What I’m Watching: Girls (Season Premiere)

Girls: Season 6, Episode 1 “All I Ever Wanted” (B+)

This show has had its ups and downs over the course of its past five seasons, and as it starts its final year, I think it’s achieved a really great sense of itself. Who would have thought that Adam and Jessa getting together would propel Hannah to a level of success she’s never before achieved, getting an article published and then earning herself a follow-up assignment for which she seems woefully ill-equipped. It’s not that her lack of energy to try to surf and her exaggerated awkwardness putting on a wetsuit make her stand out from the other rich housewives taking the class, but rather that her judgment isn’t always (or ever) the best, and sleeping with her instructor after she finds out that he’s in an open relationship. She’s going to compromise her story, and I think that her assignment suggests that she’s not supposed to be a part of it in that way. I’m thrilled with the casting of Riz Ahmed, who has delivered excellent performances in “Four Lions” and “Nightcrawler” and achieved more fame recently with “Rogue One” and “The Night Of,” as the very genuine and casual surfer-rapper Paul-Louis. We didn’t see much of Shosh, but she seems to be doing okay. Marnie, on the other hand, doesn’t want Ray to move in because she’s still in the middle of her divorce, and given that she’s doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over, like sleeping with Desi, indicate that she’s not ready for another real relationship. Jessa and Adam, on the other hand, are having a blast together, not wearing many clothes and living quite freely, entirely unconcerned that their roommate Ray might be back for good. I’m eager to see how the rest of this season plays out.