"A friendship between college girls is grander and more dramatic than any romance..."
The one good thing that comes with the end of another season of Girls is not having to deal with the needless commentary that accompanies every episode. Of course, that doesn't include actual analysis of the series or installments, you know, like this, but the endless barrage of think-pieces (and think-pieces about those think-pieces) that continue to discuss the same issues written about when the HBO comedy first aired. It's so unlikable! So provocative! Although, comedy is a pretty strong word for the show since sometime around the fourth episode this season, Girls traded in big laughs for increasingly cringe-worthy drama. Still good, just different. Remember when Hannah and Elijah were roommates? Yeah, nothing has been nearly as funny since they split and last week's "On All Fours" was down right traumatizing. But still a nice set-up for the (bitter)sweetness of the season finale when everything came "Together."
"Right from across the room."
Of the several traumatizing events that occurred during the penultimate installment of the season, Marnie's rendition of Kayne West's "Stronger" was certainly high on the list of most scarring. Especially because I can't get it out of my head! But especially because she did it right in the middle of the party, completely oblivious of the harsh climate of the room and Charlie's growing mortification. It did end with the pair hooking up, which continued this week, and it seems that his skills are much improved from the last go round. And, most importantly, he's grown some much needed balls which makes him more appealing to everybody, including Marnie. Of course, just because the couple (or 'fogeys') professed their love for each other doesn't mean that things will work out any better this time around, however, if Charlie manages to hold onto the backbone he grew during their time apart, they might have a shot. I still think that Marnie's in such an uncertain place, that running back to the safe relationship (even safer with the constantly mentioned money) will only be temporary.
"Will you get out of me!?"
While "Together" ends with Marnie and Charlie, well, together, Ray and Shoshanna are not so lucky. Or Ray's not so lucky, Shosh seems to be doing just fine without her sad sack of a now ex-boyfriend. Don't get me wrong, I say all of these derogatory things about Ray from a place of love (and a familiar, black hearted existence) but he was the only one who didn't see this coming. Too bad, because their subway exchange in "It's A Shame About Ray" (what I consider the last truly great episode of Girls) might be the sweetest moment of the series. Oh well, I don't begrudge Shosh for wanting to go out and hold hands with some more dudes but I didn't expect her to run right for the tall blonde she claimed to dislike. Before putting a button on their relationship though, it's worth going back to the beginning of the season finale to note another uncomfortable sex scene to add to the pile. Or was I the only one uncomfortable with the unfinished encounter? And not in a let's write think-pieces about it kind of way, just that the scene was painful to watch. As it should have been, we are watching a couple crumble.
"I think it's a pretty dark scene inside your head."
At least the miscommunication on Shoshanna's part led to Ray making a little more of himself as well as a great guest spot from Colin Quinn as the owner of Grumpy's coffee shop. Soon to be two. And soon to be dead? His health is still in question but Ray's promotion is as real as his breakup. Too soon? While Ray's off licking his wounds, Hannah started "Together" by licking the cotton ball's covering up her wounds (ick) and sharing her auditory annoyance with the audience. But just because she's sick, and stuck googling in eights, doesn't mean that her book deadline will suddenly disappear and the dickish editor comes calling 'bout those new pages. Determined to not be sued, she vows to write 'My Book' (that's literally the file name) in a day. It doesn't take long for that plan to derail (in fact, it's quite odd that we get no solution to the book scenario at all) and for her to turn to daddy to bail her out. In a rare moment of paternal strength, Peter Scolari is able to express his frustrations with his daughter's manipulations and deny her any assistance. And while dad isn't available for help, Marnie stops by in the middle of her relationship thread to see how her former best friend is doing.
"Fuck her! What?!?"
She's hiding, so, not well. Marnie was probably just coming to talk Charlie anyway, not to mention snag that candle holder and Hannah only wants to talk with Jessa. The message that Hannah leaves her runaway friend is hilarious and a great example of the show at its best when walking the fine line between laughter and tears. And when Adam Driver is around. Adam's new relationship provided us with probably the most traumatizing event last week but, surprisingly, his slip up wasn't enough to lose Nat. Even though that's what he might have wanted all along. I mean, they clearly don't share the same interests in the bedroom (with him literally hitting his headboard) and we all know someone who appreciates his brand of crazy. On that note, it was nice to see Laird back and not just because Jon Glaser rocks but so the former addict could deliver some important insights on her character. And a sweet bowl-cut. Adam doesn't seem to mind that the kid looks like she's rocking a helmet, all he needs to see is her in trouble and he comes running. Shirtless. Besides the soundtrack (too bombastic) it was a lovely closing montage. Poor Ray.
HBO renewed the series for Season 3 quite some time ago. It started shooting this month. Created by Lena Dunham, Girls stars Dunham, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet, Allison Williams, Adam Driver and Christopher Abbott.
"Sight of the Sun" by Fun.
