The kids and the refreshing streetside energy of Heartbreak High are back as Year 11 heads towards its end of term and, in the first few minutes of episode 1, the Sydney school is afire during the year formal. But what happened in the lead up?
Amerie (Ayesha Madon) still manages to place herself (not always willingly) at the centre of attention as the Gen Z narratives unspool although it’s the return of sports teacher Voss (Angus Sampson) igniting toxic masculinity values around which much of season two centres – along with the inevitable teenage romances.
The tangled webs of teenage angst and romance continue unabated in Heartbreak High where, whilst contributory, adults remain second fiddle. School elections see opinions divided and where, in spite of her continued general unpopularity, Amerie decides to stand with the autistic Quinni (Chloe Hayden) as her campaign manager. It pits them against the conservative counterpoint of the Voss-supported retrograde strut of Spider (Bryn Chapman Parish) and the energised extremism of lesbian vegan environmentalist Sasha (Gemma Chua-Tran). Expect dirty tricks and distraction in the election lead up as real life gets in the way.
Flirtatious new boy Rowan (Sam Rechner) causes plenty of problems for the on/off romance between Amerie and Malakai (Thomas Weatherall). He’s making eyes at both of them – much to the consternation and sexual confusion of Malakai. Feeling equally confused and isolated is Darren (James Majoos), uncertain of where he stands with Ca$h (Will McDonald) who is desperately trying to extract himself from the drug running of Chook (Tom Wilson) and his gang.
It wouldn’t be Heartbreak High and its fresh take on the tumultuous teen years without drama, melodrama, a little bit of (plot line) silliness, over-egged adult performances (whilst school Principal Woodsy – Rachel House – is thankfully calmer, Voss is increasingly stereotypical as the series progresses) and unlikely scenarios. But there’s no denying that, whilst falling a little short on season one, the second season with its eight episodes continues in a light hearted vein with serious undertones.
Rating: 65%
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