HBO's Insecure - Episode 3.07 "Obsessed-Like"
Issa tries to concentrate on her business plan, but is driven to distraction. Molly steps out of her comfort zone in her love life.
In 2018, it has become very difficult to keep up with every television show out there. It's even more difficult to provide adequate coverage on this site about the episodes that air every week. Not every show can get full coverage because of my busy and hectic viewing schedule. As such, some reviews will now be condensed to give only some summary thoughts. But it also affords a space for me to jot down my thoughts on the various episodes. And so, here are my thoughts on this week's episode of HBO's Insecure.
"Obsessed-Like" was written by Prentice Penny and directed by Kevin Bray
Issa's inner thoughts are made available for all to hear this week. It's a plot device used to define Issa's story. It's not something that is carried over throughout the entire episode. Time is still spent with Molly and Lawrence as they try to get their lives together. But it is consistent whenever Issa is on the screen. It feels a little tepid because it's not something that is maintained all the way through. If the show told that version of the story though, then there would have been the obligation to better define what happened with Nathan. Right now, it's just a simple mystery of where he has gone. That's fueling all of Issa's actions. She finds herself thinking about him constantly. She let her guard down and was vulnerable with him. For the first time, she was in a relationship that didn't have any baggage with it. When it comes to Lawrence and Daniel, there is always going to be the history that they share and the mistakes that have been made in the past. With Nathan, it was something brand new. He was the inspiration for this block party. It was because of him that she made these changes to her life. She quit her job and is trying to get her own thing up and running. And now, she is distracted from all of that because she doesn't know what happened. She is blaming herself for pushing him way. She was too honest about her life or was moving things too quickly. She keeps spinning trying to find a rational explanation. That, in turn, makes her seem like a crazy person who is breaking into houses and trying to hack into computers. That's such a drastic turn for the character to make though. It makes her so obsessive to the point where it's all that she can think about. Time is passing throughout this episode. She wakes up every day only to blame the mistakes made on Nathan just ghosting from her life. She is stalking him on social media. She doesn't know how to get the answers she wants. She only gets more confusion. She has to step up and do what's right for her. If he was scared away, then he isn't the right guy for her. There doesn't need to be some grander reason than that. That can be enough. She can go back to focusing on her own career. That just sets her on a path back to Lawrence. Now, his story seems a little sudden and jarring here. That's probably because his arc has been condensed so much to the ending of the season. But his relationship with Issa has become friendly once more. They can appreciate one another and help the other out. They still care for each other. This may not be heading into a romantic reunion. And yet, that possibility remains open as well. Things are so simple and casual with the two of them. They can just be themselves and not have to worry about the uncertainties of their lives. Plus, they offer great advice that the other should take. Lawrence doesn't have to commit to this church if it didn't speak to him. There are so many other options that could provide what he's searching for. Meanwhile, Issa needs to organize this block party for herself and the people she is trying to inspire. She shouldn't have to rely on anyone else to have the confidence and ability to pull it off. The same is also true for Molly. She finds her identity being questioned everywhere she goes because Andrew doesn't know which side of her personality he will get while she potentially gets into trouble with one partner at work. She still absolutely shines with this presentation. It goes well offscreen. But there's still the sense that she will be criticized for her performance just because she doesn't happen to fit into a specific version of the world that is comfortable for this guy. She wants to step up and show off her own skills and passion. But she is still confused about what she wants as well. She still doesn't have a whole lot of clarity in that regard.
