Queens Review: Heart of Queens (Season 1 Episode 2)

The group tries to balance the real world while capitalizing on the interest in its comeback on Queens Season 1 Episode 2, “Heart of Queens”

“Heart of Queens” uses flashbacks to cleverly show how it all came to an end the first time, and the struggle to not make the same mistakes again. This episode tells us what the show is really going to be, a great story of family and friendship that’s also full of jams.

The regular life ups and downs get us more invested than any big musical moment ever can. The authenticity of their emotions make this episode impossible to look away from.

Naomi has told everyone that she doesn’t know who her daughter Jojo’s father is. Turns out it’s Cam’ron, whom she went to after a fight with Eric.

Jojo is a smart, mature young woman who deserves better from her mother, and could be a fascinating addition to the family these women have created. Her head is on straighter than all the grown women in the Queens.

Though she’s definitely the lead, it’s not clear if we’re supposed to be sympathetic toward Naomi. Based on the choices she makes, we can’t say she’s very likeable. It will be interesting to see what kind of redemption journey Brandy takes the character on.

We also don’t need to spend any more time with the Naomi/Eric/Valeria love triangle. Honestly, these women are too grown to still be falling for Eric’s tired manipulations.

He’s straddling the line between supporting them and trying to help himself. Push comes to shove, we know he’ll burn the Queens without hesitating.

Jill only gets a few short minutes to live in the joy of being her authentic self before life kicks her in the butt. She’s in the local papers and is rejected by her church. She sees being with the Queens as the only place where she won’t be judged.

It’s through her friendship with Lauren that Jill figures out she can’t keep running from her own life. Naturi Naughton and Pepi Sonuga have a sweet big sister/little sister bond that brings out the best in both characters.

Jill and Lauren may end up being the secret weapon of Queens.

Brianna is still struggling with whether to forgive her husband, something made more complicated by his brain tumor. Eve is fantastic as she highlights what a horrible position Brianna is in.

She really wishes she could just walk away, and go back to being Professor Sex, but in the end, she holds it together for her children.

Queens may want us to see Naomi as the centerpiece of the series, but it’s Brianna’s story that keeps the show grounded and relatable. Plus, Eve steals every scene she’s in.

Valeria is the only member of the group we haven’t spent extra time with. All we know about her so far is that she’s constantly on the hustle, and can’t really be trusted.

Nadine Velazquez is bringing all the personality she can to the character, so we hope future episodes give her something more than one liners and attitude.

If Queens Season 1 Episode 1, “1999,” is the opening track that gets you mildly interested in the album, “Heart of Queens” is the banger that makes you hit download and keep listening.

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

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Queens airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC.

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