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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.
This week’s episode of Insecure nearly takes what is most important and shows what loss can be like. The final season of Issa Rae and Prentice Penny’s hit HBO comedy-drama series continues to explore the anxieties and struggles in the concluding chapter of its characters’ lives. Its fifth episode is titled, “Surviving, Okay?!” Executive producer Laura Kittrell serves as the writer of the teleplay, while Kerry Washington serves as the episode’s director.
In this review, I will be discussing the fifth 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 5.
A family emergency finds Molly stretched thin. Issa and her new man grow closer than ever.
The Cast of This Week’s Insecure
As always, Issa Rae portrays Issa Dee, while Yvonne Orji plays Molly Carter. Kendrick Sampson returns as Nathan Campbell. Jay Ellis makes an appearance as Martin Lawrence Walker, while Christina Elmore guest stars as Condola Hayes.
Leonard Robinson appears as Taurean Jackson, Molly’s colleague.
Catherine Adell, Arlene Victoria Conrad, Julia Coulter, Matt Devine, Jose Donado, Nikea Gamby-Turner, Blair Hickey, and Kevin Savage make appearances in the episode.
L. Scott Caldwell and Gregg Daniel guest star as Molly’s mother and father, Carol and David Carter, respectively. Meanwhile, Malcolm David Kelley and Richard Nevels guest star as Molly’s respective brothers, Jerome and Curtis Carter. Wendy Raquel Robinson appears as Issa’s mother, while Teresa Jelks-Kirkley portrays Molly’s aunt.
Discussion
At a running time of 25 minutes, we don’t see a lot happening in this Insecure episode. Although, it’s how things happen along with the meaning they hold that matter. Nena Erb returns as the editor, with Imani Akbar returning as the key costumer. While Insecure‘s writing continues to be outstanding, essentially a lot of what makes the episode so remarkable is owed to the costumers and the editor. Akbar’s key costuming, along with Williams, Davis, and Evans as set costumers, as well as Bunch, Cope, and Huerta as costumers – they all do wonderfully. The episode mainly has Rae and Orji’s characters do a switch in costumes, and they still end up looking great. (Plus, I would love that blue sweater in my wardrobe!)
Unlike last week’s episode, which tried to balance comedy and drama, the writers seemed to want to begin this episode with a comedic tone to get us in the mood. Then, it jumps into a focus on the dramatic aspects. Like one Season 4 episode, “Surviving, Okay?!” looks at flaws in the medical system. On the other hand, this episode shows that there are still medical professionals within it.
With that said, the final scene connects to another previous episode, and the writers’ room is to be commended for making such a link in the timeline.
Performances and Character Developments
Rae does so well in her character’s dynamic with both Orji and Sampson. However, I do feel as if the episode shifts its focus onto Orji and her character, Molly Carter, since last week’s episode paid more attention to the other two actors and their characters.
Issa and Nathan’s relationship continues to flourish, and it seems like they are really making ends meet. With five episodes left in the series (my goodness!), I am curious as to what will happen between the two of them.
Molly’s development as a character encounters a huge obstacle as new revelations about her parents and some life-threatening information about one of them surface. There’s nothing one can do in this situation except be there with family as support to see to it that a loved one is not alone.
Final Thoughts
This week’s episode of Insecure is pretty much summed up in a line stated by Issa. She says, “Shit is gonna happen how and when it wants to, but all this stuff is out of our control anyway”. This teases what will transpire in the next few episodes, although I will not reveal anything until they premiere.
“Surviving, Okay?!” reminds us to check up on those we love because they will not be around forever. With a show and season such as this, it’s extremely important to understand that. There are no cutting corners; that’s just how things these days tend to be. All there is to do for the time being is to hope for the best. The timing of this episode is rather harsh since suggestions of the medical/hospital institution might not so well apply to our judicial institution of current events.
Nonetheless, hope is all that we have right now, and it’s best to hold onto that while we can.
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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