I loved it, but I watched the whole thing. I don't think it's fair to judge something as a whole without finishing it personally, especially as the show addresses things like child sa, long term emotional abuse, the toxic masculine dominance in artistic work spaces, which is explored and dealt with in its own quirky but ultimately healing way. The whole American expat thing is actually accurate and hilarious to a certain subset of woman who has moved over here, the pillorying of the British upper classes is scathingly accurate. The Andrew Scott episode was phenomenal I thought, and the growth and maturity in the lead characters in the last two episodes was full of the British drama style yearning Dunham is fond of referencing throughout. I thought it was not nearly enough, and would love to see more of these characters and this universe personally.
Thanks Steffany for sharing. I think if you disclaim the DNF status up front and people are curious about what you have to say still, there’s merit in sharing sentiments, especially coming from a place where I’ve reviewed and watched a lot of female-centered shows and have a formed opinion. Besides, one of us did finish all ten and arrived at a similar place though obviously her POV is more informed by story and character development.
I can appreciate the expat thing, especially from your perspective too - as someone who knows it well. I’ve experienced it at different points in my life and it is always a humbling one. I’m sad I missed the Andrew Scott episode cause I’m a huge fan and he’s the person that’s making me think I will return to this show at one point. Sheila mentioned “Shrill” and there’s space for more stories of every women in tv and media. Personally I hope this show paves the path for more investment in other female creators as well who have stories to tell!
I still haven't started Too Much but now I'm cautiously curious 😂. I love Megan Stalter in Hacks. She is one of the best side characters on TV for me but it sounds like her character here will disappoint. I'll probably watch a few episodes to see and then come back to read this post again.
Thanks for your hilarious summary of everything that irked you
Yeah...cautiously curious is a great mindset going in. I think Stalter is pretty amazing given the kind of character she has to work with here...there are more than a few, quiet stand-out moments where she really shines as an actor. Report back!! :)
I was way too worried about the dog in Beth’s rewrite, glad he survived.
Really enjoyed the round table element of this review. Even though the show sounds messy and only one of you made it through the entire thing it was interesting to see each writer highlight something they appreciated in the show anyway.
HAAA! Yeah..that poor dog...it should be one of those rom-com rules. If Elle Woods appears with a cute dog in the first scene, the dog must make it to the end of the movie :) Messy is the best way to describe the show for sure. As I said, I wonder if it might have worked better as a film. Lena Dunham has a lot to offer; not everything can be a home run. Her casting of Rita Wilson and Rhea Perman was particularly inspired :) I'm glad you enjoyed our chat..thanks!
Interesting! I just watched the first episode last night. Not bad. I'll let you know how long I last! I was a pretty big "Girls" fan so I'm hoping for the best.
I never watched Girls beyond the pilot and that Marnie episode so can’t totally compare. I liked the first episode of this and then found 2-4 tedious, mostly because Jessica’s coworkers felt superfluous and like bad Gen Z tropes, but I was all in from 5 on. I think it’s best when you’re discovering their backstories. I also had to cram it in a day for work which isn’t the most fun way to watch either.
I think you're right that the backstory episodes were among the strongest. Felix's background is especially tragic and heartbreaking. The co-workers were across the board horrible; I had zero interest in any of them.
The Felix reveal episode was so good, too, and showing the cultural divide between Americans and the English. The coworkers just didn’t add anything to the story. Like Felix’s friends made more sense. Maybe Jessica should have just FaceTimed more with Rhea!
Appreciate this POV! I may have to go back and finish and to see Andrew Scott’s cameo. Also I tend to like the backstories though I found the episode 4 or 5 about her past relationship with Joel from Maisel to be a new kind of hell. Also is Zegen afraid of being typecast or is he rolling with it? Think the latter.
Thank you for sharing so many too! I am enjoying discussing this show. I think you should go back just for the Andrew Scott cameos because I was DYING. There are fun guest stars. I never watched Maisel (but watched some Penguin) Zegen is a fantastic douche bag! Also the inspo for Zev seems pretty clear. I felt so bad for Jessica. Meg is just excellent and loved her throughout!
You're totally right. Sometimes the pull to give it a shot is too strong. Then again, there is something to be said for trusting one's instincts. On that note: back to rewatching all seasons of The Bear :)
I loved it, but I watched the whole thing. I don't think it's fair to judge something as a whole without finishing it personally, especially as the show addresses things like child sa, long term emotional abuse, the toxic masculine dominance in artistic work spaces, which is explored and dealt with in its own quirky but ultimately healing way. The whole American expat thing is actually accurate and hilarious to a certain subset of woman who has moved over here, the pillorying of the British upper classes is scathingly accurate. The Andrew Scott episode was phenomenal I thought, and the growth and maturity in the lead characters in the last two episodes was full of the British drama style yearning Dunham is fond of referencing throughout. I thought it was not nearly enough, and would love to see more of these characters and this universe personally.
Thanks Steffany for sharing. I think if you disclaim the DNF status up front and people are curious about what you have to say still, there’s merit in sharing sentiments, especially coming from a place where I’ve reviewed and watched a lot of female-centered shows and have a formed opinion. Besides, one of us did finish all ten and arrived at a similar place though obviously her POV is more informed by story and character development.
I can appreciate the expat thing, especially from your perspective too - as someone who knows it well. I’ve experienced it at different points in my life and it is always a humbling one. I’m sad I missed the Andrew Scott episode cause I’m a huge fan and he’s the person that’s making me think I will return to this show at one point. Sheila mentioned “Shrill” and there’s space for more stories of every women in tv and media. Personally I hope this show paves the path for more investment in other female creators as well who have stories to tell!
This conversation was far more entertaining than the show could possibly be!
I endorse this message 💕
My words aren't cheap! 😜
Ha!!
HA!!! Aw Shux! Thank you! 💗🥸
Me too!!
I still haven't started Too Much but now I'm cautiously curious 😂. I love Megan Stalter in Hacks. She is one of the best side characters on TV for me but it sounds like her character here will disappoint. I'll probably watch a few episodes to see and then come back to read this post again.
Thanks for your hilarious summary of everything that irked you
Yeah...cautiously curious is a great mindset going in. I think Stalter is pretty amazing given the kind of character she has to work with here...there are more than a few, quiet stand-out moments where she really shines as an actor. Report back!! :)
I will! Similar to what you said, I never enjoyed Girls but I do love Stalter so I feels she might help me push through just with her acting.
I like cautiously curious. Proceed accordingly and report back.
My note and your fab piece, floating through the Stackosphere. (I'm woefully behind.) If you ever need another panelist...🤣
Oh my! 🙌 Thank you and yes! Love this idea of a future panel with you!
Love that you described it as Shouty! It's the perfect description
I liked it but didn’t love it . Girls was such a masterpiece that I expected more from Lena
I think apple health clocked a “danger zone” in my hearing health quality with this show…
I was way too worried about the dog in Beth’s rewrite, glad he survived.
Really enjoyed the round table element of this review. Even though the show sounds messy and only one of you made it through the entire thing it was interesting to see each writer highlight something they appreciated in the show anyway.
Astrid survives in my rewrite scenario for sure.
HAAA! Yeah..that poor dog...it should be one of those rom-com rules. If Elle Woods appears with a cute dog in the first scene, the dog must make it to the end of the movie :) Messy is the best way to describe the show for sure. As I said, I wonder if it might have worked better as a film. Lena Dunham has a lot to offer; not everything can be a home run. Her casting of Rita Wilson and Rhea Perman was particularly inspired :) I'm glad you enjoyed our chat..thanks!
Interesting! I just watched the first episode last night. Not bad. I'll let you know how long I last! I was a pretty big "Girls" fan so I'm hoping for the best.
I never watched Girls beyond the pilot and that Marnie episode so can’t totally compare. I liked the first episode of this and then found 2-4 tedious, mostly because Jessica’s coworkers felt superfluous and like bad Gen Z tropes, but I was all in from 5 on. I think it’s best when you’re discovering their backstories. I also had to cram it in a day for work which isn’t the most fun way to watch either.
I think you're right that the backstory episodes were among the strongest. Felix's background is especially tragic and heartbreaking. The co-workers were across the board horrible; I had zero interest in any of them.
The Felix reveal episode was so good, too, and showing the cultural divide between Americans and the English. The coworkers just didn’t add anything to the story. Like Felix’s friends made more sense. Maybe Jessica should have just FaceTimed more with Rhea!
YES! A Jess/Rhea series would do me just fine!!
Appreciate this POV! I may have to go back and finish and to see Andrew Scott’s cameo. Also I tend to like the backstories though I found the episode 4 or 5 about her past relationship with Joel from Maisel to be a new kind of hell. Also is Zegen afraid of being typecast or is he rolling with it? Think the latter.
Thank you for sharing so many too! I am enjoying discussing this show. I think you should go back just for the Andrew Scott cameos because I was DYING. There are fun guest stars. I never watched Maisel (but watched some Penguin) Zegen is a fantastic douche bag! Also the inspo for Zev seems pretty clear. I felt so bad for Jessica. Meg is just excellent and loved her throughout!
Forwarded to wife. Thanks for saving me from watching this shit 🤣
Seriously though, life’s too short to watch anything that’s not outstanding.
You're totally right. Sometimes the pull to give it a shot is too strong. Then again, there is something to be said for trusting one's instincts. On that note: back to rewatching all seasons of The Bear :)
Ha! I’m the king of bailing on books and shows.
All of these big shot editors and agents say if you can’t hook ‘em in the first few pages then you’re no good.
They don’t seem to apply that advice very judiciously.
Henny-You might have to blurb my next book. And all the books!
Big ‘loss leader’ vibes
I put my husband out of misery on this too. He was suffering big time. The vocal frying was particularly grating. He can’t.
Ick, vocal fry, that’s terrible