The Baker and the Beauty Episode 2: Ruin my Life

Ariel B

4 years ago

The Baker and the Beauty Episode 2: Ruin my Life

With an episode titled “Ruin my Life,” you just know tonight’s episode of The Baker and the Beauty is going to make you feel all kinds of emotions. Since the pilot premiered last week, I’ve been looking forward to the second episode. How can you not fall in love with the Garcia family and tag along for the whirlwind ride that Daniel is about to stumble upon? I know I’m not the only one looking for more. Its Noa Hamilton’s birthday, let’s party!

Pay Day

At the Garcia bakery, things are going pretty well. Thanks to Noa’s Instagram post, Natalie shows her family they have made record sales. As the business continues to boom, and Daniel’s off chasing after superstar Noa, they try to deal with everyday life. Orders pile in, people are swarming the store, and the Garcias’ just want to catch up. You can’t help but think there’s nothing this family can’t do, and so you’re rooting for them to make it work.

THE BAKER & THE BEAUTY – “Ruin My Life” – (ABC/Francisco Roman)

Its Her Party…

Meanwhile, Noa invites Daniel to her birthday party, thrown by Lewis every year. She explains to him that there’s always a ton of people she doesn’t know there and she would love for him to come. He shows up, of course, a bit wide-eyed to all the madness and glamour around him. It’s safe to say that Daniel is a bit in over his head. It’s cute, though. As Daniel navigates the party and tries to get alone time with Ms. Hamilton, we as viewers also are introduced to why even the world’s most famous don’t have it all as perfect as we think.

And She’ll Cry if She Wants to

Lewis and Piper present Noa with a framed photo of her mother, also a model, as a birthday gift a little earlier in the episode. There seems to be some tension around the topic, not only regarding her mother but her father too. I’m impressed by the route the show took here in addressing mental health. A few minutes later, Noa, in a moment of seclusion from the party, calls her mom. It’s soon apparent that she is someone who struggles with mental illness; she is confused as to why Lewis and Piper would give a girl “her age” a photo. Noa, composed by obviously upset, talks to her mom a few more minutes before hanging up, revealing that she is in some sort of facility by her surroundings.

This scene is such a gut punch. All that keeps running through my head is that all the money in the world cannot fix someone’s struggles with mental health. Noa appears so perfect (as Dean described on twitter) but in reality, all of her exposure and influence can only provide her with a safe place to live, but cannot ultimately fix her. As depressing as that is, I do love the layer it gives to Noa as a character.

Daniel attempts to leave, trying to help his family (we’ll get to that), but Piper stops him and asks him to return to the party. Noa likes him, and she needs him. Team Piper, here. She knows her friend, and she’s trying to make sure she’s happy on her birthday!

Later on in the episode, Noa opens up to Daniel about her mother, and she admits she’s hated her birthday since she was ten when her mom had an “episode” at her birthday party. Daniel seemingly has plans to change that.

Escape!

Daniel convinces Noa to leave her party and do something she would like to do, instead of treating her birthday like a work event. The two try to sneak out but are stopped by Lewis. Lewis, clearly not a big fan of Daniel at all, is not pleased that she is leaving, but ultimately does not stop them. Daniel and Noa end up on a beach, and sparks are flying between the two. It doesn’t take long to guess what might happen next… if your answer is a passionate kiss, you’d be right. 🙂 There’s also part of the scene that takes place in the water, and if you’re like me, water makes everything just seem all the more sensual.

Meanwhile,

As all of this happens, business at the bakery has backfired. And I mean that literally: the oven is smoking and the fancy order for Mr. Gold may end up in flames if they can’t get it fixed. Mr. Garcia tries to call Daniel for help, but bad service and a sultry Noa keep him from making it back to the bakery. There’s hope from Mateo to try and fill the role, but even that seems like it might end up disastrous. Spoiler alert: it does. Unless the bakery’s new plan is to have a no lights mood.

Vanessa, on the other hand, is having a battle of sorts with herself and her potential relationship with Daniel. She asks him to come for one last meal together, and if he feels they cannot work this out, she’ll accept it. Daniel, at the time, agrees. Vanessa, while trying to find an outfit for this meal, makes her stance clear. Well, sort of. She wants him to know she is someone to be appreciated but also gives the vibe that she’ll come back regardless.

She decides to head to the store and pick up lingerie, as that is somehow the solution. I give Vanessa credit; she is a woman who knows what she wants and what she deserves, but she does not seem all that confident in her decision as she mulls it over. As I said elsewhere, I don’t think Vanessa is a bad person, but when you make that sort of decision to attempt a public proposal, you need to be prepared for whatever outcome may happen. You’re not guaranteed a positive response.

Dressing Room Party? Or Nah…

At the store, Vanessa ends up in the same dressing room as Natalie, who is looking for a swimsuit. Vanessa asks for advice on the lingerie, which just seems weird, can’t lie. Something tells me there is a line that should be drawn about asking siblings about that sort of thing. However, it’s also a unique scene that shows Natalie’s struggle with her sexuality and brings us to the next scene where she gets to shine—introducing Amy, a potential love interest for Natalie. She offers to bring her home when Mateo forgets, and it seems like maybe, Natalie will get some happiness too.

My Favorite Moments

This episode flew by for me but was packed full of heart and family, laughter, and love. The Garcia family continues to be such a fantastic center of the show. You have to love Mari and Rafael and their open, honest love. They are not perfect and fight just like any other couple. But, they are full of what it takes to make it in this world and know they are stronger together. In a world where family doesn’t always seem at the forefront of people’s minds, Baker says otherwise.

I also loved Daniel’s gift to Noa. Let’s think about this for a moment. Noa truly probably has, at least materially, it all. Can you imagine trying to find her a gift? The thought of it stresses me out. Daniel giving her a rolling pin is so sweet and innocent, but at the same time is a chance for him to see her again with his cheeky line about giving lessons. I absolutely loved it.

Finally, I think my other favorite scene is Daniel asking if Noa has siblings and the way she laughs at his question. I can only imagine how refreshing it must be to have someone in front of you who does not know every detail, as she mentions. It’s a chance for her to have someone get to know her without the influence of the media. Maybe it makes him different and why she appreciates him so.

Predictions:

Noa asks Daniel to come to Puerto Rico with him at the end of this episode. What about his responsibilities to his family and his life? I wonder if this new and fun phase wears off, and his family gets frustrated by the spotlight and his absence. Will the exposure be enough to keep them happy?

And what about the spotlight? Can Daniel handle the media on his back all the time?

And what about Vanessa? Something tells me that girl is not going to disappear without closure. And she deserves as such, I would say.

What are your favorite parts about this feel-good new show? What do you think will happen next? Let me know what you think!

Catch The Baker and the Beauty on ABC, Mondays at 10 pm eastern!