Take Two Review: All About Ava (Season 1 Episode 8)

On Take Two Season 1 Episode 8, “All About Ava”, we get a look into Sam’s past and the beginning of her acting career. Unfortunately, that trip down memory lane is brought on by the murder of Sam’s old friend and co-star.

Almost 20 years ago, Sam got her first acting job on a show called All About Ava. She was young and completely alone in Hollywood. (Side note: how could Sam’s parents just send their young daughter to a new city to work and live alone?!)

It’s no wonder the cast and crew of that show became Sam’s family.

I can easily imagine a young Sam, eager and excited to become an actress. She was adorable! Ava guided her through that time in her life and helped her again while Sam was struggling with alcoholism.

It is clear that Ava was very important to Sam, and Sam is determined to find out what happened to her. Despite the personal nature of the case, Sam does an excellent job of keeping her emotions in check and working the case professionally.

Also, does Sam have a P.I. license, or does she work under Eddie’s? I’m just curious about the mechanics of all this. She is really learning to be a strong interrogator in her own right.

I absolutely love Berto on this episode. He had a tough childhood, and watching the show gave him the escape he needed. Just like Sam, All About Ava gave him the family he had been seeking.

I have personally reacted in the same way he does when he realizes Monica has never seen the show.

Berto: Oh my God! You are so lucky. You get to watch it for the first time ever.

I’m so glad Monica likes the show. That may have been a deal breaker for her and Berto’s possible future relationship. These two have really developed chemistry together over the last few episodes.

Speaking of relationships: Sam and Eddie are steadily getting closer as well. Eddie offers her the quiet support she needs during this episode. He is there for her but doesn’t push her to talk to him.

But Sam trusts him and openly shares her past with him.

Sam: If Ava taught me anything, it’s that you have to face your demons.

I’m sure Sam doesn’t tell many people about her time in rehab. She is able to talk to Eddie freely about it, and it says a lot about their relationship.

Why does Sam keep meeting people in bars? She isn’t allowed to go into them according to her parole hearing. Also, it’s just giving her temptation to drink.

I really hope a relapse isn’t coming in the near future. Sam’s alcoholism has been brought up more frequently lately, and that makes me nervous.

It’s not surprising that Sam is asked to be in the reboot of All About Ava. Ever since Take Two began, I always assumed she would be offered an acting role at some point and would have to decide if she wants to take it or keep working with Eddie.

Obviously, she has to remain working as a P.I. for the show to continue. I’m glad they don’t turn it into a big, long debate though.

Sam has proven over and over that she wants to move on with her life. She was so unhappy leading up to her breakdown and time in rehab. By choosing to turn down the show, she can keep working on improving her life. She is absolutely right that moving backwards will not help her.

Sam: As much as I want to act again, I feel like the reboot would be moving backwards. Joey, Ava, Melody… they were my old family. Right now, I kind of like my new family.

Sam is finding a home with Eddie and Co. She is finally able to have a place where she fits in and is able to be herself without the pressures of Hollywood.

Other Thoughts:

• The woman at the sleep institute is way over-the-top creepy!
• I hope that isn’t a physician running the place. Why did she give out so much of Ava’s patient information?
• Did you catch the billboard for The Rookie in the background? Nice adverting there, ABC.
• Everyone has such a good memory on this episode! It’s totally unrealistic that people would remember so many random details from 20 years ago.

What did you think of this episode of Take Two? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Take Two airs Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC.

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