What I once thought was a joke of a show quickly became one of the most wholesome, raw, and hilarious television viewing experiences I've had in quite some time. PEN15 is a spot on depiction of middle school - everything from the "Yur Mom!" jokes, the name calling, the awkward sexual encounters, and the sweet and innocent friendships. Even though both of the main actors are in their 30s, they both do an amazing job of making you believe they're back in 7th grade. It's kind of strange to think this show is a bit of a period piece. It takes place in 2000, so it's relatively older for 2020. Pen15 made sure the audience realized it took place in 2000 while not shoving it in your face. Watching this show made me extremely nostalgic. I went to middle school in 2010, so this show is about 10 years before my time, but I still consider my middle school experience very similar to Maya and Anna's. The scene that really got me was the scene at the dance where Maya and Anna were dancing with no one else around. They share a dance together and then each tell each other "Don't leave me." I suppose it made me reflect on my own childhood and I realized how many people I was friends with in middle school and how most of those people I barely talk to now. In particular, my best friend in middle school and I were very close at one point, but now we don't even talk anymore. Watching PEN15 allowed me to take a trip down memory lane and relive those sweet and awkward times (I know middle school wasn't the greatest for everyone, but I found it quite amusing). Absolutely wonderful show. I can't wait for the 2nd half of season 2 to come out!
