Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce Season 1 Episode 12 Review: Rule #92
Carissa Pavlica
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With only one hour to go on Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce Season 1, we're still diving deeply into character motivations and it's going to make leaving them very difficult.
In a very short time, it has been easy to become fully invested in the women (and men) of the series and the ability to connect with most everyone on at least some small level is what makes the stories so compelling.
On Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce Season 1 Episode 12 Abby and Jake were putting the final touches on their divorce, Delia was getting a step closer to partnership (in two ways), Phoebe's past was revealed and Jo's pristine daughter started showing her faults.
Zooey was always too good to be true. Her facade started to crumble when she first pocketed a hamburger phone from the movie Juno donated for the school auction (tell me you didn't see that a mile away) and was then arrested for shoplifting. She may have that perfect girl exterior, but she's falling apart inside.
Sadly, nobody saw it coming. Zooey had been talking a lot with Abby and Lilly with Jo, something Lilly was very upset about. She reacted as a normal teenager would; she whined and suggested maybe it's not too late for Abby and Jo to switch kids. Abby won't look at Lilly quite so harshly going forward. Hopefully Zooey will get some help whenever someone discovers the root of her issues.
Some of the groundwork for Phoebe's story in Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce Season 2 was drawn as we learned her parents were pot heads and going into modeling at age 14 robbed her of a normal life and an education, something for which she feels she needs to atone. She throws money at life and aspires to be... just to be... because she was literally a wanderer for all of her formative years.
The photographer dressed as a character from Clockwork Orange (never a good sign) was instigating things with Phoebe. She seemed to be someone who once held sway over Phoebe, perhaps a lover. Phoebe was not happy to see her and threw money at the school to ensure the nude photo of her didn't wind up in a stranger's hands.
As Phoebe was sitting in front of the fire, she was wearing a sweater much like one that Marilyn Monroe wore in one of her last photo sessions. I don't think that's a coincidence, as when you look at the two women, they were both searching for the same validation through their bodies, men and money. Marilyn wanted to be taken seriously more than anything and that has been the prevailing theme of Phoebe throughout the season.
I'm a little shocked I didn't think of it sooner, as there were so many clues and I have read so much on Marilyn. Well, I see it now. If she had lived, Marilyn would be a fighter, like Phoebe, surrounding herself with strong women and friends, but still unable to fully detach herself from the sway of a charming man. She also likely ran from those who would be good for her because of her inability to live up to their expectations. Here's hoping Marco doesn't let Phoebe go so easily.
What Gordon Beech did to Delia was horrendous, striking back at her by way of taking his business elsewhere. He knew how much her career meant to her and how hard she worked to get where she was and that if asked, she would make a play to win him back as a client. The way he sat, smugly trying to talk in riddles only they knew made my skin crawl.
Delia has had a big problem with men and relationships, but she was honest with him. What he did with his ex crossed a line she couldn't get over. He shouted out to her as her lips trembled that she was wasting her life, but she didn't cave no matter how hard he tried to force her. In some screwed up way, that won his understanding. He not only brought his business back to the firm, paving her way to partner, but sent her a bouquet of flowers with a ring, asking her to write a new story. Two partnerships from one crappy dinner.
I was seriously suspect during the entire dinner, but the way he pulled it out in the end proved he really does have Delia's heart in mind. Can she open up and let him in? She did everything to push him away and he came back. That's the test. He passed.
Finally, we have Abby and Jake. The closer it gets to their divorce, the more difficult it is for Abby to believe it. She lashes out in strange ways, such as arguing for sleepaway camp when alimony is off the table, but when they finally talk it always makes so much sense.
Abby is jealous, seeing Jake flourish. He's earned more money in the months since they split than he did during their entire marriage. She's jealous of who he'll be with next and she tried to cover up that sentiment with a nasty remark, but she was serious. The talks the two of them have started having as the show ends in her backyard are beautiful. They're full of warmth and truth and they don't pull any punches, even when Will is pounding on the front door.
Abby, you never got in my way. I did, and us splitting was a huge wake up call for me and I finally got my head out of my ass, but I totally get what you were saying.
Jake
The sparks fly when Lisa Edelstein and Paul Adelstein are on screen together. Whether they're arguing or chatting or embracing the result is the same. They're magical. It's impossible not to want Abby and Jake to figure something out, whatever it may be, to stay together. Yes. They have other people, but what they feel for each other is genuine. Jake needed a kick in the ass. Where was that kick pre-divorce? It feels like they missed a step somewhere and went for the gold.
On Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce Season 1 Episode 13 they're signing the papers, but Jake suggests they don't have to sign them and professes his love for Abby. The previews gave me goosebumps, what on earth will the actual season finale do? Can they know when to move on, but not away? Maybe leave themselves open to explore each other and other options.
If you drop by to read, why not drop a comment down below? I'd love to hear what you think about all of these amazing women. Don't forget, if you've missed any of this wonderful series, you can watch Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce online right here via TV Fanatic!
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
