Ep 1. Acting Up

In the first episode of Pose season two, titled "Acting Up," the ballroom scene is still thriving in 1990 New York City, and the House of Evangelista is back and ready to compete. However, there are outside forces threatening both the house's success and the safety of its members.

Blanca Rodriguez, the mother of the House of Evangelista, is trying to get her life back on track after her HIV diagnosis. She's starting nursing school and working part-time as a nurse's aide to support her family. But as her health declines, she starts to become frustrated with her limited opportunities and becomes determined to make a name for her house in the ballroom scene.

Meanwhile, Elektra Abundance, the mother of the House of Abundance, is struggling to maintain her house's prominence. She's facing stiff competition from the other houses, and her own children are restless and hungry for more wins. To make matters worse, Elektra's sugar daddy has cut off their funding, forcing her to get creative.

As the houses prepare for the next ball, tensions rise between them, leading to some intense showdowns on the dance floor. But as they battle it out for trophies and recognition, they also face discrimination and violence from the outside world. The police are cracking down on the ball scene, and hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people are on the rise.

In "Acting Up," Pose continues to explore the complicated lives of its vibrant and diverse characters. The show touches on themes of love, family, and resilience, as the members of the House of Evangelista and the House of Abundance navigate the challenges of their daily lives in a society that often doesn't accept them.

Overall, the first episode of Pose season two sets the stage for what promises to be another compelling and thought-provoking season. With its talented cast, authentic representation, and powerful storytelling, this show is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people of color in the late 80s and early 90s.