Award-winning ‘Girls’ returns for catty second season

By NANCY BELLE

Fresh from winning a coveted Golden Globe award for “Best Comedy Series,” “Girls” returned nearly two weeks ago for its second season on HBO.

Although the characters are all struggling to figure out who they are and what they are going to do with their lives, their imperfections are what make the show so interesting.

Hannah Horvath, played by Lena Dunham, is one of the best and worst parts of the show. While she was a twenty-something “every man” in season one, she has turned into an unlikable character this season.

Though she had her hardships in the first season, including a dramatic split from her boyfriend, Adam, played by Adam Driver, she was, for the most part, tolerable. She has since become miserable, wrecking her new relationship with Sandy, played by Donald Glover, an African American Republican who was, perhaps, added for no other reason than to quiet the critics who complained about the show’s lack of diversity.

All of the characters seem miserable and unstable this season. Even Elijah, played by Andrew Rannells, Hannah’s other ex-boyfriend, is confusing as a character.

While things seemed to be looking up for Elijah during the season one finale, his sexual escapades and soon thereafter questioning of his sexuality in the season two premiere is unexpected.

Elijah has been transformed from Hannah’s “gay best friend” to a near stereotype of a catty gay male. Not even Rannells superior acting can make Elijah seem likeable.

The only really likable character of the show now is Shoshanna, played by Zosia Mamet. Although sweet, Shoshanna is a bit aloof. Her way of sounding like a “valley girl” at times and her relationship troubles with Ray make it hard to appreciate her unique character. Even Jessa, played by Jemima Kirke, who should, in theory, be happy after her surprise wedding, still seems conflicted, having married a man she only knew for a short time.

Although the season seems rushed so far, the storylines all work together in a way that only makes sense if viewers have seen all of season one. Only two episodes have passed, but, like in real life, drama plays out quickly.

The only real disappointment when it comes to “Girls” is the short season. A season lasting 10 episodes does not seem long enough to show a true glimpse into these interesting characters’ lives.