Girls - Close-Up - Review: "The Island of Misfit Animals"
Feb 24, 2015
Girls Reviews ROGirls continued its fourth season last night with an all new episode, “Close Up”, written by Murray Miller and directed by Richard Shepard.
It was a very dense and special episode, quite different from last week. Adam was a major part of it and I didn’t expect that to happen. I thought we’d focus on Hannah and the aftermaths of the break-up. It was a pleasant surprise, even if I have had difficulties with Adam. I just don’t like him to be honest.
There wasn’t actually a common theme or structure in the episode, as Jessa pointed out during the brunch scene, this episode felt like “the island of misfit animals”. All the characters, but Jessa, are going through major changes, evolutions but the process is quite painful and hard.
So Adam was very prominent in “Close Up”, it was unexpected but that way we got to understand more his relationship with Mimi-Rose. And I was also very surprised how great they got along. Their relationship is way more healthier than it ever had been with Hannah.
They had an argument, about Mimi-Rose’s abortion, which she did without telling Adam. Adam reacted in a classic Adam way, misogynist and selfish. Of course it would have been better for Mimi-Rose to tell Adam before, but in the end, it’s her body, it’s her choice. She made her choice alone, but she told him about the abortion. She could have lied and not say a thing, she opened to him in her ways, and it was touching. I’m really starting to like Mimi-Rose now, she is very thoughtful and calm.
Adam almost left her (and her apartment) but she convinced him to stay, her declaration was perfect. Adam was threatened because he felt Mimi-Rose didn’t need him. She wasn’t like Hannah, seeking his approbation and consent all the time. She was more mature, she didn’t need Adam but she liked his company and what they shared together. Mimi-Rose wasn't as selfish and crazy as Hannah, Adam needed to adjust to his new girlfriend. I really hope they can work it out together, so we will never see them again on Girls. I like Mimi-Rose, I hate her name and Adam’s character has been overused, it’s time to bring new male characters.
Hannah was back in her apartment, along with Elijah. I loved her little breakdown because he ate her cereals. Typical Hannah. I just don’t get why she took Elijah under her roof. She probably needed his money but he’s so terrible, such a self absorbed spoiled brat. He was funnier in the first seasons, his new attitude is quite painful to watch sometimes. I want my fun Elijah back.
Hannah wasn’t very fun this week either, but at least she wasn’t as depressed as I thought she’d be. She was already feeling better since her break-up. It was hard but it made her grow quickly. I absolutely loved the scene with her therapist. He saw her a very mature young woman, who really wanted to help other… Making your mother happy isn’t the same thing as helping out others. And has he ever listened to Hannah ?
I loved Jessa, Shosh and Marnie’s reaction at brunch when Hannah said she wanted to help others. That was so true, Hannah is was too selfish for that. Hannah wanted to help others but she had no idea how, and while brunching and thanks to Jessa ‘those who can’t do, teach”, she had an epiphany : she will become a teacher ! Seriously, Hannah a teacher… That could be very interesting and very fun. She might be actually very good at it, it’ll depend on her students.
Marnie should be happy, she shouldn’t be one the misfit animal. She wanted to be with Devi, to share and to have that special creative, artistic and romantic relationship. But it turned out, the reality wasn’t anything she had dreamed of. Devi always has been an ass, he’s very arrogant and self centered. He wants to control everything… So does Marnie. Sure, their relationship is doomed to fail because they both want to control everything, they’re not ready to let go anything. Their fight about which song to choose and then who they were as a band was a perfect example of how much they both want to be in charge. And adding personal conflicts (his mode of transportation…) to a work related argument is never a good idea Marnie.
And finally Shoshanna was still struggling with her job interviews. She can not find the right job for her, it’s a hard world out there but I’m confident she will find something that will suit her particular competences. Her job interview for the Soup was hilarious. Shosh is always at her best when she storms out like that. She is so funny, and a bit scary at the same time and I’m always amazed how fast she can talk.
Shosh has really grown into a fine young woman, I really want her to succeed. She better not be serious when she talked about forgetting her dreams and ambitions and just be someone’s wife. She can be so much better than that.
“Close Up” was another excellent episode of Girls. It was not a usual Girls episode, and I enjoyed the different ride. This season has been a real pleasure to watch so far, the girls are slowly becoming more adults and more mature but they’re still lost and funny as hell.
What did you think of “Close Up” ? What was your favorite part ? Hit the comments !
Girls notes :
- Ray is still going against that light in his neighborhood. And the city council meeting proved to be terrible. A terrible example of democracy can look like. (then it’s still better than any other systems yet)
- How sweet was Mimi-Rose’s place ? I love how she decorated her place.
- Who's going on with Jessa ? She was there but we don't see her much. I miss her
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