It’s not about her. At least, that’s the mantra that Hannah’s repeating to anyone and everyone about the recent revelation that her father has come out as a proud gay man. Tad (guest star Peter Scolari) is spending time in New York to see Hannah, and also to learn from his new Obi-Wan: Elijah. Elijah takes Tad out and shows him, in a way, how to be a modern gay man.
This episode focuses on boundaries; or, in the case of our girls, the lack of boundaries that they all deal with. Hannah is told that she seriously needs to assess her professional boundaries when the principal catches her fighting with fifteen year old student Cleo (guest star Maude Apatow). Jessa and Adam see their relationships implode with the lack of emotional boundaries that Mimi-Rose (guest star Gillian Jacobs) holds, particularly when it comes to her ex, and Jessa’s current partner, Ace (guest star Zachary Quinto). Marnie’s lack of social boundaries devastates Ray on his big night. Everyone (except perhaps Marnie, who is in her oblivious happy bubble) is realising just how important those boundaries are, for themselves and the people around them.
When you look back over the course of the season, Hannah Horvath has become much more of an adult. She still has her moments, but she’s discovered that there are many facets to being an adult, both professionally and personally. Her calm reaction to Tad’s revelation, her attempt to placate her mother, and her actually warranted outburst at her father and Elijah are evidence of this. Two seasons ago, Hannah would have spiralled out of control; here, she’s attempting to stay calm and not make it about her, despite the fact that it is, in this instance, a little bit about her.
After a season of being a background character, we actually see a lot of Jessa in this episode. She’s finally bagged Ace, and is enjoying their spontaneous, adventurous lifestyle. On the way to dinner, they walk past Mimi-Rose’s house, and Ace insists that they stop in to say hello. Adam and Jessa are both clearly uncomfortable, and when Mimi-Rose insists that Jessa and Ace stay for dinner, it becomes the most awkward dinner party in history. It all comes crashing to a halt when Mimi-Rose reveals that she’s jealous and wants Ace back, but then decides to be alone after all. Adam and Jessa flee the dinner party from hell to head to Ray’s victory party, but Adam decides not to go in, revealing to Jessa that he wants to see Hannah all too much right now.
Heading into next week’s finale, the show’s building up to a Hannah and Adam reunion but I’m really hoping that they don’t get back together. Both Hannah and Adam have become likable and well- rounded characters since they’ve been apart, and have become more enjoyable to watch. It’s been a big season for all of our girls, and it will be interesting to see how they all end up after next week’s finale.
Review Score: FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Girls airs on Showcase weekly, 7:30pm AEST Mondays (express from the US)
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