HSMTMTS Review: Valentines Day (Season 2 Episode 3)

Love is in the air, as our Wildcats attempt to navigate their relationships in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 2 Episode 3 “Valentines Day.”

It’s an episode where the plot takes a back seat to the romance, but what should be a shippers delight, ends up delivering little more than disappointment.

“Valentines Day” is certainly cute; serenades are sung, gifts are exchanged, and there are even new romances flourishing. Those sweet subtle moments, however, fail to disguise what HSMTMTS is struggling with most: being funny.

HSMTMTS Season 1 managed to create a heartwarming, earnest story that was willing to parody itself along the way. “Valentines Day” takes itself far too seriously, and begins to lean into the very tropes it once poked fun at.

The show still knows how to get it right; Ej dressing to mourn his single status lands beautifully. The insistence his black outfit is purely coincidental — while East High is drenched in vibrant red and pink colors — is perfect satirical humor. 

Matt Cornett knows exactly what show he’s on, and it’s a shame he’s so severely underused in “Valentines Day.” Cornett — along with the adults — bear the comedic burden, while the rest of the characters swim in a sea of disparaging teen angst. 

Ricky feels entirely lost; meandering through the episode, Joshua Bassett barely looks like he even wants to be there, delivering yet another low-energy performance. 

Is Ricky depressed about moving? Is he tired from Denver? Or is he feeling a little too much Deja Vu?

I’m talking about leading the show without Nini by his side, of course. 

The questions are never answered, and his half-hearted delivery becomes somewhat of a distraction — especially in scenes opposite Larry Saperstein, who is clearly thrilled to be getting more time in the spotlight.

Unfortunately, that time isn’t well spent.

Season 1 of HSMTMTS depicted Big Red as a bubbly kid with a multitude of surprises up his sleeve. Kind and surprisingly smart, the complexity of the character — despite being secondary to the narrative — was as impressive as it was hilarious. 

Big Red is still kind in “Valentines Day,” but he’s also daft. The clever jokes from his niche intelligence have all but disappeared, and a once unique character is reduced to the “dumb, good-hearted best friend.”

HSMTMTS is supposed to rise above those archetypes.

The show does the girls slightly better service. Ashlyn’s struggle with insecurity is refreshing, although it might be better told from a Black female perspective. A lead woman of color in a Disney play would certainly provide commentary on Disney’s previous lack of diversity.

Perhaps Disney isn’t quite ready to be so self-aware.

Lead or not, Kourtney certainly lands the best storyline. Discovering her levels is as comical as it is poignant, and the enemies-to-lovers energy she and newcomer Howie exude, provides the chemistry missing while Ricky and Nini are torn apart (100 facetime calls per episode doesn’t fill the hole they’ve left).

There isn’t much of a plot in “Valentines Day” — the episode is more focused on satisfying its shipper audience. That would be fine, but when the romantic moments fail more than they succeed, it feels like a waste of important storytime. 

Even the original songs in “Valentines Day” are forgettable, with the only music worth remembering being from Beauty And The Beast.

Dara Renee’s stunning live rendition of “Tale As Old As Time” — sung while Ashlyn and Big Red sweetly sway in the background — is the beating heart of the episode. 

HSMTMTS Season 2 is trying too hard; it desperately wants to please everyone, while detaching itself from the High School Musical films. Ironically, it’s leaning away from the things that made the premiere season magic.

It was bold, disconcerted with fitting the mold, and willing to make fun of itself at every turn.

It was fun. I believe it can be that much fun again. 

Random Thoughts: 

• All of Big Red’s best moments shouldn’t solely be when the credits are rolling. 
• Nini’s song may be forgettable, but the hearts on her cheeks are adorable. 
• Ricky and Gina are in desperate need of a conversation where they communicate about their feelings.
• Seb and Carlos feel out of sync; it’s not something I would expect from their relationship.
• “It’s not just Stockholm syndrome — love is love” is the best joke of the episode next to Ej. 
• The second-hand embarrassment after Gina sends the text to Ricky is SO relatable. I am cringing.
• Mr. Mazzara was funnier when he was a grumpy antagonist, but Mark St. Cyr makes anything work. 
• Kate Reinders continues to be a gift to this world. 

 

 

 

 

What did you think of this episode of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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High School Musical: The Musical: The Series airs Fridays on Disney+.

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