Ep 12. The Other Shoe

The Other Shoe is the twelfth episode of the second season of the popular teenage dramedy series Awkward. Created by Lauren Iungerich, the show first premiered on MTV on July 19, 2011, and has been entertaining audiences for five seasons till 2016.

The series revolves around the life of a teenage girl named Jenna Hamilton (played by Ashley Rickards) who, after an accident, becomes an infamous and controversial figure of her high school. The show is known for its witty humour, relatable characters and their problems, and a real and honest portrayal of adolescence. Awkward has been praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage life, social issues, and coming-of-age themes.

The Other Shoe begins with Jenna dealing with the aftermath of her prom night events. In the previous episode, Jenna kissed Matty (Beau Mirchoff) while he was in a relationship with her best friend, Tamara (Jillian Rose Reed). Jenna is guilt-ridden and confused about her feelings for both of them. She is trying to find a way to navigate through her emotions, her friendships, and her relationships.

Jenna's mom, Lacey (Nikki Deloach), and dad, Kevin (Mike Faiola), are having problems in their marriage, and Jenna is worried about their future. She also has to deal with her judgmental Aunt Ally (Jessica Lu), who has come to visit and is criticizing everything about her life. Aunt Ally is a strict and conservative woman who disapproves of Jenna's choices and her parents' liberal lifestyle.

Meanwhile, at school, Jenna's classmates are shocked after seeing a video about her at the prom. It is revealed that Jenna's accident, which was the reason for her infamy, was not an accident at all. Jenna's mother had gifted her a "carefrontation" letter, which told her she was a "mistake" and that she was responsible for ruining her parents' lives. Jenna had attempted suicide by overdosing on pills after receiving the letter, and that was what had caused her injury.

The revelation of the letter's contents puts Jenna's relationship with her parents in a critical position. She is angry and hurt by her mother's words and feels betrayed by her. She confronts her mother, and in the heat of the moment, says things that she later regrets. Jenna's mother is equally upset and hurt, and the two have a heart-wrenching fight.

The episode also focuses on Jenna's relationships with Tamara and Matty. Tamara is devastated by Jenna's betrayal and refuses to talk to her. She is hurt and lost and doesn't know how to proceed with her friendship with Jenna. Matty, on the other hand, is trying to reconcile with Jenna and make amends for his actions. He is also dealing with his own confusion about his emotions and his relationships.

The Other Shoe is a complex and emotional episode that deals with some heavy themes like mental health, family relationships, and teenage heartbreak. The show handles these themes with sensitivity and maturity, which is a testament to the writers' talent. The episode is a testament to the show's popularity and quality, and it is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories with a twist of humour and heart.