It’s odd, that I find it so refreshing that a show would feature characters you should instinctively dislike. At the beginning of last night’s episode of Girls, after witnessing a fight between Marnie and Charlie that was vaguely about her, Hannah said the douchiest thing possible. And yet, I still dig this show.
Hannah’s ‘journal’ entry, the one all about her thoughts on Marnie and Charlie’s relationship, was the catalyst for the end of their relationship. It wasn’t Hannah’s fault that Charlie had read her journal, or notebook, or what have you – that was an unacceptable breach of privacy. But Hannah’s reaction was entirely self-centered. It’s not a diary, it’s notes for a book. It’s all true, so who cares? Is the writing good? The moment in which she asked Marnie if she’d like the “essay”, you know “as a piece of writing”, if it weren’t about Marnie herself, was a hideous moment. And a moment I loved.
Hannah was possibly at her most unlikable this week, what with her lack of sympathy for her best friend and her immature antics at work. But those intense flaws are was intrigue us about her character, aren’t they?
Marnie and Charlie’s storyline was a lovely depiction of how slowly a relationship can fall apart, and I loved the flashback to when they met. The fact that Marnie didn’t know where Charlie even lived was a nice touch, because it showed how Marnie can be just as self-involved as Hannah is, just in a different way. Of all the characters, I relate to Marnie the most. I know what it’s like to want things only on my own terms, and it’s not the most flattering of personality traits.
I continue to dislike Jessa, but I did find her reaction to discovering Shoshanna had been hiding in a closet while she had revenge sex hilarious. Shoshanna’s own reactions, though, really took the cake. I want more Shoshanna.
“Hard Being Easy” wasn’t an amazing episode, but I rather enjoy seeing the world these girls live in develop. The flashback in particular, seeing how the way Charlie and Marnie’s relationship began dictated everything about it and seeing Hannah’s gay boyfriend again, was really interesting. And, I’m looking forward to further exploring the idea of how self-destructive a person’s behavior can be when they view every experience as fodder for a book, essay, Tweet, etc. What did you guys think?
Loving this show and glad you are recapping it. I think Hannah was using the whole ‘doing it for the story’ idea as an excuse for her behavior. She clearly has major issues with men and will do anything to get attention from them. The flashback showed her so happy with her ex boyfriend in college and she just recently found out he was gay. That must be devastating her inside. She is completely clueless with Adam and so impressionable that on a mere suggestion she would propose sex with her boss. I love this show because as atrocious as these mistakes are; girls in their 20s actually make them.
That’s a really good point, and especially since I think she used the idea of ‘he’s still in love with me’ to boost her self esteem a little, finding out that he was never actually attracted to her would be pretty shattering.
I like that not all the girls make the same mistakes, too. Like, I think so far Marnie has her shit kind of together – more than the other girls anyway, and not wanting to break up with your boyfriend of so long is something that a lot of people would struggle with. It’s not as screwed up as everything Hannah is doing, which for me makes her easier to relate to.
I’m also really enjoying the show, and love the stuff they dare tackle. Like loving but not being in love with someone; or feeling smothered and feeling too guilty to actually fess up to it, and instead, let things slowly unravel until theres nothing left.
I liked Hannah’s weirdness this week; the thing with her boss was weird, but I liked it. I dont know why.
Her ‘boyfriend’ is one strange chap, and I loved how she was just going with it, whatever ‘it’ was….As random as it seemed, it was also pretty damn realistic.
I like where their going, I like the dynamics and I like that Girls just keeps going where other shows just don’t go…
Really don’t like Jessa though – she just doesn’t work for me. The accent makes her sound pretentious and smarmy instead of rebellious and interesting, and there’s something about her delivery that’s just lacking.
Oh well, look forward to the next one, and your recap.
Its weird; after watching any show, the first thing I want to do is check out what other people thought and so I immediately go online and read the recaps and comments…and if I don’t I feel like I haven’t quite finished.
One of the reasons I read your blog is because, for the most part, you have the same reactions to things that I do, and its awesome.
Its like getting to watch the show with someone who appreciates it just as much as me.
Thanks! That’s actually exactly why I started the blog, because I wanted to talk about TV with people and my friends didn’t always watch the same shows I do! Girls is an easy show to write about too, because it’s quick and can be short but there’s a lot to talk about.
I think Jessa’s accent is the actual actress’s accent so I don’t mind it. I actually like her as a character on the show, but I just know I’d hate her in person. I find her realistic, maybe because I went to a small Liberal Arts college where there were people like her in abundance. So I guess I kind of like that there’s a person I dislike, if that makes sense.
Thats a good point about Jessa; she does also remind me of people I do know, but I guess I don’t like them too? (!!)
I hear you about liking someone you dislike, and for Girls, that would def be her.
What do you think about Hannah’s tats thoughy? I think they’re awful, but I like Lena so…I shall give her a pass. But they’re awful , right?
Yeah, they’re not my taste, that’s for sure. I don’t have any tattoos and have seen ones on people that I do like, but hers aren’t my jam.
I like this show too, as a woman in her 40′s who made all these mistakes 20 years ago, besides being super entertaining, this show is great to show you how far you come.
I loved the how the story played out between Marnie and her boyfriend after that song last week, which was totally hilarious by the way. I love how when he accepts the break up she wants him and then again, after she wins him over she realizes she doesn’t want him anymore. That was so true to life.
Agree Hannah has real men issues, the scene with her boss was disturbing, although very well acted on all parts.
And Shoshana’s hiding in the closet was priceless.
I love this show! But it horrifies me, buddy!!!!!