Summary
PEN15 season 2, episode 7 is a natural halfway point to break off as both lead characters feel like they are in limbo more than ever.
This recap of Hulu’s PEN15 season 2, episode 7, “Opening Night” contains significant spoilers. The first seven episodes will be part 1 — part 2 will be released later on Hulu.
We recapped every episode — check out the archive.
The opening
It’s opening night; Anna is nervous because the prep has been terrible. Before the opening night begins, Anna and Maya have a small bicker and they won’t apologize to each other — the pressure is getting to them. Maya tells Gabe she’s looking forward to their kiss. Before this even begins, you know this is going to be tragic.
The kiss scene
The play starts and Anna is getting stressed that Maya’s not in the light immediately. As Maya tries kissing Gabe for the scene, he covers his mouth. The play is then super awkward and Maya is devastated and overawed by the crowd. It’s a little embarrassing. Anna gives her a cue to continue the script to finish the play strongly. The crowd love the play and Maya mouths “Thank you” to Anna. Great save but a testament to the strength of their friendship.
Celebrations
The two best friends go out to celebrate. Both families are so proud of them both. Gabe joins and Maya feels embarrassed. Her parents take a photo of them both.
Gabe is being weird
Maya and Anna head to the bathroom. She talks to her about how Gabe is acting strange. She’s worried about the smell of her breath but Anna states that Gabe was probably just nervous. Sam turns up and suddenly Maya is feeling shy — he compliments her for the play, stating she was really good. He also apologizes to her about everything and he wishes he could take back the things he did.
Sam asks Maya about the kiss in the play and says he wouldn’t have put his hand over his mouth. There’s hope for Maya’s first kiss still.
The convertible
Anna’s father turns up and he’s got a new car — it’s a convertible which gets everyone excited. He gives Anna the keys and tells her to sit in it. Anna, Maya, and Gabe go try out the car. While outside, Anna sees Steve. They decide to leave Gabe and Maya in the car on their own while Anna and Steve talk in the alleyway at the back of the restaurant; they talk about their parent’s divorces and swig alcohol.
It was a pleasure sharing a stage
Maya asks Gabe if he will kiss her but he isn’t too sure of himself. He starts kissing her jaw which is rather strange. Gabe reveals he never had butterflies and says it was an honor to share the stage with her. He walks off and Maya sobs in the car. Another tragedy for Maya as part 1 ends — despite the comedic aspect (Gabe kissing her jaw was cringy and hilarious), you have to feel for this character.
The ending
Anna notices that Maya is upset and checks up on her. She manages to comfort her. Anna’s father breaks up the conversation so Anna checks up on her mother before they leave. When Anna enters the restaurant, her mother is crying on her own at the table. Anna apologizes for not being nice sometimes. Anna’s mother says she doesn’t want to be seen like this again and the pair say that they love each other. Anna admires her mother’s strength.
Anna and Maya head out with Anna’s father in the convertible. The father reveals that the mother is getting a house while he gets a new apartment — she will have to decide who she wants to live with. Anna turns her head to look at the road and cries but then she remembers her mother’s strength. PEN15 season 2, episode 7 is a natural halfway point to break off as both lead characters feel like they are in limbo more than ever.
