Incredible chemistry in spite of the difference in their ages and acting experiences; let's forgive Hannah Einbender (Ava) for being a nepo baby, she is brilliant in this role (as is Jean Smart as comic legend Deborah Vance). The counterpoint of Deborah's cackle and Ava's vocal fry is just delicious.
Some themes that landed for me in this series: being past your prime (can relate) work/life balance (can relate) laughing at your tragedy (can relate) swallowing your pride (can relate) trying to fit in in a world you don't understand (TOTALLY relate) redemption (something the 2 main characters share)
Deborah and Ava are glaringly different, not only in their age, wealth experience and temperament, but they do meet on some common ground in the form of a toxic but productive mother-daughter business relationship that makes up for their toxic and counterproductive real ones
Supporting characters are so exquisitely cast: the cringeworthy, bumbling overzealous assistant Kayla, Marcus's mom and her friend, and Ava's neurotic, anxious mom who gives us (and Deborah) a window into Ava's own history.
Just loved it, and Season 2 is just as strong as Season 1--something you don't always witness. As much as the two main characters are at odds with each other, I can't help but root for them as a team.
Review by LRBlockedParentSpoilers2023-04-03T02:06:06Z
Incredible chemistry in spite of the difference in their ages and acting experiences; let's forgive Hannah Einbender (Ava) for being a nepo baby, she is brilliant in this role (as is Jean Smart as comic legend Deborah Vance). The counterpoint of Deborah's cackle and Ava's vocal fry is just delicious.
Some themes that landed for me in this series:
being past your prime (can relate)
work/life balance (can relate)
laughing at your tragedy (can relate)
swallowing your pride (can relate)
trying to fit in in a world you don't understand (TOTALLY relate)
redemption (something the 2 main characters share)
Deborah and Ava are glaringly different, not only in their age, wealth experience and temperament, but they do meet on some common ground in the form of a toxic but productive mother-daughter business relationship that makes up for their toxic and counterproductive real ones
Supporting characters are so exquisitely cast: the cringeworthy, bumbling overzealous assistant Kayla, Marcus's mom and her friend, and Ava's neurotic, anxious mom who gives us (and Deborah) a window into Ava's own history.
Just loved it, and Season 2 is just as strong as Season 1--something you don't always witness. As much as the two main characters are at odds with each other, I can't help but root for them as a team.