User blog comment:Mattalamode/A Second Opinion: The Girlfriend/@comment-30307603-20171028031718

"The Girlfriend" is an episode I never understood the disdain for. It is not the best episode around by any means, but it is still enjoyable all things considered. I have always assumed that the dislike for the episode came from a sense of disappointment; when screenshots first leaked, people thought this was essentially going to be "The Matchmaker". Perhaps many were not all too pleased when i turned out to be this unique little episode (I will admit that is a bit presumptuousness of me, given I was not as attuned to the build-up for this episode as I was "The Roots").

Jamie is an interesting dilemma as a character. She was never fully realized in Season 1 since the writers put a far bigger emphasis on fleshing out Tina. She was neglected in Season 2, and Season 3's "The Coach" forced Jamie to share screen-time with newcomer Coach Russo. "The Girlfriend" was the first time the character really got time to shine, and I believe the writers did a great job. Unlike Tina, Jamie (ironically) is far more barbaric and less of an empathetic character. The appeal of her character comes from how psychotic she is. She is constantly in this internal debate with herself that leads her into rash and barbaric actions. She is simple superfically, yet somewhat layered once all of the jokes come in. I find it an interesting angle, and it is a shame she has not been utilized since.

Say what you will about Season 4, but at least I can be assured a likable protagonist, which is more than I can say for your beloved Season 2.