Julia: Season 1/ Episode 4 “Petit Fours” – Recap/ Review

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As Julia’s profile rises locally, Alice starts trying to push her nationally, even if Julia only has three episodes under her belt and isn’t comfortable with being a star.

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Aired (HBO Max)	4/7/2022
Directed By	Erica Dunton
Written By	Natalia Temesgen
Introduced This Episode
John Updike	Bryce Pinkham
Blanche Knopf	Judith Light
Iris	Robin Weigert

This content contains pertinent spoilers.

Summary

Despite only three episodes airing, Julia’s show is a hit! All the ladies in the Boston area seem to love her, call her home phone, and send hundreds of letters to the station. In a way, Julia is flattered, but she is also a bit overwhelmed. But, things become difficult after the Boston Globe does a write-up praising Julia while trashing the other shows.

As you can imagine, Albert is upset, and because he is such a diva, his problem becomes everyone’s, so Hunter presses Julia as if she spoke to the press or was involved in the article. Thus, she calls Judith in hopes someone can go on Albert’s show to raise his spirits, and Judith gets John Updike to go.

But Albert isn’t the only one down in the dumps. Paul’s gallery opening doesn’t go as he wanted or planned. His Julia photos sold, but his original work not focused on her? Avis buys one, but that’s it, and it forces him to resign to the idea he isn’t the star in the family anymore.

Oh, if only he knew this was just the beginning for Alice, despite being Albert’s producer, is still quite committed to Julia. Hence her calling local stations nationwide to sell Julia’s show, and she gets a bite in San Francisco. Mind you, this is all done without Russ, Hunter, or even Julia’s permission. However, while Hunter is upset, it is mostly because it wasn’t his idea. But with money coming in from Julia’s show, he hasn’t the ability to chastise Alice for overstepping for too long.

Things To Note

Question(s) Left Unanswered

1. Where did Alice get the idea to license Julia’s show if Hunter makes it sound so foreign?
2. Did Iris really say seeing Julia naked inspired her to admit to herself she is a lesbian?
3. Does John have feelings for Judith?

What Could Happen Next

1. Julia freaking out because she is bi-coastal
2. Paul continuing to have a difficult time not being the star of the family

Collected Quote(s)

A trip down memory lane is often better off a stroll than a full-blown hike.
— Julia

Review

Highlights

Julia’s Relationships

Generally speaking, Julia gets along with everybody and seems to, likely after growing up with her father, know how to become amiable no matter who she is dealing with. This is why things are so cute when it comes to her and Paul. In that relationship, Julia doesn’t have to make herself small and meek in his presence. He wants her to be who she is and applauds her for it, shows her off even, but never in a way to exploit her. He just wants to show off the woman he loves.

Then with Alice, you have to appreciate that even with those two not working directly for one another, that initial advocacy isn’t forgotten. Avis might be there day to day to help out, but Alice is trying to make it so Julia isn’t another person famous on paper but broke in her accounts. Also, Julia calling in a favor to get Albert a notable guest continues to push how she is a team player. Even with her knowing Albert, and likely most of those who don’t benefit from her cooking, don’t get her shtick or why people are into it.

It is truly a showing of wanting to give what you expect back, and hoping a few acts of kindness, even if you don’t take credit, could lead to people acting the way they should.

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