Take Three: Transparent

Transparent: Season 1, Episode 3 “Rollin” (B+)

As this show continues, it’s achieving a very positive balance of drama and comedy. Its very effective serious side showed through most in Maura’s decision to change back into male clothing when Joshy was coming over because she wasn’t yet ready to come out to him. Sarah, on the other hand, feels more than comfortable being completely open and honest with her father about her feelings towards Tammy as if that relationship weren’t supposed to be a total secret. She did come clean with Len in a way that he did not take well, and I’m very worried that she’s moving ahead too quickly with something that Tammy didn’t necessarily mean to have turn into a real relationship. Joshy’s proposal didn’t go over well, and he managed to get fired and to discover that she already had the abortion, so there was no baby and future family left to fight for. Ali’s spit-roasting plan didn’t quite pan out, and I think it takes a lot to be thrown out of someone’s house in the middle of a drug high. Her forced departure did lead to a mesmerizing taxi ride home during which she apologized to the cab driver for the Armenian genocide, an excellent showcase of Gaby Hoffmann’s talents. It was also fun to see Carrie Brownstein of “Portlandia” fame as her friend Syd. This show’s ensemble really does a great job, and its many threads weave together well for a wonderful examination of what being in a relationship and being happy truly mean.