Lena Dunham’s HBO original series “Girls” had a slump in its fourth season, but if Sunday night’s premiere is any indication of things to come, the show may be back and better than ever.
The premiere episode — perhaps one of the series’ best episodes thus far — “Wedding Day” gives viewers the good, the bad and the ugly of its leading ladies.
The episode is sharp, funny and entertaining, even though it takes place entirely in one location. Opening on the morning of Marnie’s (Allison Williams) and Desi’s (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) wedding, the episode explores sacrifice, friendship, love and more, all within the 30 minute time slot.
One of the episode’s most compelling aspects is its insistence on showing each character at the height of his or her form: Marnie, though not a true bridezilla, is as controlling as ever and blames Hannah (Lena Dunham) for it all; Jessa (Jemima Kirke) is “whimsical/beautiful” and a complex mixture of selfishness and compassion; Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet) is “even more like a cartoon” since she moved to Japan; and Hannah, wearing a Beyonce-inspired sweatshirt, doesn’t seem to care about any of it. Despite the fact some of the girls’ worst characteristics are on display, the premiere still feels like a warm and familiar reunion for viewers.
The biggest surprise, which should not have been much of a surprise at all considering their blossoming friendship last season, is Adam’s (Adam Driver) and Jessa’s kiss. The friend group is generally incestuous, but this pairing seems to take it a step too far. Kirke and Driver’s chemistry on-screen, however, is wonderful; their developing relationship could be something to look forward to, in spite of the drama which will surely ensue.
The episode has its fair share of lightheartedness too, with a few one-liners actually eliciting a laugh from the audience. In one of the evening’s best moments, Ray (Alex Karpovsky), unlucky in love with Marnie, compares a conversation between Hannah’s new boyfriend and Adam to an E.E. Cummings poem. The episode mixes sentimentality and comedy in a familiar, yet refreshing way.
“Wedding Day” leaves just enough unanswered to keep viewers coming back for more. It cuts off just short of the actual wedding ceremony, leaving viewers uncertain whether Marnie and Desi will actually go through with their vows. The interaction between Jessa and Adam stirs up a host of possibilities.
Ultimately, the premiere returns to the series’ roots and proves “Girls” has still got an edge.
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