Ep 2. A Trusty Steed

As the second episode of Vice Principals' first season, "A Trusty Steed" picks up right where the previous episode left off. We see the two vice principals, Neal Gamby and Lee Russell, still in the midst of their bitter rivalry to become the next principal of North Jackson High School.

Gamby is on a mission to try and win back the support of the teachers and students, after alienating many of them with his hardline approach in episode one. Russell, on the other hand, is still trying to maneuver his way into the principal's seat, using underhanded tactics to get what he wants.

In "A Trusty Steed," we see Gamby begin to soften his approach in an attempt to win people over. When a student's horse runs wild on school property, he decides to step in and help, sending the animal off to a nearby stable. This action earns him some much-needed goodwill with both the students and the local community.

Meanwhile, Russell is still plotting his way to the top, and finds what he believes to be the perfect pawn in his scheme. The new guidance counselor, Ms. Abbott, is presented as an easy target, as she seems naive and easily manipulated. Russell sets his sights on her and begins to work his charm, even going so far as to invite her over for dinner with he and his wife.

As the episode progresses, we see the two vice principals continue to engage in their petty gamesmanship, with neither willing to back down. Gamby begins to question whether his hardline approach is the right way to go, and seeks out advice from an unlikely source - his ex-wife, Janelle. While her advice might not be exactly what he was hoping for, it does give him a new perspective on things.

By the end of the episode, tensions are still high between the two vice principals, but we can also see some cracks beginning to form in their armor. Both men are starting to realize that there might be more to gaining power than just brute force and dirty tricks.

Overall, "A Trusty Steed" is a solid second episode for Vice Principals, building on the foundation laid in the first episode and continuing to flesh out the characters of Gamby and Russell. The show remains darkly comedic, with plenty of cringe-worthy moments and uncomfortable situations. It's becoming clear that neither of these men is particularly likable, but that's part of what makes the show so interesting. We can't help but root for them, even as we shake our heads at their antics.