Episode 1 may have been a rather mediocre start to the show, but I’m happy to report that episode 2, ‘Everybody Bleeds’, is considerably better. It’s still nothing all that great, but it is free of the cluttered structure that episode 1 suffered from.
Following up on Nick and Jesse’s kiss from the previous episode, they both feel pressured into being a couple just to appeal to the classmates’ sensationalism. Their rapport with each other is amusingly awkward, with the stammers and attempts at making it seem normal adding to the realism. I can’t say I’ve been in this kind of situation, but the way it’s all delivered does make it feel like how it would play out in real life.
During the field trip, Jesse ends up getting her first period, unluckily enough on a day where she’s forced to wear white shorts. This is a case where the show manages to make the scenario true to life while blending in some decent comedy as well. Can’t say I’m that big on the 9/11 towel bit later on, but as far as handling the concept goes, it does so well enough. But the moment where her mom tries to comfort her in the car does make any lesser jokes from this plotline worth it, as does Andrew’s attempts to help her out. It’s a good touch of heartwarming to spice it up a bit.
It’s clear that the main focus of the episode is in getting Jesse’s own puberty started up, and by the end, we get the Hormone Monstress, played by Maya Rudolph. I have to say I love her introduction to the show. She’s representative of female puberty, and personality-wise, she’s both intimidating and seductive, wanting to empower Jesse. Maya plays the part so well, having the time of her life as this rather bizarre addition to the show, and it’s a great taste of what’s to come of her later on.
While ‘Everybody Bleeds’ isn’t anything special, it’s a pretty enjoyable one, and a considerable improvement from the first episode in pretty much every way. Oh, and the titular song is a real treat as well, and a giant tampon singing it just makes it funnier.
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