Season Three, Episode Three: “She Said OK”
Written by Lena Dunham & Jenni Konner; Directed by Jesse Peretz
Ah, yes. We finally make headway on the long but rewarding journey that is Understanding Adam. This episode, so far the most Girls-esque of the season, shines a much-anticipated light on the carefully protected inner workings of the series’ most polarizing character.
Quick Breakdown
Hannah is turning 25 and, as well-documented in pop culture, birthdays beyond, say, one’s 21st are but a stingingly direct reminder of mortality. The well-executed chaos of “She Said OK,” in true Dunham fashion, paints a less literal manifestation of this plot device.
We are introduced to Adam’s troubled sister Caroline, whose behavior and general lack of selflessness has clearly informed Adam’s own emotional growth as an adult. However, Caroline’s arrival doesn’t ruin Adam’s birthday plans for Hannah — the touchingly weird gift of his tooth on a necklace.
Marnie crashes back into the forefront of Girls with some Charlie-leaked viral video embarrassment and some equally uncomfortable karaoke with Hannah. It’s nice to see Marnie back in the mix.
Ray and Shoshanna share that inevitable party moment of post-breakup semi-closure. Ray, however, makes the exchange painfully direct, essentially just using the moment to clarify that he isn’t a failure. In fact — according to him — he’s doing quite well; at least until…
…fight. An actual fight.
Rating
A
The groundwork vibe of episodes one and two pays off quite nicely in a tidy, classic display of exactly why this show really works.
Now for some random thoughts and my favorite moments of the night…
“”I’m sorry, I don’t think I want to be friends with you. I just don’t. I don’t want to be polite with you. I don’t want to have small talk with you. Anyway, enjoy your evening. Enjoy your life. Cool cigarette.” — Ray to Shoshanna
Note to world: a directionless fist fight is a very reasonable response to someone stopping a timeless Smashing Pumpkins track for some depressingly hideous LMFAO.
