Ladies and Gents, the moment many of us have been waiting for arrived on Sunday night. The highly anticipated season four premiere of the critically acclaimed and fan favorite, Insecure, made it’s way back into our homes. While fans continue to push Issa Rae and team to create an hours worth of content, a more realistic compromise is in play with two additional episodes ordered this season. Keeping up with their episodic themes, this season “lowkey” will rule the season. First up, a season three recap:
Now let’s get down with Issa Dee. Issa is still enough of herself for you to continue to root her own in the premiere. If you’ll remember, she was on her 
adulting shit last season and the fruits of that commitment have made its way into this season. Committed to self-care Sundays, seeing her block party through and good vibes only, it’s clear that a shift is in the midst. The season opens with Issa proclaiming that she’s no longer friends with Molly (Yvonne Orji). We then flashback to four months before the block party. We’re tasked with enjoying the bread crumbs that’ll lead to, yet another disagreement between the two. But unlike the three seasons prior, they want us to see this as more final. And that’s fine with me. In the premiere, Issa partners with Condola (Christina Elmore) on her block party. It’s a good look and move for her. She’s gone from the girl riddled with insecurities and uncertainties, to a woman who can share space with another woman and step up and follow her dreams. Nothing was more heartwarming than her selling the vision to potential donors. Her awkwardness still made it’s way onto the scene and offered the beautiful comedic relief we’ve come to love her for. But it’s not all easy for her. She’s left to decide, does she befriend Condola, who is seeing Lawrence and continue to accept Molly’s negative advice masked in “I’m just trying to keep you accountable” and shit.
Speaking of Molly. Homegirl really hasn’t changed much. And if you check out black twitter, you’ll see a host of us are simply sick of Molly and her shit. While Issa has worked through her insecurities, it feels on-brand that the culprit this season will be Molly. No one’s insecure nature was more evident than Molly’s. And, most of us have always noticed it. But, it feels extra heightened because Issa, our primary focal point, is thriving, shining and ultimately leaving the light on a Molly, who albeit is intelligent professionally, seems to continuously show minimal growth in their friendship. Molly is the friend who has all the answers for you, but none for herself. She’s dating Andrew (Alexander Hodge) and in traditional Molly fashion, she’s looking for all the reasons to leave versus stay. If you’ve seen her date one man, you’ve seen her date this one. The highlight of the night came when Issa called her out and she actually stepped up and sent a text that left her vulnerable and seemingly ready to grow. But… I’ll believe it when I see it.
The other series regulars made appearances, though not in a way that really shifted the premiere. Tiffany (Amanda Seales), is her usual diva, I need to be the center of attention self. Kelli (Natasha Rothwell) is always a good time. She continues to remain that unfiltered friend that will have a good time, whether you want to be a part or not. Lawrence, nude butt shots and all, is sure to make his #lawrencehive happy. He’s dating, situated and like Issa, a sharp contrast from the kid we met in season one. 30+ plus Insecure friends, even Molly on her best day, are the reason we love this show.
The love letter to Inglewood is still there and it was my favorite part of the premiere. Maybe it’s because I’m in isolation like the rest of you, or maybe it’s because I’m in Los Angeles and look to this show to give me my next round of black-owned places to visit annually. Whatever it is, Issa and the team continue to highlight the black experience in a way that’s flattering to us. While there are themes present, the best part about this show is its ability to allow blackness to ooze off the characters, in the spaces they occupy all the while allowing us to feel seen and authentic as black viewers.
Check out the Inside The Episode clip and the trailer for next week. Costumes and homage to our black favorites! I. Can’t. Wait. Insecure Sunday night at 10:00pm on HBO.
