Ep 2. Bad Romance

The show Hot In Cleveland season 2 episode 2, named "Bad Romance," follows the hilarious antics of three best friends who relocate to Cleveland. Melanie, Joy, and Victoria are three women over 40 who find themselves starting over in the Midwest after their flight to Paris makes an emergency landing in Cleveland. The episode picks up where the previous episode left off with Joy being left at the altar, and the women rallying around her to help her process the heartbreak.

Joy is understandably distraught and has started drinking heavily. Melanie and Victoria try to convince her to get back out in the dating scene, but she's not ready. Victoria, always the opportunist, decides to leverage Joy's pain for their own gain. She decides to get a role in a local production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" and convinces Joy to come along for moral support. The two of them arrive at the audition only to find out that the director is a gorgeous man named Steven (played by Colin Egglesfield).

Victoria is immediately taken with Steven and tries to impress him with her acting abilities. Joy is more reserved; however, Steven sees something in Joy that Victoria lacks. He sees her vulnerability and encourages her to audition for the part. Joy reluctantly agrees, and to everyone's surprise, she nails the audition. Steven is impressed and offers her the lead role.

Victoria is furious at Joy's success and accuses her of taking the part out from under her. Joy is hurt by Victoria's jealousy and decides to drop out of the play. Melanie, always the mediator, tries to talk sense into Victoria and encourages her to mend her friendship with Joy. Meanwhile, Victoria realizes the error of her ways and apologizes to Joy, and the two make amends.

The episode explores the themes of friendship, love, and vulnerability. Joy, in her heartbreak, is forced to confront her vulnerability and embrace it. Steven, the director, sees the value in that vulnerability and encourages her to embrace it further. Victoria, on the other hand, struggles with jealousy and competitiveness but ultimately learns the value of friendship and apologizes for her behavior.

Overall, Hot In Cleveland season 2 episode 2, "Bad Romance," is an entertaining and heartfelt episode exploring the complexities of friendship, love, and vulnerability. With its relatable characters, clever writing, and heartwarming moments, the show continues to be one of the most beloved sitcoms of its era.