In the penultimate episode of Season 1 of "The Sex Lives of College Girls," titled "Cheating," the roommates encounter a pivotal moment in their college odyssey, where their decisions and actions unfold into consequences that will inexorably mold the season's climax. The episode opens with a somber tone, mirroring the profound challenges each character confronts. At the heart of the narrative remains Bela's grapple with the aftermath of her assault by Ryan at the Catullan. Her courageous decision to report the incident to the Title IX office is met with a cavalier attitude from her friends, which feels jarringly insensitive given the magnitude of her plight. The humor-tinged dialogue surrounding Bela's assault, presumably an attempt to alleviate the tension, falls flat and seems woefully inadequate for the weighty issue at hand.
Bela's interaction with the Title IX office represents a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies faced by South Asian women in disclosing sexual assault. Instead, the episode opts for a cursory treatment of a grave subject, leaving a sense of disappointment. Bela's hesitation to sever ties with the Catullan, driven not by a lack of necessity but by her fear of disrupting team cohesion, further highlights the mismanagement of this pivotal plotline.
Whitney's storyline undergoes an unexpected twist as she faces the ramifications of her affair with Coach Dalton. The team's unexpectedly supportive reaction, given the gravity of her transgression, strikes a discordant note. Whitney's apology and the team's swift forgiveness undercut the potential for drama and tension that could have been richly explored.
Leighton's personal turmoil over her sexuality and her bond with Alicia reaches a climax, pushing their relationship to its breaking point. A romantic escape intended to bring them closer together is instead shattered by Leighton's paranoia and deep-seated fear of being exposed, ultimately culminating in a heart-wrenching separation. In a bid to reclaim agency over her own story, Leighton takes a drastic step by revealing Nico's infidelity to his girlfriend Maya, an act that, while desperate, also sows the seeds for potential fallout.
Kimberly's academic dishonesty emerges as another pivotal theme in this episode. Her choice to cheat on her midterm exam using Nico's test copy underscores her prioritization of their relationship over her academic success. The repercussions of her actions, including the looming threat of expulsion, add a layer of intensity to the narrative and hint at potential consequences that could reverberate throughout the season finale.
The episode attempts to infuse awkward humor and moments of levity, but these often fall flat given the gravity of the issues at play. Jokes concerning Bela's assault and Whitney's affair seem tone-deaf and detract from the emotional significance that these scenarios deserve.
In summation, "Cheating" stands as a crucial episode that sets the stage for the season finale. It delves into themes of honesty, integrity, and the ramifications of one's deeds. Yet, its handling of serious matters such as sexual assault and academic dishonesty leaves much to be desired, often resorting to humor where a more sensitive and respectful approach would have been far more apt. As the episode concludes, viewers are left on tenterhooks, eager to see how the roommates will navigate the aftermath of their choices and the profound impact these decisions will have on their relationships and futures at Essex College.
