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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.
Television Academy, please watch this episode of Issa Rae and Prentice Penny’s Insecure. I am counting on you… Okay?!
Following last week’s final season premiere, the hit comedy-drama series has shifted profoundly. Its second episode is titled, “Growth, Okay?!” Co-executive producer Phil Augusta Jackson serves as the writer of the teleplay, while Mo Marable serves as the director.
In this review, I will be discussing the second 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 2.
Molly contemplates jumping back into the dating pool, while Issa – struggling to find her footing at work – leans on an old friend.
The Cast of This Week’s Insecure
Kendrick Sampson and Leonard Robinson return as Nathan Campbell and Taurean Jackson, respectively. Courtney Taylor also appears as Issa Dee (Issa Rae)’s assistant, Quoia.
Brit Bennett, Amber Dancy, Dayna Dooley, Kevin Douglas, Isai Devine, Masika Kalysha, Blessing Oluwole, Kerby Jean-Raymond, Dean Sharpe, Norman Towns, and Anthony D. Washington appear in the episode as well.
Reprising her guest appearance from last week is Sahana Srinivasan as Nadia Godal. Joining her as guest stars are Brittney Ayona, L. Scott Caldwell, Gregg Daniel, Nikiva Dionne, Curtis Hamilton, Malcolm David Kelley, Richard Nevels, TJ Power, and Kofi Siriboe.
Discussion
The way the narrative is told in this episode is absolutely stunning. The combination of Carolina Costa’s cinematography along with Raphael Saadiq and Kier Lehman’s music is vibrant and kept me in a great mood.
You will be astounded at what the writers’ room did for this episode. There were some sequences that, when presented to you (the viewer), will leave you in awe. From the start, the episode tells us where we’re at in terms of its timeline. Although, it also brings us back to the way things were before. Thus, it’s safe to say we’re able to look ahead while still glancing behind us. The pacing was perfect and doesn’t seem to waste our time.
The season has taken on a whole new level, and I think that’s what the episode title is implying. I actually love it!
Rebekah Aladdin and Starlynn Burden join the episode as make-up artists, while Diane Bunch, Allie Cope, Jessica Huerta, and Michelle Ojeda serve as the costumers. The episode’s overall crew did an outstanding job, especially in its final 10-15 minutes, despite how short it will last.
Performances and Character Developments
Issa’s story begins to evolve, transitioned by last week’s final season premiere. It doesn’t feel like the Issa we’ve known at We Got Y’all, and she’s absolutely changed since Season 4. The character has all her affairs in order, however, one thing is for sure: she is still the same old awkward Black girl we’ve known throughout Insecure, even as depicted in Rae’s YouTube series.
There is one scene that made me feel like she’s back on an “Are We Still Friends?” vibe like in Season 3. Although, that is up for the individuals of the audience to figure out. Given the time setting of the episode, it probably wouldn’t seem likely. Of course, as always, time will tell.
Last season, we got to see Molly Carter (Yvonne Orji) make up with her father. Her family is right where they should be, but now her parents are wondering about an update on her romantic life. In addition, we see a major change for her for the rest of the series to come. It’s been foreshadowed in teasers for the season, so it probably isn’t a big spoiler. I’m talking about her hair. There is a second major change that deals more with the romantic aspect of her story.
While small, there is a scene that Molly shares with Taylor’s Quoia. It takes us back to a crucial Season 4 episode. On one hand, it’s laughable, but on the other hand, maybe we should keep an eye out for that…
Final Thoughts
“Growth, Okay?!” shows fans of Insecure how its characters, their stories, and the series itself overall have transformed. I believe it is an excellent title since it also provides some throwbacks to the past. I mean, how can you not read that word in relation to Insecure and think of Natasha Rothwell’s character Kelli Prenny? This series is home to a few memes and reaction gifs of which only true fans are aware.
There are a couple of quotes that I found interesting, but I would like to bring one up without context.
Notes are normal for where we’re at right now.
People who deal with business or screenwriting might relate to this the most. However, for the average person who takes the time to look around and see the progress they’ve made, this will relate to them as well. At the same time, it’s important to transcend and go beyond what is “normal”. Do something different, or rather, accomplish a feat that you have never done before. As I said earlier: only time will tell.
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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