Julia Season 2 Episodes 1-3 Review: Loup en Croute/Fried Chicken/Pressed Duck

Julia returns after a too-long hiatus. However, the wait was worth it because it’s as delightful as the first season. This season kicks off with Julia Season 2 Episode 1, “Loup en Croûte,” Julia Season 2 Episode 2, “Fried Chicken,” and Julia Season 2 Episode 3, “Pressed Duck.”

The revolution Julia starts in the first season continues in these episodes. Additionally, they provide a lesson in being left behind from holding on to the past. 

We see this concept in various forms throughout the Season 2 premiere episodes, especially with Simca. It creates a barrier between these powerhouse women.

The battle between Simca and Julia provides the most entertaining and funniest moments of “Loup en Croûte” and “Fried Chicken.” It nearly tears the women apart. Nonetheless, it’s worth the tension and drama because of the witty and clever nature of these interactions.

The conflict exists between the traditional and modern ways. Simca believes in sticking with the French method of cooking. It’s the right way.

Julia doesn’t think it’s the right way for an American audience. They passive-aggressively battle through their food. They then force friends to pick a side.

However, in true-to-life fashion, nothing gets resolved. Instead, this argument can go on for eternity without a clear winner. There can be multiple ways to do things, but humans will always insist that their way is the right way.

Julia makes the smart choice to start the season with Julia in Paris with Simca. Last season, most of their interactions happened via phone calls. You felt the tension even then, but putting them together in person adds so much comedically.

It also adds to the emotional aspects of their relationship. They bicker but their sisterhood is obvious.  

This theme of fighting against the changing times continues with Albert’s firing. His snobbery, stubbornness, and ego all lead to him losing his show. Unfortunately, Albert won’t be the only one to leave WGBH.

Clearly, Hunter’s job is on borrowed time.

Those who embrace the change are rewarded. Alice still faces discrimination because of her gender, but she’s becoming the most valuable employee at WGBH.

Her success directly relates to Julia’s revolution. Adding Elaine to the story enhances the potential of women changing WGBH for the better.

I am curious to see how Elaine and Julia interact. It isn’t clear yet if their relationship will have a combative but respectful nature, such as Julia and Simca’s relationship, or a nearly perfect professional partnership, like Julia and Alice.

The relationships and their evolution are also important to this season of Julia. Judith and her husband’s relationship, and Avis’s navigation of the dating world are must-watch storylines.

Both women were very closely tied to Julia in Season 1. They almost didn’t exist much without her. This season could give them more layers and branches outside of her.

We see a lot of that idea (women changing because of Julia’s influence but not firmly tied to her) in the first three episodes. Hopefully, we see more of their life with and without Julia.

Julia Season 2 starts strong by radiating the same whimsical joy of the first season. The show is like really good comfort food that’s also healthy for you. 

What did you think of these episodes of Julia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Julia streams Thursday on Max. 

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