I so wanted to like this show. I have now sat through 5 episodes and I don’t
care if I see another. Let’s just get
the sex out of the way. Yes, I think it
is unnecessarily graphic; however, that is not why I dislike the show. I could look past the ridiculous sex scenes
and references if the characters were likable or funny. (As the show is billed
as a comedy.) I find it to be dark and
depressing with moments of comedy. I
went on to IMDB to read some reviews to see if anyone else felt like I
did. Funny, one person said she loved
the first four episodes and thought it was very funny, and then it just got
dark and depressing. I don’t know-- it
started out that way for me.
First, I understand how people in their twenties find it
relatable from the perspective of relationships. I get it.
I was once in my twenties. I let
a guy string me along because of his charm even though we broke up over and
over again. I look back and think, why
did I stay in that relationship?
However, (to touch on the sex once more) I also grew up post the sexual
revolution and I hope the way sex is treated on this show is truly not
indicative of all people in their twenties.
Again, the sex alone is not why I am not attracted to DVR this show or
watch the remaining episodes of season 1.
Whether I am reading a book or watching a movie or a show—I need to like
the characters. I semi-like Hannah (Lena
Dunham’s character) I think I would like her more if we did not see her spoiled
attitude towards her parents during the first episode. When her parents delcared that after almost two years they were
not going to pay her rent, her cell phone bills and give her spending money
anymore, Hannah was stunned. WHAT??? You ungrateful
BIATCH! Why are your parents footing the
bill for your life? I guess this is more
common these days compared to when I was in my twenties. I would’ve been mortified to ask my parents
to pay my bills. In college, I did not
even ask them to pay for Spring Break like many college students did, I just
didn’t go. I finally went my senior year,
when I saved the money for it. The thing
is, they probably would’ve found a way to pay—but I would never have
asked. I think paying for my college
education was quite enough. So, episode
one turned me off a bit to her. I think
if I started on episode two, I would feel more compassion towards her. (Swirl Girl's kids: I will happily pay your rent, the catch is, you have to be living under my roof.)
I also semi like Marnie and I actually do like Shoshanna. However, they almost make her too cartoon
like. I dislike the British cousin and I
despise Adam. I was strung along by
charm in my twenties. Hannah mentioned
that Adam’s charm strings her along.
What charm? Perhaps I was
completely blind too. Adam does not have
one redeeming quality about him. He is
rude, hurtful and completely vapid.
Watching Dunham’s character continually get reeled in by him and to not
be true to herself because of him is
gut-wrenching and/or simply just annoying.
As for Charlie, I just feel bad for him, not sure how I feel about him.
Is it a comedy? I
think it is a slice of life that shows the depressing side more than happy
side. This is okay. Depressing can be
funny. However, I don’t think they
succeed. So, if it was not billed as a
comedy, I might also have a different perspective. So far, in five episodes, my favorite scene
was when Charlie and his band mate sang Hannah’s diary in front of them. I thought that was sad, but also a tad
humorous.
I also read a review that mentioned how surprised the writer
was that a bunch of manly men she knew (the way she put it) also liked the
show. Honey, they are not interested in
the dialogue—they are interested in the sex.
It is porn they do not have to pay for.
So, now that is the third time I’ve mentioned the sex. Honestly, not the biggest issue I have with
the show. I’m just saying, I can see why
some guys in their twenties will not mind sitting through this with their
girlfriends.
Almost every review mentioned how this was the anti Sex and
the City as if Sex and the City is a bad disease you would not want to
catch. The main reason they say this is
the anti SATC is because this is a true depiction of women in their 20’s living
in NYC. They are broke and trying to find their way. The SATC ladies led a bit more glamorous lifestyle.
The Girls
ladies may be broke, but when parents are paying their way, how broke are
they? Also, let’s remember Sex and the
City was about women in their late thirties and forties. Perhaps Hannah and Marnie will be successful
in ten years and able to afford their own apartment. I cannot afford Minolo Blahnik’s like Carrie,
but I could still relate to the friendships she had with the other ladies. Carrie was also strung along by Mr. Big. The difference is, they gave Mr. Big some
likeable qualities and a mystery. You
always felt like he truly did like Carrie but was afraid of something. Adam shows no signs of truly liking
Hannah. Aside from the back drop of
Manhattan and the story being about friends, why do we have to compare the
shows? (I know I just spent a good number of characters comparing the two, I
guess it is easy to do.) I just figured out why—they each line up to one of the
characters. Hannah = Carrie. Marnie = Miranda. Shoshanna
= Charlotte (ironically, also almost cartoon like. Seriously, who would wear some of those
buttoned up shirts Charlotte wore?)
Lastly, British girl = Samantha. Okay, I will stop now.
I guess the last thing that bothers me about how popular the
show is….do people just like anything because it is edgy? Edgy is not always quality. Oh and don’t tell me it is a typical Judd
Apatow production, because I am a fan of Judd’s so I know what typical Judd is.
At this point, I should have the desire to keep watching to see: when Hannah
will finally rid herself of Adam, if Marnie and Charlie will finally break up
(poor nice guy Charlie); will Shoshanna lose her virginity and will the British
girl truly find her self-respect that she so proudly wears as a badge.
I will say, whether I like it or not, I am
happy for Lena Dunham’s success. I think
it is great that a female is making such a strong mark in the world of
television. Also, I have to like her,
Mary Tyler Moore is also one of her all-time favorite shows! We share
that.
