Work in Progress Review: 66, 65, 64, 62 (Season 1 Episode 5)

Work in Progress Season 1 Episode 5, “66, 65, 64, 62,” focuses on Abby and Campbell’s friendship in the light of Abby’s past and present relationships.

Campbell (Celeste Pechous) expressed a few of her concerns on Work in Progress Season 1 Episode 4, “161, 153, 137, 122, 106, 104, 102 (We’re Still Counting Almonds.).” It seemed to be mostly an age difference matter and a little bit of jealousy that someone else is occupying her best friend’s time, but you could see there was some genuine happiness for Abby as well. Both of those things come up here along with some issues that stem from Abby’s relationship and break-up with Melanie (Echaka Agba).

We have already seen that Campbell doesn’t quite understand Abby’s relationship with Chris, but she’s trying. On Work in Progress Season 1 Episode 2, “176, 172, 171,” she told Abby that she wasn’t a lesbian anymore to which Abby replied that she didn’t identify as one anyway. And on this episode, Abby informs her that some of her views come across as transphobic. 

Abby: Isn’t that a little transphobic?
Campbell: Do you even know what that word means? ‘Cause you use it a lot lately. Okay, how is it transphobic?
Abby: Campbell, if “he” was a “she” we would not be having this conversation.
Campbell: If he was a she, we would not be having this conversation because I would have already dated her. 

I like how these two can have some serious discussions on wokeness and still maintain their good-humored banter. That’s the sign of a pretty great friendship, in my opinion. And their bond runs deep and has lasted thirty years.

The flashbacks that include Campbell witnessing the downfall of Abby and Melanie and the messy aftermath for her friend does a lot to cement their closeness. As does Abby dropping everything to be with her in the hospital. These two are there for each other through thick and thin, and it is great to see.

Through the course of the episode, we see both Abby and Campbell tell the other, “I’m not going anywhere.” This steadfastness is shown cleverly within the structure of the episode with its flashbacks. It also gives Campbell more depth of character and us an understanding of her protectiveness over Abby.

It is nicely acted. Abby McEnany and Celeste Pechous have an easy chemistry that makes the decades-long friendship between Abby and Campbell so believable and authentic. 

And from what we see of the break-up of Abby and Melanie puts us in a similar mindset as Campbell. Maybe we should be worried about Chris or their relationship going south. Abby is worried, too, but, she acts rationally, taking the previous advice from Campbell to be open and honest about her depression, OCD, and journaling with her romantic partner. 

Earlier, King (Armand Fields) tells Abby that Chris “loves a project.” This sends up a red flag. On Work in Progress Season 1 Episode 4, “161, 153, 137, 122, 106, 104, 102 (We’re Still Counting Almonds.),” Chris seemed really disheartened that Abby was still doing the almond countdown. 

The introduction of the word “project” colors that moment in a different shade, creating some suspense. Is he genuinely concerned for Abby’s well-being or is he disappointed that he’s not “fixing” her?

The end of the episode makes me think it’s the former.

Abby’s explanation to Campbell about why Melanie left is heartbreaking. “She got to know me and then she fell out of love with me. And I’m never going to do that again.” But, along comes Chris, and Abby takes that chance.

She shows him the secret closet of journals and he reacts in the best way possible. This scene is so real and emotional and taken to a whole other level with McEnany’s moving performance. She speaks from a place of extreme vulnerability and Chris is thankful and calls her brave. 

I’m tearing up thinking about it again. I, like Campbell, do not want to see Abby hurt, but I also don’t want Chris to turn out to be a bad guy. Sometimes he seems too good to be true.

That scene between them at the end is so positive and hopeful, but then the episode ends with a bit of uncertainty. We are back in the past, and Campbell looks on warily as Abby drunkenly celebrates her new freedom.

Like Abby concerned about the stopped rollercoaster that she wasn’t even on, I am anxious about the outcome of this emotional rollercoaster that I am watching from a safe distance. 

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

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Work in Progress airs Sundays at 11/10c on Showtime.

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