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On ‘Insecure,’ Molly and Issa’s Friendship Is at Its Breaking Point
A relational therapist analyzes their toxic dynamic
After an almost two-year hiatus, HBO’s hit comedy Insecure returned with a vengeance for season four. We typically follow best friends Molly and Issa as they navigate awkward dates and somehow even more awkward sexcapades, irritating co-workers, and other personal and professional snafus. However, the opening words of this season, “Honestly, I don’t f — with Molly anymore,” uttered by Issa four months into the future, offer a glimpse into the possible deterioration of one of the most seemingly stable aspects of the show — Issa and Molly’s friendship.
Throughout the duration of the series, we’ve watched (and debated) each character as individuals and their friendship as its own entity. Though Issa and Molly’s relationship has never been free from conflict — remember Malibu and, more recently, Issa’s last birthday celebration? — the two often demonstrate an evident love and appreciation for one another, which makes this season all the more intriguing. As both Issa and Molly fight to change detrimental personal patterns, this season highlights what happens when friends attempt to adjust their roles and how the friendship, as a dynamic system, responds.
