May 12, 2020
Season 4 of Insecure has become a light in the dark presence of COVID-19 and quarantining for me. If you’ve read my earlier post, Why I Stan Issa Rae, you’ll understand my admiration for the writer and her hit HBO series, Insecure.
We are now halfway through season 4 and I believe that most people who watch the show have come to a consensus: Molly is TRASH. From her overly critical attitude when it comes to relationships to her lack of self-awareness in most situations, most people would agree that her character is cringe-worthy.
Molly’s reaction to Issa at the block party in episode 5 was the last straw for me. As soon as the episode ended, I texted my friends (who are also avid Insecure watchers) in our group chat:
“Quite frankly… f*** Molly.”
They joined me in bashing her and pointing out all of her character flaws. But after some reflection, I had an aha-moment: Everyone knows a ‘Molly’.
Hear me out, I’m not saying that Molly is necessarily a BAD person. In past seasons, we have seen the ups and downs of her relationship with Issa and she’s definitely been there through it ALL: the breakups, the makeups, the good and the bad times. On paper, she’s the perfect friend. But the real issue is that she lacks self-awareness, which, in turn, affects all of her relationships. We see it in every one of her romantic relationships and in her relationship with her father during season 3. We shouldn’t be surprised that her lack of self-awareness is now affecting her friendship with Issa.
You know that friend who can dish it, but not take it? That’s Molly. These people are quick to point out your flaws but never too keen on following their own advice. They won’t admit it, but they LIVE for the drama going on in your life while neglecting their own. In their minds, as long as they’re better off than you, everything is good. Now, you may not want to admit it, but we all have or have had a ‘Molly’ in our lives. You know, the one that only calls to gossip? Or the one who claims to support you, but only from afar? Or the one that reminds you of your past, but doesn’t like it when you do the same? If you don’t think you’ve ever had a ‘Molly’ in your life, the ‘Molly’ could be you (remember, lack of self-awareness). If you’re positive that you’re not a ‘Molly’ or have ever had a ‘Molly’ in your life, how does it feel to be God’s favorite?
The character of Molly is insanely human. She busies herself by finding flaws in others. She makes mistakes without realizing what she is doing. And quite frankly… Molly needs to take her ass back to therapy.
Now, do I think that Issa and Molly’s friendship is over? Absolutely not. But I do believe that Molly will need to get out of her own head and work on her issues if she wants her relationship with Issa, or Andrew, to work.
I’m excited to watch the rest of this season to see where Issa and Molly’s relationship goes.
P.S. I’m going to be in a writer’s room with Issa Rae one day. Speaking it into existence.
Image Source: https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/9/17/16315612/insecure-season-2
