What I’m Watching: Secret Diary of a Call Girl (Season Premiere)

Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 3, Episode 1 “Series 3, Episode 1” (B+)

That opening shot alone makes me so excited to have this show and its inimitable star back. This is the first time I’m following along with the show as it airs, and there’s something really great about looking forward to new episodes and storylines each week. In this newest season, the show is far more structured than it ever has been before in terms of an ensemble, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Bambi and Ben have both always been fantastic supporting characters, and it’s nice to see them featured prominently again. Bambi’s attempt to search for herself in Belle’s book was funny, and her realization that there was a lovely character in the book based on her was touching. Ben being mistaken as Belle was particularly hilarious, especially because of how inept he was in trying to assume her identity and how he was the subservient one rather than the woman he was supposed to be taking for a wild ride. He did fall right into that trap testing his authorship of the book. I particularly enjoyed Bambi, Ben, and Belle (lots of names starting with Bs) getting together to celebrate at the close of the episode. New cast member James D’Arcy is a welcome addition as book publisher Duncan, and it’s great to see “Virtuality” actors getting some more work. Belle trying to have interesting experiences to then write about for her new book is a great new way of framing the show. The surprise appearance of Belle’s sister at the end of the episode is an intriguing twist which should take the show in a completely unexplored direction, and I’m very excited about that.