Spoilers throughout:
Sometimes it's difficult for me to suspend my disbelief. Having been a cheer coach and a 15 year educator, there are too many flaws in Coach for me to believe that she wouldn't have been disciplined or even fired during her time at the school. This example may seem small, but she's smoking in her office-students get suspended for having any form of nicotine on them. Obviously, the parties at her house would NOT go unnoticed. The fact that Tacy was not discipled, even with a stern talk, after disobeying Coach and kicking Riri in the face is unacceptable. Coach French's lack of concern about bullying/the mental health of the squad is especially disconcerting. (This year alone, our school lost two students to suicide and in my classes alone, two young ladies went out of state to psychiatric facilities.) Administration would call her out for all of these things. Oh, the cheer where they shout "f+++" and point finger guns at each other... That would never happen either. "F+++" in a cheer? No. Making gun gestures...not since Columbine. Anyway, I am aware that NO movie or TV series gets school correct on screen, but this show really got to me.
I do, however, enjoy watching the relationship between Beth and Abby. Theirs is a rich and nuanced relationship. I understand why Coach French is essential in depicting Abby's tug of war allegiance, but each girl has her own struggles while growing through this phase of losing control. Beth loses being the Captain of the cheer squad which was all she had given her home life. Then she suffers a rape that she only recalls in pieces, all while Abby is being manipulated by Coach French. Abby may even have to suffer dire consequences once she realizes that Coach really doesn't have her back. I love Beth and Addy equally and I hope that Beth can land on her feet and confide in someone (Abby for a start?) before her anger consumes her.
I do, however, enjoy watching the relationship between Beth and Abby. Theirs is a rich and nuanced relationship. I understand why Coach French is essential in depicting Abby's tug of war allegiance, but each girl has her own struggles while growing through this phase of losing control. Beth loses being the Captain of the cheer squad which was all she had given her home life. Then she suffers a rape that she only recalls in pieces, all while Abby is being manipulated by Coach French. Abby may even have to suffer dire consequences once she realizes that Coach really doesn't have her back. I love Beth and Addy equally and I hope that Beth can land on her feet and confide in someone (Abby for a start?) before her anger consumes her.