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Insecurehas always existed in the register of fantasy.
Its on display in the bouncy, punchy soundtrack featuring the likes of Anderson.Paak and Too Short.
This trend continues inInsecures final season, premiering on HBO Sunday night.
Insecureis the kind of series meant to be experienced but not studied.
But certain issues linger.
Its a cheap narrative move the show is now left to reckon with.
All soap operatics, no depth.
Blessedly, the new season doesnt pick up with that specific plotline.
Who wouldnt want to hear from their loved ones how theyll be remembered?
When faced with the question When did you know you were on the right path?
she keeps it real: Shes not sure shehashad that realization or even that shes on the right path.
Her later conversations with Molly effloresce into speaking aloud her own anxieties.
Im in my 30s, she says.
Everything is out of my control.
This isnt where Issa or Molly expected to be.
Issa counters, What if we still do?
Scenes such as these underscore the fact that, five seasons in, Rae remains an uneven actor.
There are oblique allusions to the state of the world, though nothing directly about COVID-19.
Such allusions are grating half-measures.
Does COVID exist in this world?
Molly has cropped her hair and wears it natural.
Issas business has grown successful, but shes still awkward and yearning.
Visually, the show remains a feast.
Its graceful, sloping camerawork delights.
The costuming puts the beauty of the characters on display.
(Im especially fond of Mollys cobalt-blue power suit in the second episode.)
The soundtrack is on point.
The color scheme of cool blues, warm amber, and deep green enlivens the frame.
Mirrors hold possibilities for your past to reach out to your present.
Its all beautiful in a way meant to highlight the hard-won joy of Black life.
Such lush visuals serve as a counterpoint to the sparseness of the writing in the dramatic scenes.
Regarding Molly and Issa strengthening their relationship: It doesnt quite work.
Their friendship, in all its fraught yet intimate nature, deserves a meatier reconciliation.
(Although this decision does speak to the history and understanding the characters share with each other.)
The show remains committed to Lawrences story line, with the third episode focusing on him entirely.
Ultimately, its more frustrating than revelatory as a story line.
Another glaring issue: Condola isnt much of a character.
Thus far this season, shes framed as an overwhelmed mother but little else.
What does she want?
Im unsure, which is a huge problem for this story line.
But theres friction between the two.
Is Issa selling out, as he believes?
What does it mean for a Black person to sell out in this climate?
All are questions on the shows mind that Im curious to see answered.
Emotional ruptures are born.
But most important, the beauty of Black people in moments of glamorous joy and wonder is found.
