Starstruck, Enlightened, and Emmy noms
The highs and lows of love and existence, plus rewarding popcorn favorites
Hello!
On this week’s episode of Criticism Is Dead, we discuss Starstruck, a romcom for the modern age, and Enlightened, a short-lived series about trying to do good in a world that’s not necessarily made for that.
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03:39 Starstruck, streaming on HBO Max, is a perfectly short, simple, and sweet take on a romcom.
Created by and starring Rose Matafeo, this six-episode series (which has been renewed for a second season) is a refreshing update to the romantic comedy — nothing more, nothing less. It takes a classic trope (regular gal hooks up with a famous actor) and delivers a genuinely charming story that could actually be believable.
Much of that has to do with the main character, Jessie, who is funny and lovable, but not in the annoyingly artificial way that a lot of these kinds of heroines can be written. Her chemistry with love interest Tom is convincing, in part because of their natural banter and compatible senses of humor. Starstruck also smartly takes its time with their relationship, plotting out their encounters — both chance and deliberate — over the course of a year. It works!
19:45 Enlightened, also on HBO Max, holds up remarkably well as an exploration of the human condition, empathy, and whether people can change.
With Mike White back in TV conversation (we will be talking about The White Lotus at some point, I’m sure!), Pelin thought it’d be a good time to go back to his critically buzzy series from 10 years ago, which was prematurely canceled despite being very good and starring Laura Dern in one of the best performances of her career. To think what could have been!!!
But still, this show is up there with the other greats of the time period: Mad Men, Breaking Bad, etc. The main character Amy is so layered and complex, embodying narcissism and privilege but also a desire to do good and to change the world, even if she still has trouble focusing her laser beams on herself, first. As a viewer, you hate her, you pity her, you respect her, you feel every emotion for her. Dern won a Golden Globe for this, deservedly.
35:53 Plus, culture notes about this year’s Emmy nominations and some snubs.
Full list here.
Bonus links
Happy Mad Men anniversary!
A great interview with Mike White of Enlightened.
Jason Sudeikis x GQ:
But also, this by Judy Berman on Ted Lasso and the quest to build the perfect man is smart.
ICYMI, Zola is available VOD on July 23! (Check out last week’s episode on Zola here.)
That’s it for this week. See you next time!
— Jenny
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Some credits:
Music: REEKAH
Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu