Season 2 episodes focus on these elements through storylines like Alex's rodeo focus, Cole's leadership struggles, dances, fundraisers, Halloween parties, and college fairs, with no evidence that identity politics or systemic critiques form the foundational driver. Casting changes introduce a race-swapped Jackie Howard, originally a standard white Manhattanite in the source material and now played by Nikki Rodriguez as a Latina lead, alongside queer representation through Nathan Walter's storyline dating Skylar and an expanded supporting cast featuring Latinx and Native American actors in cousin roles. These elements tie into Jackie's personal identity exploration via adapted heritage touches such as Day of the Dead references, yet they remain secondary to the central romance and ranch-life plots without overt activist framing or lecture moments that would elevate the score.