My Perfect Landing - Big Changes (S1E1)
After moving to Canada with her family, secretly gifted gymnast Jenny starts making friends (and enemies) and tries out for the school gymnastics team.
| Runtime (min) | 25 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 10.0 (5 votes) |
| Air Date | 2020-01-08 |
| Genres | Family |
| TV Rating | TV-G |
| Network(s) | CBBC, Netflix |
Storyline
Jenny Cortez arrives in Canada with her family, leaving behind her life and gymnastics training in Mexico. The move is difficult for her, as she must adjust to a new country, a new school, and a new language while keeping her exceptional gymnastics talent hidden from her family. Her mother has made it clear that gymnastics is off-limits, creating an internal conflict for Jenny who deeply misses the sport that once defined her.
At her new school, Jenny navigates the social landscape of making friends while also encountering students who are less welcoming. When she learns about the school's gymnastics team, she faces a pivotal decision: honor her mother's wishes or pursue her passion by secretly trying out for the team. The episode establishes Jenny's dual life as she attempts to balance family expectations with her own dreams, setting up the central tension that will drive the series forward.
What kids learn
This episode introduces children to the challenges of immigration and cultural adjustment through Jenny's experience. Kids see how moving to a new country involves more than just changing addresses—it means adapting to different customs, possibly learning a new language, and building an entirely new social circle from scratch. The episode validates the feelings of loss and displacement that come with major life transitions while showing that it's possible to move forward even when things feel overwhelming.
Children also learn about the complexity of family expectations versus personal passions. Jenny's situation demonstrates that sometimes the people who love us most may not understand what makes us happy, and that navigating these differences requires courage and honesty. The episode doesn't present an easy answer but shows kids that it's normal to feel torn between honoring family wishes and pursuing personal dreams.
The episode also touches on themes of identity and self-advocacy. Jenny must decide whether to hide an essential part of herself or risk conflict by being authentic. Kids learn that their talents and passions are valuable parts of who they are, and that finding ways to express these aspects of themselves is important for their well-being and growth.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why doesn't Jenny's mother want her to do gymnastics? | The episode establishes that Jenny's mother has forbidden gymnastics, though the full reasons are not immediately revealed in this first episode. This creates the central conflict that drives Jenny's character arc. The restriction appears connected to their family's fresh start in Canada, suggesting past circumstances that will likely be explored as the series progresses. For now, the rule exists as a firm boundary that Jenny must navigate. |
| Is it okay that Jenny is keeping secrets from her family? | The episode presents Jenny's secret-keeping as a complex situation rather than simple disobedience. She's caught between her mother's explicit wishes and a core part of her identity. This creates an opportunity to discuss with kids how secrets differ—some protect people while others create distance. Parents can talk about why honesty is generally best while acknowledging that Jenny faces a genuinely difficult situation with no easy answers. |
| How does the show portray the immigration experience? | The episode treats immigration as a significant life change with real emotional weight. Jenny experiences displacement, language barriers, and the loss of her familiar life in Mexico. The show doesn't sugarcoat these challenges but presents them as obstacles that can be overcome. The family's move is portrayed as a new beginning that comes with both difficulties and opportunities, offering a balanced perspective on the immigrant experience. |
| What kind of conflicts does Jenny face at her new school? | Jenny encounters the typical challenges of being the new student, including making friends and dealing with students who are less welcoming. The episode shows both positive and negative social interactions as Jenny tries to find her place. These conflicts are age-appropriate and reflect realistic middle-school dynamics, giving kids a character who faces relatable social situations while also dealing with her unique family circumstances. |
| Is this episode appropriate for younger elementary-aged children? | The episode is designed for a tween audience but is generally accessible to younger viewers. The themes of moving, making friends, and pursuing interests are universal and age-appropriate. The family conflict around gymnastics is presented without harsh confrontation in this first episode. Parents of younger children should be prepared to discuss why Jenny's mother has set this rule and help their child understand the complexity of Jenny's choices. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | After moving to Canada with her family, secretly gifted gymnast Jenny starts making friends (and enemies) and tries out for the school gymnastics team. |
| 1 | 2 | Jenny tries out for the school's gymnastic team. |
| 1 | 3 | Cortez Gymnastics' grand opening day includes a special performance by Jenny's new friends ... and a surprise visit from an unexpected guest. |
| 1 | 4 | A reporter writing an article about Cortez Gymnastics is one of Gus's former rivals. Olivia sends Cassie and Tori on a mission to make Jenny quit. |
| 1 | 5 | Joon and his friends draft a detailed scheme to delete Olivia's blackmail video. Elsewhere, Jenny does everything she can to avoid going to practice. |
| 1 | 6 | Jenny's finally got a chance to join the Canton Coyotes but has to compete against Lena for the spot. The boys help Gus prep for a speech. |
| 1 | 7 | The Hillside Qualifier brings big nerves for Jenny — and a much-needed pep talk from Gus. Back at the loft, there's a mouse in the house! |
| 1 | 8 | Keisha and Rachel come for a sleepover and some late-night bonding at the gym. A friendly card game gets super competitive. |
| 1 | 9 | The Canton girls start training at Cortez Gymnastics. Meanwhile, with an eye on Hillside, Jenny asks Gus to be her coach — behind Whitney's back. |
| 1 | 10 | Jenny's ready to train ... but Gus's methods don't make any sense! Rachel and Keisha are desperate to swap partners for a school science project. |
| 1 | 11 | Sarah comes to visit Jenny and sees Olivia's bullying firsthand. Joon and his friends come up with a plan to make money selling unclaimed lockers. |
| 1 | 12 | Jenny's secret is out — and her mother is furious. But a health scare prompts Whitney and Gus to come together and make peace with the past. |
| 1 | 13 | As Jenny prepares for Hillside, a series of flashbacks reveals the important role her father, Hector, has played in helping her realize her dream. |
| 1 | 14 | Hillside is here, but since Gus can't go, Joon streams it to the loft to watch Jenny compete online. Olivia finds out that Bops betrayed her. |
| 1 | 15 | After injuring herself on the floor, Jenny's forced to decide whether going full out to win — and beat Olivia — is worth it. |
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