What I’m Watching: Shrill (Season Premiere)

Shrill: Season 2, Episode 1 “Camp” (B+)

After a decent start last season, I thought this show got to be very good by the end of its short six episodes. Now, less than a year later, it’s back for eight episodes, which I’ll be watching over the course of the next two months. I liked this opener, which found Annie trying to be a bit too brave in certain respects and seeing what the consequences and rewards of such bold actions are. It’s nice to see Ryan there by her side, actually acknowledging her as a person and finally doing the things she wants to do with her, even if one of those things is an all-too-public sex act that nearly got them into a lot of trouble. Annie hasn’t grown completely to the point that others aren’t dependent on her in an unfair way, like her father being upset about her mother. Fran still treats her the same way as always, and I’m happy to see Lolly Adefope, who is also appearing in the second season of the returning “Miracle Workers” in a new role, here and making sarcasm work to its fullest effect. I’m not really sure what to expect in season two of this show, but it’s nice to see it off to a positive start, one that suggests that Annie could find some more happiness by recognizing what’s meaningful and satisfying to her. I’ll look forward to seeing all that play out and having Aidy Bryant get a truly terrific and deserved showcase.