I’ve said it before, I’ll say it one more time. I don’t love LA, I think it’s overrated. Not only that, I don’t really want to be reminded of how awesome some people think it is. So why take a peek at a show entitled I LOVE LA, you ask? Good question, and I can only answer with the notion that I’ve experienced very little of the talent of its star, Rachel Sennott. The only gig I saw her in was THE IDOL, and the less we talk about that, the better. Will I make it through the 8-episode run? Will I have something to say each week about it, if I do? I have no clue, but let’s run with a look at the pilot episode and see how it goes, yeah?
Okay, Sennott’s character is named Maia, and she has her heart set and career planned out; she wants to be a talent agent. She is seeking a solid promotion within the firm she’s in from her boss, Alyssa, played by Leighton Meester. Also in her circle are her BFF’s and a boyfriend. The latter character is Dylan, a schoolteacher, played by Josh Hutcherson. Her friends include Jordan Firstman as Charlie, True Whitaker as Alani, and Odessa A’zion as Tallulah.
Tallulah is an old college friend back in NYC, who was doing her own thing back East and didn’t make the move to LA. She is the comedic trope of the obnoxious person who doesn’t realize she is that way. She is annoying, loud, and I know I didn’t mention it often enough, quite obnoxious. Maia is having her 27th birthday, so Alani invites Tallulah to come and visit, but Charlie has already convinced Maia to block her.
Friends – Charlie, Alani, Tallulah & Maia.
Well, we don’t have a show unless Tallulah shows up. She is pretty unbearable in my opinion, and what’s worse, she is an influencer back in NYC. Of course, she is misunderstood, and everything doesn’t have to be about her when she arrives, but she sure comes across that way. And though it looks like Tallulah hogs the attention, she plans a special birthday bash for Maia by cashing in on her influencer notoriety. And, in the end, it helps get Maia promoted because Tallulah offers to stick around and become Maia’s first client.
And, they are all off towards making a life for themselves. LA, at least in this opener, just seems to be the locale where their journey plays out; thankfully, there was only one little montage espousing how awesome the city supposedly is. Can I relate to the Gen Z dilemmas here? No. Do I wish I had started with THE CHAIR COMPANY and/or IT: WELCOME TO DERRY instead? Yes. Can I care for Maia and company? Maybe, as we give it another look next episode. What do you all think?
Here is what is to come in the weeks ahead.
