Dietland Review: Y Not (Season 1 Episode 3)

On Dietland Season 1 Episode 3, “Y Not,” Plum goes through withdrawals coming down off her antidepressants, and Jennifer’s body count rises.

This episode is a little more streamlined than the two-part premiere, Dietland Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot,” and Season 1 Episode 2, “Tender Belly.”

We have Joy Nash’s skillful portrayal of Plum to thank for that. Her performance throughout the episode shows spectacular range. We see her loopy and off her meds, we see her as a sexual woman, and we see her vulnerable and raw and real.

Plum basically displays the entire spectrum of humanity, and it is very interesting to watch. The most interesting aspect of the series so far, in my opinion, as the mysterious Jennifer plot is still somewhat messy.

Plum’s chaotic withdrawal process happens with the murder spree as the back drop which is a dynamic parallel. If Nash wasn’t as strong at playing Plum, I don’t think this would work very well, but instead her journey during this episode plays out seamlessly and believably.

Riding the line between over-the-top camp and the serious ruthless villain is Julianna Margulies’ Kitty. Every time I am ready to write off the character as overblown, she gives a look or says a line that makes me want to stand up and applaud, either from the sheer viciousness or the unabashed candor of her attitude.

Kitty flits between catty bitch and wise feminist sage, and it is as fascinating as it is mind-boggling that she can embody both characteristics at the same time.

Kitty: Men would rather destroy the world than let us rule it.

She understands the patriarchy and its injustice, but uses this insight for her own evil agenda which makes for a more frightening adversary than she first appeared to be.

Kitty is going up against Jennifer who remains a mystery even though she litters the country with a dozen dead bodies.

Cheryl: The question is no longer who is Jennifer, but what is Jennifer.

My question is whether or not that will be the question throughout the whole season or if it will be answered sooner. And, to be honest, I’m not sure which way would be best in terms of story.

If Plum is a small part of their operation, I don’t think I’d want to break away from her storyline too much to find out about their inner workings, but it would be cool to see Plum in the mix with these extremists. Plum has proven, almost instantly, that she is the heart of the show, so any reduction of her role would cause negative withdrawal symptoms.

Speaking of withdrawal, Leeta is absent from this episode, and it is jarring. She is mentioned here and there (Kitty calls her a “Hot Topic reject.”), but the episode feels like its missing something, and I’m pretty sure it’s her.

I certainly notice it.

Since Dietland is part thriller, I’ll let the many puzzling moments and storytelling choices slide, hoping the pieces will all fit together in a satisfying murder mystery type way in the end. In the meantime, I am enjoying spending time with Plum and being surprised by Kitty.

What did you think of this episode of Dietland? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Dietland airs Mondays at 9/8c on AMC.

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