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As Kate and Anthony reach a new openness in their relationship, the various other relationships of the show continue to grow stronger.
Remember Aunt Gladys?: Lulu, Anthony
Unbeknownst to Lulu, you are supposed to register when you get a flat or space in the hospital. Something that apparently costs money. Which, as established, Lulu doesn’t necessarily have. So, when in need, it is time to go see Aunt Gladys (Kathy Burke). The very handsy, probably molester, Aunt Gladys.
Someone who knows Anthony quite well and was convinced that Lulu and he would one day come together. But alas, it still hasn’t happened. Making this trip for money awkward in both a physical and emotional way for poor Lulu. Though, at least, she got the money she needed.
Commentary
With this and The Carmichael Show, I get reminded that a lot of comedy comes from dark places. Like, with Aunt Gladys, if she is this inappropriate and handsy now, I fear what she was like when Lulu was a teenager. Hell, imagine what she might have done when she was alone with the girl?! Really pushing this idea that Lulu isn’t screwed up just for comedic effect but because her family and upbringing made her that way.
It also makes you understand why she is so attached to Anthony. He is her normalcy. With him, yes they pick with each other to the point it seems malicious, but eventually, there is an apology. There is some sort of line where they realize they have gone too far. Something I don’t think Lulu might experience at home. At least if her parents are as casual as Gladys anyway.
Complicated Relationships: Will, Sam, Fred
Though it was fun at first, Will is growing concerned with how Sam treats Fred. Not really even in a jealous way. More so, he doesn’t want him messing with Fred’s self-esteem, among other things. So, at first, he politely confronts him. That doesn’t work. So, later on, he gets a bit more aggressive. Which, as for whether that will take or not, future episodes will solidify.
Commentary
While I recognize there is a vulnerability in Sam, I also realize he is a tosser. He uses Fred because he knows he can. Like Lulu, in a way, he knows Fred is easy pickings and can probably be treated how he wants to. So even if Will or Anthony threaten him, why should he care? He is going to milk both or either for all the pleasure and enjoyment he can get. For there is this sick part of him which likely gets off to that. All the while, he craves their attention just to keep from bottoming out.
The Truth About Love & Feelings: Melody, Kate, Anthony
The two consistent things questioned have been why Melody has such an interest in Colin and why does Kate like, and is engaged to, Anthony? Well, both get some development this episode. For Melody, what she likes about Colin is that he is fine being small and quaint. There is no pursuit or desire to be big, seen, and in charge. Which is so attractive to her. Plus, he doesn’t want to have sex with her and the denial is also a turn on.
As for Kate? Well, she doesn’t know why she likes Anthony really. Taking into consideration he doesn’t make her orgasm, she doesn’t really feel comfortable naked around him, isn’t fond of his friends, and more, she doesn’t get it. But with spending time with Melody, getting to be comfortable in her being, she comes to a conclusion: She has been pretending.
For reasons not explained, she has been pretending to love Anthony.
Commentary
I’ve come to like Melody immensely. For while she comes off weird for the sake of it, what characters Waller-Bridge has made, thus far, that don’t. But like with most weird people, once you get to know them you can see a richness and depth to them. For it is in this confidence they found, or had to make, to survive, where this very real, sometimes hurt, person emerges. Like a wise inner child.
As for Kate? I want to know why she was pretending? Was it simply because Anthony was attractive and she decided to go with it? Possibly because most of the guys she met or were set up with, just weren’t that interesting? Could it be that she meant to break it off but, as time went on, she realized it would mean wasted weeks, months, or years, so she tried to just push herself to enjoy him?
Or could it very well be that with a sheltered life shattered by Melody, she is coming into her own now? Her insecurities are sort of being tossed and now she is discovering who she is as a woman? Which, in the grand scheme of things, is someone who is just too good for Anthony? There are two more episodes to find out.
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