Take Three: Modern Love

Modern Love: Season 1, Episode 3 “Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am” (B)

It’s probably an improper choice of words to describe Anne Hathaway as a polarizing actress. Some really like her, and it’s hard to deny the impact of certain performances of hers, namely “Rachel Getting Married,” the one that won me over, and her Oscar-winning turn in “Les Miserables.” Watching the first half of this episode, I had the impression that she was miscast, though it made some more sense as the episode went on and more about Lexi was revealed. She was irritatingly energetic and positive when she first met Jeff in the supermarket, coming on very strong and ready to move forward with the relationship without a moment’s thought. Seeing her sink into a depression shortly after changed the tone of the episode, and Jeff was rather impolite in response to her total shift in mood, though he didn’t understand that it wasn’t merely disinterest but rather an inability to simply put on a happy face. It was undeniably weird, but there was something endearing about her dated theme song with a special appearance by Judd Hirsch. It was cool to see how Lexi being honest with her (former) coworker enabled her to realize that she wasn’t alone, and that being honest with other people about being bipolar could actually have very positive effects. I’m sure that’s not a universal thing, but it was sweet to see it, and to watch as Lexi came out of her shell and repaired a number of relationships by being honest and opening up to others about what she needs.