If you thought you’d seen it all in the first season of Heartbreak High, then you’re in for a completely astonishing new ride that’s going to keep you hooked from start to finish. If drama isn’t your thing, I’d suggest walking away from this review and the show right this instant, because that is all Heartbreak High season 2 is about. I think they took teen drama to a whole new level, and we’ll slowly get to why. Season 1 was just a teaser for all the drama that was to come our way. Personally, I was a huge fan of the first season, and what I find extremely fantastic about shows like this one is how grounded they are (character-wise), but also how divorced from reality they are. I mean, I don’t even think the Australians are cool enough for a school that’s basically a sex den (for lack of a better word, you know what I mean). With that said, let’s get into the good, the bad, and the ugly of Australian teen drama Heartbreak High season 2.
Head over to our season 1 recap for a quick “what you need to know before season 2,” because there’s a lot that goes on in this show. Season 2 is all about character development; it’s about growing as human beings and incorporating change into one’s personal growth strategy. I sound like I’m giving life lessons, but don’t worry, the show doesn’t come across as preachy as I’m making it sound. Anyway, new year, new season means new cast members as well, and I feel like the show’s gone too far into taking risks for better results because there’s no denying that I love this show, but maybe sometimes too over the top is actually too over the top. This season’s big take is “toxic masculinity.” Heartbreak High doesn’t take diversity for granted and really diversifies in subject matter and ideas; maybe this time it’s a bit too far, yet, personally, I think it’s effective nonetheless. There are certain bits in the story that I wish were different, but it’s what I was saying earlier about risk-taking.
Let’s start with the bad. At first, we didn’t really see any sapphic romance this season, and I understand that’s because all the lesbian characters were on their own paths. However, seeing how things turned out between Quinnie and Sasha, I just felt like something was missing. Though I already loved everything that’s been done with Quinnie’s character, and not as if she wasn’t already a favorite, she really grows on you more this season. Also, Sasha’s character was always unlikeable, despite her impeccable fashion taste, but this season she’s really despicable. She’s also got this performative activism going on, which is really annoying after a certain point. I know she cares a lot, but like how most Gen Zers are perceived, it’s all mostly for selfish reasons. However, Timothy Voss is the ultimate prick of a character the show has seen so far, and that says a lot about the guy. He is the worst thing about the show. Bigotry can be his middle name and anti-feminist his job description because this man will get on your nerves a little further every time he’s on-screen until you want to see him turned into a little table tennis ball that gets smacked 24/7. Yet, what he brings to the table is the discourse around a subject that most people will probably want to avoid.
Voss’ character completely turns the show around, and this gives Spider a chance for a redemption arc. He’s got Rocky from Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani painted all across his face. For some reason, I don’t see any real growth in Amerie’s character. She repeatedly talks about wanting to be a better person, but it’s almost as if it’s in her nature to muck things up all the time. I don’t think people are unchangeable, and the show proves that with Spider’s storyline, yet it stunts Amerie’s arc for a different kind of change, I suppose. I think Harper takes a backseat this season because season 1 was quite focused on her, and though there are some huge changes in her life, she isn’t given as much of the center stage as previously. With Cash in Prison, Darren and he have a lot to go through together, and you can’t help but root for them throughout. I really don’t like what’s going on with Malakai’s character this season, and the drama between him, Amerie, and the new guy, Rowan, is quite frustrating to watch. Missy and Ant get more screen time, which I love. What’s unique about this show is how important the adult characters are to the viewer. Normally, in these teen dramas, there’s an almost dystopian sort of separation with barely any adults, who don’t actually care about anything, just for the kids to chill out and do whatever they like. Another new kid in town is Zoe Clarke, the puriteen champion at “Sexbreak High.” Sorry, Hartley High. Also, can I ask why food fights are such a big thing in teen dramas? What’s so exciting about wasting delicious-looking food (at least in this one) and making a massive mess of an already messed-up place? Is it catharsis we’re looking for? I don’t know; I don’t get it. If there’s food on the table, I’m eating it.
The comedy lands this season, and some terrific jokes had me keeling over. At the end of the day, this is a show about teens, and the characters all have very real-world teen problems. This is what made it work the last time around and will keep it working. So, if you like the first season and want a double dose of spectacle, then don’t waste a second and watch the highly anticipated second season. I give Heartbreak High season 2, 3.5 out of 5 stars.
