Goodbye Issa, Molly, & Co., An ‘Insecure’ Final Season Replay, 2015-2021

Molly (Yvonne Orji) and Issa (Issa Rae) are back to bosom buddy status in Insecure’s season five opener— Reunited, Okay? directed by Melina Matsoukas and written by Amy Aniobi. 

“You’re always gonna be in my loop.”—Issa Dee to Molly Carter [insert hearts for eyes emoji here]

On October 9, 2016, a brilliant show debuting two days after my birthday, cordially introduced us to two Black women of similar complexion in leading roles defining change from the typical dark skinned versus the lighter skinned setup— toxic colorism often seeping into the characterization. Part comedy and part drama, Insecure on HBO brought attention to specific problems young Black women faced— tokenism/undermining at the workplace, neighborhood gentrification, lack of communication in romantic relationships, questioning self-worth/value, and that specific kind of love reserved for our girlfriends. With the backdrop of Los Angeles starring as another character including The Dunes in Inglewood, the struggles of Issa and her friends were relatable, honest, and refreshing. 

College Issa (Issa Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji) shown at Tiff and Derek’s going away party.  

The fifth and final season begins with the gang heading to their old college stomping grounds— Stanford University. After a rift that slowly ruptured mid-season three all the way to cracking into smithereens in the previous fourth season, Issa and Molly are trying to repair the damage. Why not restart at the very place they met? Although Molly asks Kelli for advice on how to begin anew, it shows growth that Molly decides to present this question to Issa herself. 

“Are we going to be okay?”

Thankfully, it is a resounding “yes.” 

Before Issa (Issa Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji) sleep, Molly starts singing the corny “You’re My Best Friend” song— very sweet throwback nod. Unfortunately, Issa tells Molly it’s wrong in episode two’s Growth, Okay?! directed by Mo Marable and written by Phil Augusta Jackson. 

Growth, Okay?!, the second episode, contains super special moments only true BFFs could share— cooking together or ordering out, sleepovers where a friend will give you a pillow because you’ve fluffed hers out, movie nights, phone calls— all the cozy stuff. Plus, Molly is rocking a gorgeous natural cut— which reminds one of first season Issa’s fresh TWA. 

The girls— Kelli (Natasha Rothwell), Molly (Yvonne Orji), and Issa (Issa Rae)— looking good for the beach in Faulty, Okay?! directed by Mo Marable and written by Syreeta Singleton.  

The overall key highlights were the growth and trust Issa and Molly were able to achieve. By the end, their conversations were coming from healthy angles. None of the judgment or shame or side eying took usual steed. They safely asked each other questions on relationships and career choices— taking the time to listen and offer critical feedback from a much friendlier angle. The incredible loyalty that they show has definitely become one of the most compelling “ride or die” stories ever told. 

The girls hug it out during a round of games, joints, munchie snacks, and wine (nonalcoholic for Kelli) in episode seven’s Chilling, Okay?! directed by Amy Aniobi and written by Fran Ritcher. They did not eat any real food this episode. 

The Denver move is sad yet believable part of life. Friends actually move away— create roots in another city, another state. When Tiff announced the news during the seventh episode Chilling, Okay?!, a certain reality started to sink in. This foursome would be losing a key person, a person still recovering from a vulnerable year. Tiff— already somewhat private about her emotional/mental health and never completely sharing what happened between her and Derek— isolated with only Derek and Simone is both heartbreaking and bittersweet. Kelli, Issa, and Molly will no longer access Tiff in their traditional way, but that bond with Tiff will not be completely severed. Maybe Denver represents a new perspective for Tiff. 

Overall, this was such a delightful joy! Molly not ever watching Love Jones— a hot mess. The throwback John Legend and Alicia Keys— what a time! The A Different World setup as the girls changed clothes. Kelli’s outbursts. Baked cookies with Doritos? And of course the Daniel King / Daniel Kaluuya love. 

Molly (Yvonne Orji) gets slapped by Kelli (Natasha) for not sharing an edible with her friends at Tiff’s swanky going away party in season five, episode nine’s Out, Okay?! written, directed, and cameo’ed by Prentice Penny. 

The last episode was all about crying, crying again, and crying some more. Whether a big surprise, an intimate dinner, or travel to Mile High City, Issa, Molly, Kelli, and Tiffany keep the promise to celebrate their birthdays together. From Los Angeles to Denver, in the face of change, the girls are determined to hold on tightly to their extremely close friendship. Meanwhile tragedy strikes in between. Molly losing her mother hit home for me personally having lost my beautiful single parent last summer. My brother was also the caller of bad news. Thus, when Molly broke down and cried, I cried along with her— a day after Christmas, sobbing at the reality of such a significant loss. No one can ever be truly prepared for that kind of grief. 

Also Molly’s wedding day— marrying Taurean, the father/daughter dance, Molly’s coworkers as bridesmaids (the very ones she tried upstaging long ago) alongside her best friends, and Issa and Molly’s tender gown scene—tears for eyes at that point. Out of all the characters, Molly has the most genuine maturation. She has easily come from being number 10 on the Top Insecure Characters to somewhere in the Top 3. Her progress shows that inner reflection, diligent patience, and understanding will pay off in a good, positive way. 

And Issa.

Wow.

Our girl went from being a disrespected token at her disingenuous workplace (that unfortunately still exists) to becoming her own boss and having the very best intern/assistant in Quiona. Issa always knew that she wanted to give to the community. Always. That mentality, that drive was in there— waiting. Once she faced tough challenges head on, she could no longer be stopped. In an imagined future, we can see a few We Got Y’all kids coming to The BLOC events, happy to see Miss Issa not only thriving for herself, but also for them and their community. 

Birthday girl Issa (Issa Rae) shares a laugh with her now married BFF— bringing it full circle right down to the Broken Pussy song in the Insecure finale— Everything Gonna Be, Okay?! directed by Prentice Penny and written by Issa Rae. 

Although on December 26, 2021 the last ever Insecure episode aired right after Christmas Day, like The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, it will not ever be forgotten. Thank you, Issa Rae, Prentice Penny, and the rest of the excellent cast and crew for being a crucial part of so many lives for five seasons. Your generosity, talent, and direction has been commendable— has been cemented in our culture. We will always look back on this inspiring, award-winning/award-robbed show with great fondness, especially for the laughter, the music, the art, the fashion, and the hairstyles. 

At last, with Insecure our scene is seen. 

Top Ten ‘Insecure’ Characters

How did the girls (Natasha Rothwell’s Kelli, Yvonne Orji’s Molly, and Issa Rae’s Issa) rank in the femfilmrogues top 10 Insecure characters?

Today is the big day. 

The fifth and final season of one of the best shows on television ends its run— the award-winning, highly melanated Insecure on HBO. We have seen pretty major events— cheating with crushes, various breakups, steamy hookups, ups and downs of career ambitions, and blow out public fights between besties. 

After four beautiful years learning about the Black side of Los Angeles from the mostly Inglewood based perspective, this is a personal list on the irresistible characters worth cherishing. Although some came for a season or two, they delivered a memorable impact that must be noted here. 

Molly (Yvonne Orji) has some redeeming qualities. 

10. Molly is a kick butt lawyer who always fumble relationship bags— Jared, Lionel, Andrew, and even two men from the premiere The League dating pool. From season one to season three, however, in her most imperative relationship, Molly was there for Issa through a tough breakup, donating money and time to We Got Y’all functions, hosting a special Moroccan dinner (season two’s Hella Perspective highlight), birthday hangout at The Last Dragon screening, and of course self care Sunday’s. She could always plan a top notch event. Yet she could come off catty and mean spirited, made assumptions, prioritized herself over others, held grudges, had that whole nasty situationship with Dro, and did not apologize first. 

Sometimes Derek (Wade Allain-Marcus) makes his minutes on screen quite memorable.

9.  Derek is a quiet, humble, successful husband to Tiffany. The love demonstrated in the season four finale really showcased that he was beyond the rich apple to his wife’s eye. He truly cared about her emotional and mental health, going well above and beyond to find her which differed from the pathetic police actions in the show within a show Looking For Latoya. Derek can also give good solid advice, especially to Lawrence who needs an active male listener and active feedback giver in his messy life. Still, while Derek calls out the BS how he sees fit, the words he said about being a girl dad as his daughter laid sleeping were disturbing on many levels. 

Chad (Neil Brown Jr.) adds raunchy delight or a highly enthusiastic shade via beverage intake.

8. Chad breathes random adult humor and loud slurpy sounds into awkward conversations. Often considered the male companion to Kelli, Chad is the one to have a good time with, to conduct your baddest behavior damn the consequences. Crude, obnoxious, and juice crazy, Leah’s fiancé (and we’re still waiting to see the mysterious Leah) is a real hoot— although at times misogynistic. He can be serious for just a real hot moment before skirting back to mischievous intentions. Still, where would Lawrence be without his uncouth best friend, Chad? 

Like Tasha (Dominique Perry), so many of us wasted precious moments on those unworthy of our time, our bodies, our hearts. We give and give and expect and expect only to be let down in the end.

7. Tasha was the saucy bank teller who crushed massively hard on the man depositing unemployment checks and false promises into her station. Yes, she came up to Lawrence’s job hoping for more than batteries and a hot sauce partner to share the lunch hour. When she finally received released tension, she felt comfortable enough to be herself despite primarily being a weekend girl. Yet she kept forgiving Lawrence for his misgivings including cheating on her, but the last straw was ditching her at the family BBQ without saying a damn thing. Downright disrespectful. Tasha deserved far better than the F Buddy status Lawrence wanted. 

Rasheeda (Gail Bean) stayed true to herself much to the dissatisfaction of her fellow employees.

6. Rasheeda aka DaDa refused to code switch it up at the white law firm— even heeding Molly’s advice to be less loud and pretty much be quiet— under the radar. Although the bosses generally liked Rasheeda’s a brash, outgoing personality in the interview, she was too much for them at the workplace daily. Makes one wonder if Rasheeda would benefit at the Black law firm that Molly works at now— maybe Molly can put in a recommendation someday. 

Team Daniel (Y’lan Noel) for a win in another lifetime.

5. Daniel— the scorching hot producer and Issa’s former classmate who encouraged her musical talents—was definitely the one who got away in Issa’s love life. He understood Issa much better than most in her intimate circle and supported her when she needed him. Sure he did the most (showing up at her job and an event hosted by her job), he did let her stay at his place when she had nowhere to go (or so she says— sis could have chosen several spaces). Just as they were getting closer and mixed message signal shooting Issa confused him for the last time, Daniel’s out of pocket behavior in Backwards Like, season three’s third episode put a nail on the king’s coffin. However, still think about what it would have been if Issa had reached out to him to help her with the Block Party instead of going over Molly’s head for Andrew—a man she barely knew. 

Dr. Rhonda (Denise Dowse) is the medicine Molly needs in her otherwise chaotic life.

4. Dr. Rhonda kept it one hundred with Molly— something a lot of people aren’t brave enough to do. The “shoulda, coulda, woulda” bogs many hopes for the future. For someone like goal oriented Molly originally hoping for a marriage similar to her parents, Dr. Rhonda easily burst that bubble, advising Molly to live in the moment and not rush to check all the boxes. 

Jared (Langston Kerman) didn’t go to college, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t as smart, confident, and talented as those who did. 

3. Jared was an incredibly layered character that knew what he wanted. Sure a certain ill-humored song performed on open mic night had the Enterprise employed brother flaking (not Molly’s fault), he eventually came back because she interested him. He managed to impress her bourgeois friends at a house party and sweet talked her into an utterly romantic first kiss near a car outside. Eventually sidelined for more sophisticated men, Jared’s patience was tested again and again as fickle Molly continued stringing him along as a potential boyfriend then friend then lover. Although it was unforgettable to have no errands to run after sharing Cookie Crisp cereal, they could not work out due to Jared’s exploration of his sexuality— not Molly’s (who too did some experimentation), just Jared’s. 

Issa (Issa Rae) took a while to find her worth. 

2. Issa was a mess hotter than those flaming red Cheetos. Yet she related on many ways, especially to those who do work mostly white nonprofit organizations that expect minorities to perform better than the average. The first episode contained a heavy, triggering moment— the kids mocking her hair, her accent, her style— this all hit home. Eventually those same kids grew to love Issa because she showed them the benefits in their neighborhood, aspired them to see beyond the typical Black stereotypes (that her own ingrained coworkers saw them as). Relationship wise— Issa stayed with Lawrence longer than she should have, treated Daniel poorly, took Nathan’s “ghosting” inappropriately, and did not listen to Molly’s warning about Condola. Issa does use people to her own needs. However, she takes initiative, builds up her community, and stays focused on bettering herself. 

Cheers to Kelli (Natasha Rothwell), everyone’s number one and most should have her own show in the future. 

1. Kelli is the most dynamic and hands down the most fascinating. She’s the coolest girl in the circle, another bank girl who knows her worth (like eventually Tasha), the one who can crack a spitfire joke and tell you all about yourself in an honestly frank manner. At the same time, Kelli has her vulnerabilities, her moments that tell the audience that she is not only valuable for a personal laugh track. When Kelli and bestie Tiffany were having problems way before Tiffany’s baby arrived, Kelli’s heart was ripped to pieces watching Tiffany surround herself with uppity, fake socialites. In the end, Kelli was there for Tiffany, being a considerable help in Derek’s search and taking care of their baby. She also advises Issa and Molly time to time on their BS. Plus Kelli’s sharp, witty tongue going head to head with Issa’s hilariously shady brother Ahmal (another top notch character) is often brilliant must-see-comedy. 

Rocky Shores for Issa and Molly? Say It Isn’t So

Insecure season 4 poster. 

It feels like eons since Insecure dropped off with Issa, Molly, Kelli, and Tiffany celebrating Issa’s 30th birthday at a special projection rerelease of The Last Dragon. Launched by Condola, the successful event inspired Issa to seek out aide for her own ideas— a Block Party for her community. 

Molly (Yvonne Orji) and Issa (Issa Rae) before things become unhinged. Would you still be BFF’s if someone called your life messy when theirs is not exactly together either? Molly needs to meet a kettle ASAP. 

In season four’s first episode Lowkey Feelin’ Myself, it sounds like Molly and Issa— one of the show’s key foundations— are on the rocks. Condola and Issa are becoming fast friends in addition to partnering in what appears to be an upcoming successful venture. And Molly seems to be looking left out. Sometimes relationships need a cooling off period, even sisterhood ones. Case in point, Molly and Issa have always had a tight bond. They talk about any and everything, smoke pot, and do yoga together for crying out loud. However, Molly has been too comfortable. The language used, her tone, even her eyes were expressing degrees of animosity, envy too. Deep down, perhaps, Molly does not want Issa’s Block Party to succeed, much less Issa and Condola. 

Yes, it will be strange that Lawrence’s new girlfriend Condola (Christina Elmore) is working with Issa, but this girl was already giving the beaming “I’m proud of you, Sis” look at Issa during the Block Party meetup. 

Before Issola can take off, it is revealed that Condola and Lawrence are not only dating, but Tiffany knows about it. Even if she was aware of the one date, it was wrong of Tiffany to withhold that information from Issa. Although Condola and Lawrence’s romantic link may mar the potential friendship from fully forming between the two, Condola and Issa retain an unexpected spark. Issa sees a lot of herself in Condola and Condola definitely sees Issa as a fun, quirky, stylish girl. This is unlike the dynamic between her and Frieda— Issa’s former We Got Y’all co-worker. Black women are something else together in a way, especially with a personality like Issa— awkward yet surprisingly fresh and relatable. Molly on the other hand could not form relationships with any of her co-workers, Black or otherwise. Hence why, Issa picturing Condola dressed like her whilst having sex with Lawrence (complete with the tags still on the clothes) was downright hilarious. 

Molly (Yvonne Orji) and Issa (Issa Rae) at the party, but Molly obviously had only Andrew in mind. 

Earlier in season three Daniel liked being the “hero” for Issa and Molly has these minor similarities. Molly, the successful, financially stable friend, loves being relied on, needed. Her selfishness entered Issa’s big event, growing wildly. Molly saw herself sidelined for another woman, jaws dropping hardcore as Issa thanked Condola, a definite red flag. Instead of congratulations (which Kelli and Tiffany granted), Molly pulls Issa aside to discuss her relationship with Andrew aka Asian Bae. Now there is a time and a place to talk about your personal situations— a night of raising money and promotion was not it. Even Issa, whose body language revealed her own frustration with her self-centered friend, was not having it. As they were taking out the trash, the feelings could not have been painted any clearer. 

Other tidbits: Issa still uses people to her advantage. At least she is open to different body types. Her brother may be gay, but he appreciates the alluring qualities of a woman’s body. Kelli still deserves a rich layered story beyond the sex crazed voluptuous sidekick. The moment Andrew (whose fabulous hair is gone) nonchalantly confirms that he is dating other people, Molly reacts in typical Molly fashion. The show within a show promises to be another hilarious treat with Terri J. Vaughan and Ray J leading the fray. 

Issa (Issa Rae) has definitely come up on her public speaking skills. 

In conclusion, this welcome back episode was quite interesting— the music, the fashion continues threading significantly into the show. While Issa is growing (well, if she could only stop returning clothes), Molly is stagnant— how can a friendship survive that? Can Condola and Issa blossom into a new sisterhood while Condola is dating Lawrence— Issa’s longest relationship? 

Tyrion Was A Trash Hand to the Dragon Queen, Period

In Game of Thrones, it doesn't seem like Tyrion's (Peter Dinklage) intention to fail dastardly as Daenerys' hand. But fail he did.

Tyrion "Sure Monologues A Lot" Lannister has been a thorn to some sides since murdering Shae at the end of season four, a sweet, spirited character everyone nastily reduces to as "whore." Tyrion would continue referring her as the woman he loved without remembering telling her to leave (an overused "cruel to be kind" noble act typically reserved for male heroes) and then strangling her before letting her have a word in. A man this toxic shouldn't be a hand including to a woman like Daenerys Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, Breaker of Chains, Targaryen. He sabotaged her from the day of his kidnapped arrival in Meereen.

Tyrion has to get rid of Jorah (Iain Gain) out of the way. Luckily for Tyrion, Daenarys still hasn't forgiven Jorah for betraying her.

It is easy for smooth talking Tyrion to swoop in and advise Daenerys to banish the treasonous Jorah again. However, Jorah saves her life and she flees with Drogon, leaving Meereen to the responsibility of Tyrion, Grey Worm, and Missandei. The plan is conceived by Daario Naharis and Tyrion feels more than capable with his buddy Varys. In his undeserved role as temporary ruler, he unchains the other two dragons, coaxes Grey Worm and Missandei to lie and drink wine, and issues a pact with the Good Masters. The latter falls through completely, upstarting a war on the vulnerable city. Daenerys returns just in time and finally obtains enough ships to return home. However, she has little to say on Tyrion's failure as temporary ruler. This alarming red flag swept beneath the rug of male writers/directors. They have forgotten that Daenerys can be quite outspoken and angry if things don't go accordingly for her.

An uncomfortable Tyrion doesn't like the way Daenerys uses her dragon children to intimidate people.

Tyrion really starts screwing up again once Daenerys, her dragons, advisors, and army reach Dragonstone, having advised her to allow Daario to keep the peace in Meereen (wonder how that's going). His plan to take Casterly Rock falls through because Cersei is one step ahead, bombing the Unsullied ships and clearing out the food. They also lose the added forces of Terrell's, Greyjoys, and Dorne, all wiped out and destroyed on the sea. This domino effect begins to take its toll on Daenerys who already has to deal with a visiting Jon Snow. Tyrion is supposedly happy to see Jorah again (a big side eye) and wished him a good journey with Jon and the Wildlings to the North. When they're in trouble, however, Tyrion advises Daenerys not to help them. Did he not inform her that she needed allies? How will she win any support if she left them to die? Plus, Jorah is there. Team Daenerys loves Jorah (save for the whole icky Jorah in love with Dany thing). Unfortunately, Daenerys loses a dragon on this rescue mission. So maybe Tyrion was right on another level.

Also apparently Tyrion is in love with Daenarys. Big gross.

The biggest ruin of his political approaches is Tyrion constantly believing in Cersei, a woman who has tried to have him killed since his birth. He actually, really, truly, genuinely believes that his nasty sister will help him. He asks her for mercy three times. And each time, she does not grant him a damn olive branch. Shame. Shame. Shame. First at the Dragonpit meeting, he leads the discussion and she refuses to provide forces to aide Daenerys and Jon Snow fight the blue-eyed undead alongside the North. Secondly, he talks to her privately in hopes of changing her mind. She does, but it's all a fluke, a funny little hoax to make him feel accomplished. Only Jaime comes to help. Thirdly, before Missandei is horribly executed, he pleads with Cersei otherwise with the worst opening ever, "your people hate you." Talk about the wrong way to negotiate.

Season eight may have been awful (sexist, racially insensitive, various character assassinations, etc), but Peter Dinklage and Emilia Clarke both scored Emmy nominations out of this mess. 

Later, Tyrion outs Varys as a traitor and his friend is burned alive. He then betrays Daenerys again, freeing his brother and having Ser Davos (a man whose son he killed seasons ago) arrange an escape for Jaime and heartless Cersei. That plan fails (ha ha, not sorry). Daenerys kills most of King's Landing including Cersei and Jaime. This pisses Tyrion off. Of course, he must commit one final act of sabotage-- the kiss of death. The show ends with Tyrion being another man's hand (he stays winning). After all, white men always get rewarded in life despite all their big, costly failures and treasons. Plus, murderer Jon Snow/Aeron Targaryen lives out his life sentence at the Night's Watch with his direwolf, Ghost. Certain characters, primarily male, get redemption arcs (Theon Greyjoy, Jaime, and even Tyrion) except Daenerys. She is ultimately destroyed by two men: a former sworn enemy and a nephew by blood (also count in the writers too). It sucks that Tyrion is likely (fictionally speaking) out there being hand by morning and desperately trying to carry out the Lannister line in a brothel by night. His intentions will be to name his kids after Jaime and Cersei (because she is not that evil).

All in all, Daenerys would have been much better off with a hand whose last name was not Lannister.

The Problem With Dracarys

From the start of season three, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) and Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) had a compelling dynamic on Game of Thrones.

It seemed only yesterday that in Astapor Daenerys commanded Master Kraznys to give Missandei to her for "a bargain well struck." Moments after the "deal" was done (a dragon "exchanged" for eight thousand Unsullied and a translator), Daenerys tells Missandei that she belongs to her and that she must never lie.

Five seasons later, before a gruesome execution on the hit HBO fantasy drama Game of Thrones, Missandei's last word is "dracarys," the order Daenerys issues to her dragons to breathe fire. It is a false declaration of feminism, a false defining moment of female friendship from two characters who had abruptly stopped sharing intimate scenes altogether.

Daenerys brings Missandei to her camp.

On the path to the Iron Throne, sworn enemies Cersei Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen had no sisters and terrible fathers. Since becoming Queen Regent, Cersei surrounded herself with militant men like the barbaric The Mountain and eccentric Qyburn. For years, she has also orchestrated putting women characters like Lady the innocent direwolf, Margaery, Olenna, Ellaria, and Tyene to death. Meanwhile, on her journey, Daenerys has killed mostly powerful male figures and has the intelligent Unsullied commander Grey Worm, Jorah the Andal, her three dragons, and of course, Missandei, her longest running female confidante in her camp. Like predecessor Irri-- viciously murdered by Doreah, Daenerys' betrayer in Qarth during season two--Missandei was a monumental asset, offering a gentler voice of reason. Yet she also knows when fighting is absolutely necessary.

From season three to five, Missandei introduced Daenerys to the people throughout their travels and kept the queen's confidence. Daenerys returned the favor, braiding Missandei's hair, giving the young girl love advice on the whole complicated Grey Worm situation, and holding her hand during a grisly assassination attempt by the Sons of the Harpy. At one significant point, Daenerys even asks Missandei her honest opinion on important political matters:

 "You are as fit as anyone I know. You know why I'm here. And you know who will suffer the most if this all falls apart. So what do you think?" Daenerys asked.

 "I can only tell you what I have seen, Your Grace. I have seen you listen to your counselors. I have seen you lean on their experience when your own was lacking and weigh the choices they put before you. And I have seen you ignore your counselors, because there was a better choice. One that only you could see."- Missandei responded, Game of Thrones season five, episode five's Kill the Boy. 

Daenerys and Missandei talking about the Unsullied.

However, throughout seasons six, seven, and eight, Daenerys begins sharing major screen time with Tyrion Lannister (her future backstabbing hand) and Jon Snow (future betrayer/queenslayer) while Missandei is either relegated to background propping, standing or sitting quietly, or not present at all.

Missandei and Daenerys have a certain grace when posing despite the power imbalance between their characters. 

For a time, it appeared that Daenerys wasn’t necessarily threatened by the presence of other women until meeting Cersei and Sansa Stark, both seeing Daenerys as a usurper. In The Long Night, season eight, episode three, Sansa retorts to Tyrion about his loyalty to Daenerys and Missandei intervenes saying, "without the Dragon Queen, there would be no problem at all. We'd all be dead already." While that is true, the remark also thinly implies that Missandei will die because of her blind allegiance to Daenerys. Sansa and Tyrion's subtle looks to each other at Missandei's statement also reveal that these two are the primary reasons that Daenerys will fail. After all, Sansa told Tyrion about Jon's true lineage and Tyrion convinces Jon to kill Daenerys.

Before Drogon saves the day, Daenerys and Missandei are surrounded by Sons of the Harpy.

In season eight, episode four's Last of the Starks, Missandei wearing a completely different outfit from being kidnapped demonstrates the depth of storytelling flaws: continuity. Missandei's kept slave collar then ends the essence of her character. After six seasons of pure, staunch loyalty and a tender heart, she doesn't receive a fiery burial scene, a memorial ground for her displaced body like many beloved fallen individuals. Grey Worm tossing this meaningless plot into the flames is an allegory for the terrible writing that propels him and Daenerys to emerge into waging violence as a grief mechanism.

“When I saw that she gets captured and she dies in chains, I just felt the weight of that and what that really means,” Nathalie Emmanuel said in Vanity Fair. “I was heartbroken for her, really. . . . I think the fact that she died in chains when she was a slave her whole life, that for me was a pungent cut for that character, that felt so painful.”

Thus, David Benioff and D. B. Weiss purposely added Missandei's "dracarys" for something they believed would achieve a cheap sentimental attempt-- something for the female audience to grasp. They give no deep consideration to both women's feelings on being present in the coldness of judgmental Winterfell, the closeness to Daenerys achieving her ultimate goal of acquiring the Iron Throne, and Missandei's newfound desire to return home.

"I would’ve loved some more scenes with me and Missandei," said Emilia Clarke on if a season eight were reshot/redone in New York Times.

Missandei and Daenerys final one on one scene (if you don't count the Dothraki behind them or Jon Snow's interruption) was in season seven, episode four's The Spoils of War.

By having The Mountain execute Missandei, the only woman (and only female of color representation on the show overall) in Daenerys' circle, Cersei severs a notably strained link to Daenerys and intersectional feminism. For the Breaker of Chains to have her former slave friend die in chains remains an ugly, crushing blow. Supposedly, it is not a stretch that if Daenerys could take down the richest man in Qarth for the death of Irri (among other Dothraki and kidnapping her baby dragons), then burning down the entire King's Landing for Missandei pretty much keeps her in character? Absolutely horrible.

Dracarys indeed to this unbelievably ridiculous story line progression that stinks of male stupidity on what truly defines feminism and feminist friendships.

Burn it all. 

Goodbye Love, The Romeo and Juliet of 'Game of Thrones'

Game of Thrones lovers Grey Worm and Missandri survived countless battles, but fate had something fatal in store for them. 

"Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow," Juliet to Romeo.

After the most recent Game of Thrones' season eight episode The Last of the Starks, did we all cry into ice cream pints and watch the quixotic over pouring of Missandei and Grey Worm reminisce videos and read the limited fanfic over the course of the week? Maybe that was just me.

Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) innocently asking Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson) why the Unsullied visit brothels.

Game of Thrones, a deeply uncomfortable guilty pleasure (due mostly to treatment of women on-screen and lack thereof behind-the-scenes), managed to crawl into my heart with this brown version of Romeo and Juliet. The pure, gentle romance between Missandei of Naath, the translator fluent in nineteen languages and Grey Worm aka Torgo Nudho of the Summer Isles, the eunuch leader of the Unsullied soldiers came to a devastatingly unexpected conclusion. Their final scenes together consisted of him telling her to get to the skiff (even raising his voice), resulting in her kidnapping by Euron Greyjoy and later dying in chains right in front of Grey Worm at Cersei's call. A freed brown woman-- the only brown woman character who rarely has scenes and lines to begin with-- executed in chains? The writers knew exactly what they were doing here. This viciously cruel shock value continues eight seasons of objectifying women characters and killing off Missandei in that manner was downright unforgivable.

In No One, episode eight of season six, Tyrion gets the uptight and serious Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson) to tell bad jokes. 

Grey Worm is positively affected by Missandei's contagious laughter. They definitely don't have these unguarded, humanist moments enough.

In a supernatural fantasy realm that cannot imagine brown and Black bodies beyond slavery, from the beginning Missandei and Grey Worm were doomed. While Missandei remembered her past and being stolen away, Grey Worm recalled his cruel, military training. These two former slaves (now given crucial roles) were surrounded in what some perceived white saviorness fronted by The Dragon Queen, Daenerys Targaryen. Whenever Missandei and Grey Worm were allotted screen time together, their feelings for each other were so quiet, so painstakingly obvious in its beguiling intensity. Down the memory road lane, their beginnings were like fruitful buds of spring, building during Missandei's "precious" common tongue lessons to Grey Worm. Things came to a rather amorous heed in The Mountain and the Viper, the seventh episode of season four. She catches him staring at her nude form. Later, he apologizes. Yet they both admit their happiness at him seeing her. Or in Kill the Boy, Missandei tearfully sits vigil at wounded Grey Worm's bedside. They confess their fears and share their first kiss. Their beautiful love scene in season seven, episode two’s Stormborn was almost overshadowed by stupid jokes about Grey Worm’s castration (because men still believe that penises are the only thing that can satisfy a woman’s sexual needs in 2019).

In Stormborn, Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson) admits why it is hard to say goodbye to Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel).

Missandei and Grey Worm were everything that Still Star Crossed's Rosaline Capulet and Prince Escalus were not, embodying the skeletal framework of the Romeo and Juliet's forbidden story. Missandei and Grey Worm only loved the other, there was no third party except an endless war that meant frequent separation. In Stormborn, the second episode of the seventh season, Missandei visits Grey Worm to wish him a good journey and the tides turn quite honest and passionate. It is a poignant scene suspended in a very sense of intrusive voyeurism, as though this privacy must be guarded in secret, the softly delivered words, the undressing, their close up faces lit by candles. Grey Worm feels less than deserving of her due to castration. Still, Missandei accepts every part of him. Thus, in a sea of gratuitous white flesh, Grey Worm's bodily shame is dissolved through Missandei softly embracing his external as well as interval. Grey Worm then conveys his only physical way of loving her. This candidly expresses that the intimacy between man and woman can become an even more gratifying act when fulfilling the woman's pleasure becomes greater than sating his own. More importantly, Missandei understands why the Unsullied visit brothels. 

Grey Worm returns from battle and is next seen with Missandei riding through the snowy north of Winterfell experiencing terrible racism together. In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, their dialogue was definitely red flag territory. Still, one couldn't resist holding onto hope despite characters (especially minor) having no real longevity. 

"When Daenerys takes her throne there will be no place for us here," Grey Worm states. "I am loyal to my queen. I will fight for her until her enemies are defeated, but when the war is over and she has won... do you want to grow old in this place? Is there nothing else you want to do, nothing else you want to see?" 

"Naath," Missandei replies. "I'd like to see the beaches again." 

"Then I will take you there." 

"My people are peaceful. We cannot protect ourselves." 

"My people are not peaceful. We will protect you."

Goodness gracious. How can one not cry? They're too beautiful for other words. And that searing kiss they share before he heads off to battle the undead….. ugh, the explicit promises their lips ravenously joined lips exhibited, as though this one kiss would be the last and another would be needed to suffice a seemingly eternal drought. 

Jacob Anderson and Nathalie Emmanuel at a Game of Thrones event.

While Missandei and Grey Worm are minor characters often flushed silently in the background, have rare time to converse and revel as opposed to the main counterparts of the television series, they brought an endearing rootability thanks to the spellbinding portrayals by Nathalie Emmanuel and Jacob Anderson. They gave so much in that granted screen time. With her thick brows, intelligent brown eyes, and clipped articulation, Emmanuel plays the strong, resilient Missandei, a genuine, loving kindred to Anderson's stoic face and heavy accented Grey Worm, whose disposition remarkably evolves from resolute to affectionate. They put such attentive grace into rendering a heartfelt love story rife with all degrees of tenderness and respect. Every stolen scene in eyes and body language is conveyed due to their believably expressive commitment. Although they will not garner the big awards and media attention, Emmanuel and Anderson deserve any praise granted their way. Kudos to them for the incredible resonance that they've brought to this otherwise dark and complicated show. Their characters represented a humbling devotion and brilliant light in a gritty world of monstrous ugliness, vehement greed, and senseless evil. 

In The Last of the Starks, unbeknownst to Grey Worm and Missandei, this precious serenity on the boat will be their last time together. Damn it. All she wanted to do was see the white beaches of Naath with her lover.

A captured, death sentenced Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) gazes at Grey Worm one last time.

A helpless, devastated Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson) looks right back at Missandei, before turning away at the grisly sight of her unjust execution. It is the most emotional displays, he has ever exhibited.

Whether or not the utterly broken Grey Worm falls in upcoming battle within these two final episodes, one thing is certain-- he is the lone brown figure now. His other Unsullied will not have a voice. And Missandei, who spoke for her queen, has been snuffed out to further a lopsided plot.

Missandei deserved better. Grey Worm deserved better. The brown and Black people who watched for them deserved better.

'Insecure' Season Three, Recap of Episode Two's 'Familiar-Like'

Daniel is trying to ghost on Issa (Issa Rae) while she's staying at his place. The jig isn't working.

Familiar-Like focuses on Issa for the first time--no Molly and certainly no Dro. The girl is struggling to hold it together while keeping a sane head at Daniel's place.

Defensive Joanne (Catherine Curtin) cannot see the problem with We Got Y'all's graphic artwork (designed by her Pratt Institute niece which thickly lays on another layer to the privilege problem) or the structural problems of her staff. 

We Got Y'all is a work environment that essentially represents our current political climate. "White savior complex" sufferer Joanne is not keen on changing the logo of the white hand holding black children. Yet everyone diligently speaks up, shocking Issa who has found Joanne's ideas and actions problematic for years. This can be uncomfortable to address, especially considering the history of black people fired for speaking up against workplace discrimination.

Issa meets with Kelli to weigh her options. Her credit score is low and finances are still not enough to lease a new apartment.

"Light skin love" Vanessa (Candice Ramirez) is obviously crowded by Daniel (Y'lan Noel) camping out at her place."

At the same time, Daniel's backstory is further explored. Jada, his adorable niece spends time with him in the studio and provides compelling commentary that subtly references why Daniel's career is not taking off. She loves that his music requires thinking, but on the other hand appreciates ratchet (aka the music Daniel doesn't make). For the past few episodes, Daniel has shown great distaste at the artists Seven hooks him up with, talentless people who happen to know bigger (or are related to) musicians Daniel wants to collaborate with.
 
In addition to music, his relationship with Vanessa appears strictly sexual and lacks a solid intimate connection. She can barely stand being attentive in a conversation, let alone tolerate his presence at her place (and he had only been staying for three days).

Daniel spits some game in Issa's ear and the lighting is fantastic.

When Daniel returns home, he is amused to find Issa cleaning up the apartment. Kelli has gotten into her head. Yes, Daniel is not asking her for anything in return, not even rent money, but Issa's thoughtful gesture, though heavily scented with delayed gratitude, earns some brownie points.

Seven, who earlier promised to support Daniel at the club, chickens out, leaving Daniel stranded. He doesn't want to go until Issa offers to be his wing woman. They leave with Issa in denim and Daniel in an interesting white Playboy sweater (late homage to Hugh Hefner?).

At the club, surprisingly Daniel is not on the list and Seven may be a little responsible for that error. Their high school buddy Khalil, a big time producer, gets them in. He even offers Daniel and Issa seats at his private table.

"We got our own," says the pride wounded guy who would have likely stood outside all night.

Daniel and Issa simultaneously gulp up liquid courage.

Daniel then looks out at the stage, observing like a hawk. Spyder, his prey, raps and wows the crowd. He turns to Issa and requests to beatbox in her ear. Beautifully shot in the blue club lights, this riveting scene is much more intimate than anything Daniel does with Vanessa. As Issa bobs her head, lost in Daniel's music, their chemistry is off the charts fiery and hot. Issa, perturbed by his closeness, decides to get drinks. Afterwards, Daniel shoots his shot at Spyder (thanks to an encouraging Issa) and this exchange is awkwardness galore. Daniel doesn't have a lot of confidence, wobbling through words, letting pauses saturate in the club atmosphere. Spyder's behavior is reminiscent of Vanessa, listening but not all present. Sure, he hears Daniel, but his aimless eyes wander around, drifting for something else to entertain him. Still, he gives Daniel a chance. Yet in the course of excitement, someone fires a gun and Daniel pulls Issa down, protecting her body with his own.

A refreshing reboot for Daniel and Issa?

Daniel is able to open up to Issa, unload emotional baggage that Issa is able to weigh in on because she is such a good listener and gives solid advice.

It is a nice episode that shows what Issa sees in Daniel and vice versa, but where can they go from this chapter? They have such a good and bad history. Yet similarly, they are beautiful awkward black people stuck in career quicksand-- a demoted Issa at We Got Y'all and Daniel reluctant to sell his musical soul to be popular. Things close positively on that front with Issa receiving a call back for property manager and Daniel willing to work with successful Khalil.

And Kelli would loudly exclaim that this is "growth."