Awkward., Ep 2.07: “Another one Bites the Dust” illustrates differences between Jenna and Lacey

Awkward., Season 2, Episode 7: “Another one Bites The Dust”

Written by Lauren Iungerich

Directed by Lauren Iungerich

Airs Thursdays at 10:30 PM on MTV

Weddings have been used as a way to examine relationships, both past and present, in television and movies for a long time. This isn’t without merit; after all, weddings are a major milestone in a couple’s relationship, and it stands to reason that one pair of individuals choosing to take this step would lead to other pairs examining where they stand in comparison. This is the most troublesome for people who are newly single, and people who are newly in relationships, both of which are represented currently on Awkward, and this week the show used Ally’s wedding as a launchpad to explore how the respective individuals were actually feeling in their current positions.

Jenna’s blossoming relationship with Jake, having survived the sex and love conundrum of last week unexpectedly well, took a step away from the spotlight this week to allow the focus to fall on Ally’s impending marriage to the as-yet-unseen rich older man currently courting her. In the process, this allows for Jenna’s formation as an independent character, rather than letting her be defined by whom she’s currently dating, a pitfall that a lot of shows fall into, but one that Awkward. has been able to slip past. The presence of a female character defined by her own traits, rather than by her beau du jour, is refreshing, and this episode shows why once again, as it gives just the right dosage of Jake and Matty to progress Jenna’s romantic life without overwhelming the episode, and allowing the focus to shift elsewhere.

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