When I reviewed the pilot episode of Bunk’d, I didn’t think it was too bad.  For tweens and teens, it would be acceptable viewing – on the same level of plotting and characterizations as other Disney Channel comedies.

In episode 2, “Ravi becomes suspicious when he overhears Xander’s plans for his first date with Emma. Meanwhile, Zuri and Jorge set up a secret business selling candy and video games to the campers.”

First, Hazel seems to have disappeared.  That’s not a bad thing.  Second, you have Mary Scheer – Mrs. Benson, Groundling – and you saddle her with playing an oversexed camp owner? I realize you need tension in a comedy – but really?  Would anyone send their kids to Camp Kikiwaka after meeting her?  And jokes about varicose veins?

The B story focuses on a ban on candy at the camp – since Gladys was stood up by Serge the candyman.  Jorge and Zuri go into the underground business of selling candy.  They apparently make a fortune and apparently the kids at camp have a lot of money to spend on candy.

Asian stereotype Tiffany gets hooked on candy too (her demon voice at the end was classic).  Zuri needs kids her own age to play with at camp, but I cant imagine any two kids Id rather not play with.  Jorge is just weird.  Could we ask for a visit from Riley and Maya from GMW?

The A story focuses on the old soap-opera trope: the overhear.  Ravi overhears Xander and Lou talking about his first date with Emma – and he thinks they are plotting to kill her.  Really?  Would anyone believe that Xander killed his first girlfriend?  This is a tired plot.  Naturally, on their first date, everything Xander does fits into the “you are going to get killed” story Ravi told her.  Why doesn’t anyone every ask the source?

That said, List and Quinn have some nice chemistry together – and List has grown as a young actress since starting on Jessie.  I’m still curious how they can maintain story at a summer camp …

My suggestions:

• Ditch Jorge and Tiffany and give Zuri some normal friends with a eye on always getting into trouble.
• Send Hazel to another camp.
• Reimagine Gladys (apparently camp owners can never like kids).
• Keep the theme song.