Ep 5. Crushes/Dances

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide is a TV series that follows the life of the titular character, Ned, as he navigates the perils of middle school. In season 1, episode 5, entitled "Crushes/Dances," Ned and his friends tackle the daunting world of middle school dances and the confusing feelings that come with crushes.

The episode starts with Ned trying to figure out if he has a crush on his long-time friend, Jennifer "Moze" Mosley. His best friend, Cookie, tries to help him discern his emotions, but Ned is ultimately left unsure. Meanwhile, Moze has a crush of her own on a new guy at school named Seth. They're paired up for a class project, and Moze is trying to figure out how to talk to him without embarrassing herself.

Throughout the episode, Ned and his friends provide tips and tricks for surviving middle school dances, from fashion advice to dance moves to socializing. And they're not alone in their endeavors - the entire school is abuzz with the upcoming dance, and everyone is talking about their crushes and who they want to go with.

As the dance approaches, tensions run high as everyone scrambles to find dates and plan their outfits. Ned tries to muster up the courage to ask Moze to the dance, but his nerves get the best of him. Moze, meanwhile, is torn between wanting to go with Seth and not wanting to seem too eager.

At the dance itself, chaos ensues as the students try to navigate the complicated social scene. Some couples hit it off, while others struggle to find common ground. Ned finds himself unable to enjoy the dance because he's so worried about whether or not Moze likes him back. Moze, on the other hand, is struggling to connect with Seth, who seems more interested in video games than dancing.

In the end, Ned and Moze have a heart-to-heart talk and reveal their feelings for each other. They decide to go to the dance together as friends and have a great time, showing that sometimes the best relationships start as friendships. And while not everything goes according to plan at the dance, everyone learns valuable lessons about being true to themselves, taking risks, and having fun.

Overall, "Crushes/Dances" is a fun and relatable episode that captures the highs and lows of middle school life. It provides a glimpse into the confusing and sometimes frustrating world of teenage romance, while also offering practical advice and plenty of laughs along the way.