Girls season 5 brings back everything you both love and hate about the HBO series. Here’s what we thought about the premiere and beyond.
Welcome back, Girls. Season 5 kicked off tonight in the worst way possible — with a Marnie-centric episode. But have no fear, if Marnie is not your thing, there’s more in store for Girls season 5. Fans of the series will forget all about Iowa, about Adam and Hannah’s trickier days, and instead we see familiar glimmers of the show that captured the nation’s attention in season 1.
What is fascinating about Girls’ season 5 rebirth is that nothing fundamental has changed. We’re heading to new countries and seeing new relationships blossom, but at its core, Girls is the same show it has always been. The ensemble has grown far beyond the story of four girls trying to make it in New York City. Now we have a young entrepreneur who is losing love and lids to the artsier competition, a teacher who gets off to photos of exes and tries to micromanage Hannah’s students’ grades, and the gay best friend who remains a bit too close to his one and only girl friend.
Perhaps the strongest moments in the series are those that catch the leads off guard. A career is tossed into chaos, a romantic entanglement simply cannot happen, and parents are not always the pillars of strength we need them to be.
Next season Girls will end its run on HBO. Season 5 is setting the stage for an enjoyable final loop of a series that had a few too many ups and downs in the middle.
Love it
? Corey Stoll is, in a word, incredible. He brings out a side of Andrew Rannell’s Elijah that no one else on the series can.
? The “other” Girls finally get their turn in the spotlight. Last season was very Hannah focused, leaving Shoshanna and Jessa to flounder in the wings. Season 5 finally gives these two ladies room to come into their own, explore new territory, and confront their biggest fears in a real and raw way.
? Adam sticks around just enough. When Hannah is not involved in Adam’s life, his scenes are incredible. Watch for the return of his sister Caroline and her husband Laird, along with their new bundle of joy.
? Shoshana lives it up in Japan. Watching Shosh take on chopsticks, Hello Kitty, and hot baths finally gave Shoshanna a place in the world that fits her eccentric personality. Once you see Shosh go through her morning routine in Japan you will agree with her question from the trailer, “Did I create this country in my mind?”
Leave it
? Hannah’s insecurity in her relationships. Thankfully, the rest of the cast is around to balance out Hannah’s inflated drama, but someday she needs to appreciate what she has in front of her.
? Marnie’s Pinterest life needs to shatter. From flower crowns to island getaways, Marnie’s check with reality comes crashing down, but not hard enough to appease fans.
? Hannah’s parents are not going anywhere, but we wish they would. The impending return of the Horvath’s is necessary for Hannah’s arc as she comes to terms with the fact that her foundation at home is crumbling.
Girls season 5, episode 2, “Good Man,” Sunday, February 28 at 10:00 p.m. ET on HBO.