Funny Woman Season 1 Episode 6 Review

On Funny Woman Season 1 Episode 6, Sophie shines in the last episode of her sitcom. What comes next? After a series of bombshells, we have a couple answers, but many more new questions.

She and Clive start the hour happily engaged, in large part because she doesn’t know why he proposed. Still, there are parts of celebrity that remain uncomfortable to her. Bill and Tony’s relationship and Lydia’s gender and race also start to affect their careers.

The final show is a soaring success, capped by Sophie giving a stirring speech about the opportunities available to women. It all falls apart shortly after, spurred by seeing her mother in the crowd. She tells the woman off, along with her agents and the network head.

She returns home to learn Clive is leaving the show for a job in the States. They break up, and she heads off to secure her very own show- just as Dennis secures their series at a new network. Sophie asks what they can do, Dennis confesses his love, and they kiss.

As expected, this finale is about making as much happen as possible, and the vast majority either happens to Sophie or is a result of her own actions. She’s taking things into her own hands as best she can, but there’s so much that’s out of control.

Her pivotal performance directly to the audience is a highlight, earning a deserved standing ovation. Many of her struggles have come from her inexperience, but being a woman has limited her opportunities from the start. The times are indeed a ‘changing.

Unfortunately, that’s not true for everyone just yet. I’d have liked to spend a lot more time with Tom and Bill having to remain in the closet or Lydia losing out on a major interview because she’s a Black woman, but the cameras swing quickly back to Sophie.

I’ll reserve judgement on whether this takes away from the message in Sophie’s speech, because if the show comes back, we may get the chance to give these characters and plots the focus they deserve. For this moment, though, they do deserve better.

I understand the spotlight on our central character, especially once everything hits the fan. The reappearance of Barbara’s mother offers the satisfaction of seeing the woman learn the harm she caused but is also dealt with abruptly.

In lieu of telling anyone, including her father, what has happened, Sophie fires her agents. On the surface, she does it to represent herself, but it also feels like collateral damage coming from this emotional blow.

Then there’s Clive. He does deserve to be dumped, though it’s a bit disappointing that it happens mostly because of his move. His motives in their relationship are only partially revealed and closure seems iffy. Even if this show is renewed, he likely won’t return.

It does clear the way for a big romantic ending, but this too leaves us with a lot to account for. Sophie’s signed a contract in her own name. Dennis has secured a show she no longer cares for on a network she competes with.

Grand kiss or not, getting a season 2 will mean they have to deal with this. We know Dennis appreciates Sophie’s talent and feelings, but they face the same point she and Clive just have. Someone’s career path will have to come first.

Regardless of the “The End” projected in the final shot, I hope we get more time with these characters. Per the novel they come from, there’s literally more story to tell about them and not getting to see it play out would leave their TV versions forever unresolved.

 

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

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Funny Woman airs Sundays at 10/9c on PBS.

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