Tuca & Bertie Review: The Moss (Season 2 Episode 6)
Tuca & Bertie Season 2 Episode 6, “The Moss,” explores gentrification in the only way this show can — through the lens of pervasive, growing moss. It’s a unique approach to a significant issue that plagues major cities across the country.
This series loves to utilize visuals to convey emotions, specifically the emotions our main characters are feeling. “The Moss” tries something different here, in more ways than one. Of course, the spreading moss represents “big business,” and apartment complexes that hike up rent for the sake of attracting newer, wealthier occupants.
“The Moss” feels disjointed in the grand scheme of things, mostly due to the show’s signature coverage of mental health.
Tuca & Bertie artfully addresses all aspects of mental health in a way that’s innovative and relatable.
While this episode does what it’s supposed to do i.e. remind us that gentrification isn’t a good thing, it doesn’t quite stick the landing.
Now, that’s not to say that Tuca & Bertie shouldn’t broach new territory or cover important topics. But perhaps the message would’ve really resonated if this episode focused more on Tuca and Bertie’s emotional/mental reactions to the gentrifying of their apartment building as opposed to the, well, moss.
This show flourishes when it hones in on our eponymous pair’s inner complexities to make a statement.
One can’t help but feel slightly discombobulated when going from sexual trauma exploration to gentrification on a series that specializes in the former. However, the episode doesn’t solely shed light on the repercussions of gentrifying neighborhoods and social class disparities.
Additionally, “The Moss,” asks this question: What makes a place “historical”? Is it famous people who waft in and out like ghosts, or the average folks who spend decades in that same spot? Tuca’s endeavors to prevent rent increase include a monologue about the salt-of-the-Earth people who live there.
Regular people make history. The messaging here falls more in line with what Tuca & Bertie‘s all about: everyone is important, regardless of whether or not they’re in history books.
The episode’s B-plot is all about Speckles and Bertie moving into their house, marking the start of a new chapter for the couple. Unfortunately, Speckles’ “masturbatory” art spree culminates in Bertie staying (Maybe moving back in?) with Tuca.
Tuca & Bertie is not particularly plot-heavy, but this move definitely stirs up troubled waters in the overall narrative.
The ending of “The Moss” propels this story forward.
Bertie’s decision will be interesting to explore, and here’s hoping the show gracefully addresses Bertie’s mental health after making a choice that could have a ripple effect on the rest of the season.
While this isn’t Tuca & Bertie‘s strongest outing, it does present interesting questions as well as end on a cliffhanger that could pose a potential threat for the remainder of the season. One that could release the floodgates on Tuca and Bertie’s convoluted codependency issues.
What did you think of this episode of Tuca & Bertie? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Tuca & Bertie airs Sundays at 11:30/10:30c on Adult Swim.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.