What I’m Watching: Doll and Em (Season Premiere)

Doll and Em: Season 2, Episode 1 “Episode 7” (B+)

I didn’t remember loving this show even though it was good, and I’m not sure I even noticed that it was renewed for a second season, which debuted a few months ago in England and now airs here in the U.S. The recap at the start painted a very strong picture of the show, explaining how the relationship between two friends got immensely more complicated when the big movie star had the budding actress serve as her assistant and the two frequently butted heads as Dolly threatened to upstage Em on more than a few occasions and Em overcompensated by trying to quash her spirit. Seeing them on equal footing, constantly discussing how they’re in a better place, makes this a more confident and enjoyable show. I enjoyed their directionless pitch for a play to an unknown third party who ended up being none other than Harvey Weinstein in a perfect brief cameo, and the fact that they really just talked to themselves the whole time. The end of the episode showed that bliss doesn’t last forever as Em appears to have been offered a role without her partner in crime that will nix the possibility of doing the play they’ve worked on together. Having them coast for too long would probably have gotten old, but it was nice to see some non-awkward happiness even just for a little bit. This is another short season, but I’m excited to watch this comedy each week and see these two navigate their relationship.