At first, it seems like Hannah is back in self-destruct mode. Yes, she’s inexplicably found herself a job as a substitute teacher at a private Manhattan school; and yes, she’s found herself a date in adorable and witty history teacher Fran (guest star Jake Lacy); but this is Hannah Horvath, and she wouldn’t be Hannah without a little bit of selfishness in her.
She takes Fran to Mimi-Rose’s art show, much to the disbelief of Marnie and the frustration of Adam, who thinks Hannah’s only brought Fran along to ruin Mimi-Rose’s big night. Fran, perhaps one of the only characters on this show with some self-respect, removes himself from this situation very quickly. Farewell, Fran, we hardly knew ye. Hannah meets Ace (guest star Zachary Quinto), Mimi-Rose’s ex-partner, and the four ex- and current partners end up leaving together to go to Mimi-Rose’s after party. Hannah and Mimi-Rose share a cab, and over the course of the evening they two women fight, are completely honest with one another, and even gain one another’s respect.
Adam, meanwhile, is shocked when Ace tells him that he’s going to get Mimi-Rose back, and that Adam should enjoy his relationship with her while it lasts. The cracks in Adam and Mimi-Rose’s relationship really begin to show in this episode, as do the cracks in Mimi-Rose’s seemingly perfect life. Adam shows his insecurities, gets angry when Ace reveals his true intentions, and spends the remainder of the night sulking at the bar, while Hannah displays some maturity and wishes he and Mimi-Rose well. For the first time since we’ve known Adam, he’s not in the driver’s seat: he’s the Hannah, and Hannah’s the Adam – and I love this new dynamic.
Throughout Girls’ four seasons, Hannah has been chasing the elusive dream of being an artist. She wants Mimi-Rose’s lifestyle: the beautiful house, the successful and creative career, the self-fulfillment. However, it’s evident not only to us but to Hannah that no life is perfect, and that even when you get what you’ve always wanted and chased, there’s no guarantee that it will make you happy. Hannah’s story arc this season has been about re-evaluating your long held ambitions, and finding that maybe there’s something better out there for you. She’s put her writing on the backburner, and is finding that teaching really suits her.
The few scenes that Jessa’s in this week point to her mental state. After Adam reveals to her that Ace wants Mimi-Rose back, Jessa’s reaction is one of disappointment and disbelief, as she wanted to be with Ace. She seems visibly crushed and in denial about the fact that Ace is still in love with Mimi-Rose, and this kind of mental instability, especially in an impulsive and emotional person like Jessa, isn’t the best thing for her ongoing sobriety.
Even though this had the makings of yet another Hannah breakdown, it’s easy to see the growth in Ms Horvath. She could have made a huge scene and dragged out the animosity with Mimi-Rose and Adam, and instead she gives them her blessing and goes on her way. Our little Hannah is maturing.
Review Score: THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Season 4 of Girls is screening weekly on Showcase, 7:30pm Mondays (express from the US)
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