There has been a lot of controversy over whether or not the show is as pro-feminism as it first appeared to be, along with many other negative news stories involving the creator of the show. I don't care about that. She's a female Woody Allen. Talented, funny, but perhaps more than a bit screwed up. Who cares? I was there for the show, not reality.
And the reality was that the characters she created and evolved over time became incredibly dear to me in the oddest of ways. Hannah Horvath (the main character), embodies all of the negative aspects of my personality, which was certainly a strange thing to watch week after week. Perhaps one of TV's most hated characters, she's selfish and self-centered (I've yet to meet someone who isn't), overly dramatic, neurotic, obsessive, easily hurt, and dishes things out to people that she can't take herself. Perhaps I don't embody all of those traits as much as she does, at least I hope I don't, but they're definitely there. However, she's upfront about those things, funny, talented and may I just say, has the only body on television that reminds me of my own! She's also not afraid to show it off, which whilst somewhat in your face at times (is she completely naked at least once in every episode?), has led me to feel better about my own. I even wore a dress without tights outside of my hotel room in Las Vegas, and that's something that I struggle with, so a massive thank you to Hannah and her hips and thighs for giving me a tiny bit more confidence.
Then there's the other three girls. Let's start with Marnie.
I think we all have that friend who is seemingly perfect. Beautiful, skinny, conventional, loved by many, but also selfish in a not so upfront way. Someone who can be really hurtful, but deep down has a lot of issues and perhaps even a superiority complex. A friend we can't help but love all the same, because without them to balance us out, where would we be? The Marnie's of the world will stay with you for a long time, because they love you and your flaws, exactly the same way you love theirs - although they'll make sure you appear to love theirs more than they love yours, because that's just what a Marnie does.
Then there are the Jessa's. Attractive, fun, childish, self-centered and probably a bit wild. Yet deeply fucked up to a ridiculous extent. To the point where you don't have the slightest clue what they are doing with their life, and neither do they. The Jessa's typically have atrocious taste in men, only going for those who haven't exactly got a history of being trustworthy, However, you sit there, get excited for them, and hurt with them when they get let down. You believe yourself that this one will be different, and that they deserve to find 'the one'. Even if it ends in tears, and you have your fall outs, the Jessa's are the best at making you feel better. The ones who force you to have fun when you just want to mope around the house eating a tub of ice cream.
Finally we have the Shosanna's - for the sake of this post I'll shorten it to Shosh like the show does - Innocent, crazy, blunt, and mean but too good for the type of shit you'll probably throw at them throughout your friendship. She's a rarity, and someone you can't overlook because they know they're too good for that. She might seem slightly away with the fairies, and may get on your last nerve, but she's destined for great things. Brutally honest, and surprisingly probably the rudest of your friendship group when she feels the need to be, the Shosh's might only be there until they decide to spread their wings and fly off to their next venture, but treat them with respect beforehand and you'll have a lifelong friend. If not, prepare to get given a lifelong cold shoulder.
Overall, the show gave a realistic view of female friendships. Perhaps they weren't always so pro-feminism, but that isn't always life unfortunately. However, it was funny, relatable and has some of my favourite TV moments in history!
My ultimate favourite scene and the one which inspired the title of this post is below. Thank you for reading and enjoy!
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