‘Paper Girls’ Recap: ‘Growing Pains’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Paper Girls’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that fooling or surprising a television viewer in this day and age, is quite the impossible task. For the modern television audience is supremely savvy and well versed in story structure. Not to mention, they pour over the plot and its nuances in the same manner as a professional story editor, making it darn near impossible to sneak in a particular nugget that will pay off later without anyone noticing, because a watchful eye already made note of it. In fact, audiences are so good at calling the show’s shot, that some shows out there have simply made a point of fleshing out their world a little better early on, to really inform the savvy viewer of what they’re getting into, so they can decide if this is for them or not. Which is a move that can indeed remove some of the mystique of storytelling.

But alas, these are the times we live in, and when that exposé style of world-building is done right, it can still suck a viewer in and make for an enjoyable experience. But it while appears as though surprise is beginning to exit the television landscape, now and again, you run into a show that manages to straight up, catch a viewer off guard. A feat that can still be accomplished by way of some old-school storytelling. The kind where the audience is simply immersed in that world in a manner so pleasing and so engaging that the surprises come in a swift and powerful manner, and truly captivate and leave the viewer in awe, and well… it just so happens that Prime Video is now host to a series that does indeed manage to surprise and stun the viewer, by making use of that particular ‘trick’ if you will, and that makes the series premiere of Paper Girls, quite the compelling watch.

Because at first glance, ‘Growing Pains’ is an episode that appears to be working to establish a coming-of-age story. Since we are introduced to a group of teenage girls named Mac, KJ, Tiffany, and Erin… who are trying hard to go about their business as paper girls in 1988 during a supremely difficult time of year. Because this particular evening/dawn is ‘Hell Night’, and the chaos that ensues after Halloween parties and the like is utterly annoying. Since there are still overzealous teens roaming the darkness, that are eager cause trouble and bring about harm and well… these four ladies deal with just that. Forcing them to take matters into their own hands to deal with the troublemakers. A plot that really does make it sound as though they are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery. One that will come forth through troubles and dangers untold. 

Which… is half right. Because their attempts to teach some bullies a lesson as the sun begins to crest over the horizon… plunges them into the unknown. Because just like that, the sky is purple, humanity has all but disappeared and these frightened and confused girls haven’t a clue what to do next or how to help themselves. Especially after wounds are inflicted from a gun related accident. But it doesn’t take long for the girls to discover… they have stumbled upon something they shouldn’t have. Specifically, a war of some sort. One fought with unique weapons and fascinating transport vehicles. The kind as it turns out, travel through time. Since the girls have now been transported to a year and a world, they simply don’t know… one where they are going to meet their future selves and will have to work hard to figure out what is going on and well… it doesn’t get more surprising than that. Because this is a series premiere that is light on answers and details. It is just mired in chaotic moments and just enough information to satiate a confused mind and well… it doesn’t get more brilliant than that.

Because now we are indeed plunged into a world that we are desperate to know more about. Since clearly time travel is at play and some kind of conflict awaits the world in the future, and that revelation, and that ending, absolutely compels one to continue the journey post haste. But what matters more here, is that the seemingly impossible is accomplished. In that, in this era of prediction and storytelling knowledge, this episode was able to take the viewer on quite the wild ride, one where surprise waited at every turn and where one revelation spilled into another and that undoubtedly means we are in for a unique journey. One that will defy expectation and wow us every step of the way, and it will be fascinating to see where this wild and epic story is going to take us in the days and weeks to come. Until next time.

To learn more about the show, check out our interviews with cast members, Sofia Rosinsky, Riley Lai Nelet, Camryn Jones, Fina Strazza, Adina Porter, and Jason Mantzoukas. 

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