Another outstanding episode of Selfie was released on Hulu this week. They’re really fast-tracking the Henry/Eliza relationship – and thank god for that.
We really wonder whether Emily Kapnek and her team were expecting the cancellation of Selfie, because from one episode to the next, Henry and Eliza’s relationship went from a slow burn to a roaring fire.
If the series was set for a season 2 renewal, having the characters be so forward and upfront about their feelings would definitely feel like a rush move.
But because this is all we’re going to get, it feels appropriate. And, after all, it’s not like they don’t still have obstacles: namely, Henry’s inability to step outside of his comfort zone.
‘Hollaback Girl’ vs ‘Uptown Girl’
Henry’s dilemma this week was obvious: confronted with Eliza’s sudden advances, he is forced to make a choice between the safe and the dangerous. What his heart wants, versus what his brain is telling him to do.
When Eliza tells him she’s fallen in love with him, he almost breaks – but a conversation with the heartbroken Freddy has him convinced that Eliza is only going after him to avoid her “real” relationship.
But as Eliza later explains when she finally chases Henry down, the only thing holding them back is him: Henry is terrified at the idea of pursuing something real, and clearly has a pathological need for familiarity.
Just when Eliza storms out and Henry chases after her, and we think it’s finally going to happen, the pair notice Julia standing in the hallway. She has overheard the whole thing, of course. In her own words, “Ouch.”
At the party, Henry and Eliza have one more almost-kiss moment (damn, they’re too good at those!), but Henry convinces Eliza he’s got Julia waiting downstairs.
He leaves, and Eliza is called up to sing. It’s a beautiful rendition of “Chandelier” (was that Karen Gillan singing?! It sounded like her. We’re impressed!), which moves into a wasted party montage, commencing with Eliza having drunk sex with Freddy.
We’re guessing that’s going to put a damper on Henry and Eliza’s potential relationship, because it turns out Henry didn’t go after Julia after all. He sits alone in the empty party room, and the episode closes out with him singing a haunting a capella version of “Wild World.” And again, this cast’s musical talent is blowing us away.
Everything else
There wasn’t really a b-story this week, as the show is narrowing in on what’s really important: Henry and Eliza’s will-they-won’t-they.
We did get some great Charmonique moments (why didn’t she get a solo, by the way?), and another attempt to incorporate Bryn into the storyline.
Not that it matters now, but the Bryn thing is just not working. The quirky neighbour idea was good in theory, but she and Eliza have absolutely no connection, and it mostly just feels like a half-assed New Girl crossover.
A character that does work is Raj. His moments were fantastic. And Sam Saperstein continues to be the star of his own little show, performing at the karaoke with actual backup dancers. Wow.
We’d almost crown his performance the best of the episode, if not for Joan’s amazing display. She’s quickly becoming one of our favourite side characters!
Share your thoughts on the episode in the comments. Will Henry and Eliza kiss before the series ends?