Frozen: The Musical: The Series: The Drama: HSMTMTS 3.05 Review

After a few rough moments in the previous episodes, the drama in this one really made the season worth it and I have a feeling it's only going to get better from here!

I laughed, I cried, I got CHILLS (and not just because they're putting on Frozen). Phenomenal work by all the cast. If I was still rating things by stars, I think this would have been my first five-star review.

THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME SPOILERS BECAUSE I SIMPLY HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IT!

When EJ said he could give the cameras some drama last week, I assumed he meant the drama between himself, Ricky, and Gina. To my surprise and delight, Carlos casted an entire "Real Housewives"-esque rehearsal. Carlos has been one of my top characters so far this season and after this episode, he may be my favorite of the season. He really knows how to play things up for the camera (both the character and the actor, Frankie Rodriguez).

The poor young girls playing Young Anna and Elsa weren't invited to the planning meeting so they were super confused about the exaggerated drama and I felt so bad for them when it sounded like they wanted to quit the show and maybe even the camp. Theater kids really do just be that way sometimes.

I appreciated the entire list of things to do. Someone needed to cry. Someone needed to get slapped. Someone needed to throw a drink on a cast mate. And something juicy needed to be caught on a hot mic. Thinking back on The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Modern Family, those four things really do make for some fun drama. (Side Note: Speaking of Modern Family, did any of you see the photos from Sarah Hyland's wedding this weekend? Several cast members were in attendance and it made my heart so happy. I found out her husband had asked Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell - Sarah's TV parents - for their blessing as well as her real parents and I screamed. Incredibly pure.)

Kourtney in this episode was very fun, especially coming off the raw emotions last episode regarding her anxiety. When someone mentioned anxiety and she thought Gina betrayed her trust, I almost cried. I wanted to protect her, but she didn't need protecting - she slapped Carlos! Not a realistic slap, which was the point, but I cackled. And Carlos saying "Oh no! I've been slapped!" Comedy gold.

I also felt a little bad for EJ with the love triangle, but I don't know if the audience is supposed to feel that way or if me being a big fan of Matt Cornett has blinded me. Okay, he should have told Gina the moment he got the letter from his dad. But he also was actively trying to solve the problem before it became publicly known. And I can't imagine the feeling of watching the man who stole your previous girlfriend also be pretty actively trying to steal your current one.

I was very happy to see the writers use the drama to their advantage with "What Do You Know About Love?" which is one of my favorite songs from the Broadway musical (not THE favorite, but we'll get to that when the cast hopefully covers it). Watching Sofia Wylie and Joshua Bassett dance around the set and really use that space was so fun. They definitely have chemistry and Channing is going to make sure the whole world know that since he caught something juicy on camera.

Some other characters who might have chemistry are Ashlyn and Val, or at least Maddox seems to think so. And honestly, so do I. I think there's a good possibility that in the absence of Big Red, Ashlyn needs a love interest. Although I truly expected that to be Maddox herself, not Val. We shall see.

Maddox also had some drama with her brother Jet, not only revealing that they are siblings to the rest of their friends, but also that Jet outted her to their parents. We don't know for sure whether he intentionally was trying to hurt his sister or not, but that's still a really big deal. I think he regrets it though, which I will talk about soon...

A few last things though.

1. We love a good camp nickname. And we finally got the origin's of EJ "Rocket Man" Caswell. According to Ashlyn, EJ's real name is ELTON JOHN CASWELL. It all makes sense!

2. "I for one am looking forward to being reviled by America." - Ricky Bowen aka Joshua Bassett. A nod to the Josh/Olivia Rodrigo/Sabrina Carpenter drama? Regardless, the yell I let out from the shock and amusement was worth this piece of dialogue.

3. Who did EJ call at the end?! I'm really hoping it's a previous cast member, but we also know of a few upcoming guest stars, so we will find out next week!

ORIGINAL SONG RANKING:

1. "Right Place" - I had heard the episode would be emotional. Not only did I cry during this song, I had CHILLS. It was the perfect balance of plot and standalone ballad. Part of my love for the song might be the visuals in the episode, but I have a feeling this song will be on repeat for me over the next week. I hope Adrian Lyles is featured on many more songs through the remainder of the season.

2. "Rising" - Julia Lester

3. "You Never Know" - Olivia Rodrigo

4. "Finally Free" - Joshua Bassett

5. "Balance" - Sofia Wylie

6. "Ballad of Susan Fine" - Matt Cornett

7. "Shallow Lake" - Saylor Bell Curda