Across the country, Hannah’s experience as a post-graduate student is draped in her own cloak of darkness. She’s finally in the place she’s craved for so long – the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop – and yet there’s still a gaping hole in her. Her complaints to Elijah that she’s struggling to write are met by his typical response “Wherever you are, there you go,” a misquoted aphorism intended to lift her spirits. Instead, it’s actually a spot-on summary of her apathy, her inability to be content with her lot in life. For Hannah, the grass is always greener elsewhere.
Her churning dilemma about school and her future as a writer are brought to a head during a night out with her workshop pals. It’s already established that their opinions of her – stuffy and entitled – aren’t favourable, and she duly returns the sentiment. Dishing out heavy doses of the truth to them all, she issues a round of spot-on character assassinations, barely registering the recoil before moving onto her next classmate. It’s the funniest moment in the season so far, because for once, Hannah’s incessant addiction to detail and introspection isn’t targeted towards herself. She might be nitpicky but she’s a keen observer. If she could just channel it into a story, there’s a chance her next work won’t be seen as so damn self-indulgent.
A step forward for all of the Girls, “Female Author” sees a slight shift in all of their personal journeys. Jessa’s arc – she and Adam get arrested after she’s caught by the cops peeing in the street – might not be as noticeable, but she too is evolving. While the addictive nature of the show rests heavily on how self-involved and steadfast the quartet are, it’s a welcome change to witness them grow. If only a little bit.
