What I’m Watching: Girls

Girls: Season 4, Episode 4 “Cubbies” (B+)

This was a great full service episode, one that addressed all the protagonists of the show in a compelling and truly entertaining fashion. Not starting with Hannah in Iowa was a welcome change, though that did of course leave her big move for the end of the episode, and we’ll get to that. We only saw Jessa at the beginning of the episode, which was fine, as she managed to pick apart everything about Marnie’s new song that she possibly could with just a few words. Shoshanna’s analysis wasn’t all that much more helpful, but Marnie’s self-esteem has taken a hit recently and it could use a bit of a boost. Desi breaking up with Clementine is a big deal, but he was too much of a sobbing mess for Marnie to be able to soak in the positive development. Ray going outside to yell at horn honkers all day is pretty hilarious, and I’m glad that Shoshanna, whose interviewing skills backfired even more than when she turned down an offer from what she had considered a test interview, stopped by to take Ray shopping and encourage their friendship to progress. Hannah’s class experience following her hostile apology letter distribution was difficult at best, and I like how her professor approached the question of whether she really belonged at Iowa. It took a dinner with her dad, of all people, to make her realize that coming back east was the right thing to do, even if it is just for a quick visit. Having Gillian Jacobs answer the door as someone who is not Adam’s roommate was supremely awkward, and I’m eager to see how this all gets sorted out, especially if Hannah wasn’t just coming home for a visit.