Julia Review: Chocolate Soufflé (Season 1 Episode 8)
Julia Season 1 Episode 8, “Chocolate Soufflé,” wraps up the joyous first season of a wonderful new show.
HBO and HBO Max have become synonymous with cleverly written, stunning acting performances, and unwavering bravery with their original programming. However, knowing all this, Julia could have been a dud.
Really good television can enlighten, bring joy, or challenge its viewers. This show does a little bit of all these things.
Sarah Lancashire (Photograph by Seacia Pavao/HBO Max)
”Chocolate Soufflé” manages to hook viewers into believing that this may be the end of The French Chef when they already know it is not.
This episode shows Julia (Sarah Lancashire) in a new light. Throughout this season, she has been the perfect example of someone who doesn’t need others’ approval for happiness—at least that’s the way it seems.
Seeing her so shaken by Betty Friedan’s (Tracee Chimo Pallero) speech from Julia Season 1 Episode 7 makes it clear that at least part of this Julia needs to feel like she’s making a positive difference in the world.
That’s not a bad thing. It just shows that like many, she is still human after all, and one who wants to add something good to this world.
It’s fun to see moments like this in Julia because we know her legacy. We know she has made quite an impression and positive change in her own way.
Sarah Lancashire (Photograph by Seacia Pavao/HBO Max)
Paul (David Hyde Pierce) finally has his moment in the sun during “Chocolate Soufflé.” All season, he’s been a bit of a goof or a burden to Julia and her success.
He finally steps out of her way and gives the best speech of the night. It gives chills.
Paul: If every critic could silence every artist, how dull would the world be then?
This speech sums up the point of The French Chef (and Julia). Maybe it isn’t a show that’s going to change the world, but so what? It’s made for those who need, want, and love it.
That’s the freedom of art, television or otherwise. It’s made for people to enjoy or find a purpose with it.
As long as it means something to someone, it matters.
While Julia works on deciding what to do about The French Chef, members of her team take on new chapters in their lives.
Russ (Fran Kranz) finally gets a chance at his dream, but even he sees that it might not be the right move. This sets him up for an interesting potential story in season two. Alice (Brittany Bradford) and Isaac (Tosin Morohunfola) are a very adorable couple, so let’s hope they make it work.
Blanche (Judith Light) has the most surprising reveal of the episode. Judith’s (Fiona Glascott) sacrificial nature is one of her biggest traits in Julia, but next season we may see why that’s not a good thing.
Overall, Julia had a really strong start and we can’t wait to see what the show cooks up next.
Other Thoughts
- Julia makes Chocolate Soufflé sound so easy to make that I may now cook it.
- This is the best Julia has looked in an episode. The makeup and costumes for her on this one are so well done.
- The series has a very important message about living your life to the fullest at any age. We need more shows with that message.
- It is great to see Simca (Isabella Rossellini) and Albert (Jefferson Mays) back. They’re odd characters that are always welcomed and enjoyed.
- In case you missed it, see you for Season 2!
What did you think of this episode of Julia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Julia Season 1 is available to stream on HBO Max.
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Jerrica Tisdale
Jerrica Tisdale is your favorite neighborhood pop culture junkie. She will annoy you with random TV and film facts, while complaining about whatever is the hottest new book. She has been a TV fan all her life but writing about it for over a decade. You may find her work all over the internet especially reality TV rants. She is a senior writer at Tell-Tale TV.