Familiar-Like gives us direct access to Issa Dee (played by creator Issa Rae) in a way we haven’t really seen before. While it doesn’t feature her partner in crime, Molly (played by Yvonne Orji), we get an opportunity to fully meet Daniel King (have we always known that was his last name though? Played by Y’lan Noel). Amy Aniobi, the writer (notorious for her flute twerking scene in season 2) wrote this episode, which I will proclaim as my favorite episode yet. Why? Well, I’m glad you asked…
This episode felt like everything came full circle. We are able to see Issa on the couch (yup it’s yellow too!), almost mirroring the person Lawrence had become at this point in Season 1. But true to the theme of: “know better do better,” we are able to celebrate Issa and what I imagine, many of us hoped Lawrence would have done back then. Maybe if he was more present, observant and had a passion (nah, ‘whoop whoop’ don’t count; Daniel is chasing dreams out here), then he’d still be around (no shade #LawrenceHive). Let’s face it, Insecure is about Issa’s journey and no episode (rightfully so) up until now fully captured her growth.
It’s good to see black millennial’s displayed in a uniquely complex, but fair manner. Let’s face it, dating it hard and it’s even more challenging when you two have history but choose friendship over a relationship! But, there was something magical about Issa rooting Daniel on! It’s also important to note that Daniel feels like a full character now. It was good to see Vanessa, who is clearly not checking for him, put him on front street. His insecurities are speaking loudly; probably the loudest when he lies to Issa about not letting her stay past a week. He also struggles internally with boundaries and his feelings for Issa which will definitely add to the complexity of their “friendship.”
This season tackles the work aspect of Issa. There is an important conversation happening around “We got y’all” and the racial implication of its founder Joanne. I don’t know that I ever realized that the hand in the logo is white and scooping up black kids, but it has always been clear that Issa is the token black person. While this seemed to be more 
subtle in previous seasons, this episode really pushed the conversation. Her co-workers used their privilege to call Joanne out in a way Issa could never. Whether it was “Whatever Issa says is right” because she’s black or the dialogue that makes it clear people are at the table to meet a quota and their perspective adds legitimacy. The sentiments around the black experience in the white work place and the “well-intended” decisions are captured eloquently, and it seems Issa has had enough. The ultimate come up: Issa a property manager with discounted/free rent and no more Joanne?!
Issa and Daniel’s friendship takes an interesting turn as she rescues him when he needed it the most. Battling his ego and the Hollywood cynicism many artists face at some point in their quest to find work, we see Issa step up and lend him friendship in the sincerest way. They go to the club to help Daniel get in front of a local artist. Even though we see little spouts of jealousy arise when someone hits on the other, in the end, their chemistry is undeniable. Issa roots for Daniel and believes in him in a way that matters. It almost feels like they see each other for the first time and it lands Issa in his arms when a shootout happens and earns her a platonic spot in his bed. We’ll see how long that lasts!
In the end, it’s clear that the boundaries between the two might not be such a bad thing. I’ve always said if two people choose friendship as their foundation, their relationship will last much longer. You tend to choose kindness over hate in arguments, you also learn what motivates them and how to motivate them. I don’t know about you, but it feels like Daniel and Issa are on the brink of something good. I’d like to say maybe they’d end up together, but even I know the challenges in “glowing up.” Three steps forward, one step back and boom— shit falls apart.
Now, let’s Wine Down.
You can catch Insecure weekly on HBO at 10:30 pm EST on Sunday nights. A preview of Episode 3 is below:
