In the premiere, Lou petitions to take over as director of the theater program in an attempt to revitalize his passion for teaching, but quickly realizes he has his work cut out for him. His controversial decision to change the musical to the more provocative "Spring Awakening" and his atypical casting choices create a ripple effect for the program's assistant director Tracey Wolfe. the school's football coach Sam Strickland, and the students in the show.
In Episode 1 of Understudies, Michael uncovers the inner world of Stanton Drama's background players, who, while not headlining shows just yet, have big dreams all their own.
Lou is brought down to Earth when his production budget is slashed, Coach Strickland vindictively monopolizes Robbie's time, and he has a conflict with Tracey. Lilette finds herself starting to fall for Robbie.
In Episode 2 of Understudies, Jeremy is devastated to hear about Simon's pizza date with Annabelle while the rest of the group discusses Robbie's flavors of the week.
When Lou describes his vision for the show's staging and design, Tracey questions his every decision - but it's Simon's bombshell news that forces Lou to ask himself whether picking this controversial show was worth the cost. Meanwhile, Coach Strickland attempts to rehabilitate Gordy, and Gail worries for Maashous. Lilette struggles to contain her feelings for Robbie after discovering another side of him.
In Episode 3 of Understudies, Annabelle is struggling with Simon being gone, and Mr. Baer makes a call for national anthem singers.
Robbie's two worlds collide at a house party where his football teammates face off with the drama troupe; Tracey reluctantly explores a new relationship with a not-so-secret admirer; a family road trip to visit Gail's sister goes sideways.
In Episode 4 of Understudies, Annabelle, Lilette and the rest of the gang record an emotional goodbye to Simon.
After their unresolved confrontation with Gordy, Lou and Gail try desperately to get through to him. Lou discovers a crucial element to the show needs a major overhaul, while Tracey resists a blossoming romance. As Gwen reels in the aftermath of a shocking announcement from her parents, Simon finds an unlikely ally. Robbie and Lilette grow closer just as outside forces conspire to put them at odds, and Vanessa takes a stand.
In Episode 5 of Understudies, The crew tries to take Michael's mind off studying with a dance-off.
As Lou's vision for "Spring Awakening" starts to crumble, Lilette and Robbie feel the weight of responsibility on their shoulders with rehearsals going into overdrive. In reaching out to a student in need of support, Tracey opens up old wounds from her own past. Gwen starts down a destructive path that threatens to disrupt Gordy's attempts at self-control, while Simon takes steps to get closer to Anabelle.
In Episode 6 of Understudies, The girls open up about losing their virginity.
Tech week at Stanton High finds Tracey and Lou leading the cast through a series of rehearsals that falls short of expectations. Gwen's familial strife leads to a wild night out, while Michael tries to reconnect with an estranged friend. Maashous receives potentially life-changing news, and Simon's personal feelings start to compromise his performance in the musical.
In Episode 7 of Understudies, The gang puts on a photoshoot and worries about Robbie's recent meltdown.
When an unauthorized, provocative sizzle reel promoting the Stanton High production of "Spring Awakening" is posted online, it spreads like wildfire through the school and surrounding community. Coach Strickland and Vanessa are forced to face their daughters, but major damage has already been done. Robbie faces a crisis of confidence, while Maashous contemplates a difficult family reunion.
Gordy agrees to volunteer in the theater, bringing him back onto Gwen's radar, while his family tries to come to terms with Maashous' imminent departure. As Robbie faces the severity of his mother's illness for the first time, Lilette waits for her mother to return home. Tracey and Lou work to prepare "Spring Awakening" for opening night, but can't see eye-to-eye on how to address notes from the administration.
During opening night of "Spring Awakening" personal crises and dilemmas percolate in the wings backstage as Simon struggles to overcome his biggest fear, Lilette withholds a huge development from Robbie, Robbie has a momentous breakthrough, and Tracey draws a line in the sand. Over the course of one evening, decisions are made that will change Lou and Stanton Drama forever.
In Episode 8 of Understudies, Robbie joins the gang for an impromptu freestyle rap session.
In Episode 9 of Understudies, the gang worries they won't be able to pull off the show without their fearless leader, Ms. Wolfe.
