My Perfect Landing - A Day at Cortez (S1E4)
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.
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2020-01-29 |
| Genres | Family |
| TV Rating | TV-G |
| Network(s) | CBBC, Netflix |
Storyline
A reporter arrives at Cortez Gymnastics to write an article about the gym, and Gus discovers that the journalist is one of her former rivals from her competitive gymnastics days. The reunion stirs up old tensions and competitive feelings, forcing Gus to navigate her past while maintaining her professional role as a coach and gym owner. The presence of the reporter creates an uncomfortable dynamic as Gus must balance her personal history with the opportunity for positive publicity for Cortez.
Meanwhile, Olivia orchestrates a scheme targeting new team member Jenny, enlisting Cassie and Tori to carry out a mission designed to pressure Jenny into quitting the team. The plot explores the social dynamics and rivalries within the gymnastics squad as Cassie and Tori must decide whether to follow Olivia's instructions or stand up for what's right. The episode examines themes of loyalty, peer pressure, and the consequences of excluding others from a group.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the lasting impact of unresolved conflicts and the importance of moving past old rivalries. Through Gus's encounter with her former competitor, kids see that adults also struggle with difficult relationships from their past and that professional maturity sometimes means setting aside personal feelings for the greater good. The storyline demonstrates that past competition doesn't have to define present relationships and that growth means learning to handle uncomfortable situations with grace.
The subplot involving Olivia's scheme against Jenny provides crucial lessons about peer pressure and moral courage. Children learn to recognize manipulative behavior when someone tries to get others to do their dirty work, and they see the difficult position Cassie and Tori face when asked to participate in excluding a teammate. The episode illustrates that true friendship and team spirit mean standing up against bullying tactics, even when it means going against a popular or influential peer.
Young viewers also gain insight into the difference between healthy competition and harmful exclusion. The episode shows that while gymnastics involves individual performance and rivalry, a strong team requires mutual support and inclusion rather than sabotage and social manipulation.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How should I talk to my child about what Olivia is doing to Jenny? | Use this as an opportunity to discuss indirect bullying and manipulation. Point out that Olivia is trying to get others to do something she knows is wrong, which is a form of social manipulation. Ask your child how they think Cassie and Tori feel being put in this position, and discuss what they would do if a friend asked them to help exclude someone. Emphasize that real leadership means including others, not pushing them out. |
| What if my child is in a situation like Cassie and Tori, caught between loyalty to a friend and doing the right thing? | Acknowledge that these situations are genuinely difficult and require courage. Help your child understand that true friendship doesn't require participating in hurtful behavior, and that standing up to a friend when they're wrong actually shows respect for the friendship. Role-play ways to say no firmly but kindly, such as 'I don't feel comfortable doing that' or 'I think we should give Jenny a fair chance.' |
| How do I help my child understand Gus's reaction to seeing her former rival? | Explain that adults sometimes carry feelings from past experiences, especially from competitive situations during their youth. This is a good opportunity to share an age-appropriate story about someone from your past you had difficulty with and how you handled seeing them again. Emphasize that Gus has to be professional despite her personal feelings, which is an important life skill your child will need as they grow. |
| Should I be concerned about the competitive atmosphere at my child's gymnastics or sports program? | Healthy competition can build resilience and motivation, but watch for signs of exclusionary behavior or excessive pressure. Look for coaches who emphasize personal growth alongside winning, and programs where teammates support each other. Talk regularly with your child about their experiences, asking specific questions about how teammates treat each other and whether everyone feels included. Trust your instincts if the environment feels more toxic than challenging. |
| What's the best way to help my child handle being the 'new kid' like Jenny? | Remind your child that being new is temporary and that most groups eventually welcome newcomers who show genuine interest and effort. Encourage them to focus on their own performance and finding at least one friendly face rather than trying to win over everyone immediately. Help them develop resilience by acknowledging that some people may be unwelcoming at first, but that doesn't reflect their worth or abilities. |
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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