Julia Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Chartwinkerie

Julia becoming a bit of an antagonist to Elaine is a very interesting development. Hopefully, Julia Season 2 Episode 6, “Chartwinkerie” doesn’t mark the end of that storyline. Most of the series, thus far, has painted the TV legend as a saint.

This storyline makes her human.

It shows that even with her revolutionary approach and ideas, she is not without faults. Her imperfections involve standing in the way of another woman’s success. It isn’t a pretty storyline.

No one wants to see the Julia we have come to adore being a bit cruel without cause. However, it’s sometimes the nature of humanity. We enter flight or fight mode when we fear the crumbling of our empire.

Elaine presents no real threat to Julia. However, in her mind, Elaine could represent someone who could shake up the world she built at WGBH.

It’s also representative of the time. Julia has been breaking barriers for women, but then she automatically makes a woman in power her enemy.

This society has nurtured a combative nature between women.

We falsely believed that Julia was above this type of friction. That’s partly what makes this storyline fascinating. Even such an admirable woman like Julia isn’t above being infected by the idea that other women can be the enemy.

The unnecessary division between Elaine and Julia has set up such a nuanced look at Julia as a character. Therefore, it would be a shame to end it in “Chartwinkerie.”

The continuation of Elaine’s storyline may allow some reflection from Julia and potential redemption. Her getting her way with Elaine’s exit feels like rewarding a child for bad behavior.

It solves nothing and teaches the wrong lesson.

Nonetheless, if we don’t see Elaine again in Season 2, hopefully, Avis will become the voice of reason in Julia’s life. She may not let this minor discretion fade into the void. Julia still needs to atone for this seemingly meaningless sin.

Despite wanting Avis to hold Julia accountable, their reunion is something to celebrate. “Chartwinkerie” offers somewhat (possibly temporary) closure to their dispute.

Julia and Avis’s friendship has become a very bright spot in the series. Therefore, it’s nice to see the gals back on the same page. The addition of Stanley to the crew has also become a highlight this season.

Avis and him have become a very sweet and charming couple.

Now let’s address the glory of the supporting characters in “Chartwinkerie.” They shine.

Hunter in particular became a standout in this episode. He is often used as a comic relief character, but this time he acts as the heart.

Robert Joy gives his best performance on Julia yet. You feel his heartfelt, vulnerable, and earnest pleas to Julia to not leave. It’s an emotional moment that feels too intimate.

You feel like you’re intruding on something that is not meant for you to see. It’s a man letting go of any ego and still with some dignity asking to not lose the one thing keeping the station working.

Joy delivers an equally captivating scene when Julia makes her announcement to stay. Throughout this episode, the actor delivers a multifaceted performance. Hunter is hilarious at some moments, and devastating in others, but always mesmerizing.

In addition to Joy’s stellar performance, “Chartwinkerie” gives plenty of showcase moments for the rest of the cast. The return of Albert and John Updike leads to a surprising, fun, and exciting moment. Their brief duet charms and exuberates.

Then Judith and Paul’s cooking games remind us of their chemistry. It also acts as a reminder of the entire cast’s chemistry. You can pair any characters and it’s on-screen magic.

The season of Julia seems to have a lot of entertaining and interesting storylines without a real overall major arc

In Season 1, the arc was the growth of Julia’s television show. Its success grounded the show and made the stakes high. This season sets up stakes but then resolves them in an episode or two.

The season needs something bigger it is heading towards. Removing the possibility of Julia going to CBS so early, once again, removes any possible tension.

The big conflict could be Julia’s complicated evolving relationships and Alice’s rollercoaster with her work highs and lows. This may mean the season’s ending focuses on whether Alice continues to stay with WGBH or reaches further.

We only have two more episodes of this delightful season left. And because it’s been a bit unpredictable, it could go anywhere. Hopefully, wherever it ends, it’s just the start of more journeys and seasons.

“Chartwinkerie,” like the Twinkie sausage roll Paul creates, is a mixture of things that seem like they wouldn’t work but instead create something so delicious that you want more.

Stray Thoughts

• The backdrop of the telethon is a stroke of brilliance. Anyone who used to see these immediately gets transported to that time. It’s nostalgic and brilliant.
• Looking forward to seeing the White House episodes. Those should be fun but chaotic.
• Russ has become very likable this season. I was happy to see him try to help Elaine and Julia’s situation.

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

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Julia streams on Thursday on Max. 

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