The TV Chick

This mid-season of Make It Or Break It has focused a lot on Payson so far, which I love. This episode starts off with Payson back in the gym in the early morning visualizing actually training on the beam. It turns out Sasha had given her a book about athletes beating the odds after getting injured. Sasha explains that this book was meant to help with the recovery but that her doctors’ decisions were final: she won’t be able to do gymnastics again.

Meanwhile, Kaylie and Nikki are on the press circuit, and they do a photo shoot in the gym before practice. MJ (their manager) tells them they are invited to Los Angeles to a pool party with celebrities, and they should walk the red carpet together. Nikki refuses, but Kaylie decides to go and invites Payson and Emily to join her on the private plane. (Remember, there’s still a lot of hurt and drama between Kaylie and Lauren). Lauren (being Lauren) weasels her way into the event by threatening to tell everyone about the cortisone Nikki gave to Payson. (Side note: Nikki, played by Cody Longo, is Cassie Scerbo’s (Lauren) real-life boyfriend).

The girls head off to LA and relax poolside while enjoying a Lauren-free, drama-free weekend. And Nikki had given Payson the name of the best back doctor in the country (in LA), and his dad was able to get her an appointment. Payson convinces her mom to take her, and they both seem to be hoping for the best (perhaps Payson shows it more than her mom). Before the doctor’s appointment, the girls (and Nikki with Lauren by his side) walk the red carpet. Emily meets up with Damon who admits he had given up on the record deal because a tween girl band wanted to sing his songs. He also seems jealous of the fact that everyone likes and wants to get to know Emily. They reconcile however, and make a pact to each go for their dreams. At the end of the night, Nikki (who had to spend a lot of time pretending he was with two different girls) goes to see Payson and wish her luck at the doctor the next day. And Payson and Nikki share their first kiss. I thought this was a fantastic moment. Payson has always been the serious girl who isn’t interested in boys but she has definitely grown up in the past few episodes. Things take a turn for the worse after this however, as the doctor in LA confirms that Payson’s condition is inoperable. Payson and her mom return home and both break down.

To be honest, I thought that Payson would return to gymnastics. Who knows, she still might, but I trust the creators and where they are going with the story, so I hope whatever Payson decides to do (coach, etc.) she is able to accept it. I think it will be a long road to recovery, but I am interested to see where it goes. I also think Kaylie is handling the pressure well, but is bound to turn to Carter or break down at some point. As for Emily, her life seems to be going well, but it can’t last forever. I’m glad Damon didn’t turn out to be terribly shady, because I like him better than Razor, but there is bound to be temptation sooner or later. And I’m curious as to whether we will see another big competition (like Nationals) in this mid-season and I’d love to see more Summer/Lauren interactions.

Make It Or Break It airs Monday nights at 9 pm on ABC Family.