They may only have been initially brought together by the colorful Kimmy, but the friendship Jacqueline and Lillian have formed stands all on its own in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt season 3.

The first scene of the season shows Jacqueline and Lillian exchanging a few words at a party. From there, the friendship blossoms into something unexpected and wonderful.

Despite the show’s shortcomings (the storyline of Jacqueline’s Native American heritage, anyone?), this friendship captures what made me fall in love with the show during season one: unlikely parings becoming friends, female characters supporting each other, and hilarious but heartfelt storytelling.

The best part of their friendship is how, even though they don’t agree on everything, they support each other. The first time they support each other this season also shows the two of them disagreeing.

Lillian shows up to Jacqueline’s announcement of the Snyder Foundation donation to clean up the waterfront of East Dogmouth. The two women smile and wave at each other. Shortly after, Lillian calls out Jacqueline’s motives and uses the event as an opportunity to campaign for herself for councilwoman. The two women obviously disagree about politics.

It is telling that even though these women disagree, they still started this interaction with a smile and a wave. Their smiles aren’t for show, either. They are a quick, private exchange of friendship. Lillian even tells Jacqueline “don’t be a stranger” when she leaves the waterfront at the end of the scene.

They had just publicly disagreed, but they are still there to support each other. Their rivalry isn’t personal. They both want what is best for East Dogmouth; they just have different ideas of how give that to the community.

Later in the episode, when Jacqueline confronts Lillian about the protest, Lillian adamantly states, “I am your friend.” They end up going to dinner together to celebrate Lillian’s political successes. This interaction shows that even though these women might be an unlikely pairing, they can still be friends and be there to support one another.

In another episode, Lillian shows her support for Jacqueline when Jacqueline’s brother-in-law tries to sleep with her. When she’s called, Lillian rushes to Jacqueline’s apartment. She gives Jacqueline advice on how to handle the situation, like any good friend would. Then, she stays at Jacqueline’s apartment until the situation is resolved.

She doesn’t just give advice or comfort to her friend in need — she stays all night to make sure her friend is okay. The fact that Lillian stays all night shows just how much she cares for Jacqueline and what lengths she will go to support her friend.

Similarly, there are times throughout the season when Jacqueline offers Lillian advice. In one instance, Jacqueline gives Lillian advice about Lillian’s boyfriend Artie. Artie has an LVAD and needs a heart transplant. Jacqueline gives Lillian advice she read in a book: rich people like Artie don’t need to wait on a list; they can pay for an organ!

Small moments like that establish their friendship even further. These women think about each other’s lives and offer solutions to help when they know how. Their problems can be humorous, and their advice can be too, but their friendship is genuine.

There are other small moments that continue to establish important parts of a friendship between these two. In one scene, Lillian tells Titus and Kimmy she intends to go visit Jacqueline the next day. This small moment shows that these women have become friends outside of their relationships with Kimmy and Titus. Lillian makes plans to visit with Jacqueline and ask for her help.

When Lillian does visit Jacqueline, she asks to borrow a pair of earrings for a date. She knows Jacqueline’s strengths and interests. Jacqueline is excited to help Lillian and jumps on this as an opportunity for a makeover. When Lillian sets out limits for the makeover — “no fur, unless it’s dead”—Jacqueline immediately respects those boundaries. This small moment establishes respect between the women. They have different preferences and that’s okay.

Perhaps the best interaction between these women in season 3, however, is when they try out each other’s clothes. What makes this event so special is that these women don’t get makeovers because the way the already dress is “ugly” or “wrong.” They give each other makeovers to understand each other better, to support one another, and, in part, to make the other happy.

The makeovers originate because Jacqueline couldn’t sleep after Lillian’s initial request for earrings. She is worried about Lillian’s date with Artie. She sees herself in Lillian and wants to protect her from embarrassment.

Lillian accepts Jacqueline’s help, more to set Jacqueline’s mind at ease than to help herself, showing she cares about Jacqueline just as much as Jacqueline cares about her. Jacqueline wants Lillian to feel comfortable on her date with Artie and Lillian just wants Jacqueline to feel comfortable in some clothes and shoes that don’t make it difficult to stay conscious.

Ultimately, this friendship allows these women to grow. With her makeover and advice, Lillian helps Jacqueline realize she doesn’t need anyone’s approval. In contrast to Lillian’s support, Jacqueline’s “friend” Deirdre tries to tear Jacqueline down.

But after a pep talk from Lillian Jacqueline realizes she doesn’t have to listen to Deidre’s insults or try to please her. She doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her; she owns her history and identity.

Their friendship also allows Lillian to progress through a new relationship, the first romantic one she’s had with a man since her husband died in the seventies. Jacqueline support gives Lillian even more confidence in herself and what she can contribute. Female friendships like this are part of what makes Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt so great.

Season 3 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is streaming on Netflix now. What was your favorite part of the season? Let us know in the comments below!