Gabbing about 'Girls': Week 2

When I first watched Episode two of Girls, I was left with the sensation that nothing really happened. Upon first viewing, I would have titled this episode “Nothing happens here besides vague racism” but after watching it for a second time this morning with a giant cup of coffee, I can correct that first judgment. A lot goes on in the second episode of this season— a lot of what Americans get little of in shows usually. What I’m talking about here is character development. If you watch The Big Bang Theory, then you probably don’t know what that is and I’m sorry for you.

-Elijah’s boyfriend breaks up with him for sleeping with Marnie. Not because of the infidelity thing, but because he doesn’t want to date a man who is “confused” about his sexuality. I think this story line is extremely relevant to our generation because it challenges the idea that, “being gay is just a phase” in a unique light. For once, we have a show where a character is questioning their sexuality about if they’re heterosexual on some level or not.

Photo via hbo.com/girls

-Hannah’s dance moves are pretty A+ she should take those on down to a Zumba class or something.

-Adam’s song strikes fear into my heart. Elijah is spot on with the line, “He’s scary with all those tools behind him.”

-I’m not surprised that Elijah wants to keep his tryst with Marnie a secret, he’s kind of awful… but I like him.

-It’s pretty clear Hannah is one of those sad people who are trying to “re-invent” themselves but can’t really do it on her own. She’s a co-dependent and it’s obvious that she’s just substitutes Marnie for Elijah. Only different here is that instead of telling Hannah his opinion gracefully, Elijah is crass and bold. He calls Donald Glover’s character out on being a Republican as they brush their teeth. Political talk is a sensitive subject, one to be avoided especially when it’s early in the morning and people are ornery.

-Marnie’s storyline this season is such a win. She is experiencing what a lot of people our generation is: She’s realizing that just because she has a degree in something, doesn’t mean we will have a career in it. Marnie applies to an art gallery but is told that she doesn’t belong in the art world. It’s a hard realization for anyone to swallow.

-The consolation Marnie is given every time she is turned down by an employer is “You’re a good looking girl, you’ll land on your feet,” which has become something of a placation for our generation. It perpetuates this idea that if something is attractive, they’re entitled to something in this world. U GO LENA for addressing this in a subtle way.

-Shoshanna and Ray are so cute. Usually Ray looks like a grumpy ass hole so it’s nice to see him, you know, smile and emote.

-Marnie takes “You could totally make money off of how pretty you are,” as a total compliment. This moves her forward to get a hostess job at a club. She tells Hannah that it will help her improve her social skills, while Hannah judges her for “cashing in on her sexuality.” I loved this scene because it was like Lena Dunham was taking a jab at all the people who make comments that she gets nude in every episode. Also, funny enough… this is the only episode where she does not appear naked.

-Jessa and Hannah meet up for lunch, and Jessa’s husband gives her three puppies? (?????) How long were those puppies in there?!

-While out to lunch, Jessa tells Hannah that she’s never been happier. Hannah reveals that her boyfriend has not read her essays, to which Jessa replies “If he’s not reading your essays, he’s not reading you.” As a writer, I’ve run into this issue in the past. People I’ve dated have never really taken a keen interest in my work and it stings. Tear tear.

-The scene between Donald Glover’s character and Hannah was brilliant. For once, I feel like Lena Dunham is distancing herself from her character. You can tell that she views Hannah as very naïve and in desperate need for a reality check. Hannah uses a Missy Elliot lyric in order to convince her boyfriend that she is not racist.

-I love Marnie and Elijah together. Their dynamic is so incredible. Hannah walks in on their conversation and proclaims that the reason her and Sandy broke up was because she “can’t be with someone if they’re not an ally to women and gays.” This would be an okay statement, had she not really broken up with Sandy due to the fact that he didn’t enjoy her essay.

-Elijah’s look at Marnie… GURL.

-Hannah and Adam deserve each other because they’re both psychopaths… who cuts their bangs in bed!?

-After Adam breaks into Hannah’s apartment, she calls the cops on him (smart move). Once they show up, however, she claims that they can’t work it out on their own. Hannah, you need to get it together. Be consistent!!