‘Everything’s Trash’ Recap: ‘Black Excellence Is Trash’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Everything’s Trash’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that image is something that is supremely important in our world. So much in fact, that we go to great lengths to project a good one. Because we know that if we always project the perfect image, people will respect us and trust us and believe in us. For that is the unwritten law of the land when it comes to modern society and no one has really ever bothered to challenge that status quo, since image does so much for us… and that’s surprising to say the least. Because time and time again, we’ve seen image and our desire to make it a priority, cause more harm than good.

Simply because once, someone uses image to flash their way into a job they weren’t qualified for, they create chaos in the workplace. Or someone that we roll with that has their image shattered creates boatloads of drama we don’t need in our life. Which is why the next episode of Everything’s Trash on Freeform is of note. Because the next chapter in Phobe’s incredible journey through life… involves a need for her to project a powerful image. Because the magazine arm of her parent company was about to do a cover for the best podcast under their roof and of course… no other show on the network held a flame to Phoebe and Malika's and therefore… they had to be the top choice for the cover, and that motivated them to really dive deep into image in ‘Black Excellence Is Trash’.

Because they quickly learned that some of their sister shows were going to go all out to impress the brass to land the cover, and that meant they had to respond in kind and wow them. Which is why they quickly worked to create a replica Black Excellence photo. One that put Phoebe in a magnificent light, the kind that would wow the brass and give them no other choice to but hand her the cover and well… this duo went to some wild lengths to make that happen. In part by locking up some stunning clothes to make Phoebe appear to be incredibly well-to-do, something she hyped on the podcast as well. Plus, they decided that this photo needed an owl, since the finest Black Excellence photos on the internet, just so happen to have that. Which was a touch outlandish, but they simply did not care. They wanted that cover.

So… they landed the owl with Michael’s help. Because somehow… he had not one, but two owl guys to supply him with an owl on a moment’s notice and they even snuck into Jayden’s home to do this photoshoot since Jayden’s place projected that excellence. But while Phoebe of course got the cover and made up with her brother over the owl ripping that place to shreds… this whole experience left her changed. Because she came to realize that this grand pursuit of image that we consistently go after, is just plain stupid. For it pushes us to be who we are not and to hide behind a visage that has no substance or gravity or meaning for that matter as well… so it is best we just be honest and be who we are and let the chips fall as they may.

Because more than likely, being ourselves and doing the work, will help us to achieve our goals… regardless of image and that made for one thoughtful tale. One that also, brought the laughs hard. Because watching Phoebe and Malika go the extra mile to make this happen, was simply the stuff of legend through and through. Not to mention, the owl plot thread was pretty darn amazing as well. But what matters more, is that they lent humor to a serious topic and that allowed for us to absorb the lesson no problem and well, all this episode does, is immerse us further into Phobe’s world and it makes us eager to continue the journey. So, we can see what other lessons and shenanigans await us as Phoebe’s journey, continues along. Until next time.

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