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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.
Is making sacrifices a sacrifice in itself? That might be tough to answer…right?
Taking place immediately after a previous Season 5 episode, Issa Rae and Prentice Penny’s hit HBO comedy-drama series, Insecure, resumes playing with its fans’ emotions. Its third episode is titled, “Pressure, Okay?!” Producer Jason Lew serves as the writer of the teleplay, while Ava Berkofsky returns as the director.
In this review, I will be discussing the third episode of Insecure Season 5. There will be no spoilers present, as the title of this article suggests. Nonetheless, please read ahead at your own discretion.
Plot Synopsis
According to Warner Media, here is the synopsis of Insecure Season 5 Episode 3.
Eager to embrace newfound responsibilities, one of Issa’s exes finds himself torn between two places.
The Cast of This Week’s Insecure
As usual, Issa Rae plays Issa Dee. Natasha Rothwell and Amanda Seales portray Kelli Prenny and Tiffany DuBois, respectively. Meanwhile, Wade Allain-Marcus guest stars as Tiffany’s husband, Derek DuBois.
Jay Ellis returns in the role of Martin Lawrence Walker, as shown in social media television spots for Insecure.
The episode’s writer Jason Lew makes an appearance in the episode. Also appearing are Christopher Carrington, Kari Lee Cartwright, Shvona Lavette Chung, Timothy Ryan Cole, Mark Collier, Des Epps, Kristoffer Gordon, Susan Harmon, Jhordan Munn, Ginnette Rhodes, Alleah Rogers, John Garet Stoker, Alan Trong, Malcolm Tucker, and Alfred Woodley.
Harry Lennix returns to guest star as Marcus Walker, while April Grace and Lela Rochon appear as characters’ mothers. Neil Brown Jr. returns as Chad Kerr. Christina Elmore returns in the guest role of Condola Hayes, while Keke Palmer is introduced as Condola‘s sister.
Discussion
Twenty-eight minutes is sufficient to tell this side of the story. I found this third episode of Insecure Season 5 to be harsh – emotionally and psychologically speaking. The time jump we get in last week’s episode gets a little confusing, and the timeline gets a little confusing compared to what we’ve seen in Season 3. However, that does not make the current narrative bad in any way possible. Rather, the writing continues to be superb. The series’ soundtrack never stops sounding spectacular. Its musical scoring may be lacking a bit, but I don’t think that’s a huge issue to be concerned about.
Praise be to the major guest stars as well, but it’s too early to speak on them.
Autumn Eakin and Berkofsky collaborate on the episode’s stellar cinematography. There is a short montage sequence that I find to be lovely albeit overdone in filmed works before. Although, this feat does successfully display the disparities of two important characters.
Also, something interesting is going on with the moon, which we’ve seen with Issa during her Crenshawn event. I’m not sure if it implores that the characters to reach for the stars. However, I do feel as if it rather sheds light in their darknesses. As Insecure comes to a close, its primary characters continue to encounter some troubles that come with growing up into serious adulthood. I believe we do need signs along the way to show us that living life is worth the struggle.
The costumes, the hair, and the make-up are just as great and shouldn’t go unnoticed.
The Crew, Okay?!
Insecure has a lot going on this week, and I wanted to credit some new (and familiar) names joining as crew members.
Nena Erb joins as the editor. Shian Banks goes from the department head of hair to the key hairstylist. Additionally, we have Nichelle Young and Mary Daniels joining as hairstylists. Meanwhile, Erik Taylor and Eric Gonzalez are credited as barbers.
Christina Johnson returns as the key costumer, while Kristina Elaine Taylor, Allie Cope, Alex Kim, and Ursula Berg join as set costumers. Mearygrace Gato and Evelyn Martinez also join the crew as costumers. Lastly, I would like to credit Amber Haley, who is the episode’s set decorator.
Performances and Character Developments
Ellis delivers a superb performance in this episode, especially alongside a crucial character vital to the latter half of the show (in its entirety). The fans know whom I may be referring to – as they have been anxiously waiting for quite some time. Just know that he performs well in major scenes shared with this actor.
Much has been happening in Lawrence’s life that is to be expected. He is a character that has been making ends meet since the second episode of Insecure. He does get out-of-line and puts on an antagonistic temperament. However, given the recent events showcased in this episode, it might be understandable why he has this certain nature. This is similar to how he was in prior seasons, but I’m sure he’ll learn to do better. In fact, there is a scene in approximately the last four minutes that is disastrous. If the liquor store mugging in the Season 5 premiere was any indication of something, prepare your Kleenex boxes (or any alternative tissues).
This other character has every right to be highly – and I mean, highly – disappointed in Lawrence. Hell, I am, too. One thing is for sure: Lawrence is someone who endures frustrations and only means well.
Rothwell’s Kelli Prenny never ceases to amaze me with her character lifting the audiences’ spirits. There is also a behind-the-scenes development that we see flourish in her. It’s something that is learned between the lines of dialogue, and I’m proud of her for it. We don’t often see Kelli share scenes with Lawrence, and when they are together, it’s just fantastic to watch.
Final Thoughts
“Pressure, Okay?!” has its way with introducing children into the fray of the show. Most (if not all) of Insecure‘s essence deals with adult morals and themes. I mean, we are watching a series on HBO after all, aren’t we? While its characters and their stories develop, it’s important to poke fun at the little things every now and then. This involves cracking jokes with popular children’s show icons. Trust me, the writers’ room does something absolutely hilarious with “A” and the hard “R”. Conversely, there might be something strange when it comes to medical professionals, and it doesn’t hurt to stay vigilant.
A few characters get little-to-no speaking lines, and the viewers – upon watching the episode – will know why that is. This episode’s teleplay might not initially seem as outstanding as last week’s episode. Nonetheless, I do believe it still deserves a lot of praise for its last ten to twelve minutes. Lawrence goes through a reversal of character development. It’s unlike that from Season 5, and I’m anxious to see what happens next.
Hope goes a long way, but it is not enough. This week’s episode of Insecure takes us high in the sky (literally and figuratively). Some lessons provided include collaboration no matter the differences. In spite of the pressures that try to take us down, it teaches us to put our trust in others as much as we should in ourselves. Only then will we break out of our insecurities and stay afloat.
Insecure Season 5 is available to watch on HBO!
Have you seen this series yet? If so, what are your thoughts on it? Let us know! For more comedy and drama-related news and reviews visit and follow The Cinema Spot on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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.
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