This was one of those incredible episodes that truly showcased Jean Smart's extraordinary range. Through the entire series' progression, we have watched Deborah Vance slowly evolve from the monstrously callous, narcissistic diva to a more vulnerable, aging celebrity who is gradually embracing her shortcomings more and more in her quest to maintain star power in millennial-era limelight. Of course, Deborah does this begrudgingly so, which makes it all the more fun to watch her struggle to conform while the sanctimonious-yet-lovable Ava schools her on the current most-acceptable trends of political correctness.
However, in this episode, Deborah is finally getting tired. The ubiquitous sensitivities that have absorbed a younger generation that now takes offense from the Archie Bunker-like humor that amused most Boomers has finally gotten under Deborah's skin. I must admit: watching Jean Smart's angry tirade in front of Ava at the frat party was absolute gold. And to a certain degree, all of us of 40 and above can somewhat relate to the frustrations of our protagonist (I'm even saying this as a black woman). It is a rapidly changing world, and the past is finally catching up to a lot of us. We are the "woke"...and many of those past racial "taboos" simply no longer fly.
Kudos to Jean Smart for her amazing display of comedy, humility, remorse and disdain. She managed to pull it all off with equal effectiveness and credibility. Through her spiral of unanticipated losses, it's nice to see Deborah's sense of humanity finally emerging without modifying the true nature of this character. She's still a brat, of course, but her merits and successes are finally being earned (and come on...how many others cheered for her at the end?)
Alas, can't wait to see what next week's finale brings!
However, in this episode, Deborah is finally getting tired. The ubiquitous sensitivities that have absorbed a younger generation that now takes offense from the Archie Bunker-like humor that amused most Boomers has finally gotten under Deborah's skin. I must admit: watching Jean Smart's angry tirade in front of Ava at the frat party was absolute gold. And to a certain degree, all of us of 40 and above can somewhat relate to the frustrations of our protagonist (I'm even saying this as a black woman). It is a rapidly changing world, and the past is finally catching up to a lot of us. We are the "woke"...and many of those past racial "taboos" simply no longer fly.
Kudos to Jean Smart for her amazing display of comedy, humility, remorse and disdain. She managed to pull it all off with equal effectiveness and credibility. Through her spiral of unanticipated losses, it's nice to see Deborah's sense of humanity finally emerging without modifying the true nature of this character. She's still a brat, of course, but her merits and successes are finally being earned (and come on...how many others cheered for her at the end?)
Alas, can't wait to see what next week's finale brings!
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