Almost every new character from the first episode is given a bit more in terms of layers, though perhaps for Renzo this maybe debatable. But, the real focus of the episode is about self-reflection as Bay questions her talents; Katherine learns what it is to be happy; Regina takes note of how she, as well as her environment, has changed; and Daphne begins to not just question the people around her, to a point, but herself as well.
Topic 1: How Things Have Changed, Though Remained the Same
Starting off with Katherine, seemingly she is done putting on a smile while she is hurting and between therapy and Renzo, she is finding a reason to smile once more. But, with her being caught lying, due to Renzo coming over for dinner and accidentally snitching, it is revealed to John how unhappy his wife is, and in the process we are reminded once more of how selfish John can be. For while you can understand him being upset for being lied to, it seems the real issue is the fact that the woman he met is no longer happy with the life she has. Something seen earlier in the series.
As for Regina, with her mother Adriana back, we hear about her 2nd cousin Felicia who is having a baby, and with this we get to see the old neighborhood which is seldom referenced. But, with Regina back in her old stomping grounds, it leads to some reflection about how her and Daphne's lives have changed. No more knowing your neighbors, hanging out on the porch, and other similar things. Now they have adapted to the Kennish lifestyle and it seems this bothers them both. But, while Regina decides to get back to her thrifty roots, to help design Felicia's house, Daphne decides to approach Sheree about an issue the field hockey team is having.
Topic 2: A Different Perspective
Between the clinic and the school, Daphne has once again become the forefront character of the show and shows why this often happens. Starting with Sheree, we learn that Sheree was quite the athlete at her old school, and Toby has been trying to recruit her for some time. So, despite not having the best relationship, Daphne tries to get her to join, and when that doesn't work, she decides to have a basketball game against her in which if she loses she drives Sheree to school, and if she wins she gets Sheree on the team. Now, being that Sheree got 600 points, despite being only in half the season, she beats Daphne, though not by much. Still though, despite losing, Sheree decides to join the team and seemingly, between rides to school, and practice, we're likely to get to know Sheree quite a bit more.
But, while we'll have to wait a bit to see Sheree's world, Campbell's world becomes a bit more defined as Daphne spends time with him. It starts with a young diabetic walking into the clinic, and Daphne letting him leave without signing out, but then it evolves. As we know, Campbell loves extreme sports and surely, when Daphne isn't around, he probably speeds in his car whenever possible. But, with his legs uncooperative, all he has is hope for a cure to his spinal injuries. And the reason his hope matters is because him and Daphne have a conversation dealing with if there was a cure for being deaf, would she take it? Now, being that Daphne doesn't remember being a hearing person she says no, but being that Campbell remembers walking, he isn't able to do as Daphne and find light in his situation. Never mind the fact that seemingly Campbell hasn't found commodore like Daphne has in the deaf community.
Topic 3: Meanwhile, with Bay
Between field hockey, Emmett's slight stalking, and Ledarsky's art class, Bay has lost her usual over the top dramatics, to a point. Starting with the art class, Tank almost loses his spot when he tries to hand in a dot for the assignment, which pisses Professor Ledarsky off. For, while she doesn't mind being offended by a student's work, not trying isn't something she can interpret as art, but offensive, but simply a smack in the face. But with Bay letting Ledarsky know why he didn't turn in a proper piece, she saves him. Mind you though, Tank isn't the only one who has trouble with Ledarsky. With Ledarsky giving Bay a bad review of her portrait of Tank, this leads her to wonder if she is any good at art, to the point where more than past boyfriends can appreciate it. But, upon getting to know her subject, past Tank being her knight in shining armor, she is able to create a portrait using Xs and Os, of which earns praise.
But, while she is doing well in art, field hockey remains a bane. Between Toby acting like John as a coach, to her being bad at sports, really the only good thing is Emmett's presence, which comes off slightly creepy as he films stuff for the yearbook, with a keen focus on Bay. Well, that is until he catches the person who is slashing tires. Of which is a deaf student seemingly trying to pin blame on the hearing kids.
Overall
I am loving most of the character development on the show. Almost to the point I feel guilty for even doubting the show. But, I must admit, I wonder a bit if all of the new characters will get an equal opportunity to shine. Thus far, only Daphne's new friends are interesting, and while Tank & Renzo seem cool, they just don't feel as 3D as everyone else yet. But, I'm admittedly impatient and character development does take time.
Topic 1: How Things Have Changed, Though Remained the Same
Starting off with Katherine, seemingly she is done putting on a smile while she is hurting and between therapy and Renzo, she is finding a reason to smile once more. But, with her being caught lying, due to Renzo coming over for dinner and accidentally snitching, it is revealed to John how unhappy his wife is, and in the process we are reminded once more of how selfish John can be. For while you can understand him being upset for being lied to, it seems the real issue is the fact that the woman he met is no longer happy with the life she has. Something seen earlier in the series.
As for Regina, with her mother Adriana back, we hear about her 2nd cousin Felicia who is having a baby, and with this we get to see the old neighborhood which is seldom referenced. But, with Regina back in her old stomping grounds, it leads to some reflection about how her and Daphne's lives have changed. No more knowing your neighbors, hanging out on the porch, and other similar things. Now they have adapted to the Kennish lifestyle and it seems this bothers them both. But, while Regina decides to get back to her thrifty roots, to help design Felicia's house, Daphne decides to approach Sheree about an issue the field hockey team is having.
Topic 2: A Different Perspective
Between the clinic and the school, Daphne has once again become the forefront character of the show and shows why this often happens. Starting with Sheree, we learn that Sheree was quite the athlete at her old school, and Toby has been trying to recruit her for some time. So, despite not having the best relationship, Daphne tries to get her to join, and when that doesn't work, she decides to have a basketball game against her in which if she loses she drives Sheree to school, and if she wins she gets Sheree on the team. Now, being that Sheree got 600 points, despite being only in half the season, she beats Daphne, though not by much. Still though, despite losing, Sheree decides to join the team and seemingly, between rides to school, and practice, we're likely to get to know Sheree quite a bit more.
But, while we'll have to wait a bit to see Sheree's world, Campbell's world becomes a bit more defined as Daphne spends time with him. It starts with a young diabetic walking into the clinic, and Daphne letting him leave without signing out, but then it evolves. As we know, Campbell loves extreme sports and surely, when Daphne isn't around, he probably speeds in his car whenever possible. But, with his legs uncooperative, all he has is hope for a cure to his spinal injuries. And the reason his hope matters is because him and Daphne have a conversation dealing with if there was a cure for being deaf, would she take it? Now, being that Daphne doesn't remember being a hearing person she says no, but being that Campbell remembers walking, he isn't able to do as Daphne and find light in his situation. Never mind the fact that seemingly Campbell hasn't found commodore like Daphne has in the deaf community.
Topic 3: Meanwhile, with Bay
Between field hockey, Emmett's slight stalking, and Ledarsky's art class, Bay has lost her usual over the top dramatics, to a point. Starting with the art class, Tank almost loses his spot when he tries to hand in a dot for the assignment, which pisses Professor Ledarsky off. For, while she doesn't mind being offended by a student's work, not trying isn't something she can interpret as art, but offensive, but simply a smack in the face. But with Bay letting Ledarsky know why he didn't turn in a proper piece, she saves him. Mind you though, Tank isn't the only one who has trouble with Ledarsky. With Ledarsky giving Bay a bad review of her portrait of Tank, this leads her to wonder if she is any good at art, to the point where more than past boyfriends can appreciate it. But, upon getting to know her subject, past Tank being her knight in shining armor, she is able to create a portrait using Xs and Os, of which earns praise.
But, while she is doing well in art, field hockey remains a bane. Between Toby acting like John as a coach, to her being bad at sports, really the only good thing is Emmett's presence, which comes off slightly creepy as he films stuff for the yearbook, with a keen focus on Bay. Well, that is until he catches the person who is slashing tires. Of which is a deaf student seemingly trying to pin blame on the hearing kids.
Overall
I am loving most of the character development on the show. Almost to the point I feel guilty for even doubting the show. But, I must admit, I wonder a bit if all of the new characters will get an equal opportunity to shine. Thus far, only Daphne's new friends are interesting, and while Tank & Renzo seem cool, they just don't feel as 3D as everyone else yet. But, I'm admittedly impatient and character development does take time.
