Ep 2. Selection Day Part 2

The Worst Witch season 1 episode 2, "Selection Day Part 2," picks up where the previous episode left off - with the witches-in-training at Miss Cackle's Academy competing to be selected for the school's official broomstick flying team. Mildred Hubble, our protagonist, is still determined to make the cut despite her lack of natural talent (and, let's be honest, innate clumsiness).

We open on Selection Day, where the pressure is on for Mildred and her peers to perform their best broomstick maneuvers in front of the judges. The school is abuzz with excitement as the students prepare for their moment in the spotlight. Mildred, however, is plagued with self-doubt; she's convinced that she'll never be good enough to make the team, and worries that she'll end up a laughingstock instead.

The broomstick flying sequences are a highlight of the episode, with some impressive special effects and exhilarating aerial maneuvers from the young witches. We see each character take their turn on the broomstick, showing off their skills and attempting to impress the judges. Mildred is naturally nervous, but rallies when it's her turn to shine. Her unorthodox approach to broomstick flying surprises her peers (and even herself), and she completes a series of impressive moves with ease.

Despite her strong performance, Mildred doubts that she'll make the cut. She's still convinced that she's not good enough, and her insecurities are only exacerbated when one of her roommates, Ethel Hallow, is selected for the team. Ethel is a skilled witch and a natural athlete, and when Mildred sees her flying with the rest of the team, she feels even more discouraged.

As the episode progresses, we see Mildred struggling to fit in at Cackle's Academy. She's not like the other witches-in-training - she's not from a magical family, and her lack of experience shows. She feels like an outsider among her peers, who can't understand why someone like her would even bother trying to make the broomstick team.

Despite her challenges, Mildred tenaciously works to improve her skills. She practices relentlessly, determined to prove to herself that she can succeed. She also receives support from unexpected sources; her kindly form teacher, Miss Bat, offers her words of encouragement, as does her roommate Maud Spellbody.

But the real turning point for Mildred comes when she receives a letter from her mentor, the witch Miss Hardbroom. Miss Hardbroom is a tough taskmaster, but she sees potential in Mildred that the others don't. In her letter, she advises Mildred to keep practicing and to never give up - and in doing so, gives Mildred the confidence boost she needs to continue pursuing her dream.

Throughout the episode, we see a lot of character development for Mildred. She starts out as a shy, uncertain girl who's convinced she's not good enough. But by the end of the episode, she's more confident, more determined, and more self-assured. We see glimpses of the brave and resourceful young witch she's destined to become.

Overall, "Selection Day Part 2" is a strong second episode that builds on the groundwork laid in the pilot. The broomstick flying scenes are thrilling, the characters are engaging, and the message about perseverance and self-belief is an important one. Fans of the books will appreciate the faithful adaptation - and newcomers to the world of The Worst Witch will find a charming and whimsical story that's perfect for all ages.