Last night’s episode of Rise introduced more drama than I thought possible (especially with only one episode left in the season). And since Rise hasn’t officially been renewed for a season two, some big questions need to be answered in next week’s finale!
1. Will Simon find the courage to reveal his true self to the world?
Simon has been struggling to reconcile his sexuality with his family’s religious beliefs throughout the season, and this struggle has only been complicated by the fact that Simon’s father may also be dealing with the same conflict. In last night’s episode Simon pretty much hit his breaking point, so it will be interesting to see if he has a heart-to-heart with his family—mainly his father—in the finale.
2. Is Robbie’s mom going to be alright?
Last night, Robbie was told that it was time to start making plans to provide palliative care for his mother who is battling ALS. This was obviously difficult for Robbie to hear, especially since his biggest wish is that his mom sees him perform in the musical. I’m rooting for a happy ending where she can see Robbie, but I wouldn’t put it past Rise to have something bad happen to her right before the curtain goes up.
3. Is Maashous gone for good, or will he return to the Mazzuchelli household?
In the beginning of last night’s episode, Maashous left the Mazzuchelli house to live with his biological mother. The Mazzuchelli’s were visibly upset by his departure, and by the end of the episode, Maashous still hadn’t returned. Based on the way Rise balances the happy with the sad, if something bad happens to Robbie’s mom, I can almost guarantee that Maashous will come back to Mr. Mazzu and ask to be adopted.
4. Where do all of these couples stand?
There have been so many potential couples introduced, but very little follow through. Last night, Robbie and Lilette really connected emotionally in the wake of his mother’s health crisis, which pretty much solidifies their relationship. Gwen and Gordy are still not together, though Gordy is trying his best to make it happen. And Simon and Jeremy haven’t really done anything since their kiss. Not every couple has to get together, but it would be nice to resolve all of the romantic conflicts before the season ends.
5. Is Lilette’s mom going to come home?
Lilette is still living alone, waiting for her mother to come back and pay the rent (which is a very troubling situation for any high school student). I think her mom will certainly make an appearance in the final episode—and just to make things interesting, I think it is very possible that she returns home with Coach Strickland.
6. Will Mr. Mazzu and Ms. Wolfe make up?
Episode nine ended with a huge blow-up between Ms. Wolfe and Mr. Mazzu, in which Mr. Mazzu was angry about Ms. Wolfe working to censor the show, and Ms. Wolfe was still angry about the fact the Mr. Mazzu was given the job she deserved. I predict that they will make up early on in the finale and unite for the production of Spring Awakening that was always meant to happen.
7. Will the show go on?
The Stanton high principal and PTA were not happy about the content of the musical Mr. Mazzu and Ms. Wolfe were directing. So, to make it more appropriate, the Stanton production of Spring Awakening has been extensively censored! No profanity, no sexual content, and no controversial subject matter. And while this appeases the adults, the students are not happy. It would be a perfect ending to the show if right before opening night, the cast decided to revert to the original version of the musical.
The season finale of Rise airs Tuesday, May 15, at 9 p.m. on NBC.