iCarly Review: i’M a USA Bae (Season 2 Episode 8)

iCarly Season 2 Episode 8, “i’M a USA Bae,” entertains viewers with a slew of pop culture references as well as a glimpse into the struggle of constantly being in the public eye. 

The nature of the episode is split into two narratives, which follows the path of the rest of the season. The first focuses on Carly and what her USA Bae doll will represent and the second centers on Freddie and his relationship with Pearl.

Paul also makes a return, and his energy and character are more welcome the second time around. 

Creating a Carly USA Bae doll is a smart, multi-faceted look into life as a celebrity. It also brings in some real talk about what it’s like to be a woman in the limelight.

At first, the doll made for Carly is pretty with no substance and then the second doll is drab instead, but also lacks role model qualities. Here, iCarly brilliantly demonstrates the idea that people are not just one thing, and how you’re perceived doesn’t define who you are as a person.

While they keep it light and funny by ultimately making a combined horror creation of a doll, the message behind it still comes through. 

It’s nice to see that throughout the whole doll mishap, Paul is supportive of Carly the entire time. He knows what it means for her to be a real role model, and even though neither of them gets money in the end he is able to keep her brand and her integrity alive.

The other half of “i’M a USA Bae” deals with the complications and anxieties (I’m sure both millennials and Gen Z can relate to) of being in a new relationship.

Freddie and Pearl are super fresh but super cute. iCarly continues to bring out classic traits of Freddie, and the essence of his personality is the same as it was in the original. The 14 texts he sent to Pearl are proof enough.

It also seems like Freddie and Spencer are teaming up while Harper remains by Carly’s side. These pairings do work, but a switch of the dynamic could also be done well, since the characters all play off each other nicely. 

Spencer’s wild scheme to use Sully the monkey as way to fix Pearl and Freddie is as outlandish and wild as to be expected. He’s cooky and at this point everyone knows it and accepts it. 

What Season 2 Episode 8 does is showcase the importance of honest and open communication. Pearl and Freddie don’t need excessive gestures and drama, they just need to talk to each other and even though the campy comedy is appreciated, the overall simplicity of talking is what shines. 

Stray Thoughts:

• Harper hitting on the USA Bae employee is so incredibly on brand, but honestly, he immediately gave me the ick
• The pop-culture references to sitcoms, The Bachelor and American Girl Doll are done in a cute way that didn’t feel overdone

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

iCarly airs Fridays on Paramount+.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

15 TV Characters We’d Love to Go on a Road Trip With