As Grind inches toward its finale, Episodes 6 to 8 heighten the stakes and emotional weight for Tiwa, Tarela, and Edesiri. What begins as a glimmer of hope for a better future quickly spirals into heartbreak and hard choices, as we watch each woman pushed further by circumstance, betrayal, and desperation.

Episode 6: Exposed Truths and Breaking Points

Tarela is robbed at the beginning of Grind S2 episode 6, but Tiwa and Kobe rush to her rescue after the perpetrators let her go. Shockingly, Edesiri later calls Tarela to reveal she was behind the attack. While Tarela tries to recover, Wole shows up at Kobe’s house and reminds her of his feelings, though he still isn’t ready to leave his fiancée. Tiwa’s relationship with Kobe remains strained, and her attempt to break into the music industry hits a snag when a producer tries to take advantage of her.

Elsewhere, Kome’s father wins some money and squanders it at the bar. He later pressures Tarela’s mum to hand over her savings by promising marriage. Meanwhile, tensions boil over at Edesiri’s boutique opening when her mother and aunt crash the event, and later that night, a drunken Edesiri confronts Tarela and Somto, revealing that Somto was the one who framed Tarela at her previous club. Tiwa also tells Chief that Tarela no longer works at the club when he asks after her.

Episode 7: Hard Realities and New Beginnings

Kome is hungry and struggling to get through the school day. At home, there’s no food or money. Tarela’s life briefly brightens when she learns she passed her post-UTME exams and gained admission. She also goes on a second date with Feso, who tells his sister how deeply he cares about her. But even in this moment of hope, she faces rejection while searching for housing because she doesn’t have a male guarantor.

Edesiri’s troubles catch up with her when she tries to frame Ruby for stealing Alex’s wristwatch. Ruby cunningly turns the tables, and the watch (plus some drugs) is found in Edesiri’s bag. She’s promptly kicked out. Meanwhile, Tarela tells her boss about her admission and asks to work in shifts. Tiwa’s health deteriorates, and she’s advised to take a pregnancy test. At the end of the episode, Tarela returns home to a sickly Kome and a mother relying more on prayer than medical help.

Episode 8: A Price Too High

Kome is rushed to the hospital, and Tarela tries to get in touch with Tiwa, who’s been unresponsive. She goes to the Chief to explain her situation, hoping for financial support, but he asks for sex in exchange. Her mother also pleads with Kome’s father, who has no money. As Tarela becomes increasingly desperate, she confronts Andre, who’s been using her for his gain, and he too refuses to help unless she sleeps with him.

In a gut-wrenching turn, Tarela gives in and sleeps with the Chief to secure the funds needed for Kome’s surgery. Meanwhile, her mother takes out a loan, unaware that Tarela has already gotten the money. After Kome is treated, Tarela’s mother asks Kome’s father to return the loan money, but he returns to the loan shark for even more cash. Tiwa finally tells Kobe she’s pregnant and expresses a desire to terminate, while he urges her to keep it. Somto starts making new moves at the club, and Edesiri reconnects with Andre.

Female Struggles and Repeated Cycles

The plot deepens its focus on the day-to-day realities of women trying to build something better in the face of betrayal, poverty, and manipulation. Tarela, Tiwa, and Edesiri each face consequences tied to the systems and people around them. But while these episodes are emotionally heavy and sometimes compelling, the motivation behind some actions, like Edesiri’s obsessive targeting of Tarela, still isn’t clear.

Strength in Survival, But Little Growth

There’s power in watching these women try to move forward, but it becomes frustrating when some characters, like Tarela’s mum, continue to make the same mistakes. Whether it’s giving money to a man who’s proven unreliable or expecting miracles from prayer alone, her character remains static. The show portrays hardship well, but character evolution is lacking, which reduces the long-term emotional payoff.

Quiet Power and Explosive Emotion

Roseanne Chikwendu (Edesiri) is commanding during her drunken confrontation with Tarela and Somto in Episode 6. Rose Phillips as Kome is the quiet star of Episode 7—her hunger and helplessness come through with heartbreaking authenticity. Roberta Orioma (Tarela) also has standout moments, particularly in the scene where she walks into her new school. Without saying a word, she captures the weight of her struggle and hope.

Simplicity With Impact

Grind maintains its bold, saturated look, especially in club scenes. But it mostly plays things safe visually. One exception is a standout shot in Episode 7 when Tarela walks into the university for the first time since her admission. The framing and lighting give the moment emotional depth and a cinematic quality, perfectly underscoring what the moment means for her.

Building Toward the Breaking Point

The flashbacks we got earlier in the show now feel forgotten, making their inclusion seem random rather than meaningful. It’s especially disappointing as we hoped they’d give us more insight into Edesiri and Tarela’s history. The decision to have Tarela go to men like Chief and Andre when she’s in desperate need, instead of people like Feso or Wole, is frustrating—even if it speaks to how much power imbalance still rules her world. At this point, if Tarela’s mother doesn’t learn, she may never.

Still, the show deserves credit for spotlighting new talent, particularly women. It continues to showcase promising performances even when the storylines falter.

Verdict

These three episodes of Grind S2 push the story forward and pack an emotional punch. There’s more depth, more conflict, and slightly better pacing than earlier episodes, though we’re still contending with stagnant character arcs and questionable motivations. Overall, a marked improvement, earning them a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Rating: 3.5/5