Ep 2. Julie and Eric... Could it be Love?

The Real World season 1 episode 2, titled "Julie and Eric... Could it be Love?" takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as two of the roommates, Julie and Eric, start to explore their feelings for each other. The episode picks up where the first episode left off, with the roommates adjusting to living with each other in their New York City loft.

Julie and Eric's storyline takes center stage in this episode and sets the tone for future seasons of the show. We get to see the beginnings of their relationship, from nervous flirting to their first kiss. It's clear they both have strong feelings for each other, but they're also hesitant to act on them.

However, their burgeoning romance is not without its challenges. Eric still has a girlfriend back home, which puts a strain on his relationship with Julie. He's torn between his loyalty to his girlfriend and his growing feelings for Julie. Meanwhile, Julie is struggling with her own insecurities, worrying that Eric might not be as into her as she is into him.

The episode also delves into the other roommates' lives. We get to see more of Kevin, a struggling writer who's trying to make a name for himself in the city. He's still adjusting to living with seven other people, but he's starting to open up more and forge friendships. Heather, on the other hand, is having a difficult time with the living situation. She feels like she's being overlooked and excluded from the group, and she doesn't know how to change that.

As the episode progresses, tensions start to rise between the roommates. Julie and Eric's relationship is causing a rift in the house, and some of the other roommates are starting to get frustrated with them. Heather, in particular, is feeling left out and ignored. She tries to confront Julie about it, but the conversation doesn't go well, and it only adds to the tension.

Despite the conflict, the roommates still manage to have fun together. They go out clubbing and dancing, and they even throw a party in the loft. We get to see a different side of them, one where they're not bickering or trying to navigate their relationships. They're just living in the moment and enjoying each other's company.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Eric having to make a tough decision about his relationship with Julie. It's clear that his girlfriend back home is not going to be happy about what's been happening between him and Julie, and he's forced to confront the consequences of his actions.

Overall, "Julie and Eric... Could it be Love?" is a compelling episode that showcases the best and worst of The Real World. We get to see the start of a romance that will become a staple of the show, but we also see the tensions and conflicts that make living with strangers so difficult. It's a testament to the show's impact that this episode still holds up decades later, and it's a must-watch for any fan of reality television.