[7.5/10] I like the subtle theme that runs through this one, where as aloof and spoiled as the Rose family is, each member has a certain earnest humanity in them that shines through in their best moments. The show isn’t really consistent about that sort of thing, but if it continues on that tack, I’ll be a happy camper.
Let’s start with Alexis. There’s a solid story here, where she is clearly not adept at the filing, phone-answering, or even the dress code for being a receptionist at a vet clinic, but she has the human element down in a way that makes her valuable despite that. There’s an explicit question of whether Alexis is cut out to be someone with a job, any job, especially this job, but the way she’s able to deliver bad news and make people feel comfortable in tough situations proves her value in an unexpected way.
I’ll admit, some of it feels a little off, if for no other reason than one of Alexis’s defining characteristics so far has been that she has very little empathy. So it seems odd that this is her breakthrough. But if that’s the direction they want to move the character in, I’m on board, especially if it involves a self-realization that she’s up to this.
I also enjoyed Moira’s appearance at Ronnie’s party. I’ll be honest -- I didn’t find the humor here that great. Moira assuming this was going to be a party full of lesbians when it’s full of female entrepreneurs isn’t much of a gag. But Ronnie’s no-nonsense responses to everything tickles me and she’s stealthily become my favorite secondary character on the show (assuming Stevie counts as a main). Plus, in keeping with the theme, I like that despite still speaking with a silver spoon in her mouth, Moira earnestly channels her blue collar roots and is able to connect with these women when she’s not trying to put on a show. It conveys the idea that there’s something genuine about her that could actually make her good on the council, and not just to stop Roland’s consolidation of power.
Last but not least, I like the small-scale version of these stories with David. He is obviously not the best candidate to babysit a young teenage girl, as he’s not really good with, well, people, let alone kids. But when she gets her period and even manages to bleed on his precious high thread count sheets, he is nevertheless nothing but supportive of her. He tells her that this is normal, that it’s natural, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. He even sacrifices a designer sweater (I think his and not Alexis’s?) to give her cover. It’s an unexpectedly sweet and empathetic moment from him.
Overall, I enjoy that direction for the three Roses driving the story in this one. Each of them has a lot of growing to do, but when pushed into a tight spot, their genuine humanity comes through. Let’s hope it’s a harbinger of things to come.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2020-06-22T01:48:10Z
[7.5/10] I like the subtle theme that runs through this one, where as aloof and spoiled as the Rose family is, each member has a certain earnest humanity in them that shines through in their best moments. The show isn’t really consistent about that sort of thing, but if it continues on that tack, I’ll be a happy camper.
Let’s start with Alexis. There’s a solid story here, where she is clearly not adept at the filing, phone-answering, or even the dress code for being a receptionist at a vet clinic, but she has the human element down in a way that makes her valuable despite that. There’s an explicit question of whether Alexis is cut out to be someone with a job, any job, especially this job, but the way she’s able to deliver bad news and make people feel comfortable in tough situations proves her value in an unexpected way.
I’ll admit, some of it feels a little off, if for no other reason than one of Alexis’s defining characteristics so far has been that she has very little empathy. So it seems odd that this is her breakthrough. But if that’s the direction they want to move the character in, I’m on board, especially if it involves a self-realization that she’s up to this.
I also enjoyed Moira’s appearance at Ronnie’s party. I’ll be honest -- I didn’t find the humor here that great. Moira assuming this was going to be a party full of lesbians when it’s full of female entrepreneurs isn’t much of a gag. But Ronnie’s no-nonsense responses to everything tickles me and she’s stealthily become my favorite secondary character on the show (assuming Stevie counts as a main). Plus, in keeping with the theme, I like that despite still speaking with a silver spoon in her mouth, Moira earnestly channels her blue collar roots and is able to connect with these women when she’s not trying to put on a show. It conveys the idea that there’s something genuine about her that could actually make her good on the council, and not just to stop Roland’s consolidation of power.
Last but not least, I like the small-scale version of these stories with David. He is obviously not the best candidate to babysit a young teenage girl, as he’s not really good with, well, people, let alone kids. But when she gets her period and even manages to bleed on his precious high thread count sheets, he is nevertheless nothing but supportive of her. He tells her that this is normal, that it’s natural, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. He even sacrifices a designer sweater (I think his and not Alexis’s?) to give her cover. It’s an unexpectedly sweet and empathetic moment from him.
Overall, I enjoy that direction for the three Roses driving the story in this one. Each of them has a lot of growing to do, but when pushed into a tight spot, their genuine humanity comes through. Let’s hope it’s a harbinger of things to come.