Ginny and Georgia, S2, darkness descends

Ginny and Georgia, season 2, takes a deeper look into the character and background of Georgia (Brianne Howey). It delves into mental illness, first love, the will to survive, and the love and protection of family. Some heavy material hides behind Georgia’s irresistible smile.

Ginny and Georgia has 10 episodes in season 2. That offers room to tell many stories about Georgia and her family as well as the friends, neighbors, and workmates around them. If you haven’t seen it yet, the trailer gives you lots of hints. That out of whack G at the end of the trailer tells you a lot.

The season ends with Georgia in a bad place, but she’s dealt with plenty of bad situations in her life. Netflix better come through with a 3rd season of this one!

A large part of the storyline deals with the upcoming marriage of Georgia and the mayor, Paul Randolph (Scott Porter). Their relationship is well developed and explored. However Georgia’s exes – the fathers of her children – complicate the story. Ginny’s (Antonia Gentry) dad, Zion Miller (Nathan Mitchell), is around a lot. He’s a good guy and helpful.

Austin’s (Diesel La Torraca) dad, Gil (Aaron Ashmore) shows up near the end of the season and causes havoc. One of the best episodes of the season is episode 9, “Kill Gil,” a Tarantinoesque homage to Kill Bill.

Ginny remains friends with her original group of friends, including Max (Sara Waisglass) and Abby (Katie Douglas). But she expands her friendships to include some of the Black kids at school, especially Bracia (Tameka Griffiths). There’s a school musical again this year and Bracia and Max are the stars.

Ginny’s dad discovers Ginny’s been self harming. He puts her in therapy. It helps Ginny deal with her complicated mother, her racial identity, and much more of the pain in her life.

Marcus (Felix Mallard) is still Ginny’s love interest. He has a mental illness storyline of his own in season 2. Other characters have issues too, such as Abby’s body image issues. These kids are all complicated and troubled and determined to survive.

The mental health issues were handled very well in the writing of the series. Thoughtful.

Georgia is smart, resilient and a survivor. She’s done some very bad things to survive. A single mom at 15, Georgia had to learn to deal with hard stuff on her own. Her choices aren’t always the best. She would do anything to protect her two kids. The kids are both troubled and broken, but strong and resilient like Georgia. There’s no giving up for this family. The story of this family makes you appreciate how much love and work and determination goes into surviving chaotic lives.

The family chemistry between Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, and Diesel La Torraca is strong and believable. There are many fine performances in this large cast, but Brianne Howey and Antonia Gentry as Georgia and Ginny definitely turn in great work.

A few characters too important not to mention include Joe (Raymond Ablack) who runs the cafe where everyone hangs out and where Ginny works. Georgia’s neighbor Cynthia (Sabrina Grdevich), who has a dying husband, is important in how the season ends. The PI Gabriel Cordova (Alex Mallari Jr.) hangs around trying to pin old murders on Georgia. I note a few other characters of importance in my review of season 1.

Women directors included Audrey Cummings, Danishka Esterhazy, Anya Adams, Rose Troche, and Sharon Lewis. The series was created by Sarah Lampert. Cheerful colors, well-chosen music, and bright smiles hide the powerful human stories hiding in this dark comedy. If you haven’t given it a look yet, both seasons are available on Netflix.