User Reviews

I really despised Maya's boyfriend. He treated her poorly from the start and Maya endured it because her self-esteem has been beaten down by one potential boyfriend after another. This boyfriend doesn't even have any redeeming qualities --- he's rude, insensitive,selfish, unfunny and treats Maya poorly. But, Maya is so desperate for someone to show her any kind of affection that she puts up with his abusive behavior. When he broke up with her, he did it in such a way as to traumatize her with a song that would always remind her of the harsh breakup.

This was sad to watch especially since I was rooting for Maya to be happy at least in the final episode of this season. Well, as the episode continues I got my wish. Not only did her brother and friends stick up for her by egging (actually "squiding") the jerk's house, but Maya got her first kiss. And that kiss wasn't just from anyone, but from a kind gentle and attractive boy (he's been on the show from the very start) who was even sweet enough to ask for permission before kissing her. The truly beautiful part was that he told her to think of that kiss whenever she heard the song that jerk traumatized her with. He basically replaced a horrible memory with a beautiful one. For that powerful moment, I say "bravo" to this show.

There were many good moments in this season 2 finale, but I just wanted to share my favorite.

I was late to the Pen15 party. I'd seen it around, but didn't really know what it was about. Finally gave it a go, and it turned into one of my favourite shows of all time.

I've always resonated with shows that can be equal parts funny and devastating. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and BoJack Horseman remain a couple of my favourites as they use absurdity to accentuate the horrors of real life. Pen15 does something similar, using its absurd and hilarious premise of 30-somethings portraying 13 year-old versions of themselves (complete with melodramatic reactions) to highlight issues surrounding gender, race and consent.

The last episode though showed it was time to grow up, ready or not. The devastatingly brutal first sexual encounter for Maya, and the meta-confession that growing up means growing apart for Maya and Anna, showed to me that innocence is something that is fleeting, but that doesn't mean that it isn't important and that there is still cause for optimism.

Well done show.