A Dysfunctional Woman, A Disapproving Mother & a Druggie Ex-Husband. Advance Review: HBO's "#Enlightened" Series Premiere

Season 1, Episode 1 – Pilot

Air Date: Monday, October 10^th at 9:30 pm ET/PT on HBO

Rating: ★★★★★

Enlightened: having or showing a good understanding of how people should be treated: not ignorant or narrow in thinking. ~ Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

A Dysfunctional Woman, A Disapproving Mother & a Druggie Ex-Husband. Advance Review: HBO's "#Enlightened" Series Premiere 1

Amy, after a major meltdown at work

Is Amy Jellicoe (Laura Dern) enlightened now that she’s returned from therapy? After having a very public major meltdown at work, the culmination of which encompasses bad choices at home and work— including a demotion for sleeping with her boss, Damon (Charles Esten)—Amy takes a leave of absence to get her shit together. When she returns, Amy has a new mantra, “I will change. I will be an agent of change.” However, not everyone sees things like Amy does nor are they thrilled to have her back. Too bad her good intentions inflict mayhem and confusion no matter where she goes.

Observations and Thoughts:

From just the first three minutes of Enlightened, I understand why Emmy winner/Oscar® nominee Laura Dern is considered such a great actress. Upon Amy’s return from her forced stay at a Hawaiian holistic treatment center (read mental institution), the hope and anticipation are clearly etched on her face. When she screams at her boss and then claws at the closing elevator doors (actually prying them open!), her passion comes through loud and clear—as does her anger. And Amy definitely has anger issues. Only a seasoned actress like Dern can convey her thoughts via emotions that well.

A Dysfunctional Woman, A Disapproving Mother & a Druggie Ex-Husband. Advance Review: HBO's "#Enlightened" Series Premiere 2

Amy is ready for her first day back at work

It’s clear, at least to me, why Amy has such deep-rooted emotional problems, although she seems oblivious to the cause. Her mother Helen (Diane Ladd) could drive anyone crazy! Not only is the woman not particularly thrilled to see Amy when she returns from treatment, she criticizes Amy for her choice of clothing when going to Abaddonn Industries to get her job back—“Amy, are you going to wear that to work? You look like a hippie.” Helen can’t even sit still to listen when, according to the treatment center’s instructions, Amy reads a letter out loud she’s written to the person she has the most trouble communicating with. Mothers are supposed to be loving, caring and above all, supportive—Helen is anything but. Given that Ladd is Dern’s real life mother, I wonder how much each actress is able to draw from personal experience. It can’t be easy to act opposite your mother in a flawed mother/daughter relationship.

A Dysfunctional Woman, A Disapproving Mother & a Druggie Ex-Husband. Advance Review: HBO's "#Enlightened" Series Premiere 3

Amy explaining her idea for a new position for herself to the H.R. people

While Amy comes across as dim-witted at times, she’s actually one very smart lady. Just wait till you see how she gets her job back at Abaddonn!

Amy’s ex-husband Levi (Luke Wilson) is another thorn in her side. After a relaxing night out reconnecting with each other, they return to Levi’s home where he decides to top the evening off with a little coke, setting Amy off in a tizzy. After watching this, I wonder whether it’s going to be possible for them to have a ‘normal’ relationship, or whether they will just continue to enable each other’s flaws. Either way, this relationship should provide for some interesting stories going forward.

A Dysfunctional Woman, A Disapproving Mother & a Druggie Ex-Husband. Advance Review: HBO's "#Enlightened" Series Premiere 4

Amy and ex-husband Levi (Luke Wilson) enjoying a night out

Leaving Levi’s, Amy heads over to Damon’s to try and bury the hatchet before she returns to work the next day. What happens is the funniest part of this episode.

While I enjoyed the series premiere, it moves a little slowly for my taste and isn’t as funny as I expected. However, series like this need time to develop and find its footing. Based on the next two episodes, which I’ve already seen, I can tell you it picks up on both counts quite nicely. Just wait till you meet the kooky people she’s works with, including writer/producer/director/actor Mike White as Amy’s very meek co-worker, Tyler!

Why should you watch Enlightened? Well, it’s nothing like some of the other series based on flawed women. Granted, Amy is a very dysfunctional person, but she’s a good woman who only wants things to be better both for herself and the people around her. Too often though, her efforts turn to chaos. There is plenty of sharp, intuitive, witty writing, fantastic acting and storylines that will bring you back week after week as you wait to see what Amy gets herself into next.

Tune in to the series premiere of Enlightened, Monday, October 10^th, at 9:30 pm ET/PT only on HBO.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!