Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: A Beacon of Resilience and Positivity
One of the most captivating aspects of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is the unwavering resilience and optimism of its titular character. Despite being trapped underground for 15 years, Kimmy has managed to adapt to her new life with remarkable success and, most importantly, happiness. This is the true heart of the show, and it’s what keeps viewers coming back for more.
Cyndee Pokorny: A Surprising Source of Inspiration
When Cyndee Pokorny, one of the other mole women, visits Kimmy in NYC, she proves that Kimmy’s fears were unfounded. Far from being a fragile flower in need of protection, Cyndee appears to be thriving. She has a boyfriend, a job, and even a tattoo. This revelation forces Kimmy to reevaluate her own life after the bunker. However, there’s a catch: Cyndee’s seemingly perfect life is built on the pity people have for her as a mole woman. Her boyfriend, Brandon, is gay, which leads to some of the episode’s best lines.
Kimmy’s Attempt to Help Cyndee
Kimmy tries to open Cyndee’s eyes to the truth, only to discover that Cyndee is fully aware of Brandon’s preferences. She’s chosen to accept her situation in order to get everything she’s ever wanted, even if it’s not entirely genuine. The bottom line is that Cyndee is happy, and this is her way of coping with the 15 years she lost in the bunker. Who are we to judge her for that, especially if she’s not hurting anyone?
Charles and Kimmy: Pantry Kissing Buddies
In the episode’s B-plot, Charles and Kimmy become pantry kissing buddies, a development that, while rushed, supports the main plot well. The misunderstanding between Kimmy and Charles is both hilarious and somewhat predictable. However, Charles’s sudden departure when he realizes the truth about the call is unexpected and leaves the viewer feeling that he was too hot and cold.
Titus’s Backstory: A Glimpse into the Past
On Titus’s front, we get a small glimpse into his backstory, as it’s revealed that Kimmy’s roommate has a wife in Mississippi. Unfortunately, aside from this revelation and Titus’s attempts to avoid a meltdown over aging, we don’t get much more of him in this episode. There are, however, some funny moments, such as the seduction trap set for Brandon.
A Slightly Less Perfect Episode
While still enjoyable, this episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is probably my least favorite so far. The story arcs don’t intersect as seamlessly as in previous episodes, and the absence of Jacqueline detracts from the show’s dynamic. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of highlights to enjoy.
Episode Highlights
- Kimmy and the construction worker in the opening scene. The exchange is brilliantly written and still makes me laugh.
- Kimmy’s attempts to speak Spanish are endearing and hilarious. Genial!
[Photo via Netflix]