Eric Matthews returns, and thankfully, it’s for the better in “Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels Goes to Washington.”
Sure, the silliness of this government subplot is often too much for the show to handle. The universe is too otherwise normal for a wonky, kid-approved power structure, and the show’s clearly in it for the lesson as we head into primary elections, however impossible it is to combine such a thing with Eric Matthews as candidate. Debates don’t work this way, campaign teams can’t be run by a bunch of middle schoolers, and I was frankly surprised that the episode didn’t somehow end with Eric magically suddenly skipping ahead to the win.
All that said, “Mr. Squirrels Goes to Washington” succeeds on a whole new level for Girl Meets World: Pacing. As inherently ludicrous and child-safe as the plot is, it runs incredibly well for a show that has often been unable to break out of over-long conversations going nowhere. There’s a clear structure, a clear opposing force, a clear arc for Eric. There’s even an emotional payoff, even if I’ll be honest that I only just barely remember Tommy. It made the episode a breeze to watch, raising even the lowest points to a baseline charm. Hard to say what made it click, enough that I’m not even sure if I think it’s a turning point so much a lucky convergence of coincidences. Having a large supporting cast, for one, and having obvious ways to cut back and forth between the different sets. But here’s hoping that it sticks.
I’d also be remiss not to once again point out Will Friedle. The guy’s always been brilliant with kids, and it’s not at all a bad idea to frame his story to reflect that. All of the older cast has been good about playing with the younger ones, don’t get me wrong, but there’s an earnest equality with Friedle that the others can’t quite access. He wants to support like any adult should, but Eric is inherently a child at heart, and he throws that into every scene he has. It’s what makes scenes like Maya and Riley’s comforting him pop. Yes, he’s older than them, but it’s always easy for them to forget it for long enough that it touches us all when he reveals that messing up Maya’s name is just a game. When all else fails in this episode, Friedle is there—and while a little goes a long way, I’m glad for the suggestion we’ll keep getting this little bit every so often (especially when he no doubt wins).
“Mr. Squirrels Goes to Washington” isn’t perfect. It’s strangely preoccupied with lowering the voting age when the real issue, as Eric points out, is much larger than that—that regardless of the voting age, everyone has a voice and has a real need. It’s dragged down by some lackluster performances in the guest ranks, and it’s a little quick to flick the political switch on the kids. But with Friedle at the wheel and a clear itinerary, it’s a welcome return after hiatus, and hopefully one of many solid episodes to come.
What are your own thoughts though? Sound off in the comments!
