Grown-ish Review: Canceled (Season 4 Episode 8)

Sometimes, I forget we’re in the age of Gen Z and all the baggage that comes with it.

But each week, Grown-ish never fails to remind me. Grown-ish Season 4 Episode 8, “Canceled,” feels like the most Gen Z episode ever as it takes a cold hard look at the consequences of social media and cancel culture. 

After Luca sets a Twitter dumpster fire calling out Esme Sharp for stealing Zoey’s jacket designs, internet trolls do their thing and begin the trendy hashtag #EsmeIsOverParty. 

In voice-overs and fourth wall breaks, Zoey clues us in on the definition of cancel culture and how it’s going to ruin her internship — and potentially her career. 

Having Dre and Rainbow as parents and being the oldest child naturally gives Zoey a career-driven mindset, so it’s no surprise her biggest worry is her career. 

Zoey decides to take things into her own hands and puts out a video in an attempt to set the record straight siding with Esme. She may be Gen Z and a social media queen, but apparently, she makes mistakes too! The video backfires and the trolls turn on her for bringing down a woman of color and for clout chasing. 

Esme calls Zoey into her office nudging her to quit, and as she’s about to, Zoey finds her confidence to stand up for herself and not let Esme bully her.

This entire season has really given Zoey exponential character growth, and this scene is one for the books. Rather than remaining intimidated by Esme, Zoey holds the upper hand and demands her jacket and sketches. 

Zoey’s a shark. She just needed to find her fight. And while she may be unemployed and at risk of not graduating, at least she has her dignity. 

On another note, the whole Aaron and Luca showdown seems like a hint at another love triangle. Although, let’s hope that’s not the case, otherwise it would be too predictable and boring. Zoey and Aaron have gone through the wringer too many times, please let them just ride out this senior year. 

Although Zoey may not be totally clued in on racial inequality, she certainly has an opinion on sexism and unchecked toxic masculinity. 

So, Aaron and Luca are both thrown into the doghouse after they assume their support is helpful rather than degrading and overbearing. They better put away their alpha male energy, or else they may be stuck in the doghouse indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Jazz and Des seem to be getting friendlier and flirtier. In a storyline vaguely reminiscent of HBO Max’s Genera+ion, Jazz learns Des doesn’t identify as gay, but queer. 

It is rare a TV show highlights a bisexual/queer man who bends gender norms, especially one who isn’t condemned to stereotypical ultra-feminization. But Grown-ish takes on the challenge smoothly without feeling forced. 

As an athlete whose natural appearance is extremely masculine, it is relieving to see Des’s feminine side make an appearance. 

Despite Gen Z’s openness to sexuality and gender-bending, Jazz still remains hesitant when she realizes Des is wearing a dress to the party.

It’s a really important topic to touch upon, especially in this show. Plus, it will be interesting to see Jazz’s journey to open-mindedness. 

What did you think of this episode of Grown-ish? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Stray Musings:

• “You can stick to jumping those hurdles and not to conclusions.” 
• No matter what happens between Jazz and Des, their chemistry is seriously off the charts. 
• Esme’s behavior is unbelievable and quite frankly unacceptable. Go, Zoey!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Grown-ish airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Freeform.

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