9. The Jelly Lakes May 2026

: Critics at Yahoo Entertainment highlighted Shauna McGarry's writing as a "Dream Ballot" contender.

: The relationship between Tuca and Bertie is the episode's anchor. Tuca’s fierce protection of Bertie highlights the importance of platonic intimacy in healing.

: Many viewers reported that the episode’s ending—a quiet swim in the jelly—provided a rare sense of "full-on sobbing" catharsis . 📝 Final Thought 9. The Jelly Lakes

: The inclusion of Meredith Maple and her wife, Pat, provided a grounded look at queer life outside the city, as noted by LezWatch.TV.

: Through a series of poignant flashbacks, the episode reveals a past incident of sexual assault that Bertie has spent years burying. 🕊️ Why It Resonates : Many viewers reported that the episode’s ending—a

The episode follows Bertie and Tuca on a road trip to the titular Jelly Lakes, a nostalgic summer retreat from Bertie’s youth. What begins as a quest for peace—Bertie’s attempt to reconnect with her former track coach, Meredith Maple—quickly unravels into a raw exploration of and childhood trauma .

"The Jelly Lakes" reminds us that while we cannot change our past, we can choose who stays by our side as we navigate the wobbly, uncertain waters of recovery. It remains a masterclass in using animation to tell the most human of stories. 🕊️ Why It Resonates The episode follows Bertie

: The animation style shifts during Bertie’s most vulnerable moments, using abstract shapes and shifting colors to communicate internal turmoil that words cannot capture. 🏆 Legacy and Critical Reception