My Perfect Landing - The Qualifier (S1E7)
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!
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2020-02-19 |
| Genres | Family |
| TV Rating | TV-G |
| Network(s) | CBBC, Netflix |
Storyline
Jenny faces the Hillside Qualifier, a pivotal gymnastics competition that will determine whether she advances in her competitive journey. The pressure mounts as she prepares to perform in front of judges, coaches, and her teammates, and her nerves threaten to undermine the skills she has worked so hard to develop. The stakes feel enormous, and Jenny struggles to manage the anxiety that comes with high-level competition.
When her confidence wavers, Gus steps in with a much-needed pep talk that helps Jenny refocus and remember why she loves gymnastics in the first place. His encouragement gives her the boost she needs to approach her routines with renewed determination. Meanwhile, back at the loft where Jenny lives, a comedic subplot unfolds as the household discovers a mouse has taken up residence. The family must work together to deal with the unwelcome visitor, providing lighthearted moments that balance the tension of the qualifier competition.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about managing performance anxiety and the importance of mental preparation when facing high-pressure situations. Jenny's struggle with nerves before the qualifier demonstrates that even talented, dedicated athletes experience fear and self-doubt. Young viewers learn that these feelings are normal and that seeking support from trusted friends, coaches, or family members can make a significant difference in overcoming them.
The episode also highlights the value of encouragement and how a few well-chosen words from someone who believes in you can restore confidence when it falters. Gus's pep talk shows children the power of positive reinforcement and reminds them that their worth is not solely determined by a single performance or outcome. Jenny's journey through the qualifier illustrates that courage means moving forward even when you are afraid, not the absence of fear itself.
The mouse subplot reinforces lessons about teamwork and problem-solving in everyday family life. Children see that household challenges are best tackled together with humor and cooperation, and that not every problem requires a dramatic solution. The contrast between the serious competition storyline and the playful home situation teaches kids that life contains both important moments and lighter ones, and that maintaining perspective helps us navigate both.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does the episode portray competition nerves, and is it realistic for my child's age? | The episode portrays Jenny's anxiety in an age-appropriate and relatable way, showing physical symptoms like nervousness and self-doubt without becoming overwhelming. Her struggle reflects what many young athletes experience before important events, and the resolution through a supportive conversation with Gus models healthy coping strategies. The portrayal validates children's feelings while demonstrating that nerves can be managed, making it a realistic and helpful depiction for elementary and middle-school viewers who participate in sports or performance activities. |
| What role does Gus play in helping Jenny, and what does this teach about mentorship? | Gus serves as a supportive friend and mentor who recognizes when Jenny needs encouragement and provides it at a critical moment. His pep talk is not about pushing her harder but about reminding her of her strengths and helping her reconnect with her love of gymnastics. This teaches children that good mentors and friends listen, offer perspective, and build confidence rather than simply demanding results. It is a positive model of how peers can support each other through challenging situations. |
| Does Jenny succeed at the qualifier, and how does the episode handle the outcome? | The episode focuses more on Jenny's emotional journey and her ability to overcome nerves than on the specific competitive results. The emphasis is on her courage to compete despite her anxiety and the support she receives from Gus. This approach teaches children that showing up, trying your best, and managing your emotions are victories in themselves, regardless of scores or rankings. The storyline values personal growth and resilience over winning alone. |
| Is the mouse subplot appropriate, or does it distract from the main story? | The mouse subplot provides comic relief and balances the tension of the qualifier storyline, making the episode more engaging for younger viewers who might find a competition-only plot too intense. The household working together to address the mouse situation reinforces themes of family cooperation and problem-solving in a lighthearted way. It is age-appropriate and does not undermine the more serious gymnastics narrative but rather offers pacing variety that keeps the episode accessible and fun. |
| What can my child take away about handling pressure in their own activities? | Children learn that feeling nervous before important events is completely normal and does not mean they are unprepared or incapable. The episode demonstrates practical strategies such as talking to someone you trust, remembering why you enjoy the activity, and focusing on effort rather than perfection. Jenny's experience encourages kids to seek support when they feel overwhelmed and reassures them that courage and persistence matter more than flawless performance. These lessons apply to school presentations, recitals, games, and other situations where children face evaluation or judgment. |
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. |
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.