Something has always stricken a fondness in me when it came to watching Girls, particularly how dignified each character acts about their own individual passion before it just turns to more contradictory confusion. Season four is a pivotal one for the acclaimed comedy-drama, and as the episode begins, we are given a sense of importance with Hannah’s decision. Lena Dunham understands this as the episode progresses, yet I don’t know how the show can hold up with so many creative paths being taken fictionally. Looking on you have to take account of Marnie’s love of Desi; Hannah is leaving for Iowa; Jessa is impudent as usual; and Shoshanna is emotionally lost with the presence of Ray in the group; and this all escalated from season three.
One thing the show has done is progress in quality each subsequent season, and oddly enough season three is the best season to date. Season one perfectly balanced story with slow introductions, but when season two poked its head in the following year, I sensed an offbeat misdirection. Which is what may have made season two obtuse for its probable intentions. Season three made it aware that these girls aren’t as tight as you think. In season three there are multiple fights amongst characters as well as conflicts internally that will eventually play out in season four.
In the opening episode Jessa calls out Hannah on her lack of confidence; her lack of accomplishment; her lack of visual interpretations. Hannah has a shit ton of good things open to her, whether it be Adam, or the love of her friends. Hell, in season three Hannah worked at a GQ and she threw that down the drain after realizing she wasn’t subsequently following her true ambitions. Heck, if I were to write for GQ, no matter what position, I wouldn’t bitch; I would be writing with some leeway in creativity. Then again, Hannah was only a part of the ad writing staff. I think she lets go of things too quickly, except Adam, which really scares me for the upcoming season.
Lena Dunham along with co-writers Judd Apatow and Jenni Kronner know what initial direction is being taken here, though it’s only really blunt with Hannah. Marnie performs and then cries, though Elijah stepping his foot down enforces more stability into this shit-show of a world these girls are living in. But it just doesn’t feel as complete because each character just happily ties up more loose ends that season three left way too open. But the standouts aren’t necessarily the main cast. I only really felt true emotion in Adam, as well as the guest spots. Natasha Lyonne plays Rickey, Jessa’s employer’s daughter and the nice return of Danny Strong as Pal, Elijah’s ex.
But as the episode closes, there’s more too it: Adam is watching Hannah leave from his window, unbeknownst to her, and Marnie seems to be the only person who cares Hannah is leaving, while others are pissed off.
Little Quips:
Elijah and Marnie’s conversation:
Elijah: “What do Judy Garland and Lady Gaga have in common?”
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Marnie: “They’re white?”
Elijah: “No, they are both bad bitches, who don’t give a shit.”
Also:
Elijah: “Marnie, this business isn’t for sissy bitches.”
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The show’s sense of perceived reality is always on cue and it keeps it going when the show knows it’s overtly pretentious and bitchy in tone.
It’s a good episode overall, but it didn’t really give me anything to care about; not even Hannah. Let’s hope next week is better.
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