'Firefly Lane' Season 2: An emotional rollercoaster

I first began watching 'Firefly Lane' on Netflix because I was looking for something to binge-watch as part of the procrastination process many students are familiar with. I wasn’t expecting, however, how quickly I began to love the show and how connected I felt towards the characters. That’s why when I finished, I waited in high anticipation for season 2, and when it came out last week, I was over the moon. Nothing, however, could have prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster that season 2 has put me through.

Spoilers ahead! You have been warned!

Season 2 of Firefly Lane explored themes of friendship, family and love, and though this was nothing new to the scriptwriting, they were emphasized through Kate and Tully’s lifelong friendship which was represented through the idea of eternity – their love for one another could live on past death.

The season, which had a total of 16 episodes, was split into two sections, the first focused on the struggles of friendship, with a highlight on the two women’s fallout as we see the duo stop speaking and try adjusting (badly) to their lives without one another. This first section is heartbreaking to watch but nonetheless has a realistic element towards it, as we are reminded that even the very best of friends can fall out. The second section is heartbreaking for a completely different reason. Though the two are (finally) reunited, they are presented with more challenges, this time out of their control…the challenge of Kate’s cancer.

Though often I would argue the cancer plotline isn’t the most original, 'Firefly Lane' completely pulled it off. The acting is so beautiful and authentic that you are completely absorbed by the storyline, and you can definitely expect some tears throughout the season…lots of them. The contrast between scenes shows flashbacks between the two girls' friendship and its progression, and the present-time reality of their struggles is responsible for a lot of the emotion, as it presents a type of realism by showing their ups and downs together.

Sarah Chalke, who plays Kate, really shines in this season as an actress, encapsulating the character’s vision perfectly and revealing the internal and psychological struggle of a people pleaser having to accept help from others. It is in this season that the characters build much more depth; the external struggles of family, friendship and relationships are perfectly balanced out by their internal struggles, and though season 1 was the set off for this concept, through Johnny’s PTSD, this season propels these themes.

Overall, 'Firefly Lane' as a series has an originality and innocence to it and for that reason, I would definitely recommend it to anyone. As for season 2? A perfect binge-watch-worthy section that is guaranteed to make you smile but also, ultimately, sob your heart out.