Sloppy Seconds Ain't My Style

Episode Information

Season	Episode
1	6

Airdate

May 4, 2023

Written by

Laura Pollak

Directed by

Jamal Sims

Episode Guide

Synopsis[]

With the election over, Cynthia questions whether the Pink Ladies’ relationship will be the same as she rehearses for the play. As the girls consider who they are without each other, they make unexpected connections. Nancy struggles to delegate her vision to Hazel while making costumes for the play. Jane and Susan, at the peak of their frustrations with one another, are forced to take drivers ed together. And Olivia must ask for Mr. Daniels help to do an investigation for the newspaper.

Plot[]

Buddy and Jane talked on the phone about their recent kiss. She wanted to keep what happened between them for now, as she only recently broke up with Richie. Jane and Buddy have a lot to sort out, and he added they didn't have to decide anything right now. She would love his help with the presidential duties. It was getting late, so she hung up with an exasperated look while Buddy grinned.

Cynthia and Lydia practiced her lines for the play, though it turned into kissing in the living room. Lydia ended the session for the day, then remembered it was her first time doing a play, and broke it down for her. It would become her whole life, consume her, and then when it was time she'd pour her heart out, it'd go too fast, and then boom. It would be over, and they would all move on. She left without another word.

Buddy practiced his lines on his windowsill across from Hazel, who stood on her roof with her telescope. She knew his lines perfectly and helped him. He knew she got stage fright, but it was bananas she was doing props when she had the whole play memorized. She promised she was happy. Her father opened the window and told her to come inside, as it was dangerous. She did it all the time back home, but the roof here was different. He remarked about her spending so much time rehearsing for a play she wasn't in. Her mom tried to show her outfits to wear for the play, even though Hazel would be in the background. Her dad remarked that not everyone needed to be seen all the time, but her mom found it hard because she gave birth to a star only to have Hazel hide her shine with plaids. The girl gazed out the window while her parents bickered about her clothing.

Morning at Rydell High began with everyone outside the school. The Pink Ladies arrived and Olivia teased that she knew a secret about one of them. She blurted out that Jane won the election, which thrilled everyone. Nancy was ready to put the election behind her so they could work on the costumes for the play. Olivia asked if Cynthia was ready for the play, but the girl had stopped walking and stared at Lydia across the lot. The girls thought she was nervous and offered to support her, but Cynthia instead blurted out that she was on the rag. Nancy hurried off to see if she needed a sanitary napkin or to punch someone. Olivia and Jane turned to see the T-Birds get into their car noisily. Olivia was surprised Richie showed up as he'd been in a state since Halloween. Jane asked if he was okay, and Olivia admitted he wasn't, but wasn't going to get in the middle. Richie lowered his sunglasses to look at the girls, and Jane looked over her shoulder at him as Olivia walked away.

In gym class, the boys got new basketballs while the girls were given the boys' old ones. The intercom chimed as Miss McGee announced the new class president. The Pink Ladies gripped hands tightly while the Socs stood around Buddy. McGee announced the president was Buddy Aldridge. The Socs screamed and cheered him on, while Nancy questioned Olivia about Jane's win. Cynthia remarked it was nice knowing them. They started the group to win the election but she just lost, which meant they weren't a group anymore. Jane insisted they were still friends, but Cynthia wasn't sure if they were ever friends or just four gals who came together for a common goal that they failed to achieve. Olivia backed up Jane as the Pink Ladies were still a gang, win or lose, nothing changed that. Buddy watched the girls talk when Susan congratulated him. Jane walked off to talk to Buddy, which Cynthia remarked was just the beginning. Susan stared at Buddy and Jane.

In the hall, Olivia couldn't believe Buddy had the nerve to ask Jane to help him. She admitted she asked him before in good sportsmanship. The Pink Ladies could still rule together, just in a different way. If all Jane had was Buddy's ear, that's what she would work with to accomplish what they set out to do. She couldn't be a sore loser, so Olivia would be one for her. She wasn't done being her campaign manager yet. Olivia caught Mr. Daniels who was headed out for the day. She insisted it was about the paper and nothing else, but he wasn't convinced. She understood that he wanted “beige Barb” and not her. She wanted to investigate a story for the paper. She was there when the PTA counted the votes and Jane had won, but Buddy had miraculously won. She didn't have proof yet but wanted to find some.

Hazel and Lydia watched Cynthia perform drearily onstage with Buddy. Nancy barged across the stage and nearly knocked Hazel off her feet, though Wally caught her. He made sure she was okay and then bought a ticket from her. She asked if he came to see Buddy and he looked her up and down then admitted not really. Mr. Vaughan told Cynthia she was awful and instructed Lydia to double up her rehearsal time. He instructed her not to go easy, then hurried off to look at the costumes. He was sorely disappointed when he saw Romeo's costume without pants and the unfinished Verona costumes. She stoically told him art takes time, but the curtain waited for no one. She had 26 hours to finish her art and instructed the thespians to help her. He searched for “Hazelle”, oblivious to the fact she was right in front of him.

Buddy put a record on with the lights dimmed for his discussion with Jane about student council policies. He joked that she couldn't blame him for trying. She saw the student president's gavel, though he still had it from last year. He offered to let her hold it but she declined. Susan entered the house with a sing-song voice and mused over the darkness before she saw Buddy with Jane. Susan had assumed they'd continue to work together considering she ran his entire campaign. Buddy was sure they could all find a way to work together, but the girls refused and insisted he choose between them. He hesitated then chose Jane, with an apology to Susan, who thought he had some nerve. She stormed out of the house with a scream. Buddy and Jane sat back on the couch as he tapped the gavel for her to have the floor.

Nancy struggled to pick between fabrics for Juliet's dress. Hazel tried to talk to her about time management, which was 12 costumes in 23 hours. She suggested simplifying her designs to delegate sewing. Nancy snapped for her to get a jump on human cloning, as that was the only way she'd delegate. Hazel was trying to help her and called her unreasonable. Nancy didn't need her help and told her to fade back into the wallpaper backstage. Hazel was offended, but Nancy used the mannequins to imitate her. She bumped into everyone and apologized nasally. Hazel, angered, imitated Nancy. She shoved the mannequins down as she shouted over having vision even though she couldn't make a decision, and for everyone to get out of her way. Nancy quietly reminded the mannequin that she was there because she was forgettable. That hurt Hazel, who tearfully wished her luck, sure that the genius could do this alone. She stormed out and the thespians asked permission to leave. When they did, Nancy sat down at her machine in tears.

Cynthia and Lydia practiced more in Cynthia's house. She couldn't see the point in rehearsing for only 90 minutes of performance, but that wasn't exactly what Lydia had said before. It might only be 90 minutes, but she began to explain when Cynthia asked her to leave. She stopped Lydia as she began to leave, and gave her the chance to say something else. Lydia told her to enunciate more then left.

That afternoon, Rosemary, Dot, and the other girl Socs shouted hello at an eating Susan from a pickup truck in the parking lot. Susan saw Jane and Buddy together and was upset. Her mother arrived to question why she looked down and assumed it was her period because she looked puffy. She was there for a PTA meeting and Susan admitted that Buddy ditched her for Jane again. Tippy thought she was too eager with the boys, which they didn't like. They liked to chase because of their primal nature. She took away Susan's lunch as she wasn't hungry, but upset for no reason. Jane was not half as pretty as Susan. She gave Susan some pills that always added a pep to Tippy's step. She thought Susan needed them to stay trim and handed her two. They each took their pills and Tippy left. Susan put the bottle in her purse and headed over to the student driver's car where Jane waited. Coach Wade greeted the two girls and they both wanted to go first. He sarcastically noted it was two girls who didn't like each other then tossed Jane the keys. The girls glared at each other as they passed, and Coach Wade rattled off directions.

Mr. Vaughan ran through the lighting for the kiss and called his Romeo and Juliet to the spotlight. Buddy had his sword and Hazel offered to take it. He chuckled as he forgot she was there and handed it off. Vaughan told “Hazelle” to get off the stage and she retreated.

Olivia and Mr. Daniels looked over the voting records. 213 people signed in to vote but 181 were counted. It couldn't be a mistake but it also wasn't enough to prove anything. He thought she could crack this wide open, and she asked if he would let the administration shut down the story. Even teachers had to feel alive sometimes, which she teased was sad. Everyone voted during homeroom so if they could get the attendance records they could be sure votes were missed. McGee went into her office so Daniels and Olivia broke apart. He whispered for her to bring the records into his office during the play so they could go over them together. McGee came over to Olivia once Daniels was gone to inquire what they spoke about. She was surprised to hear Olivia was still in the newspaper club. Olivia appealed to her as Jane won, but McGee checked it herself after the PTA's recount, which she wasn't here for. Oliva smelled a rat in the election but knew she was the only one who cared enough to do something about it. McGee sighed as Olivia left.

Jane drove up to the dry cleaners painfully slowly then jerked to a stop several feet from the curb. Coach Wade had Susan swap with Jane so they'd get home that night. Once switched, Jane wondered if he'd make them run errands all day. Susan asked if she was worried about the play because Buddy would be lost if she wasn't drooling in the audience over him. She didn't know what he saw in her because she wasn't even pretty. Jane snapped back that if Susan were any shallower she'd be a puddle. Coach Wade got in the car and instructed her to take them to the post office. She jerked forward and Jane chastised her for not having checked her mirrors. Susan told her to shut it as it was her turn now.

She sang about her complicated childhood in a finishing school, where she was taught to be perfect in every aspect of her life, and reinforced stereotypes about why girl can't drive. She didn't get a chance to decide who she was and had her whole life planned out for her. Tippy and the teacher punished both young Susan and teen Susan. The Socs were at her dreamscape party before she picked up a bat and did an ensemble with her younger self and other dancers about why girls couldn't drive. In the real world, she lost control of the car and Wade tried to yank the wheel and they hit a sign and crashed. He left the girls together as he went for a tow truck. Susan cried in the front seat.

Nicholson golfed in his office when McGee entered to have a word. There were questions over the vote count for the election. She saw with her own eyes that Jane Facciano won, so he suggested she get new spectacles. Her prescription was up to date, but she thanked him for his concern. He sat on the desk and admitted that Jane did win, but he gave it to Buddy because he needed it more for college. McGee was shocked and reminded him that Jane wanted to go to college too. He waved her off as girls only went to college to get their MRS degree. Buddy could be somebody in the world. McGee went to college which surprised him as he didn't. Being principal was about tough decisions, and she'd find that out when he named her as his replacement. He wanted to run for superintendent and shushed her for the secret. If he won and she played her cards right, the office could be hers - except his portrait, he would take that with him.

Nancy nearly fell asleep at the sewing machine but finished Juliet's red dress. The main stars were perfect, but the rest of Verona was still unfinished. Meanwhile, Hazel watched rehearsal when Nancy stalked up and scared her. She apologized for both scaring her and for before. She took in a deep, shaky breath and struggled to admit that Hazel was right. She tearfully admitted that she needed help unless Hazel had something else to do. She handed a mask to Geraldine and was ready to help.

They burst into the sewing room where Hazel found the incredible muslin prototypes. Hazel thought they'd be perfect, but Nancy disregarded it because everyone would look the same. Hazel pointed out that Romeo and Juliet wouldn't, and Nancy realized it was because they were, allegedly, in love. Conceptually, that idea worked and it was art that Nancy made. The vision was bold, which was all Hazel.

Jane helped Susan pick up her scattered pills. They sat together on the lawn. Susan bet that Jane would tell the whole school about what happened, but Jane didn't plan on it. She called Jane a good person which was why Buddy would never choose her over Jane. Not as a girlfriend and not even for student council. He may have chosen Jane, but she was still number two and didn't have power. Susan called her stupid because people at Rydell were gaga over the Pink Ladies and cared about what she had to say and listened to them. That was power. Jane commented on the insightfulness of the comment. Susan apologized for having nearly killed them, even though Jane wasn't a good driver either. Jane knew and it bothered her because it was such a stereotype, which made them both chuckle. Coach Wade returned because the gas station was closed so they would have to walk back. They should get used to it, because he flunked both of them. Jane was shocked and ran after him as she questioned the grade, as she had never flunked anything in her life. Susan picked up her pill bottle and left it on the grass as she chased after Jane and Coach Wade.

McGee found Olivia still at work in the office and offered to finish up. She was just trying to kill time before the play, so McGee gave her a new stack. Barbara scampered over with wedding invitations as she couldn't wait to give them out. She handed one to McGee, who was sure it would be a beautiful affair. Barb planned to pop in on Leonard and Olivia watched her drape over him through the window. McGee noticed and knew she was disappointed. It must feel very unfair to see Jane place as the runner-up, but she hoped this served as a reminder to both of them that there are some situations where a woman doesn't have to settle for second place. Olivia eyed Daniels and Barb then thanked McGee. She got started on the paperwork and looked up at the clock.

The thespians prepared for the play in dress rehearsal. Geraldine was ready for it to be over and so was Cynthia, though Floyd didn't think she could complain. Cynthia powdered her face and Lydia tried to help her, but Cynthia snapped at her and stormed off. She stormed into the music room and Lydia followed her. She told her that her hair was brown, though Cynthia didn't want to play along. She finally conceded and repeated what Lydia told her. Lydia called her scared, and Cynthia tearfully repeated it. She realized Lydia was too, and they repeated the sentiment breathlessly. They touched and then kissed passionately. They giggled nervously and then Cynthia panicked. She walked out of the room.

The thespians headed to the stage as Hazel helped Buddy with his costume. He thought she was on props but she's learned to step out of her comfort zone. She asked if he was okay, but before he could respond, Nancy arrived looking for Cynthia. Floyd would be impressed if she decided to be a diva and hold up the curtain. Nancy and Hazel headed to the dressing room to look, and Hazel told Buddy to break a leg on her way out. The girls found a message from Cynthia on the mirror in lipstick that said, “Sorry”. Nancy had to find Cynthia but first, she told Hazel to strip. She knew all the lines, was basically the same dress size, and should have been Juliet the whole time. This is the only way to save the show, et cetera, et cetera. Hazel thought it made logical sense and Nancy was glad they got there. She helped Hazel strip quickly.

Olivia went to Mr. Daniels's office and put her hand on the knob, but couldn't bring herself to open it. Jane emerged from the outside as she had the craziest day. Susan, of all people, made her realize she didn't want to play second fiddle to Buddy. She told Olivia to forget the source because the Pink Ladies had power at this school. Olivia showed her the mismatched vote counts that proved Jane won. Jane didn't think it mattered as she didn't have to be president for the group to make a difference. She didn't want to do any of it without the Pink Ladies, which was good to hear. She also had to tell Olivia that she kissed Buddy after she broke things off with Richie, who she knew Olivia didn't want her to date, but it was still weird because he was her brother. She didn't know how to feel about all of it, and Olivia told Jane it was okay. Those things were complicated. She was about to go meet with Mr. Daniels in his office. That sounded complicated to Jane, too. But Olivia decided not to because she wasn't going to be in second place either. Nancy skidded over to the girls as they had to go - it was Cynthia. Daniels was left alone in his office.

The crowd clapped as the play moved on to the next act. Lydia emerged from behind the stage to introduce Juliet, who didn't come out on her cue. She repeated the cue and Hazel took a deep breath, steadied herself, then stepped into the light. The crowd was shocked and Mr. Vaughan looked out in surprise. Hazel performed perfectly through her song about finding her light after being in the shadows for so long. She was still afraid but continued her performance. She kissed Buddy on stage and everyone gasped again. A podium came down and Hazel took her spot on it as it raised into the air as her skirt flowed into a beautiful train. The spotlight went out and the song ended.

Olivia, Nancy, and Jane knocked on the door and insisted on knowing what happened. Cynthia didn't want to talk about it and the girls pushed their way inside. They would love to not talk about it. All they ever did was talk about elections, plans, and schemes, so they were exhausted. Cynthia asked what they'd do instead, which was just watch TV. The trio took a seat on the couch and floor. They patted the empty cushion for Cynthia, who eventually took it.

Tommy gave the end monologue as Juliet and Romeo lay dead on the stage. Hazel opened one eye to see the crowd as they applauded. Her parents, Wally, Kallie, and Mr. Aldrigde were all in attendance. The cast came out to take their final bow with Romeo and Juliet. Hazel's mom smiled over no more plaid for Hazel. Mr. Vaughn handed Hazel a bouquet and called her the show, and she started to correct him on her name, but he was already gone. Buddy leaned over to tell her that he knew she would be great. He left the stage before the final bow. Wally slowly stood up as Hazel was pushed forward, which earned a standing ovation. She smiled widely.

The Pink Ladies watched TV and sang along to the “brusha brusha” commercial gleefully. They danced, imitated the mascot, and fell over each other. Jane farted which made everyone keel over in laughter as Cynthia smacked her with a pillow.

Cast[]

Starring[]

Marisa Davila as Jane Facciano
Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia Valdovinos
Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia Zdunowski
Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy Nakagawa
Shanel Bailey as Hazel Robertson
Johnathan Nieves as Richie Valdovinos
Jason Schmidt as Buddy Aldridge
Madison Thompson as Susan St. Clair
Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Wally Winslow
Jackie Hoffman Assistant Principal McGee

Guest Starring[]

Nicholas McDonough as Gil
Maximo Salas as Shy Guy
Alexis Sides as Potato
Josette Halpert as Dot
Charlotte Kavanagh as Rosemary
Niamh Wilson as Lydia
Chris McNally as Leonard Daniels
Dylan Sloane as Neil
Ty Wood as Trip
Danny Mac as Principal Nicholson
Marc Senior as Mr. Vaughan
Fiona Vroom as Tippy
Todd Thomson as Dick Aldridge
Quincy Tyler Bernstine as Mrs. Robertson
Jeffrey Joseph as Mr. Robertson

Co-Starring[]

John Prowse as Coach Wade
Larke Miller as Charm School Mistress
Eva Tavares as Barbara
Lola Clare as Pearl
Zan Clifford as Fred
Peter D'Souza as Tommy
Julien Naud as Arthur
Emilee Nimetz as Alice
Summer Lynn Gillespie as Polly
Kallie Hu as Peg
Kenya Jordan as Virginia
Andrew Kyrzyk as PR
Sarah Formosa as Edith
Matt Kennedy as Orson
Rachael Withers as Gearldine
Victor Lau as Floyd
Dominique Mailloux as Ellen
Sam Scherzer as Gus
Ryan McEwen as Roy
Zac Vran as Irving
Marley Winton as Young Susan
Britt Good as Charm School Dancer #1
Danielle Brokopp as Charm School Dancer #2
Nadia White as Charm School Dancer #3
Emma Stephenson as Charm School Dancer #4
Kaleah Crump as Charm School Dancer #5
Joanna Reyes as Charm School Dancer #6
Briggs Gibbins as Charm School Dancer #7
Beta Chan as Charm School Dancer #8
Brianne Mapson as Charm School Dancer #9
Rina Pellerin as Charm School Dancer #10
Quincy Pipella as Charm School Dancer #11
Brittany Speteri as Charm School Dancer #12
Crimson Haslehurst as Stagehand #1
Shane Simpson as Stagehand #2
Valin Shinyei as Stagehand #4
Malia McMullen as Thespian Dancer #1
Tessa Tamura as Thespian Dancer #2
Desiree Manning as Thespian Dancer #3
Quincy Thomas as Young Charm School Girl #1
Ryen Wise as Young Charm School Girl #2
Sevilla Riva as Young Charm School Girl #3
Addie Varney as Young Charm School Girl #4
Tori Chun as Young Charm School Girl #5
Tatum Clements as Young Charm School Girl #6
Ava Tomasi as Young Charm School Girl #7

Soundtrack[]

Title	Performer	Notes
Earth Angel	The Penguins	Buddy and Jane talked on the phone.
Girls Can't Drive	Madison Thompson	Susan took her drivers ed course and revisited her childhood.
Finding My Light	Shanel Bailey	Hazel performed as Juliet in Romeo & Juliet.

Notes and Trivia[]

This episode's title is a line said by Danny Zuko in the 1978 film, Grease.
When at Cynthia's at the end of the episode, the Pink Ladies can be seen dancing and singing on the Ipana toothpaste ad on TV. Jan did the same during the sleepover at Frenchy's in Grease.
This episode takes place in parallel of the following episode Cruising' for Bruisin', and focus on the feminine characters of the Pink Ladies, Susan and Hazel while the following one focus on the masculine characters of the T-Birds and Buddy.

Gallery[]

Promotional[]

Screenshots[]

All Screenshots are courtesy of Screencapped.net. For a complete image set, see their gallery.