‘MAKE IT OR BREAK IT,’ SEASON ONE VOLUME 2 (2010)

by 

After finishing the first volume of ABC Family’s inside, I can say that I was sort of “addicted” to it. This is partially because I do like the sport of full twists and stick landings. On the other end of the spectrum, some of the topics the scripts explore do intrigue.

Make it or Break It, Season One Volume 2 (2010) TV Show Review

Payson (Ayla Kell) has dreams – big ones. Her determination will take her far in her sport and those dreams fuel her ability to work hard. Ranked number one in the world, all those dreams crash when Payson suffers a career-ending back injury while competing at Nationals which in turn allow for fellow teammate Kaylie Cruz (Josie Loren) to take the gold medal. Now, Payson is home, recovering and hiding her anger from the world. Especially worried is her mother (Peri Gilpin) who knows that beneath Payson’s “great” persona, she’s not okay. While her friends try to be supportive, more drama is in the offing.

Lauren’s one indiscretion with Carter (Zachary Abel) leaves Kaylie furious at her best friend . Both Carter and Lauren (Cassie Scerbo) try to reconcile with her, she still refuses to acknowledge either one of them. Lauren’s abandonment feeling re-open when her father and his fiancée, Summer (Candace Cameron Bure) end their engagement. Meanwhile, Emily (Chelsea Hobbs) is still trying to keep her family afloat by juggling a job and competitive gymnastics. Then both she and her mother, Chloe (Susan Ward) become entangled in new relationships, all bets are off.

If only one word applies to this show it would be, “drama.” There is enough of it to fuel two shows, and the angst grows old very quickly. I understand the need to put obstacles in the character’s way, but gosh, I wish they’d give them a few more victories amidst the drama that is, mostly, only or effect. The genuine moments deserve more screen time.

RELATED TV SHOW REVIEW | ‘MAKE IT OR BREAK IT,’ SEASON ONE VOLUME ONE (2009)
‘MAKE IT OR BREAK IT,’ SEASON ONE VOLUME 2 (2010) #TVarchives Click To Tweet
‘MAKE IT OR BREAK IT,’ SEASON ONE VOLUME 2 (2010). Review of the second volume of ABC Family's gymnast dramedy. All text © Rissi JC

In these installments, we experience more of Lauren’s ridiculous lies and double-talk (seriously!? Why does anyone even think about trusting this girl!?); Payson’s new life as a high school teenager; and Emily’s world crumble. In each of these scenarios – with exception to Lauren’s pettiness, each girl comes out of the situation with more resolve. That said, I do have to say my heart breaks at the direction Payson heads before a peppy, sweet girl named Heather helps her. The only thing I do miss from Payson’s new life is how quickly writer’s drops the ball on Heather. One episode she plays an important role in Payson’s adjustment and the next, she vanishes without explanation. If you’re annoyed by the whole, Kaylie/Carter/Lauren fiasco, you will be doubly so in the second as it ramps up and ends in a way is disgusting. Lauren could be a good person but for every “good” deed she does, she is ten steps ahead in plotting her payback.

Ironically, Make it or Break it’s greatest weakness is actually what it is all about: Gymnastics. It paints its sport in an unflattering light and its competitors as girls unwilling to put in the hard work to accomplish their goals. Both as an athlete and human being.

Content: More conversation revolves around cheating spouses, and/or boyfriends. There is some mild discussion about the benefits of “waiting for sex.” Profanity is nothing worse than h*ll, da*n and sh*t while elsewhere there is disrespectful behavior and lying from teens. The show is TV14.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

6 comments

  1. I like TV shows that can be addicting. That's how I got started on Doctor Who 8-D

    I hope this one keeps getting better and better.

    Allons-y!

  2. Rosie – oooh! I love 'Switched.' There is a premise that is unique – have you seen Jane By Design from ABC Family? Sadly, it was short-lived with only two seasons but its so darn cute. And talk about charm! :-)

    Jack – unfortunately, this show aired its last episodes with S3. I'm about to start S2 but am skeptical that writers ended things on a good note. :/ With all that drama, seriously, how could they!?

  3. I don't watch ABC Family "live" (or any network regularly) but I do watch some of their DVD sets and original movies if/when they make it to DVD. Most of the latter are adorably cute while their TV series are usually flawed.

    'Switched' is a unique concept and I love it. Jane By Design is a happy go lucky series that makes me smile and this show? Yeah, it's WAY over-dramatized but… intriguing at the same time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

(Enter your URL then click here to include a link to one of your blog posts.)

Optimized by Optimole