'Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition' Season 2: Is JoJo BowBow a Villain?

In the world of  "Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition," they are plenty of people to root against: bulldozing Abby, frenzied choreographers, and rampaging stage moms. Although JoJo and her mother don't fit into any of those categories, they are getting plenty of on-screen heat. It feels like they're being cast as Season 2's go-to villains.

The JoJo Circus
During the first episode, Jessalyn tells JoJo to diva walk her way to the front of the group during a dance challenge. Tiffany takes this as a sabotage attempt, then complains how this mother-daughter duo represents everything she hates about dance. She calls them the JoJo Circus and demands that Jessalyn apologize to the group. Has Tiffany ever seen this show? "Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition" is a circus, and she's part of the sideshow.

Considering that JoJo is among the youngest and shortest competitors, moving toward the front didn't hinder anyone else, especially Tiffany's teen daughter, Ally, who is the tallest dancer. Besides, the covert move works against JoJo, and she is the first one eliminated from the challenge.

Is Abby Anti-Anti-Bullying?
Anyone who watches "Dance Moms" knows Abby frequently spews out nonsensical or contradictory points masked only by her volume and body language. Well, JoJo's quick mouth and the "Dare to Be You" challenge brought out the most bizarre instance of Abby's hypocrisy. During the Lady Gaga episode, JoJo answered when Abby was speaking to Sheryl, prompting Abby to critique Jessalyn's parenting. Abby thinks JoJo would be better off if she switched from home school to public school and endured a bit of bullying.

Mmk, it sounds like Abby meant it would be beneficial for JoJo to mingle with other kids to learn how to fit in and get along instead of stealing the spotlight. But Abby took it way too far by suggesting that JoJo would catch on after a classmate shoved her into a locker. Instead of promoting individuality, the Gaga episode extolled the benefits of violent bullying.



Giannaaaaaa!!
JoJo is a tad too sassy, bordering on disrespectful and rude. Abby's right that the cute factor wears off pretty quickly, especially when the kid is 9 or 10 years old. But JoJo's still the life of the party keeping this show from devolving into a bunch of crazed moms and scared glassy-eyed kids. Her incredibly annoying impression of Gianna's mom, Cindy, is spot on.

So far, Jessalynn and JoJo are more like big glittery, neon targets than villains. Hopefully, they will keep it light and fun for the rest of their stay.

"Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition" airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Lifetime.