THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB
The critically acclaimed and Emmy-winning THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB (trailer here), based on the iconic book series by Ann. M Martin, returned last Monday for its second season. Adding two new members to the club (the hilarious and scene-stealing Mallory, and the effortlessly charming Jessi), the show continues to explore an array of complex themes with wit and charm in abundance. Whether it’s spotlighting pure teen angst, the challenges of living with diabetes, or the realities of integrating with another family when a single parent remarries, the show is an absolute masterclass in empathetic storytelling and representation. I was particularly blown away by episode 2x07, “Claudia and the Sad Goodbye,” which deftly depicts Claudia Kishi’s grief as she mourns the loss of a beloved family member. Between Momona Tamada’s stellar performance, the cultural specificity in the Kishi family’s grief, and a moving revelation from Claudia’s sister, the penultimate episode of the season will almost certainly leave you with a lump in your throat. Topical without ever being condescending, and colorful but never frivolous, THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB season 2 is a crossover hit that’s guaranteed to bring some sunshine to your weekend.
—Neal Mulani, Development Assistant
