Ep 2. Wrestle

Maya and Anna are back in PEN15 season 2 episode 2 titled Wrestle, which explores the themes of female friendship, betrayal, and physical aggression. The episode begins with Maya moving to the suburbs with her mother and new stepfather, shattering the girls' dreams of spending their summer together. Anna is left to grapple with the isolation and boredom of being alone, but things take a turn for the worse when she receives a call from Maya's mother.

Maya's stepfather Roy is an intense wrestling enthusiast and has set up a wrestling ring in their backyard for Maya and Anna to use. Excited at the prospect of learning new moves and spending time with her best friend, Anna rushes over to Maya's house, only to find that Maya is distant and uninterested in wrestling. Maya is struggling to cope with her new home life and is finding it hard to connect with Anna.

As the girls attempt to navigate their changing dynamic, they decide to put on a wrestling show for their classmates, with Maya taking on the role of the villain and Anna as the hero. However, things quickly deteriorate as Maya's anger and frustration boil over, leading to a brutal physical altercation that threatens the girls' friendship.

Wrestle offers a raw and honest portrayal of the complexities and challenges of female friendships. Through the lens of wrestling, the episode explores the idea of competition, power dynamics, and the lasting emotional impact of physical violence. It highlights the painful reality that even the strongest of friendships can sometimes falter in the face of difficult circumstances.

As always, PEN15's blend of cringe-worthy humor and genuine moments of pathos make this episode a standout among the series' already impressive second season. The writing and performances are excellent, with Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle delivering nuanced and emotionally powerful portrayals of their complex characters.

Overall, Wrestle is a poignant and powerful episode that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to maintain a close friendship in the face of difficult circumstances. It's a testament to PEN15's ability to tackle challenging subject matter with heart, humor, and genuine compassion.