Friday, August 12, 2016

What I’m Watching: Vice Principals

Vice Principals: Season 1, Episode 4 “Run for the Money” (B+)

This episode showcased an important difference between our two protagonists as they were in the middle of a fierce rivalry between two schools. While Lee is undoubtedly the most likeable one, he’s also fully crazy and seemingly just in it for the chase. His lack of concern about the school he serves losing once again to their rivals was telling, while the much harsher Neal didn’t want to squash the hopes and dreams of those he disciplines on a regular basis. Watching him eagerly announce the crimes of those in in-school suspension to the replacement for the poor secretary he had to fire showed his passion for enforcing his rules, and he doesn’t let that get in the way of wanting some form of success. Dr. Brown is also firmly committed to fostering a win for her school, and when she saw how the other principal talked down to her, that only egged her on more. The most exciting discovery of this episode for me was the recognition of Dr. Brown’s son as RJ Cyler, who played the fantastic role of Earl in the equally fantastic film “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” Seeing Dr. Brown’s home life and the fact that she and her sons are now living in a motel makes her more sympathetic, and I suspect that this latest act of heroism might turn Neal more towards her while it will keep Lee fighting to bring her down in the most violent and destructive way possible.

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