Enlightened - The New Laura Dern Show

Anyone watching? I'm loving it. I find it so touching.

Fantastic show. Manic depression has a new poster girl in Laura Dern's Amy Jellicoe. This great actress is giving the performance of her life, in every scene showing wildly different but utterly believable facets of a volatile woman. Dern has a rare gift of subtle physical transformation which can take her from radiant beauty one second to barely attractive the next stopping at blandly pretty in between. "Health and beauty is my department!" should take its place in the pantheon of iconic lines not only in tv, but in any medium. The second episode more than confirmed the promise of the first.
It's definitely the first show I've immediately taken to in years. It just seems to represent the times so perfectly. Is there a better mother-daughter acting duo than Laura Dern and Diane Ladd? They've worked together on at least five projects now.
I like it, but I suspect it won't last for the same reason The Comeback was cancelled.
I liked it, too. I've actually been waiting to see it for what I think is about two years now since it was first announced. I thought it had been shelved. Laura Dern deserves way more credit for her work than she gets and should be getting more roles than she does. Did anyone else see We Don't Live Here Anymore? She gives a killer performance in that. Anyway, I hope the show sticks around.
We Don't Live Here Anymore, Inland Empire, I'll bet Smooth Talk is still worth a look. She's one of my favourite actresses. And she's never gone under the knife. She looks her age which is so refreshing.
The pilot episode made me a little uncomfortable, but after the second episode I was sold. This is now my new favorite show. By the way, I loved The Comeback.
"I like it, but I suspect it won't last for the same reason The Comeback was cancelled." Sorry, don't see any connection between the two shows at all.
The pilot episode was fucking brilliant, best meltdown on years. How can you not love Laura Dern? she just gives it her all in every scene, funny, heartbreaking, fierce. Her voice-overs are really moving too. I think we can all relate.
I agree r8. SHe bought into all that self-help "you CAN be Happy!" stuff we've all been fed at some time and now she has to live in a world that doesn't care. I find it very touching.
I am fully aware I am going to sound like a freeper, but what's one to do when one's heart is gone for good! Dern is a national treasure. She's America's Gary Oldman, a truly great actor who seems to disappear for great lengths of time only to resurface in transcendence. Her work in Enlightened, a show which started off great and, so far, is getting better with each episode, is an unmitigated triumph. "HEALTH AND BEAUTY IS MY DEPARTMENT!"
I love her.
SHUT UP GINGER!
Mike White is a genius, check out "Year of the Dog", "Chuck & Buck". . .
I love Laura Dern, but frankly I found the show unwatchable. I can't bear to watch characters like the ones in the show.
What are you talking about R14? She is at her core the same person trying to fit her "new self" into the same fucked up, cruel world. It's been done before but IMHO never as good or with as good an actress.
When is this on? And what channel? Sounds good.
Its on HBO, and its really good. Laura Dern is pitch perfect and the story is truly very on-target with the world in which we live today. I hope it lasts.
Lila%20McKann
Chuck and Buck suck and fuck fun fun fun!!!
SUCK A SICK DICK!
Laura Dern definitely belongs in that old thread about actors who manage to improve every project they appear in. Look forward to seeing this.
So far, I've cried at every episode.
LOVE IT. Last night was super moving.
When will it be on hob on demand?
I love this show. She is a goddess. There was a Valerie Cherish moment with the "put a pin in it." I half expected Mickey to pop up.
I mean hbo
I don't get the comparisons to The Comeback at all. I love Enlightened so much. Every episode so far is a well wrought short story, which is something very rare - perhaps unique - for a comedy series. Dern is giving the most impressive performance in a comedy series in years, which, considering the field of great actors on television right now, is saying a great deal. But I have to say there's something very interesting that five extraordinary actresses: Laura Linney, Toni Collette, Edie Falco, and now Laura Dern and Claire Danes have all been drawn to current/recent plum tv roles with one thing in common. The women they play are all sick, either with a physical or mental illness or an addiction. And you could add Mary Louise Parker to the list if you wanted to extend the drug use front to include the provider.
I like the show. Homeland with Clare Danes is also riveting.
I think a comparison with Strangers with Candy is more apt. She is living at home with Mom after all..
"So far, I've cried at every episode." Me too r21. I just finished last night's episode and I've still got tears coming out. I'm glad to see other people appreciating it. Does anyone know how it's doing, ratings-wise? I hope well!
Lots of Laura Dern's patented "cry face" on this show. Luvs it!
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Why did she and Ben Harper split up?
There is something quirkily lyrical and unusually intelligent about this show and Dern is the ideal match for it. I really hope it is catching on because it deserves a great deal of acclaim. The supporting cast is top notch, especially Diane Ladd.
Is this show a black comedy? Watching it for the first time now and it is the one where she and her ex go rafting. At the beginning when she meditating, I nearly pissed myself laughing so hard. "...and then the dog died."
I didn't really find that funny, R33, but it is a black comedy. It treads a thin line.
R34, it was that scene of her being all happy and imaging the lake with her ex and dog then cutting to her crying uncontrollably on the bed because of the miscarriage, then the dog dying. I haven't seen any other episodes so I may be taking it out of context. I also cracked up on her imagining gardening with Ladd, the rafting guide lamenting about his failed Hollywood writing career ("Yeah, I did the whole Hollywood thing. It's a special layer of Hell down there. Some real sick shit.") and then Dern & Wilson cussing in front of the other couples after she sent his stash down the river. The ending was very good, too. I hope the other episodes are On Demand, I can't wait to catch up.
R33
Yes we know the scene, r35, we just don't see what's funny.
Love it.
[quote]I don't get the comparisons to The Comeback at all. There aren't any. There is just one delusional fanatic here at DL who just cannot accept that The Comeback is over and never coming back. This dizzy queen truly believes the show, the actors, the crew, writers, etc... are all just one phone call away from "getting back to work." It is really quite sad. Sure, there are shows I'd love to see back on the air, but after a point you just move on and let it go. Something this poster just has not achieved yet.
I wish it would get a little weirder. Not plot-wise but just the tone and dialogue.
[quote]I wish it would get a little weirder. Not plot-wise but just the tone and dialogue. That's what I like about it... That's what hits home. It's not over-the-tip. It's actually relatable. I'm tired of weird.
Over the tip? You're boring and illiterate.
hmmm, I will try and catch an episode. Sounds good.
Entirely relatable. Everyone has fantasies of wanting to be better but life just won't let you.
I think THE COMEBACK comparisons aren't totally innacurate. They are both about a 40 something woman who's pretty unaware about how she comes off. While at some level, she intends to do good, she's actually selfish and everyone sees right through her. Also, Jeanie (the female writer on ROOM AND BORED) has a supporting part in ENLIGHTENED.
Loveball
It was so nice to see Robin Wright!
"Ooh this one's great! It's about how all the acidic foods are making your organs swell!"
Robin Wright had barely any makeup on and she was still gorgeous! Wow. I am really starting to love Diane Ladd too and understand her reaction to the very needy Amy. Although last week when she came home and asked, why couldn't you just lend me the car? It broke my heart. Just show an ounce of compassion...you know?
I will NEVER stop asking!
This is an exceptional show - I am really enjoying it. It makes me think about myself and my own obsessions and self-delusions. Mel White is writing and producing some great television. Laura Dern's acting is amazing, I didn't know she had it in her.
Where did Laura Dern inherit that unfortunate face from? She doesn't look like either of her parents to me at all.
I was going to skip this show until I read this thread. I've watched all the episodes over the last two weeks and I really do enjoy it. I too see similarities to "The Comeback" -- although that show was hilarious and I don't think I've laughed at "Enlightened" even once. But I certainly feel a similar sadness for the main characters.
[quote]Mel White is writing and producing some great television Huh? It's Mike White, not Mel.
sorry
Mel provides spiritual support.
It's a sublime show. I'll echo everyone else's sentiments about this being a Laura Dern homerun. Amy Jellicoe so relatable, difficult, fleshed-out. Even without the voiceover, Dern manages to telegraph Amy's interiority in such pointed ways. I can't wait to see where the season leads. It's also a very realistic look at current-day corporate culture. The backstabbing "mean girls", the uncollaborative nature of a divided workforce and the implications and double-standards of sexual politics in the workplace itself. I also find it strangely fascinating that Amy keeps going back to Krista, her former assistant, always giving her just one more chance to accept her new persona and outlook when Krista would clearly like nothing more than to have Amy disappear from her perfect life. To play up "The Comeback" comparisons that've been made upthread, it reminds me of Valerie's relationship with the two head writers of "Room and Bored" (Paulie G and the cute guy). There's something thrillingly masochistic about it. HBO needs to buck up and allow this show to coast easily into a second season. I think the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Someone told me that this show is a one season deal. That's it. Please say it ain't so..
I caught the last 3 episodes the other day. I am enjoying it.
r42
You guys talk about The Comeback so much that I decided to watch it, but I can't seem to find it online. Do any of you know of a site where I can stream it?
It really is very enjoyable- and the former assistant? Whoa.
The ratings are AWFUL. I'll be surprised if it makes it another season.
It's really sweet and like a lot of you, I can completely relate to her struggle. As for the guy looking for The Comeback, HBO GO has all episodes of all shows online.
I don't have HBO so can't use HBO GO.
This is somewhat a black comedy like one of the earlier posters mentioned. One surprise to me has been luke Wilson. I had forgotten how talented he is... I hope this show is renewed....
Anon
Oh, sorry, R62. I don't know then.
I really like the show. My only minor complaint is the character of Dougie. He stands out as too cartoonish. Some of the situations can be cartoonish but the characters need to be humans, in my opinion. I read an interview with Mike White where he said HBO's expectations are very, very low for the show and that they are thrilled with the show and are willing to endure minimal ratings. He didn't say anything about the show being a one-season only deal (which would be strange). I barely recognized Robin Wright but she looked fantastic and did a great job. I loved the reveal of her journal entries.
.
love it- hints on the verge of sincerity- and mockery... sooo good and relatable. refreshing real and not tooooo heavy.... just enough... Laura is great and a surprise in that.. awesome. my only pet peeve here- she is QUITE THIN...
Nic
Love Mike White. . .really liked "Year of the Dog". . .
I'm totally agreeing with the Mike White sentiment. He's a great screenwriter. During the first episode I couldn't help but think that this show is in the same vain as Weeds but executed so much better. "Health and beauty is my department!"
Agree with the mean girls office situation. . it's been that way at everywhere I've worked since the late 90s. Most people don't get along because the bitches are always competing and being nasty to each other and the men.
I thought I was called "the big C"...?
I am always surprised to see Jonathan Demme as director, since I thought he was dead. I guess that was his brother? Either way, that's a pretty big name an he is doing a masterful job. Dern is fantastic, I think she suffers from the thin upper body, a little heavier lower body, therefore appearing really thin. She may well be very thin? She looks a lot like her dad.
Love love this show. Watched back to back episodes on HBO demand yesterday.
Another great episode and it hardly featured Laura Dern. Diane Ladd and Luke Wilson were sublime. Luke ass looked pretty good in those jeans too. Remember how porky he got doing those ATT commercials?
I don't have access to this show though I'd like to watch it. Has Luke lost weight? (I hope so)
So, I am in agreement, this is a great show--I have been hooked into every episode. I would also agree that there are similarities to The Comeback in the degree of cringe-worthiness the audience is taken to during an episode, to be finally released somehow at the end. This is why shows like these never become popular: most audiences can't endure the discomfort and embarrassment on behalf of the character, especially since Amy (and Valerie Cherish, for that matter) seem so unaware. I hope Enlightened, unlike The Comeback, is given a better shot.
The episode last night was so depressing! Why is this marketed as a comedy? It was good, but this show makes me want to jump off a bridge.
R77 see R76.
Amy is more reflective than Valerie so in the end it is not as much of a comedy, but the well intentions blowbacks are pretty funny to me.
"Consider Helen" was great television. Diane Ladd was sublime.
I love it and haven't yet missed an episode but I guess I just wish there was a little more to it. It's just Amy, her mom, her ex and the weirdos where she works. I think she needs a bigger life or more to do since it's starting to become very repetitive. For example, look at Nurse Jackie--her issues are woven in and out of numerous story lines which I think make her a much more realistic character--she's got her husband, kids, bff in her boss, her co-workers, her boyfriends, her patients, her drugs, etc. Amy needs more to do and she needs to be more than someone who had a breakdown. It's interesting that she apparently had a sort of good position in her company (but only drives a Corolla) yet would settle for what seems like a miserable job that you wouldn't have to have any experience to do. Why isn't she trying to find a better job?
Lila%20McKann
RE : What, too close to home ?
Dr.%20Drew
I love this show and hope it continues. The sets are amazing - the colors in the house, the 50s stuff, the roses in the garden. The soft light, it's all very beautiful.
Does anyone know the make of chair the Ladd is sitting in? It has an ottoman too. I am sure it is Danish. I want one.
I just discovered this on demand as I was bored and nothing was on. I can't remembered when I have laughed so much. Especially when her character whines about being stuck working in the basement with these degenerate weirdos...like she is better than anyone else. I really hope this show catches on.
It's nice to see Barbara Barrie on the show. She's a neighbor (UWS) and we have mutual friends though I've never met her. My friend says she's super sweet and has battled health problems for a while. I hope her appearance on the show means that she's on the mend.
she is not Manic Depressive... she is normal in a world full of people who are kind of dead and traumatized.
beebop
I caught one of the episodes this week and then ended up watching them all On Demand. Really am enjoying it and it's good to see Luke Wilson in a good part again. Amy is definitely cringe inducing, but I can relate to the corporate culture and the mean girls there. My favorite show was the one featuring her mother.
The episode with her mother was stunning. The elderly woman with her past still going on around her and how manages to stay the course through all the pain.
I really loved the scene with the mother and Levi. You could really see that they have conflicting feelings for each other, the past, and Amy. Great stuff, I hope this show sticks around.
Fucking FANTASTIC acting going on here. Is Amy supposed to be bipolar or with borderline issues?
[quote]Is Amy supposed to be bipolar or with borderline issues? Not all. Just some woman who became overwhelmed with the fast life and had a breakdown.
I like it but her character does kind of get on my nerves...sometimes I have to turn it off.
r93 - I agree. I was watching it On Demand and had to turn it off during the baby shower scene when she got up and starting talking about the women's group she wanted to form at work. Lots of awkward moments in this show.
Well the show is about her awkwardness and the fact that she is so earnest, but there is usually a beautiful realization at the end when mostly everything blows up in her face. It's worth it and usually very beautifully done.
Can't believe Tyler gave her that password knowing how flaky she is.
Considering she was an exec in H&B I'm surprised at how unsavvy Amy is in the workplace. She should know how to make a presentation, manipulate her boss, etc.
I hope this is renewed.
Did she get her workmate to give her the password?
Oh cool, I'm glad he gave her the password. Hope she is able to get rid of that lowlife CEO. Of course all you corporate stooges wouldn't understand the seriousness of the problem.
YAY, the show will have a second season!!! I'm very interested to see what happens. (also good news--Bored to Death, How to Make It In America, and Hung are all cancelled. It was a good day.)
http://www.tvline.com/2011/12/hbo-enlightened-season-2-renewed-laura-dern/
Fantastic news!!! I love this show!
Me too Wonder why they didn't renew bored to death? Love that show too.
I'm disappointed about Bored To Death but THRILLED about Enlightened! I was afraid it might suffer the fate of The Comeback.
Bored to Death was terrible this season. It was like elevator spit compared to Enlightened.
I've loved Laura Dern since "Smooth Talk". She's great in everything she does.
I adore this show!! Had not even heard of it until recently. I have found my new SFU.
[quote]She should know how to make a presentation, manipulate her boss, etc. Of course she does... but that was the old Amy. She's trying to rise above that and approach everything in a new light. Well, until they burned her at that meeting.
I caught up with this in a few sessions on On Demand. I didn't expect to get into it--but man, it is beautifully done. Lots of mortifying moments, but some funny and moving ones too. It is the role of Laura's career. And Diane Ladd broke my heart while just being, in that Consider Helen episode. Where can it go next season?
Definitely one of the best shows of the year. I really felt for her. You really think you've changed, only to find, nope, you haven't, not really. Personal growth is a lot of hard, frustrating work.
The contest is over Emmy goes to Laura. And probably her Mom too ....
Which do you think was the best episode? I liked the one when her new agey friend visits and it doesn't work out too well. I've got it on my tivo and have found myself re-watching it several times.
Love that one too 112!! I only recently discovered this show On Demand during the holidays. SO glad that I found it, (and that it was renewed!!) It is in many ways a more dramatic version of The Comeback.. I wonder if Mike White would admit this- because it is very clear to me. The same cringe worthy moments for the main female character.. THis show really resonates and the Diane Ladd and that dude (of the brothers there) is quite impressive. I have never tought much of him. LUKE WILSON!! That's it.
My favorite episode is where Amy and Levi (and how good is Luke Wilson?) go away together on the camping weekend. But there isn't a weak episode in the season.
HA! That was my 2nd favorite 114! And I love her moving voiceover in it. SO nice to have a show that I watch (I pretty much only watch reality shit) I also enjoyed Shameless last season and I am hoping it will be as good this season. Haven't picked up SHowtime again to find out!
113
[quote] I have never tought much of him. LUKE WILSON!! That's it. Me neither. I think he has a great part and he's running with it. Everyone seems to be be good in this. It's TOP NOTCH. My only complaint is that it only runs for half an hour. If it ran for an hour it would give it the status it deserves.
R112
Congrats to Laura Dern on winning the Golden Globe!
[quote]Congrats to Laura Dern on winning the Golden Globe! I was sooo pleased. Hope it means the show has a long future.
I didn't even know the show existed until she won the GG. Now I want to chck it out. HBO needs to promote it more.
Thanks to all you whistleblowers.
She was sooo Amy giving that speech, loved it!
[quote]She was sooo Amy giving that speech, loved it! Ain't that the truth! What did she say? Something like, I want to thank everyone in this room. The character was obviously based on her.
I'm bumping this old thread because I've finally started watching this show. I just watched the ep where she and Levi take the kayaking trip up to Kern. My god. It was the most beautiful episode of television I've ever seen. When he says "Do you want to fuck?" I just so sad for him. And I usually hate voiceovers, but in the episode they were so beautifully written. I loved it. I know, I know: MARY!
When is it coming back?
I can't wait...she's a nut.
You guys are reminded of The Comeback b/c the Christian co-worker was played by the female writer "Gigi". I watched the entire season on demand yesterday, just binged on it. It's one of the greatest shows ever.
I can't understand why no Emmy love. They say because her character is unlikeable but I disagree...
I just finished season one. I thought it was compassionate and unflinching. I thought they were going to be making fun of a new age type character but they don't. It has a sense of realism in terms of the relationships that play out. I think it's a charming, thoughtful and well written show. On Demand has commentary by Mike White after each episode. You can tell that he has been through some shit and it informs his writing. It is also amazing that he wrote each episode and the whole season is so cohesive. It reminds me of AbFab - tight funny writing. Did anyone else get the Julie is a bitch reference? Maybe Mike is on DL.
It`s back! She`s stirring up shit!
Season 2 looks really interesting -- based on the first episode, Amy really tries to make a difference in the world, and that promises to have more cringe-worthy results than when she just tried to better herself. I read a review that indicated this season wraps up the story in case the show doesn't come back again, which seems like a possibility.
I LOVE this show !! I love Mike White's writing. It's funny, touching and spot on.
So is this the last season? I like it when their show focuses on the relationship stuff not the corporation stuff.