Want to hear more from the actors and creators of your favorite shows and films? Subscribe to The Cinema Spot on YouTube for all of our upcoming interviews!
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
Three months away from Issa Dee (Issa Rae)’s block party, and the relationships of our primary characters take yet another turn into complicated territory.
The second episode of the new season is titled “Lowkey Distant;” it is directed by Thembi Banks and written by Amy Aniobi.
Some spoilers ahead for those who have not yet watched the episode or seen the show. If you haven’t done either, you should get to that now, then return to this article!
“Lowkey Distant” is beyond an excellent title for this episode of the season, but it also adds a tense flavor for the plot, character development, and soundtrack of the series, especially with the song played at the concluding scene.
The second episode — confirming to take place around Halloween — adds promise to a delightfully extravagant fourth season. Issa and Condola bond over a conversation over Issa’s ex-boyfriend Lawrence Walker (Jay Ellis), who is also currently dating Condola. Meanwhile, Molly Carter (Yvonne Orji) continues to fall for her current love interest, Andrew (Alexander Hodge).
Lawrence expresses discomfort with two women in his life (one from the past, one in his present) forming a friendship based on the mutual aspects they have: him. This scenario is one that individuals have difficulties dealing with, while others not so much. Nonetheless, this is a romantic element every person may need to confront sooner or later, that is, the triangle that consists of two exes and an outside party who dates one and befriends the other. The best part about this is bringing new friends into the circle, but even this brings about issues. (That is another story that could be resolved later this season.)
Molly deals with her own situation in her romantic life — slowing things down and getting to know the person she is with — which is also an important lesson to gather in this episode. When in a friendship, relationship, partnership, etc. is it the opportune moment to start learning about those closest to you? Or, alternatively (as the episode title suggests), do you keep your distance?
These two things are brought to light this season, and it’s vital not to the characters but for persons in real life who are looking for the satisfaction they so much desire, or furthermore the satisfaction that unlocks the door to closure. In the background, we also get a glimpse at character developments between friends Kelli (Natasha Rothwell) and Tiffany DuBois (Amanda Seales) when it comes to Halloween gift bags.
The soundtrack, like HBO‘s other dramatic television series Watchmen, never fails as we get moving songs including ScHoolboy Q’s “Numb Numb Juice” and KAMAUU’s “Far Rockaway.” These can be listened to on streaming services i.e. Spotify, which series creator Issa Rae updates weekly with every new episode.
Overall, this second episode has a fitting mood for the pandemic and its lock-down. Perhaps, it would be simple to just stay home, watch television, listen to music, and get to know the people around you. Although, like always, situations seem to be complex when they don’t need to be. Some great writing that must require lots of attention!
Like Molly and Andrew, some things take the cake. Other times, such as with Lawrence’s situation, you can’t have it and eat it too.
10/10
What do you think? Have you seen this series? If not, do you plan to binge it sometime in the near future? Let us know! For more Insecure and HBO-related news and reviews follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_).
Source: Spotify
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
5 Comments on “‘Insecure’ S04E02 Review – “Lowkey Distant””