Ep 10. In My Heels

In My Heels is an emotionally charged and uplifting episode from the second season of the FX hit series Pose. Directed by Janet Mock, the episode centers around Blanca (Mj Rodriguez) as she prepares for the biggest event of the year: the ball. As the mother of the House of Evangelista, Blanca is responsible for choreographing the house's performance, creating the costumes, and making sure everyone shows up on time.

As the episode begins, the drama is already in full swing. Pray Tell (Billy Porter) is in mourning for his former lover Costas, who recently passed away from AIDS-related complications. Meanwhile, Lil Papi (Angel Bismark Curiel) is struggling to come to terms with his own feelings for Angel (Indya Moore), who he knows will be leaving the house soon to pursue a career in modeling. And then there's Elektra (Dominique Jackson), who is determined to win the ball at any cost.

Despite the challenges, Blanca remains focused on her goal. With the help of her friends and family, she creates a stunning ballroom routine that is sure to impress the judges. But as the day of the ball approaches, it becomes clear that trouble is brewing. Elektra is determined to sabotage Blanca's chances of winning, and Pray Tell is struggling to keep it together as memories of Costas continue to haunt him.

Throughout the episode, the themes of love, loss, and acceptance are explored in depth. We see Blanca wrestling with her own insecurities as she struggles to maintain her role as leader of the house. Lil Papi and Angel grapple with their feelings for each other, unsure of whether they can make things work in the long term. And Pray Tell is forced to confront his own mortality as he mourns the loss of Costas.

Despite these challenges, the episode is never dark or depressing. Instead, it celebrates the resilience and strength of the queer and trans people of color who make up the House of Evangelista. The ball itself is a triumph, full of glitter, glamour, and fierce competition. And in the end, it's clear that while winning is important, what really matters is the love and acceptance that the house provides.

Overall, In My Heels is a powerful episode that showcases the best of what Pose has to offer. The writing is sharp and nuanced, and the performances from the cast are as compelling as ever. Whether you're a diehard fan of the show or just starting to explore the world of ballroom culture, this episode is not to be missed.