Vice Principals Recap: A Trusty Steed

Vice Principals takes a bit of a turn

In the second episode of Vice Principals, the show adds a layer of complexity to its characters, but It does so at the expense of Dr. Belinda Brown. While the show attempts to mine comedy out of sensitive issues like racism or sexism, its saving grace was that neither Gamby or Russell was inherently likeable which made their actions more ridiculous than offensive. Yet, “A Trusty Steed,” seems to be positioning Dr. Brown as a cold, manipulative villain compared to Gamby’s “man pushed over the edge” vibe, and it stumbles doing so.

Reaffirming their partnership, the episode starts with Gamby and Russell meeting in the woods behind the school where it’s revealed that Dr. Brown has fired all the members from the front office at her previous schools. It’s a necessary plot revelation in order to raise the stakes as well as force the new duo to tread lightly because of the real probability that they’ll lose their jobs. As the two are leaving, they’re spotted by Dayshawn which will most likely play an important role in the future episodes.

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The most important introduction is the warm-hearted secretary, Mrs. Libby (played by Celia Weston), who appears to be the only teacher in the school who actually likes Gamby. Following a friendly conversation about her grandchildren, Mrs. Libby is interrupted by Dr. Brown and scolded for her paper use instead of email due to a “no paper policy”. It becomes immediately clear that Mrs. Libby is going to be fired because she’s Gamby’s only friend and is established as the helpless old woman who, despite being a sub par secretary, doesn’t deserve to lose her job.

While Dr. Brown initially appeared as a warm-hearted woman who refuses to take any nonsense, the quick turn to firing a woman who’s been working at the school for thirty years as well as relishing the fact that Gamby is forced to do it seems unusual for her character. Kimberly Hebert Gregory plays the menacing aspect of Dr. Brown well, yet this seems like a ploy to make viewers align more with Gamby rather than her. And it’s not a great one.

this seems like a ploy to make viewers align more with Gamby rather than her. And it’s not a great one.

But the loss of a friend isn’t Gamby’s only problem as this episode also confirms that he is having money problems as well as the fear of being replaced by his daughter in favor of the much more easy-going, Ray. This new development does help viewers understand why Gamby is feeling so helpless in his life as well as portraying his feeling of emasculation. He feels like his wife stripped him of his family, Dr. Brown stripped him of his job, and his daughter is draining his funds due to her horseback riding. This frustration Gamby feels solidifies his reasoning for despising Dr. Brown but it doesn’t excuse the sexism he casually exudes. At one point in the episode he even says to one of his driving students, ” I know that driving doesn’t come natural to women, but I am impressed with your abilities.” Gamby’s really just not a great guy.

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At the very least however, Gamby is a rule follower while his counterpart, Russell, is firmly sticking on the side of mayhem. It’s become a common theme in television to display that it is easier to corrupt than to convert. Gabby has been a follower of the rules all of his life and is now looking to release the anger he has built up at being passed over. Meanwhile, Russell just adores dishing out petty revenge.

After being egged on, Gamby breaks into Dr. Brown’s house, where the two start to destroy small objects which eventually spirals into full on arson. Russell knows people extremely well, which was shown in the opening scenes where he reveals he keeps a dedicated binder on everyone, and his ability to push Gamby’s buttons by presenting a “World’s Best Principal” mug. That minor jab at Gamby’s ego is enough to send him overboard and follow Russell’s desire for chaos.

Gamby’s really just not a great guy.

There’s no doubt that once Dr. Brown’s house goes up in flames that Gamby has officially signed his soul over to Russell for the remainder of the series. It makes sense, as previously during the episode Gamby makes an attempt at connecting with Russell over a desire to have a friend while Russell sees a scape goat for all the damages he’s about to cause. Russel delivers a wooing speech to Gamy which has the desire effect. Russell then offers him some stolen jewelry from Dr. Brown as a “share” of the profits. Gamby initially attempts to take the high road, but it’s not convincing and he gives in easily. Selling jewelry from a house which you just burned down doesn’t seem like the brightest idea, and there’s a strong chance that this amateur criminal move will only tighten the noose around Gamby’s neck.

While Dr. Brown appears to be “duped” by both Russell and Gamby it seems like a ruse in order to lure the two into a sense of comfort. If she is supposed to be this cold, calculating, and intelligent woman, there’s no denying that she has to have some idea of Russell and Gamby’s plan. While the show seems to have taken a misstep with trying to excuse the character’s actions by making a villain out of her, they at least show that her house was full of accolades which make her ten times more qualified for the job of principal then either of the show’s leads.

Next: Building Rikers Island on The Night Of.

With next week’s episode teasing a field trip, perhaps the takedown of Dr. Brown will take a break as Gamby’s weird romantic pursuit of fellow teacher Ms. Snodgrass takes place. And while the show may be off to a shaky start, Walton Goggins continues to be incredible as Lee Russell, who oozes malice and charm, as well as having the best delivery of a certain obscenity ever on television.

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