Abbi Abrams and Trey Pucker, a pairing few saw coming, finally engage in a brief but memorable sexual encounter in Season 3, Episode 9, titled “Getting There.” This episode marks a significant shift in their dynamic, moving beyond Abbi’s long-standing unrequited crush on the overly enthusiastic Soulstice trainer.
Understanding the Abbi and Trey Dynamic
Broad City masterfully blends raunchy humor with genuine character development. The unexpected hookup between Abbi and Trey serves as a prime example. Their relationship throughout the series is characterized by Abbi’s initial infatuation and Trey’s oblivious, almost brotherly, affection. Before “Getting There,” Abbi largely views Trey as an ideal, a figure of physical perfection and unwavering positivity, even if that positivity borders on the absurd. He, in turn, sees Abbi as a friend, a somewhat quirky but dedicated member of the Soulstice family. The show brilliantly uses the absurdity of this dynamic to comment on societal pressures related to body image, relationships, and the often-unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves and others.
The Significance of “Getting There”
The hookup in “Getting There” is born out of a combination of circumstances: the stress of attending Bevers’ surprise birthday party, Abbi’s frustration with her own life and career, and a potent mix of alcohol. It’s not a romantic encounter in the traditional sense. Rather, it’s a moment of vulnerability, a brief respite from the chaos of their lives, and a release of pent-up emotions. It forces both characters to confront their feelings for one another, albeit briefly.
The Immediate Aftermath
Following their hookup, the episode doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness that ensues. Abbi and Trey are both visibly uncomfortable, unsure of how to proceed. The show expertly utilizes humor to navigate this sensitive situation, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the often-unpredictable nature of human connection. The scene emphasizes that not every encounter leads to a grand romance, and that sometimes, unexpected moments are simply that – unexpected moments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Abbi and Trey’s Hookup
FAQ 1: What led Abbi to have a crush on Trey in the first place?
Abbi’s crush on Trey stems from his hyper-masculine physique and overwhelmingly positive attitude. He represents an idealized version of fitness and confidence, something Abbi, who often struggles with body image and self-esteem, initially finds attractive and aspirational. His unwavering enthusiasm, while sometimes misplaced, is also appealing to Abbi, providing a counterpoint to her own anxieties and insecurities.
FAQ 2: How does Trey typically treat Abbi before the hookup?
Prior to “Getting There,” Trey treats Abbi with friendly affection. He sees her as a valued member of the Soulstice team and a generally good person. There’s no indication of romantic interest on his part; his behavior is more akin to that of a supportive brother or a particularly enthusiastic coach. He often uses her as a model for exercises, albeit sometimes in unintentionally comedic ways, further solidifying their platonic dynamic.
FAQ 3: Were there any hints earlier in the series that this might happen?
While the hookup is largely unexpected, Broad City does subtly hint at Abbi’s infatuation with Trey through various comedic scenarios. For example, Abbi is often seen staring at him longingly or making awkward attempts to impress him during Soulstice classes. These moments, though played for laughs, underscore her underlying feelings and build anticipation for a potential (albeit unlikely) romantic development.
FAQ 4: What are the specific events in “Getting There” that trigger the hookup?
The hookup is a result of several converging factors. First, Abbi is stressed and overwhelmed by the prospect of attending Bevers’ surprise party. Second, she’s feeling increasingly frustrated with her own stagnating career and personal life. And third, she and Trey both consume a significant amount of alcohol at a pre-party gathering. This combination of stress, frustration, and intoxication lowers their inhibitions and leads to their unexpected encounter.
FAQ 5: How does the hookup impact their working relationship at Soulstice?
The hookup inevitably complicates their working relationship at Soulstice. Both Abbi and Trey are initially awkward and unsure of how to interact with each other. However, they eventually manage to navigate the situation with humor and maturity. They don’t pursue a romantic relationship beyond the single encounter, and their working relationship largely returns to normal, albeit with a lingering undercurrent of shared experience.
FAQ 6: Does the hookup lead to a romantic relationship between Abbi and Trey?
No, the hookup does not lead to a romantic relationship. Both Abbi and Trey seem to recognize that it was a one-time occurrence and are not interested in pursuing anything further. The show uses the event to explore the complexities of attraction and the often-unpredictable nature of physical intimacy, rather than to initiate a long-term romantic plotline.
FAQ 7: How does Ilana react to finding out about Abbi and Trey?
Ilana’s reaction to the news of Abbi and Trey’s hookup is, predictably, one of excited disbelief and amusement. She revels in the absurdity of the situation and playfully teases Abbi about it. Ilana’s reaction provides comedic relief and underscores the unconventional nature of Abbi and Trey’s connection.
FAQ 8: Does Trey ever express feelings for Abbi at any point in the series?
Throughout the series, Trey never explicitly expresses romantic feelings for Abbi beyond the single hookup. His affection remains largely platonic, and he continues to see her as a friend and colleague. This reinforces the idea that the hookup was an isolated incident driven by circumstance rather than deep-seated romantic feelings.
FAQ 9: How does this episode contribute to Abbi’s overall character development?
The hookup, although brief, contributes to Abbi’s character development by forcing her to confront her idealized perception of Trey. It shows her that even the people we admire and idealize are just as flawed and complex as we are. This experience ultimately helps her to become more self-aware and realistic in her expectations of relationships. It also allows her to move past her initial infatuation and see Trey for who he truly is – a well-meaning but somewhat oblivious friend.
FAQ 10: Does this event change the way viewers perceive Trey’s character?
The hookup doesn’t fundamentally change the way viewers perceive Trey’s character. He remains the same overly enthusiastic and well-intentioned person he always was. However, it does add a layer of complexity to his persona, showing that even the most seemingly perfect individuals are capable of unexpected and sometimes awkward behavior.
FAQ 11: What does the show say about hookup culture through this storyline?
Broad City doesn’t offer a judgment on hookup culture through this storyline. Instead, it presents a realistic and nuanced portrayal of the complexities of casual encounters. The show acknowledges the awkwardness and uncertainty that can often accompany hookups, while also highlighting the potential for unexpected connection and self-discovery. It avoids moralizing and instead focuses on portraying the situation with humor and honesty.
FAQ 12: Is “Getting There” a pivotal episode for Broad City overall?
“Getting There” is a significant episode for Broad City because it deviates from the show’s typical comedic antics and delves into more complex emotional territory. While the show is known for its raunchy humor, “Getting There” showcases its ability to explore nuanced character relationships and the often-unpredictable nature of human connection. This episode demonstrates the show’s versatility and solidifies its status as a smart and insightful comedy.
In conclusion, the Abbi and Trey hookup in “Getting There” is a memorable and significant moment in Broad City. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to blend humor with genuine character development, creating a storyline that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It remains a crucial scene for those seeking to understand the evolution of the characters and the nuanced themes explored throughout the series.