Ep 2. Mututally Assured Destruction

The episode "Mutually Assured Destruction" picks up where the pilot episode left off, with the cheer team returning home from a weekend competition. Addy (Herizen F. Guardiola) is still reeling from the events of the previous night, which included a visit from Coach Colette's (Willa Fitzgerald) husband, a late-night hookup with the football team's star player, and a secret kiss with her best friend Beth's (Marlo Kelly) boyfriend.

As the team struggles to overcome a disappointing second-place finish at the competition, tensions between Addy and Beth continue to simmer beneath the surface. Beth is still upset about Addy's betrayal, and their once-tight friendship seems to be unraveling by the minute. Meanwhile, Coach Colette is dealing with her own personal drama, as her marriage and her job both hang in the balance.

The central conflict of the episode revolves around the fallout from Addy's hookup with the football player. Beth, who had previously claimed the player as her own, is furious with Addy for sleeping with him and for not telling her about it. In an attempt to get revenge, Beth sets her sights on the new boy at school, who happens to be a friend of Addy's. The two girls engage in a game of one-upmanship, each trying to prove they can seduce the other's crush.

At the same time, the cheer team is dealing with a new challenge. A rival squad from a nearby town is spreading rumors about them, alleging that they're using illegal substances to enhance their performances. The accusations are baseless, but they still threaten to tarnish the team's reputation and derail their chances at nationals. Coach Colette is determined to clear her team's name, but her efforts are complicated by her own personal secrets.

As the episode progresses, the tension between Addy and Beth reaches a boiling point. The two girls confront each other in a dramatic scene that lays bare all of their pent-up resentments and frustrations. It's clear that their friendship may be beyond repair, and that their rivalry will continue to play out in increasingly dangerous ways.

In many ways, "Mutually Assured Destruction" is a showcase for the talented young cast of Dare Me. Herizen F. Guardiola and Marlo Kelly deliver standout performances as the conflicted Addy and the ruthless Beth, respectively. Willa Fitzgerald is also great as Coach Colette, who is navigating her own complicated professional and personal life.

Overall, the episode is a gripping exploration of the dark underbelly of female friendship, high school social dynamics, and the cutthroat world of competitive cheerleading. With its sharp writing, strong performances, and engrossing storyline, Dare Me continues to be one of the most compelling shows on television.