Riley is asked to the semi-formal dance by a classmate named Charlie and is torn whether to go with him or Lucas. Meanwhile, Cory’s brother Eric is paid a visit from an old friend, Jack Hunter.

GMW was recently for an Emmy for Best Children’s Show.  Its well deserved.  And it gets better and better.

When GMW was first announced, it was also announced that many of the characters from BMW would be appearing.  This approach could have gone horribly awry.  I was fearful that these would fall into the “special visit”/”special appearance” category with, for example, Angela in town for a visit.  But the writers use these visits as a metaphor for the universal themes that Maya and Riley and their friends must face.  It works well – and its believable.

In this episode, our little gang is faced with semi-formal (which apparently is the defining moment of middle school).  Riley is waiting for the “big ask” (at least they didnt call it a prom-posal or propose-formal) from Lucas, who mistakenly assumes that he and Riley will be attending together (you fool!).  The 50’s dating film shown in class was … classic (how could you not love the line: “When you ask someone out for the semi-formal, you must do so ten months in advance.”)  This sets the stage for Riley’s expectations.  Maya serves nicely as the “Greek chorus,” similar to the one in the film.

When the “big ask” starts to play out, Riley is surprised that it is classmate Charlie that is doing the asking, not Lucas. After saying yes, inadvertantly to Charlie. Riley lies her way out of the evening but is finally convinced to attend.  When there, she is faced with decision: Lucas or Charlie.  Interestingly, Lucas and Charlie become best buds – and leave the decision to RIley.

After last weeks Farkle transformation, I continue to find Fogelmanis’ portrayal so endearing.

This is played against the backdrop of Jack Hunter returning to town as the evil guy at the evil corporation that has a meeting with Senator Eric (this storyline I dont get).  While Eric plays as dumb, he is wise beyond his years as Jack suggests.  They relive the BMW battle of Eric and Jack over Rachel.  Eric mentions that he hasn’t kept in contact with Rachel in one of those “you’ll always have your friends” moments.

And that’s the issue facing Riley – is Lucas a friend (or a brother) or more?  Inquiring minds and viewers want to know.

Hand the Emmy to Girl Meets World now.