Ep 15. Miss Understanding

"Braceface" Season 2 Episode 15: "Miss Understanding"

In this captivating episode of "Braceface" season 2, titled "Miss Understanding," we are once again drawn into the engaging life of our beloved protagonist, Sharon Spitz. Sharon is a creative and likeable teenage girl trying to navigate the tumultuous waters of high school whilst dealing with the everyday challenges that come along with being an adolescent.

As the episode kicks off, Sharon finds herself amidst a chaotic group project for her science class. Frustrated by her team's lack of motivation and effort, she takes charge and tries to rally them to work collaboratively. Unbeknownst to Sharon, this endeavor exposes her to yet another predicament—her incessant desire to please everyone around her.

While embarking on her mission to balance her own wants with the expectations of others, Sharon realizes that her best friend Maria has been acting oddly distant. Struggling to comprehend the sudden shift in their friendship, Sharon grapples with a sense of confusion and hurt, unsure of what could have caused Maria's unusual behavior.

As Sharon attempts to understand Maria's actions, she impulsively enters a local beauty pageant, dubbed the "Miss Understanding" contest. Fuelled by her determination to prove herself and win the title, she envisions this as an opportunity to gain some much-needed attention and validation. However, her decision soon becomes overshadowed by the unsettling realization that this endeavor may not be as glamorous as she initially thought.

To prepare for the pageant, Sharon enlists the help of her fashion-forward friend Alyson, who takes on the role of her beauty pageant coach. Determined to transform Sharon into a shining star, Alyson guides her through the daunting world of beauty pageants. This journey leads them both to unveil deeper aspects of their personalities, strengthening their friendship along the way.

As Sharon delves deeper into the Miss Understanding pageant, she soon discovers that the superficiality and objectification of the competition clashes with her own values. Disturbed by the shallow nature of the event and the way it reduces women to mere external appearances, Sharon begins to question her decision to participate. With her newfound insight, she faces a moral dilemma—remain in the pageant, upholding her commitment, or take a stand against the objectification of women.

Simultaneously, Sharon's ongoing relationship issues with Maria persist, and as their distance grows, she realizes she must confront her friend. Their confrontation leads to a heartfelt conversation about their friendship, enabling them to address their concerns, misunderstandings, and shed light on the reasons behind Maria's recent odd behavior.

As Sharon's understanding of Maria deepens, she realizes the value of open communication and the importance of addressing issues head-on. With this newfound perspective, Sharon must grapple with difficult decisions regarding her involvement in the beauty pageant and the impact it may have on her self-esteem, friendships, and personal growth.

"Miss Understanding" is an emotionally charged episode that explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Through Sharon's journey, the episode challenges societal norms, shedding light on the dangers of objectification and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. With its heartfelt moments, thought-provoking narrative, and relatable characters, this episode of "Braceface" is sure to captivate and inspire viewers of all ages.