Awkward., Ep 3.10: “Redefining Jenna” sees many characters face road-changing circumstances and events in their lives, leaving their futures uncertain

Awkward., Season 3, Episode 10: “Redefining Jenna”
Written by Lauren Iungerich
Directed by Lauren Iungerich
Airs Tuesdays at 10 PM on MTV

In many ways, throughout Awkward.’s run, Jenna has been mature beyond her years, a maturity that has only been pushed farther by the circumstances she has faced. With things going well for her, her maturity has slowly begun to manifest itself as she’s discovered an affinity for people and interests outside her social circle. This episode dives further into the idea that Jenna’s recent discomfort with her life is the result of her changing and becoming a new person, delivering a poignant episode to close out the first half of the third season.

The growing connection between Jenna and Collin was fascinating to observe this week. In many ways, Collin is less of a person, and seemingly more of a personification of Jenna’s changing tastes and preferences as she evolves and matures, as evidenced by the fact that she enjoyed the photography exhibit as well. It’s entirely possible that Jenna represents the same thing for Collin, which makes any possible relationship between the two bittersweet because it’s doomed to fail, yet necessary for both of them to grow into the adults they’re going to be. How Matty, and Jenna’s parents, react to this should be interesting to watch, particularly Lacey, who may not have gone through this phase herself, and thus would be steering Jenna through uncharted waters if she were to lend her support.

Watching Tamara and Jake’s relationship hit their first major roadblock was also interesting to watch. The two have been in the honeymoon phase of their relationship all season, likely as a result of spending time together in Europe, and while it has been nice to see both get some happiness following the heartbreak both experienced in their prior relationships, their closeness always had a false ring, making their fight feel more authentic due to the long buildup to it. How their relationship changes now that both have somewhat come down to Earth will be worth watching, as the fact that they managed to survive the relationship’s first major fight is a huge milestone, and one that is sure to affect how they interact with, and perceive, each other.

Overall, this was a fantastic episode to close out the half-season on. Sadie’s unexpected therapy session with Lissa, as well as her fight with the others, further cements the idea of her changing to survive as her circumstances force her out of her comfort zone, while her allaying of Lissa’s guilt indicates that there may be some good in her after all. Watching Ming acclimatise to her new role as head of the Asian Mafia was hilarious to watch, and how she adjusts to her new position of power, whether she ends up being challenged on her authority by Becca or a new competitor, as well as how it affects her relationship with Tamara and Jenna, is something to keep an eye on. How Jenna adjusts to her newfound interests, how Tamara and Jake deal with their relationship going forward, and how Sadie deals with her seemingly permanent ousting are all storylines worth tuning in for when the show returns.