Ep 2. The Age of Consent

April is back with a brand new episode of Chasing Life season 2 episode 2. This time around, the show focuses on the complexities of consent, especially in relationships where the power dynamics may not be equal.

The episode opens with April negotiating with her new boss Caleb, who is still trying to take over her life and her job. Meanwhile, April's sister Brenna is finding it difficult to balance her newfound independence with her family responsibilities. Her mother Sara is still recovering from her husband's infidelity and is trying to reconnect with her daughters.

The real drama begins when April starts investigating a story about a high school teacher who was accused of sexual misconduct with a student. As she digs deeper, she discovers that the teacher has been swept under the rug by the school administration, who are more concerned with their reputation than with the wellbeing of their students.

April decides to interview the student involved in the case, who reveals that she had a crush on the teacher and that the relationship was consensual. However, April is shocked to learn that the student is only sixteen years old, and the teacher is well into his thirties.

The episode then explores the issue of consent when one partner is significantly older or in a position of authority over the other. April interviews a lawyer who clarifies that in cases where one partner is under the age of consent, the relationship is always considered exploitative. However, things get complicated when the student claims that she initiated the relationship and the teacher didn't pressure her into it.

April struggles with her own views on the matter, as she is also in a relationship with a man who is significantly older than her. She confides in an unlikely ally, her mother's new boyfriend George, who helps her see that there are many shades of grey when it comes to consent.

The episode wraps up with April confronting the high school teacher, who admits to having feelings for the student but denies any wrongdoing. April's investigation has consequences for the school administration, who are forced to acknowledge their lack of action and make changes to their policies.

Overall, this episode is an important exploration of the complexities of consent, especially in relationships where one partner may hold more power than the other. It's a timely reminder that we need to have conversations about consent and power dynamics, and that we need to listen to the voices of those who are often silenced.