Ep 2. School Picture

In "School Picture," the second episode of the first season of Clarissa Explains It All, Clarissa Darling (played by Melissa Joan Hart) is dreading picture day at school. She hates having her photo taken and worries about looking awkward or unattractive in the final product. Her parents, Janet and Marshall, don't understand why she's so nervous, but her younger brother Ferguson (Jason Zimbler) sees an opportunity to mess with her.

Clarissa tries a variety of tactics to improve her appearance before the photo, including practicing her smile in the mirror and wearing a fancy new outfit. However, her efforts are thwarted by a series of mishaps, including a broken hairbrush and a lunchtime food fight that leaves her covered in spaghetti sauce.

As the day goes on, Clarissa becomes increasingly convinced that her school picture will be a disaster. However, she eventually realizes that the photo is just one moment in time and doesn't define who she is as a person. With Ferguson's help, she comes up with a creative way to make the most of the situation and turn her school picture into a source of pride instead of embarrassment.

Along the way, "School Picture" touches on themes of self-consciousness, acceptance, and sibling rivalry. Clarissa's struggles to feel good about herself in the face of social pressure will likely resonate with many viewers, especially those who have experienced similar anxieties around school photos. However, the show's lighthearted tone and comedic moments keep the episode from feeling too heavy or preachy.

Overall, "School Picture" is a fun and relatable episode of Clarissa Explains It All that showcases the show's ability to tackle serious topics without taking itself too seriously. Whether you're a fan of the series or simply looking for a nostalgic trip back to the early '90s, this episode is sure to entertain and delight.