Ep 7. Monster High

In the seventh episode of the first season of Dietland, named Monster High, the viewers are met with a slow-paced plot that builds tension. Plum Kettle, who has been going through some intense changes since the beginning of the series, is now trying to make sense of her situation and decide what to do with her newfound confidence.

As the episode opens, Plum is sitting at a coffee shop with Steven. He appears to be a bit nervous, and it soon becomes apparent why. He tells Plum that he has gotten her manuscript published under her own name, not as Kitty. Plum is over the moon at first but then becomes nervous and starts to question if she's ready for the backlash. Steven reassures her that everything will be okay. This scene is significant as it shows Plum's journey and how far she has come since the beginning of the series.

Meanwhile, we see Jennifer plotting their next big attack. They plan on attacking a former senator and victim-blaming him for the things he said about sexual assault. We also get a closer look at other members of Jennifer, including Yoli, who is having difficulty coping with the violence and is seeking help. This is a great juxtaposition to the previous scene, which focused on Plum's newfound strength, while Yoli is struggling with the violent aspect of their cause.

Later in the episode, Plum finally meets Verena's brother, Dominic, who is a famous photographer, and Verena herself offends Plum, referring to Plum's weight. Plum is both disgusted and hurt by this, and it becomes apparent that their discussion is a vital moment in Plum's journey. This scene showcases how eating disorders affect a person beyond what they eat or weigh.

Towards the climax of the episode, we see Plum being catcalled and stalked by a group of men. Through her voiceover, we feel her fear and her anger. As she tries to escape, she meets a group of women who gather around her and give her courage. The building tension is palpable in this moment, and this sets the stage for the climax of the episode.

The climax of the episode involves Jennifer's next attack, which targets a well-known fashion designer who has a history of using underage models. The scene is visceral in its depiction of how Jennifer carries out their violence. The group infiltrates the fashion show and disrupts things. As the chaos unfolds, Yoli is triggered by the noise and the violence. Her character arc comes full circle as she decides to leave the group and seek help.

In the end, the episode leaves viewers with a sense of unease. Plum is wrestling with her newfound confidence and Verena's words, while Jennifer is just getting started on their mission. The episode is a great example of how Dietland tackles different themes effectively, such as body image, eating disorders, gender violence, and social justice. At its core, the show is not afraid to delve into deeper issues that speak to the human experience.