Every year, I watch the six submitted episodes of every series I don’t regularly watch that’s up for one of the Emmy series prizes. This year, I’m watching the entire season of every series nominated in the top category, as well as this one, which netted a few important nominations even if it missed the main limited series race.
Normal People: Season 1, Episode 11 (B+)
I’m sad that I have just one episode left in this show, and I’m going to try to put off watching it as long as I can. Most shows would approach a summer where two people romantically interested in each other were literally dripping in sweat with considerably more excitement, but, as usual, this series tackles it in a much more reserved and mesmerizing manner. It was significant to hear Connell reference how important to him their friendship was, something that hasn’t even really stood in the way of them being a couple but rather complicated it since they weren’t initially friends at all in public. Marianne telling Connell that she wanted him to kiss her was appropriately direct, and they once again experienced a very passionate and intimate moment together. Getting ice cream pops from right outside before that was a nice touch, and Connell not being able to feel the heat inside until Marianne said something and opened a window seemed like a solid bit of metaphor in action. Connell never quite manages to say the right thing, even if everything is going well, and the way that they left things was awkward. Connell didn’t realize when Marianne called him that she wasn’t trying to smooth over that discomfort but instead crying out for help. Alan slamming the door and breaking Marianne’s nose was violent and startling, and Connell responded decisively and firmly to make sure that he didn’t hurt her again. Coming together in difficult times like this doesn’t always lead to a healthy future, but I do hope that’s the case for our protagonists.
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