HSMTMTS Review: The Transformation (Season 2 Episode 10)

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 2 Episode 10 “The Transformation” continues to grow its characters by slowing down the plot in exchange for meaningful introspection.

“The Transformation” may allude to Beast’s grand transformation into a Prince, but the transforming this episode is done almost solely off stage.

The issue of finding creative ways to beat North High’s technical savvy is nothing more than a great excuse to throw characters together, and let them work through their various conflicts.

Ricky’s finding his voice while Gina and EJ find each other, but the real stars of this story are Carlos and Seb.

The two make history by performing the first exclusively LGBTQ+ original song on any Disney platform, and HSMTMTS makes sure it takes that responsibility seriously.

Everything about the scene is fantastical. From cinematography, to the small, particular details of calling back to their first big milestone together at Homecoming — the stage is perfectly set for the couple’s big moment.

The song itself is sweet, melodic, and delivered with an equal amount of romantic intent any straight couple of the show would receive. 

The scene wouldn’t land as well as it does without the nuanced performance of Frankie A. Rodriguez, who shines by recognizing a new vulnerability emerging in Carlos. That vulnerability allows the two boys to connect in a deeply intimate way, and the show brings itself to a full stop to sit in the history it knows it’s making.

“In A Heartbeat” isn’t just a triumph for Carlos and Seb. It’s an anthem for any queer youth; one that encourages shouting the love you have for your partner from the rooftops. Now, queer fans of the show can sing along, knowing there is a song made just for them. 

It’s about time. 

If there’s one downside to this storyline, it lies in the parameters that feel constricted in the conversation surrounding the Seblos relationship. Neither Carlos nor Seb actually ever define their sexuality as “gay” or “queer.” 

It reads as if Disney is still placing boundaries on LGBTQ conversations, so HSMTMTS is forced to find ways around speaking directly on sexual identity.

It does this through elaborate euphemisms and allusions, which all feel self-aware in the absurdity of the situation, but it’s still frustrating to hear a character mourn the fact there aren’t a lot of people “like them” in school, instead of just proudly saying “I’m one of the only gay kids at East High.”

There is still work to be done, but “In A Heartbeat”  leaves no room for question: Carlos and Seb are head over heels in love.

“The Transformation” is able to weave Carlos’ quest for reconciliation with Seb directly into Ricky’s main conflict of the episode, resulting in an unlikely friendship blossoming between the two.

While Ricky helps Carlos write a song, Carlos’ predicament allows Ricky to come to terms with the end of his relationship. 

It may have taken ten episodes, but Ricky is finally starting to gain perspective on his life.

Joshua Bassett has had a difficult task as Ricky this season. Forced to play a fumbled and spiraling version of his character, Ricky has been downright unrecognizable at times from his sweet, softer Season 1 persona.

It’s to the credit of Bassett’s immense talent, that he is so easily able to slide back into the boy from the pilot.

Ricky would never have had an opportunity for self-realization if he wasn’t able to communicate his emotions to the people in his life. Something HSMTMTS does so consistently well is tear down the walls of toxic masculinity; giving all its male characters the agency of getting in touch with their feelings.

That communication has benefitted Ricky’s growth immensely this season, but it’s also been an agent of change for EJ.

EJ has gone through an incredible metamorphosis on HSMTMTS, humbling himself in impressive ways.

It’s the conversations he has with his fellow Wildcats, however, that teach him how to be emotionally vulnerable. Unsure and afraid to get hurt again, EJ is hesitant to take action with his feelings for Gina.

Open talks with his buddies — ones who cheer him on and support him in taking a chance on someone new — are what help him find his confidence in being honest with how he feels. 

That’s why the characters of East High are so exceptionally portrayed. There is no jarring juxtaposition between how girls and boys communicate, and both parties in “The Transformation” are about friends helping friends get through tough emotional spots.

If anything, the girl’s communication is far less successful.

“The Transformation” finally presents an opportunity for Nini and Gina to work through Gina’s feelings for Ricky, but HSMTMTS still wants to evade the inevitable confrontation.

Gina mentions the chocolates, but never fully expands on the situation. Nini clearly bristles but never asks Gina why she would assume Ricky bought her chocolates in the first place.

HSMTMTS prides itself on serving friendship before all else — especially when it comes to women. By Episode 10 of Season 2, it feels unnatural to keep the girls from having an honest conversation about what’s transpired over the past year.

Without it, the two will never form a real friendship. There is a stilted and forced conflict between them that has no business being there — especially now that both Nini and Gina are moving on from Ricky romantically. 

It’s an excellent opportunity for HSMTMTS to once again break teen genre barriers; tossing female vs female angst aside and replacing it with elevated, mature moments that bring women together.

It’s got two episodes left to stick the landing.

Random Thoughts:

• EJ asking Gina out for risotto is the perfect way for them to get together. 
• Ashlyn can NOT keep a secret, but we live for the mess, anyway.
• Ricky is VERY bad at playing the Beast. How did this kid land the lead twice?
• The boys being terrible at stereotypical “boy” things like building and tools is such a clever flourish.
• The Lily/Ricky dynamic is so strange. Does she like him, or is she purely diabolical?
• Jen and Mr. Mazzara are absolute goals; I’ve never shipped anything harder. 
• Will Gina get her first kiss, now that she’s going on a date with EJ?

 

 

 

 

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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