Ep 3. Hurt People, Hurt People

With the Navarro cheer team's reputation for winning solidified in the previous episode, episode 3 of Cheer takes a closer look at how the team deals with the physical and emotional toll of their intensive training regimen.

The episode's title, "Hurt People, Hurt People," refers to the cycle of emotional pain that can lead to negative behavior and attitudes. This theme is explored through the experiences of several Navarro team members, including Lexi, Gabi, and La'Darius.

Lexi's story is the focus of the episode's opening scenes. Her tough upbringing and history of physical abuse have left her with a deep sense of anger and mistrust. Despite her top-notch cheer skills, Lexi struggles to fit in with the tight-knit Navarro team and is prone to explosive outbursts on and off the mat. Viewers see her lash out at her teammates during practice and then retreat to a solitary corner of the gym to vent her frustrations in private.

Next up is Gabi, who is battling a nagging back injury that threatens to derail her cheerleading career. Despite being in visible pain during practice, Gabi pushes through, determined to maintain her status as one of Navarro's top flyers. She meets with a chiropractor, who advises her to take a break from cheer and focus on healing. However, Gabi's relentless drive to succeed leads her to continue practicing, even though it may worsen her injury.

Lastly, viewers see La'Darius grappling with his own internal demons as he struggles to come to terms with his sexuality. La'Darius reveals to his coach and teammates that he was rejected by his family after coming out as gay. His struggle to reconcile his identity with his upbringing is a deeply personal and emotional journey that is sure to resonate with many viewers.

Throughout the episode, viewers see how the Navarro coach, Monica, works to support each of her team members through their individual challenges. She offers tough love and encouragement in equal measure, pushing her athletes to be their best selves both on and off the mat.

The episode concludes with the Navarro team heading to their first competitive event of the season. Despite their various setbacks and struggles, the team remains focused and determined to bring their best to the competition. As the squad takes to the mat, viewers can feel the tension and excitement building - will they be able to overcome their personal demons and come out on top?

Overall, the third episode of Cheer offers an intimate and moving look at the emotional toll that competitive cheerleading can take on its athletes. While the physical demands of the sport are no doubt intense, it is the mental and emotional challenges that truly set it apart. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of elite cheerleading programs like Navarro.