Ep 1. Brace Yourself

Braceface season 1 episode 1, titled "Brace Yourself", is an exciting start to the show's first season. The series follows the life of Sharon Spitz, a teenage girl who is starting to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. In this episode, Sharon has just started wearing braces, and must adjust to the changes in her appearance and the discomfort they bring.

At the start of the episode, Sharon is nervous about getting braces, but her best friend Maria encourages her to embrace the change. The two friends make a deal to give each other makeovers - Maria will help Sharon feel more confident with her braces, and Sharon will help Maria learn to dress less like a "tomboy". Meanwhile, Sharon's little brother Adam is excited to go to his karate classes, hoping to impress a girl he has a crush on.

As Sharon starts to wear her braces, she is constantly reminded of them - she struggles to eat and speak normally, and other kids at school start to make fun of her appearance. She begins to feel insecure and embarrassed, and starts to avoid social situations. However, she finds solace in her crush, Alden, who seems to genuinely like her for who she is, braces and all.

One of the biggest challenges Sharon faces in this episode is a school dance, which she is hesitant to attend because of her braces. Maria encourages her to go anyway, and even helps her pick out a cute outfit. Sharon initially feels self-conscious at the dance, but she starts to have fun once she lets loose on the dance floor. However, her confidence is shaken when she sees Alden dancing with another girl.

Meanwhile, Adam's karate class isn't going so well - he is distracted by his crush, and ends up getting kicked out of the class. Sharon tries to comfort him and remind him that he doesn't have to change who he is to impress someone else. She realizes that she needs to take her own advice and be true to herself, despite feeling insecure about her braces.

Overall, "Brace Yourself" sets up the themes and tone of the show, highlighting the difficulties and insecurities of adolescence. The episode balances lighthearted moments - like Adam's crush on a classmate - with more serious issues, like Sharon's struggles with bullying and self-confidence. The show's vibrant animation style and relatable characters make it an engaging watch for younger audiences, and its emphasis on self-acceptance and finding support in friends and family make it a valuable resource for parents and teachers alike.