#character-dynamics

#character-dynamics

In season one, Platonic was an enjoyable little sitcom that nonetheless faded from my memory pretty quickly. But something was different about season two from the beginning, and I still haven't totally figured out what it is. There's just something clicking this time around - the characters and their dynamics are more lived-in and distinct, and the storylines themselves feel more engaging and thoughtful without ever fundamentally altering the tone.

Coming into this episode, I hoped that the two-perspective concept, having been duly established in the pilot, would now settle into successive, rather than parallel, timelines. Unfortunately, we are fated to see two versions of the same events every time. At least the pace picks up a bit: The second half of this episode, told through Laura's perspective, moves significantly beyond where we left off in Cherry's.

Everything about this feels just right, from the trashed cars leading the way to the hangar to the synth-heavy music and the announcer calling out "new challengers approaching" as we meet our collection of weirdos.

Enid feels replaced because Agnes has stepped in and wants to impress Wednesday, threatening Enid all the time. Enid feels a bit insecure in their friendship.

The clear guidelines in this magical world reflect the concept of 'psychic exhaustion', where actions have real consequences, enhancing the stakes of the narrative.

Riley's mean comments lead to accountability, showcasing that speaking freely among friends still comes with consequences despite casual settings.

Krennic practically goes Twilight in this scene, urging Dedra to "say the word" - not "vampire" or even "Geonosian," but "Death Star," the all-consuming secret project.

The series has kept each installment self-contained, but what occurs in one episode does have ramifications for the characters in subsequent episodes.