11/15/13
View Logs: Hello Ladies S1 Episode 7
Episode Title: The WeddingThere we go. This is more like it. This is more of what I was looking for in this series. The episode wasn't completely predictable like the previous two episodes but we're back to the early episodes 2 or 3 where everything is the cringe worthy moments had to make me pause the video. Some of Stuart's antics are sincerely annoying by now but this time... things are atleast different. He develops and, once again, we see quite a bit more of his past coming out in his character. What really irritated me was actually Christine Woods' character. But there's atleast some development as a result which is something the series didn't do enough in the early episodes when it had seriously painful scenes. But back to Stuart...
So the model, named Kimberly, that Stuart was supposed to hook up with in the dinner episode actually manages to show up at the wedding as it turns out that they both knew the same people. Honestly, in the entertainment industry and in LA that's not too far fetched. I've been to the Oakwoods apartment once when my owner brought me there and I saw the Harry Potter Weasley actors there! No joke! Anyway, surprisingly, Stuart actually develops some awkward but pleasant chemistry with Kimberly. The specific dialogue that Stuart says are a little weird but snark can be charming when expressed in a specific way. Honestly it's interesting to see how different Stuart can be without actually being all that different. This is actually something interesting to think about. There's such a fine line between being a dick and being a charming snarker.
But... as usual, things fall apart. But instead of trying too hard because he doesn't know the line. He ends up trying too hard when Kimberly invites an old guy friend up to his room. Of course, this frazzles Stuart and he starts pushing himself a little more. Only this time it's not as extreme as the previous episodes. There we go Stuart... nice to see you learning even if it is just a little bit. Eventually Kimberly asks Stuart to go for a bit just to catch up with her friend who, apparently, she hasn't seen for a long time and might have a thing for. Stuart ends up leaving without much of a fuss (YAY PROGRESS!). Now this is where the episode got really interesting. Jessica asks Stuart why he tries so hard and to tell him to be himself. Stuart retorts that he's always been himself but it's never gotten him anywhere and he wants to try to be like other people. I can't tell you how nice it is to see more of this character develop than just being a dick. The two talk and eventually end up dancing together.
Now this is where the episode reaches new heights. Stuart kinda realizes that he's always had a some chemistry with Jessica and he really has been trying too hard. He goes back to his room, sees Kimberly sleeping, and decides to sleep on the couch. The next morning, he just interacts with her normally and says his good bye. Not only is it nice to see Stuart go from being a dick to a dick with some kind of past. But now he's actually developed a lot as an actual character. I swear he's developed more in this episode than he has in the past 3. Of course, the show eventually decides to be nice to Stuart and gives him what he wants. Kimberly texts him asking him out to a party right before the episode ended.
I'm not sure if this contradicts the "high road" character development that Stuart goes through. But, theoretically, it does seem to say that sometimes good things can happen if you're just a good person. Great episode, not really consistent with it's comedy again. But this episode showed many of the things that I loved in great comedies like Louie. I was close to regretting the decision to do this show for the blog. But this episode changed my mind to the other direction. Finish off strong Hello Ladies... and no pun... intended.... seriously.... I'd like to see the finale go even further than this episode. It'd be a little disappointed if all of Stuart's problems are solved just because he finally got in bed with someone. It usually doesn't really solve much of anything. But I trust (and hope) HBO is smart enough to know that.
