Younger Review: Stiff Competition (Season 6 Episode 5)
Younger Season 6 Episode 5, “Stiff Competition,” puts things in perspective for Charles and Liza, pushing Liza to finally choose herself. Meanwhile, Gemma goes insta-famous and Younger throws more kindling on the Josh/Liza fire still burning in my heart.
We open the episode with a little friendly competition between Charles and Liza, and while I enjoy the flirting, Charles continues to undermine and underestimate Liza. Introducing her as his girlfriend, while sweet in any other context, feels like a red flag here.
It’s understandable that Charles sees the competition between Millennial and Mercury as a good thing.
Charles: When you get to the bottom line, it’s still all me.
Liza: That’s the problem, Charles. If it’s all you there’s no room for us.
Charles wants them both to win, but he wants those wins for himself, not for Liza on her own merit. Don’t get me wrong he definitely believes in her, but he is so focused on his own goals, he’s almost disregarding hers entirely. I know there’s a way for these two to find a satisfying work/life balance but we just aren’t there yet. They should both be able to be happy and fulfilled in their careers, without having to sacrifice the quality of their relationship.
Liza remains torn leaving Diana and Kelsey to wonder whose side she’s really on. They know that Liza wants to be fully Team Millennial, but she loves Charles so that’s a blind spot. The position Liza is in must be excruciating for her as she wants all of the people she loves to win. In the end, she chooses herself this week and I couldn’t be more proud.
Watching Diana and Kelsey go ax throwing, followed by watching them get arrested is pure delight. I definitely want to see them continuing to bond like this. Their relationship is one of the most underrated on the show and I’m really enjoying watching it flourish this season.
Speaking of bonding, Lauren and Josh hit the town with baby Gemma and Lauren makes her insta-famous. I love Josh and Lauren as a duo, these two are so much fun together and they get up to the best shenanigans. While Josh has his apprehensions about his daughter being used as a social media goldmine, he’s also enamored with the benefits it brings in for her.
It’s all in good fun, and Clare doesn’t have a problem with it, so I’m glad to see Josh enjoy a bit of the lighter side of parenting.
Towards the end of this episode, we find Josh, Liza, and baby Gemma playing and laughing together on the couch just like Josh dreamed at the end of Season 5. The callback is so clear visually that my heart can’t help but ache for this relationship.
Josh: How are you doing?
Liza: Too much work, not enough this.
The chemistry between these two is so easy, natural, and earned. Josh and Liza have worked through so many complications that have only made their relationship stronger, even if it’s no longer romantic. Liza assures Charles that Josh isn’t even on her radar that way, but will the conflict between the two of them cause her to re-examine that dynamic?
I don’t think Younger is done playing with our hearts on this love triangle and I for one am excited about that.
OTHER THOUGHTS:
- Diana and Enzo are so cute and domestic I am living for every wholesome second of their relationship.
- This episode’s Chip and Joana Gaines knock off’s were pretty great. I also love the mini-reunion between Miriam Shor and her Good Christian Bitches co-star Mark Deklin.
- Would you follow baby Gemma on Instagram? I know I would!
- Alright, Charles and Liza’s “butt slaps” during their little competition were actually pretty cute, I’m not gonna lie.
What did you think of this episode of Younger? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Younger airs Wednesday at 10/9c on TVLAND.
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Samantha Coley
Samantha (she/her) is a social media specialist by day and a sci-fi junkie by night. As a freelance writer and podcaster, she also enjoys live-tweeting, blogging, good music, and better television. Her current favorite television shows include Star Trek (yes, all of them), Riverdale, and Stranger Things and there will always be a place in her heart for Battlestar Galactica, Leverage, and The West Wing.