‘Paper Girls’ Recap: ‘Some Kind of Burping Trash Hole’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Paper Girls’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked a lot about how the brilliant Prime Video series, Paper Girls, has offered up some fascinating thoughts on an age-old fantasy for us. Specifically, what it would be like for our younger selves to meet our older selves and how that might be a terrible idea. One that could lead to disaster for our younger minds, which see the world in such a black and white manner. But while it has been supremely interesting to dive into that and come to understand how weird it might be, this exploration has been fairly one sided for certain. Because what we often forget is that sometimes, in our older years… we ponder upon what knowledge we might impart upon our younger selves if given the opportunity and well… the show made a point to not forget that. For the next episode in this tale, ‘Some Kind of Burping Trash Hole’, takes the time to explore such matters.
​
Since 1988 Tiffany was riding all kinds of wonderful highs regarding where her future was going and well… that concerned 1999 Tiffany. Because her younger self was putting a lot of stock in a future that featured some important lessons and well, when given the chance to teach her those lessons and give her great wisdom, she did so. With… awful results. Since she revealed that adoption is how the Tiffanys found a home long ago, and that such a critical truth was kept from them for a very, very long time. To the point where it was devastating and broke them down the line. Which is something that ‘88 Tiffany really didn’t care to hear or learn about because it rattled her to no end. All of which served to teach us, that if we ever had this opportunity, there is only so much wisdom we can impart. Since our younger selves cannot fully process the gravity of the heavier stuff, and regardless of how much we want to spare ourselves potential pain… we cannot. For it is critical to our growth.

But what is fascinating about this episode, is that its intelligence didn’t end with that plotline. For Mac and KJ’s journey went to some philosophical places as well. For Mac finally decided to face her own future and explore the future place she was buried. A moment that was eerie for both of them and a touch intense at times, since Mac’s stepmom showed up as well since this day was Mac’s birthday. Giving rise to some ‘ghostly’ moments for her stepmom, but more importantly, Mac learned a lot from this moment. Because this really did help her to realize, how precious life really is, and how much of its she’s wasted being sour and dour and eager to snap back at people. Seemingly giving rise to a new Mac in this tale… one that seems eager to live in the moment and enjoy every second since they will never come again.

However, it may be a hot minute before she gets to really explore that aspect of life. Because a problem was brewing behind the scenes while the aforementioned characters dealt with their problems. For the temporal mess that was brewing on Larry’s farm wasn’t a way home, it was nothing more than a rip in time. One likely precipitated by the fact that these poor Paper Girls were trapped in the wrong time and well… it was a big enough problem to catch the attention of the Old Watch, who sent a recon droid to check the problem out. Which in turn, confirmed the presence of our heroes and that set the stage for serious trouble. Because the Old Watch are likely on their way and are undoubtedly eager to handle such matters in a violent fashion. Setting the stage for a grand showdown at last between Prioress and the girls she’s been hunting across the sea of time. 

But while we wait to see how that is going to go, we can celebrate another intelligent tale. Because this one genuinely went to some deep places, since the Tiffany situation really did offer up a lovely foil to everything this show has explored so far, and Mac facing her own death… was powerful stuff. The kind of thing you hope that no twelve-year-old would ever have to face. But here we are. But alas, this is likely the last of the deeper stuff for this series for the time being. Because the season finale awaits us, and who knows what kinds of wonders await us there, outside of the obvious showdown that is. For this this is show that always knows how to surprise, and well… the best way to find out, is to hit play and see where the final chapter in year one of this brilliant series, is going to take us. Until next time.  

---

Powered by JustWatch