MAKE IT OR BREAK IT “What Lies Beneath/Worlds Apart” Season Finale Review

MAKE IT OR BREAK IT “What Lies Beneath/Worlds Apart” Season 2 Finale Episodes 19 & 20 - Whether or not MAKE IT OR BREAK IT returns for season 3, tonight’s season 2 finale has served its purpose. The USA win at Worlds leaves a positive glow that is a satisfying end, particularly if it is the end of the series. If not, the team still has their dream working toward the Olympics in a new season. Generally, I think “What Lies Beneath/Worlds Apart” is a good season finale. I like that the writers ended with a strong message about anorexia. I’m relieved that the issue with the DVD is finally resolved. And I’m glad that perfect Payson finally understands that she doesn’t have to be dull and live only for gymnastics. Having said this, however, pretty much all the story lines from the season are so neatly tied up in these last two episodes that it is just a little too convenient. There is also an incompatible mix of aw-shucks and blatantly “shocker” moments that just don’t seem to fit together well. Still I can forgive these criticisms because season finales are supposed to be about the shock value and to defy logic at times. Also I actually like knowing the conclusions to story lines, and having key elements carry over to the following season. My only inconsolable and huge disappointment of the season, and especially these last few episodes, is the nonexistent character of Emily. I can’t get over how abruptly and sloppily her story line was dealt with. And yes, I understand that certain arrangements had to be made with Chelsea Hobbs being pregnant in reality. But I think the show was irresponsible in how it handled the sensitive issue(s) of pregnancy and how Emily was shipped, or rather bused, off, thereby sending her into social isolation and away from the other girls. What, they couldn’t call her?

PART ONE:
Everyone gets along at first. Kelly finds that she likes having a friend. Despite manamomster Sheila laying a guilt trip on her, Kelly lets down her devil horns. Kaylie invites Kelly to the Tanners party, telling her that she is part of the team. I’m surprised KP didn’t melt when she uttered the word team. But Kelly loses Kaylie’s trust when she admits to stealing Kaylie’s diary. Kaylie makes a 180 degree turn. Was it deserved? Yes and no.

Being in a super nice mood, Kaylie hands her Grrrl health bar sponsorship to Payson, who comes to feel the pressure of losing her scholarship money. She also comes to regret confessing her love to Max when he doesn’t exactly seem to reciprocate. Patience, I’m getting to “that”!

Ellen Beals rears her head again. Her investigation by the ethics committee is definitely deserved! Look out, she will seek revenge after Worlds.

So Steve hasn’t changed his lying ways all that much. And Sasha is looking a whole lot better to Summer after his noble gesture, forgiving Lauren for jeopardizing his career. There must have been a little part in Sasha that was forgiving her because he just wanted to win. Was Sasha implying that Summer’s religious beliefs are safe?

Lauren is needy and jealous at the thought of losing to Payson. It must have hurt to be turned down by Max, who admirably turns down a sex invite. Will Lauren never learn?! Yet tonight Lauren finally says something with a hint of truth to it: “I just don’t want to be alone.” It is so sad that Lauren is more excited about the marriage and her pending adoption than Summer is.

PART TWO:
Bring it on! It’s all about beating Ivanka and Gen Ji in Rio de Janeiro. The girls nearly sabotage themselves with their infighting. Lo and behold, Kelly turns out to be right and unites the team again. Everyone comes clean. I like Kelly as supportive teammate but it seems too much as if she is replacing Emily. And she is more fun to watch as Lauren, Kaylie and Payson’s archenemy.

Okay, the moment you’ve been waiting for…OMG! WTF! RUKM! Max likes to kiss guys and girls! He’s bisexual?! Anyone else as surprised as me at this? To be honest, I always thought Austin would turn out to be gay. With all his wisdom and understanding, Austin always seems too good to be true. But Max being such a new character, if we don’t get another season, this news is random, pointless, and pure shock. Though Payson/Max and Kaylie/Austin admittedly are cute couples.

The car accident (and its consequences) is another random and overly convenient event, in which Lauren loses both her fierceness and flirtiness prior to Worlds.

Rolling my eyes at Payson’s reenactment of Kerri Strug’s vault and one-legged hop.

Did anyone notice that spectator wearing the white jacket in the front row? That extra was really taking advantage of her “role” and completely overacting. Distracting but very funny.

I’ve never seen gymnasts wear that much makeup! I am disturbed by the whole scene; lipstick sharing grosses me out.

Kaylie’s floor routine comeback left me with a happy feeling, as did the team’s win for USA. Was there any doubt? Is it even possible to make such a comeback?

Do you want another season of Make It or Break It? What did you think of the finale episodes “What Lies Beneath/Worlds Apart”? Comment below.