'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."