HSMTMTS Review: The Field Trip (Season 2 Episode 7)
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 2 Episode 7, “The Field Trip,” merges East and North High for an epic showdown of talent and wit, resulting in the show’s best episode to date.
There is so much to love about “The Field Trip;” from shocking plot twists, to stellar dance battles and complex teenage angst, the episode is firing on all cylinders. HSMTMTS is always at its best when focused on ensemble dynamics, and the Wildcats are at their most unified facing down the competition.
That doesn’t mean “The Field Trip” slacks on the more intimate character moments. The drama between schools only adds complexity to the romantic entanglements of the season.
There isn’t a single relationship that comes out of “The Field Trip” unscathed, but there are a few potential new ones beginning to bloom.
The best part about “The Field Trip,” the refusal to take itself too seriously.
HSMTMTS started its sophomore season with heavy melodrama, missing the self-referential humor that once made it successful. “The Field Trip” continues what “Yes, And” started, poking fun at the genre while still leaving room for more grounded character aspects to thrive.
A dance battle is something entirely plausible for a series like HSMTMTS, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to find comedy in the moment.
The Wildcats are always going to show up, but not before commenting on how strange the whole debacle actually is, or questioning how a point system for a dance battle even works, anyway.
The battle itself is fun and light, giving the show an opportunity to utilize Beauty And The Beast’s worst song while showcasing the cast’s multifaceted talent.
Elsewhere, Ms. Jen faces down North High drama teacher Zach in a dance sequence of their own.
It’s an opportunity to spotlight Derek Hough’s dancing skills and not much more, but the surprising chemistry between the two actors is enchanting enough to hold anyone’s attention.
Lily: Maybe you should listen to your precious High School Musical and stick to the stuff you know.
Seb: Oh yeah? What if we bop to the top?
“The Field Trip” guarantees laughs throughout, but that doesn’t mean its characters are the ones laughing.
Big Red and Ashlyn get thrown into an unforeseen love triangle with North High’s Antoine. It doesn’t seem to present any true threat to the couple’s stability, but it does add a subplot that allows deeper insight into their relationship dynamic.
Somehow, Big Red and Ashlyn are now an even more likable duo than before.
Ricky and Nini are the real losers this episode, as Ricky continues to spiral out over Nini’s songwriting success. If there is one negative to “The Field Trip,” it’s definitely this.
The tension between Ricky and Nini is undoubtedly gripping; it’s certainly an organic way to pull them apart if that’s what the show wants to do. The problem lies in Ricky’s willingness to take Lily seriously — someone whose diabolical plan is clear from the start.
There are defined motives behind Ricky’s insecurities; HSMTMTS has done an excellent job at developing them from the pilot. It’s the cruelty that exudes from them that feels unacceptable, and the show is running the risk of character assassination.
HSMTMTS is all about celebrating female power. With Nini’s inevitable songwriting success on the horizon, staying with someone who only wants to tear her down would be mixed messaging.
it’s time for Ricky and Nini to go their own way.
Runner up for “The Field Trips” biggest heartbreak goes to Howie and Kourtney.
Howie’s reveal as North High’s Beast is crushing, but also a well-thought-out plot twist. The question of how Kourtney will react after being betrayed by the one boy she trusted, opens the door for a fulfilling character arc.
The relationship also feels far from over. Their witty banter was quickly traded in for a relationship, and putting them at odds allows for a star-crossed lover appeal to take shape, making them a potential powerhouse romance moving forward.
Not all the love stories in “The Field Trip” are bad ones, however, as the episode makes a potent effort to focus on the growing friendship between Gina and Ej.
It’s a dynamic that’s been gradually fostered since the Season 1 finale, and one that’s done plenty of good for both characters in their journeys towards growth.
With the other romances burdened by angst, Ej and Gina head down a different road. From enemies to friends — and now potentially lovers — “Portwell” is becoming the most unlikely (and refreshing) relationship of the season.
Watching Sofia Wylie play a heartbroken teen has been an incredible experience, but “The Field Trip” is an opportunity to see what Gina looks like with her mind off Ricky, and more on having a good time.
Spoiler Alert: She glows.
EJ’s feelings for Gina are clearly defined, and his previous self-serving behavior is thrown out the window in lieu of putting her first. Now, it’s a matter of Gina recognizing how good it feels to be someone’s first choice.
Whether it’s co-anchoring the morning news or executing fake dating hijinks, these two are truly at their best together, and it’s fresh energy the show needs to maintain balance.
While Beauty and The Beast may not be the most relevant choice of a musical for HSMTMTS, the show is still managing to pivot in a way that allows the drama of romance and teen growing pains to connect with the show’s general narrative.
As long as it can do that while making us laugh, HSMTMTS Season 2 will be nothing short of wild success.
Random Thoughts:
- Antoine is the best new character of the season.
- Joe Serafini truly has flawless comedic timing.
- The continuous references to High School Musical are appreciated.
- Nini changing her name back to Nina was a huge mic drop to end the episode! The SHADE.
- There was far too little Gina in the dance battle.
- The Rose Song potentially disqualifying East High from the Menkies is another excellent reveal.
- Ricky Bowen Please Shutup Challenge 2021.
- Anyone hungry for risotto all of a sudden?
What did you think of this episode of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series airs Fridays on Disney+.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Kat Pettibone
Kat Pettibone is an aspiring TV writer, artist, and poet. As a Pacey Witter Fan Club lifer who never missed a TGIF, she has dreams of becoming your generations small screen Nora Ephron. She's also an avid lover of coffee, dogs and all things spooky.