In an interview I saw (one of those 5-minute filler bits HBO does), Peter Krause noted that this season is working much finer than last year’s blow-up after blow-up. That’s why I liked the last several episodes so much – it’s just about these people living their lives – no insanity, no melodrama. This episode seems to signal an end to that with the addition of the kooky apprentice and the return (fortunately understated) of Brenda. Although I thought Lisa’s reaction was believable – things have been good recently with him and Maya, plus last week’s bonding with Ruth (and David and Keith to a lesser extent). But for the better part of the last decade Nate’s been using her whenever he’s horny and leaving her by the side of the road whenever something more interesting comes along, and whatever one says about Brenda, she certainly fits the bill as “interesting.” If Nate flakes off again, Lisa not only loses her family, but she loses Nate’s family too.
BTW, has anyone noticed recently how hot Lili Taylor is? Maybe it’s because I’m finally seeing her in something where her character washes her hair and doesn’t dress like a frump, but she is smokin’!
–Cliffy