Julia Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Shrimp & Grits

“Invisible but not silent” perfectly sums up the power of some of the Julia women. Julia Season 2 Episode 7, “Shrimp & Grits” showcases the impact of women pushed out of the spotlight.  Julia and Alice represent women who thrive in the spotlight.  We have seen their bright light over two seasons. 

We love seeing women take charge.

However, it’s just as captivating to see women, like Zephyr Wright, who influence this world from behind the curtains. We witness their impact on this world so happy not to offer them seats at the table. “Shrimp & Grits” doesn’t do subtlety.

It shows Alice and Julia literally not being given a seat at the White House dinner.

The whole ordeal acts as a wake-up call for Julia.

WGBH kind of allows her a shield from the harsh reality of women still not getting their dues. This may make her more empathetic to Elaine. However, it doesn’t seem like that character will have time to return before the finale.

If anything, it may push Julia to fight harder, not just for herself, but for women who are still ignored and forgotten.

“Shrimp & Grits” is an episode about perseverance through adversity. It’s also about the women who act behind the scenes. The ones who whisper. It’s such a powerful message to show that not everyone has to have a larger-than-life personality to change the world.

People change it in whatever way fits them.

The triumphs of this episode are nicely paired with a really big loss.

Julia smartly tricks us into liking Stanley. This makes it completely shocking when he throws away Avis for a cheap affair. No offense to Stacy. The budding romance was torn down before it hit its real strive.

However, Avis’s heartbreak leads to the funniest moments in “Shrimp & Grits.”Stacy is a mess but Avis needs to mentor her. It can only lead to more funny and entertaining interactions. If Stanley gives us anything, let it be the Avis and Stacy partnership.

Julia immediately not being a fan of Stanley, and then being proven right feels again like rewarding her for bad behavior. She almost gets excused for her past rudeness about him. From a story perspective, the whole Stanley has an affair with a student plot development seems out of left field.

It’s not quite believable. However, his character has been enjoyable but not the most consistent. Therefore, you can make sense of his behavior.  Only because his behavior is so erratic.

Julia has finally given us an end goal: It’s Paul and Julia against the FBI. They are taking down Frank and his investigation.  It’s what the show needs to make the finale exciting.

“Shrimp & Grits” does what Julia does best: tell a captivating story with plenty of fun and funny moments, but gets to the heart of this series: women’s liberation. 

Stray Thoughts

• “Shrimp & Grits” is an episode of great speeches. Judith, Avis, Paul, Blanche, and Alice all say something inspirational that resonates with you.
  Paul is becoming just as mythical as Julia. He seems to solve problems like a magic genie.
• The Judith and Blanche dynamic is so transcendent to watch. Their mutual love and respect shine through in the most heartwarming manner.
• Glad Russ at least enjoys his time at the White House.
• Also, the White House interactions not only disappoint Julia and her team but the audience as well. I was annoyed. (fictional) Chef Haller’s food probably sucks anyway.
• Gretchen Fletcher is, however, a very funny character.
• This episode may have some of Julia’s best outfits. The red, white, and blue outfit at the beginning is divine. 

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

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Julia streams Thursday on Max. 

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