It's not because of anything Oscar does. They simply have different reactions to this experience. Art provokes conversation. Oscar shares. Genevieve can't do that. She may be able to in the future. In this moment though, she is at a loss for words. The same applies to Nicholas. He has the night to himself essentially. His attempts to actually get some work done around the house fail spectacularly. He can't focus or handle anything. When Alex arrives, he is still waiting for some emotional maturity from his boyfriend. He still doesn't quite get it. Nicholas is still too caught up in himself and his problems. And so, distance remains as Nicholas essentially flails around stuck in the same pattern. Meanwhile, everyone fears what could happen to Matilda and Drea when they go to a cabin in the woods for the night. Drea has a checklist. She doesn't write everything down that must be done though. It's a complicated situation where they encourage one another while also making bad decisions. Drea hopes this night could showcase their ability to be independent together. And yes, the story still highlights how they are perfectly respectful and understanding of what the other needs at any moment. They still struggle. It may still be a step in the right direction though. Matilda couldn't quite handle independence by herself. She may be too dependent on the comfort others provide. Things still work with Drea though. They see the inspiration within each other while also yearning to embrace their own interests as well. More work must be done for them to become totally independent. However, they are growing and trusting in this relationship to make that progress. That is abundantly clear as they see the strength that now props them up. That is freeing in a way. It's also terrifying as well because of whatever future the two might have together. It's scary. But again, that's life. It's okay to be nervous. That can't prevent these experiences from happening though.
