Warning: Full spoilers from the episode follow.
It had been awhile since Girl Meets World put the spotlight on Maya and her artistic streak, and this week’s “Girl Meets Creativity” was pretty much a vehicle for that, as John Quincy Adams was in danger of losing its art and music programs. Much like the recent “Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels Goes to Washington,” this episode focused on an important issue, specifically the value of the arts, and did so in an effective way.
On a character level, this episode continued to develop the nascent romance between Maya and Lucas, but in a very subtle way. The idea that Lucas felt so strongly about Maya’s happiness was definitely noticeable, though not central to the episode. I did appreciate Isaiah’s return for that reason, almost egging the two on to get together. (“I wonder what they’re thinking!”) However, it was also cool to see him play a key role here alongside the core four, especially during their meeting at Topanga’s and the school board meeting. Unlike some of the other guest kids we’ve seen, he fits right in with the group.
Topanga’s got your back!
I was also pleasantly surprised to see the kids’ art teacher Ms. Kossal come back for this episode, lending her support to the cause. And Superintendent Turner (man, that’s still weird to say) returning to trade jabs with Cory was amusing, as the latter humorously chided the former. (“Why do you hate art so much?” “Matthews!”) Actually, Cory had several funny bits this week, like his reaction to Riley’s ever-purple hands. “Riley, if you put another purple cat on our fridge, I swear I’m moving to Brooklyn.”
But I think the highlight of this episode was the school board meeting, as the students took “center stage,” so to speak, to make their case for the arts in all its forms. This included some fun moments from all five kids, as well as Cory, Topanga, and Mr. Turner, who them continue their cogent demonstrations. (Who knew Farkle could tap-dance? Awesome!) That said, a couple of bits didn’t quite land, notably Riley’s dance segments and Auggie’s “hippopotamus” pun, and the sequence dragged a little as a result. That said, the kids appealing to the main board member’s own artistic background was a nice touch.
Of course, this episode was very much Maya’s episode, and that was made clear early on when Riley said she would stand behind Maya on this one, and not the other way around. It’s great how, at this point in the series, these kids are each strong enough to lead their own episodes, without every single week revolving around Riley and her problems. And in this case, Maya’s passion for the arts was believable and well-executed. Overall, this was another solid episode for Season 2.
