HBO: Insecure -- Season 5 Official Discussion Thread (Final Season)

[JofromthaNO]

Perhaps the pacing of the camera work during the season finale was off. After reading that interview with Penny, I appreciate how they had the characters (Lawrence and Condola, and Lawrence and Issa) play that scene with different emotions. I think it could entirely happen that a man, caught off guard, would question a woman who seemed secure in not wanting a kid or being married again about an unwanted pregnancy. Is it right? No, but it's a completely human reaction. And, yes, two consenting adults can be as careful as they want but no birth control plan (except for a abstinence) is 100% effective. I just think if the pacing was picked up more, it would have come off more flippant than pre-conceived.

I think this show tried to pick up subtly on mental health in our community, but was really only successful with portraying it with Molly's character - completely stubborn, not believing it was for her but finding a good black therapist to work. Tiffany's postpartum depression (PPD) was supposed to be subtly played but idk - she seemed bothered by her new baby but it was quite a reach. The irritability, etc. that commonly occurs with new moms could have been played more. I wonder did they even consult some moms about PPD to make it more realistic. Amanda Seales, in an aftershow interview, was, like, "I didn't get my nails done at all to show how Tiffany was losing herself." Uh, boo, I don't know MANY new moms who did that, especially when their child is still an infant. Becoming a mom is a complete culture shock, no matter how confident a woman you are. Personally, I struggled BIG with PPD and am just now starting to feel more normal and my kid is fucking 2 years old. TWO!

 

[godofwine]

Perhaps the pacing of the camera work during the season finale was off. After reading that interview with Penny, I appreciate how they had the characters (Lawrence and Condola, and Lawrence and Issa) play that scene with different emotions. I think it could entirely happen that a man, caught off guard, would question a woman who seemed secure in not wanting a kid or being married again about an unwanted pregnancy. Is it right? No, but it's a completely human reaction. And, yes, two consenting adults can be as careful as they want but no birth control plan (except for a abstinence) is 100% effective. I just think if the pacing was picked up more, it would have come off more flippant than pre-conceived.

I think this show tried to pick up subtly on mental health in our community, but was really only successful with portraying it with Molly's character - completely stubborn, not believing it was for her but finding a good black therapist to work. Tiffany's postpartum depression (PPD) was supposed to be subtly played but idk - she seemed bothered by her new baby but it was quite a reach. The irritability, etc. that commonly occurs with new moms could have been played more. I wonder did they even consult some moms about PPD to make it more realistic. Amanda Seales, in an aftershow interview, was, like, "I didn't get my nails done at all to show how Tiffany was losing herself." Uh, boo, I don't know MANY new moms who did that, especially when their child is still an infant. Becoming a mom is a complete culture shock, no matter how confident a woman you are. Personally, I struggled BIG with PPD and am just now starting to feel more normal and my kid is fucking 2 years old. TWO!

I only saw the season finale Once. I might watch episodes 8 through 10 again tonight since I just downloaded the whole series.

I will pay more closer attention to the camera work on the next viewing

What is your background? Is it in film because you're statement about the pacing of the camera work being off slightly it's not a comment a regular person would make

As far as how postpartum depression was played out on the show , if Amanda seales character was more intricate to the series I believe that would have spent more time on fleshing it out better

I think Amanda seales saying that she didn't get her nails done stands out as being quasi accurate because she is so Prim proper and pretty like. That way is completely out of character for her , while your more everyday woman it's not a shot for her not to get her nails done for a while after having a kid

But, I'm a man and I don't know shit about this area so you would be more of an expert than I am trying to be.

As a writer, I try to make it realistic as possible, and perhaps they could have spoken to more women who have been through PPD

 

[godofwine]

I and watching episodes 8 through 10 right now. I can't get out of my head, the conversation that Issa and Lawrence we're having in the restaurant, it's the exact same conversation that my ex-wife and I had. I mean damn , it's scary

One of the things that gets me to love a show is being able to connect to it in some kind of way

 

[JofromthaNO]

I only saw the season finale Once. I might watch episodes 8 through 10 again tonight since I just downloaded the whole series.

I will pay more closer attention to the camera work on the next viewing

What is your background? Is it in film because you're statement about the pacing of the camera work being off slightly it's not a comment a regular person would make

As far as how postpartum depression was played out on the show , if Amanda seales character was more intricate to the series I believe that would have spent more time on fleshing it out better

I think Amanda seales saying that she didn't get her nails done stands out as being quasi accurate because she is so Prim proper and pretty like. That way is completely out of character for her , while your more everyday woman it's not a shot for her not to get her nails done for a while after having a kid

But, I'm a man and I don't know shit about this area so you would be more of an expert than I am trying to be.

As a writer, I try to make it realistic as possible, and perhaps they could have spoken to more women who have been through PPD

I took classes in HS and college that focused on camera work, etc. Honestly, if I didn't go into the field I did, or thought it was more lucrative/practical, I would have continued to study it.

I'm not the prissiest lady, but I definitely am one who goes religiously to keep up hair and nails (the basics, though- just a simple manicure and pedicure.) It took me so long to be physically separate from my baby to do either of those things because of guilt but also because it wasn't physically possible to breastfed and be away with leaking, becoming engorged (and, therefore, uncomfortable.) They were trying to play how covert PPD can be in black women and, I guess, how we try to maintain a strong persona. But, I didn't even really see her being strong; definitely didn't see her being connected to her baby. I've discussed it with a few mommy friends who think it was a big leap for the writers. They could have maybe shown her having a hard time connecting to her husband, having sex after pregnancy and getting used to her post-baby body. Those are all REAL things that happen after a baby. My family jokes about how I "really got an ass" after having a kid, but it also came with stupid stretch marks and new pains and fears. I don't care as much anymore (especially as we prep for baby#2- hopefully!) but, there is so much shifting women have to go through after childbirth, even if you don't suffer from PPD. AND, I wrote a mouthful lol.

 

[cincitystudios]

I think this show is so dope! Another great season in the books. Great finale

 

[godofwine]

I took classes in HS and college that focused on camera work, etc. Honestly, if I didn't go into the field I did, or thought it was more lucrative/practical, I would have continued to study it.

I'm not the prissiest lady, but I definitely am one who goes religiously to keep up hair and nails (the basics, though- just a simple manicure and pedicure.) It took me so long to be physically separate from my baby to do either of those things because of guilt but also because it wasn't physically possible to breastfed and be away with leaking, becoming engorged (and, therefore, uncomfortable.) They were trying to play how covert PPD can be in black women and, I guess, how we try to maintain a strong persona. But, I didn't even really see her being strong; definitely didn't see her being connected to her baby. I've discussed it with a few mommy friends who think it was a big leap for the writers. They could have maybe shown her having a hard time connecting to her husband, having sex after pregnancy and getting used to her post-baby body. Those are all REAL things that happen after a baby. My family jokes about how I "really got an ass" after having a kid, but it also came with stupid stretch marks and new pains and fears. I don't care as much anymore (especially as we prep for baby#2- hopefully!) but, there is so much shifting women have to go through after childbirth, even if you don't suffer from PPD. AND, I wrote a mouthful lol.

As a writer, sometimes we don't do enough research on the subject and we make a lot of assumptions based upon what we believe people are thinking and feeling in situations. It's a common creative writing mistake

Had you not explained the actualities of PPD, I would have believed they did a relatively good job at that.

But I also believe that with Tiffany being a minor character it was difficult to properly show it on screen. Had that same thing happened to Issa , they would have described the broad spectrum of the effects of PPD much to your liking

 

[JofromthaNO]

As a writer, sometimes we don't do enough research on the subject and we make a lot of assumptions based upon what we believe people are thinking and feeling in situations. It's a common creative writing mistake

Had you not explained the actualities of PPD, I would have believed they did a relatively good job at that.

But I also believe that with Tiffany being a minor character it was difficult to properly show it on screen. Had that same thing happened to Issa , they would have described the broad spectrum of the effects of PPD much to your liking

Agreed re: if her character was more prominent on the show. Being a woman is such a trip, y'all. And, to quote Hustlers (the movie, I know...lol,) "Motherhood is a mental illness." Lol. Every night I'm thinking about what I can do to prepare my black child better for this world, how I can be sexy and desirable to my husband, what the household needs and what I need. Shit is exhausting.

 

[BATMAN]

How'd things work with you and the ex? Only ask cause there are many similarities between my situation and that of Issa and Lawrence.

I and watching episodes 8 through 10 right now. I can't get out of my head, the conversation that Issa and Lawrence we're having in the restaurant, it's the exact same conversation that my ex-wife and I had. I mean damn , it's scary

One of the things that gets me to love a show is being able to connect to it in some kind of way

 

[godofwine]

How'd things work with you and the ex? Only ask cause there are many similarities between my situation and that of Issa and Lawrence.

Man, it's like working with someone with PTSD. He's scared and says she isn't, then we'll talk on the phone for hours and hours and hours

Then she'll use bullshit incalculable terms like everything has to be in alignment

What the fuck does that mean?

Her and I do share a lot of similarities with Issa and Lawrence. She'll say shit like why does it have to be so hard? And I retort, nothing worth having is easy. You got to put the work in. If we're still here after all this time it means something. Stop fighting it

But that plea falls on deaf ears. Thanks for asking. I'll let you know more when I know more

 

[Mrfreddygoodbud]

Agreed re: if her character was more prominent on the show. Being a woman is such a trip, y'all. And, to quote Hustlers (the movie, I know...lol,) "Motherhood is a mental illness." Lol. Every night I'm thinking about what I can do to prepare my black child better for this world, how I can be sexy and desirable to my husband, what the household needs and what I need. Shit is exhausting.

One of the things is to get your child into books early..

Make reading exciting.. Hype that shit up..

With trips to the library.

Have book reading story telling time..m

If you can ....invest in a tutor to teach your child a second language...

And you take the class along with them and learn along...

There is so much children can be learning ... I hate seeing inquisitive children

With unaware

parents that don't know how to nurture that inquisitiveness

How are things going tho??

 

[BATMAN]

Indeed sir! Me and mine are 2 months in and things are still fresh. I know the, "she's not mine just my turn" scenario, but Divorce isn't what I wanted. So I hope and anticipate a convo about it at some point. Keep me posted.

Man, it's like working with someone with PTSD. He's scared and says she isn't, then we'll talk on the phone for hours and hours and hours

Then she'll use bullshit incalculable terms like everything has to be in alignment

What the fuck does that mean?

Her and I do share a lot of similarities with Issa and Lawrence. She'll say shit like why does it have to be so hard? And I retort, nothing worth having is easy. You got to put the work in. If we're still here after all this time it means something. Stop fighting it

But that plea falls on deaf ears. Thanks for asking. I'll let you know more when I know more

 

[godofwine]

Indeed sir! Me and mine are 2 months in and things are still fresh. I know the, "she's not mine just my turn" scenario, but Divorce isn't what I wanted. So I hope and anticipate a convo about it at some point. Keep me posted.

I appreciate it, slick. Will do

 

[JofromthaNO]

One of the things is to get your child into books early..

Make reading exciting.. Hype that shit up..

With trips to the library.

Have book reading story telling time..m

If you can ....invest in a tutor to teach your child a second language...

And you take the class along with them and learn along...

There is so much children can be learning ... I hate seeing inquisitive children

With unaware

parents that don't know how to nurture that inquisitiveness

How are things going tho??

I'm a psychologist, so I know those things but I also have pretty bad anxiety so I'm constantly worrying about his future. He has an extensive library at home, though, and we take him on weekly walks at nearby nature preserves, etc. Also, we have a lot of books in both English and Spanish, and I know Spanish, so that helps. His old nanny was bilingual so that helped too. The days vary with me but, even with the current situation, I'm doing better.

 

[Mrfreddygoodbud]

I'm a psychologist, so I know those things but I also have pretty bad anxiety so I'm constantly worrying about his future. He has an extensive library at home, though, and we take him on weekly walks at nearby nature preserves, etc. Also, we have a lot of books in both English and Spanish, and I know Spanish, so that helps. His old nanny was bilingual so that helped too. The days vary with me but, even with the current situation, I'm doing better.

well as a psycholigist I shouldnt have to tell you

the importance of controlling your thoughts..

most people that worry, tend to focus on shit to worry about..

instead of focusing on things that have the opposite effect.

Do you meditate?? Take yoga or Tai Chi working on your breathing and mastering your energy at the same time is a great way to kick anxiety in its anxious ass...

 

[JofromthaNO]

well as a psycholigist I shouldnt have to tell you

the importance of controlling your thoughts..

most people that worry, tend to focus on shit to worry about..

instead of focusing on things that have the opposite effect.

Do you meditate?? Take yoga or Tai Chi working on your breathing and mastering your energy at the same time is a great way to kick anxiety in its anxious ass...

Running used to do all of that for me. I was a heavy runner from 2016 - when I got pregnant (mid-2017.) I was training for a 10k at my local Y and COVID-19 hit. I dislike running outside in the summer, so I have really backslid for training. Husband helps with encouraging me to play tennis with him weekly but I don't mediate. I need to start back up with an approach soon.

 

[Mrfreddygoodbud]

Running used to do all of that for me. I was a heavy runner from 2016 - when I got pregnant (mid-2017.) I was training for a 10k at my local Y and COVID-19 hit. I dislike running outside in the summer, so I have really backslid for training. Husband helps with encouraging me to play tennis with him weekly but I don't mediate. I need to start back up with an approach soon.

I hear ya, I love to run, but Im the opposite, I love to run in hot sticky weather..

it provides the ultimate runners high...

Yea look into tai chi/meditation/yoga an proper breathing excercises..

focus on thoughts that motivate you and make you happy, if you find yourself worryin, then you are not focusing on the right things...

feel me???

 

[raze]

 

[raze]

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Issa Rae to produce documentary on history of Black television for HBO

The 35-year-old actress and writer will be one of the creative forces behind the two part HBO doc titled Seen & Heard, according to Variety on Wednesday.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Issa Rae to Produce HBO Documentary on History of Black Television

The "Insecure" creator and star is set to executive produce a two-part documentary called "Seen & Heard" on the history of Black television.

variety.com

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

I hear ya, I love to run, but Im the opposite, I love to run in hot sticky weather..

it provides the ultimate runners high...

Yea look into tai chi/meditation/yoga an proper breathing excercises..

focus on thoughts that motivate you and make you happy, if you find yourself worryin, then you are not focusing on the right things...

feel me???

Well said re: runners high. Used to run alot during high school & early college years. Lived in a hilly part of the city. It's interesting how you'll hit that wall a few times DURING the run ... especially during the hardest inclines, etc. But then you'll get past that, and you're running harder & better 3/4 or later into the run ... when you should feel the most tired.

Kind of like when in team sports ... you've got that confidence in your cardio/eudurance late in the game. You keep telling yourself - "The other team didn't train as hard as me ..." and you put it on them.

That's a damn good feeling.

 

[raze]

 

[Mrfreddygoodbud]

Well said re: runners high. Used to run alot during high school & early college years. Lived in a hilly part of the city. It's interesting how you'll hit that wall a few times DURING the run ... especially during the hardest inclines, etc. But then you'll get past that, and you're running harder & better 3/4 or later into the run ... when you should feel the most tired.

Kind of like when in team sports ... you've got that confidence in your cardio/eudurance late in the game. You keep telling yourself - "The other team didn't train as hard as me ..." and you put it on them.

That's a damn good feeling.

yea no doubt.. I run with a weight vest and dumb bells so my chicken legs

wont look so chickeny...

it works wonders for your back and posture.....helps keep that youthful swag

swagging...

but chea, nothing like putting in that cardio and watching your hard work

play out in your favor, when you are competing on any level....

so many folks sleep on cardio... its that endurance you need when you are out and about...

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

yea no doubt.. I run with a weight vest and dumb bells so my chicken legs

wont look so chickeny...

it works wonders for your back and posture.....helps keep that youthful swag

swagging...

but chea, nothing like putting in that cardio and watching your hard work

play out in your favor, when you are competing on any level....

so many folks sleep on cardio... its that endurance you need when you are out and about...

Damn - that’s impressive. Props on the hard work! Good point about back and posture too. Makes you pay attention to proper form while training.

 

[playahaitian]

Issa Rae is a queen with a big problem (and an adorable Muppet daughter) in 'Sesame Street' clip

No need to tell Issa Rae how to get to 'Sesame Street' — she's already found her way there.

ew.com

 

[0utsyder]

Issa Rae is a queen with a big problem (and an adorable Muppet daughter) in 'Sesame Street' clip

No need to tell Issa Rae how to get to 'Sesame Street' — she's already found her way there.

ew.com

You know you've made it when you guest host SNL and Sesame Street all in the same year. Ya LOVE to see it!

 

[Duece]

“Insecure” is set to end after its upcoming Season 5 on HBO, Variety has learned.

The critically-acclaimed comedy was renewed for a fifth season in May 2020 as Season 4 was just beginning.The fifth and final season is scheduled to begin production later this month and is set to debut later this year.

“Issa has turned insecurity into an iconic form of comedy,” said Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO Programming. “The show is as incisive as it is heartfelt, and it has resonated strongly with its audience because of the deeply personal work that Issa, Prentice, Melina, the cast and the writers have put into it. This talented team has conceived a brilliant final season for ‘Insecure’ and we look forward to having many more stories to tell with this singular group of collaborators.”


Series co-creator Issa Rae heads the ensemble cast, which also includes Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales and Alexander Hodge.

The show was created by Rae and Larry Wilmore. Rae also executive produces the series along with Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Amy Aniobi and Jim Kleverweis. The show is partially based on Rae’s web series “Awkward Black Girl.”

“Insecure” has received widespread critical acclaim across its four seasons, with the series averaging a 95% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It has also received a host of award wins and nominations throughout its run. That includes an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for Rae in the lead actress in a comedy category.

'Insecure' to End With Season 5 on HBO - Variety

 

[REDLINE]

“Insecure” is set to end after its upcoming Season 5 on HBO, Variety has learned.

The critically-acclaimed comedy was renewed for a fifth season in May 2020 as Season 4 was just beginning.The fifth and final season is scheduled to begin production later this month and is set to debut later this year.

“Issa has turned insecurity into an iconic form of comedy,” said Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO Programming. “The show is as incisive as it is heartfelt, and it has resonated strongly with its audience because of the deeply personal work that Issa, Prentice, Melina, the cast and the writers have put into it. This talented team has conceived a brilliant final season for ‘Insecure’ and we look forward to having many more stories to tell with this singular group of collaborators.”


Series co-creator Issa Rae heads the ensemble cast, which also includes Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales and Alexander Hodge.

The show was created by Rae and Larry Wilmore. Rae also executive produces the series along with Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Amy Aniobi and Jim Kleverweis. The show is partially based on Rae’s web series “Awkward Black Girl.”

“Insecure” has received widespread critical acclaim across its four seasons, with the series averaging a 95% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It has also received a host of award wins and nominations throughout its run. That includes an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for Rae in the lead actress in a comedy category.

'Insecure' to End With Season 5 on HBO - Variety

Yeah I knew it was gonna go for 6-8 seasons, they want to leave before people get tired of it and move on to different things themselves.

 

[Duece]

Yeah I knew it was gonna go for 6-8 seasons, they want to leave before people get tired of it and move on to different things themselves.

Isn't 6 seasons just about the standard these days?

 

[D'Evils]

 

[REDLINE]

Isn't 6 seasons just about the standard these days?

Yeah it is to my knowledge.

 

[mariano42]

Yeah I knew it was gonna go for 6-8 seasons, they want to leave before people get tired of it and move on to different things themselves.

Viewer fatigue! Steven DeKnight said this is why he ended Spartacus with 4 seasons.

IMHO, I feel this show could've gone for 6 seasons instead of 5.

 

[REDLINE]

Viewer fatigue! Steven DeKnight said this is why he ended Spartacus with 4 seasons.

IMHO, I feel this show could've gone for 6 seasons instead of 5.

Yeah man I feel you, but they probably want to do different things in their careers they probably want to leave on a high note.

Look at the series Atlanta.

 

[Tiger_Hood]

Yeah man I feel you, but they probably want to do different things in their careers they probably want to leave on a high note.

Look at the series Atlanta.

What happened to Atlanta?

 

[REDLINE]

What happened to Atlanta?

The last episode was 3 years ago! We’ve been waiting 3 years for season 3!

 

[Kemo07]

Viewer fatigue! Steven DeKnight said this is why he ended Spartacus with 4 seasons.

IMHO, I feel this show could've gone for 6 seasons instead of 5.

Sucks it’s only going to have one more season. It was a really good and relatable show