Ep 2. Going Gray

In Portlandia season 6 episode 2 titled "Going Gray," viewers are taken on a hilarious ride exploring the various insecurities and fears associated with aging. The episode focuses on a group of friends who are all struggling with the idea of getting older and grappling with the changes that come with it.

At the center of the episode is Toni, one half of the "Women & Women First" bookstore duo, who is dealing with the realization that she's starting to go gray. She becomes increasingly obsessed with hiding her gray hair, going to great lengths to cover it up or justify it to herself and others. This leads to some hilarious moments, including a memorable scene where Toni's friend Candace tries to comfort her by saying that gray hair is "in" right now, only to be met with skepticism and disbelief.

Meanwhile, another friend, Lance (played by guest star Kyle MacLachlan), is dealing with his own aging-related insecurities. He becomes fixated on trying to look younger and more attractive, going to extreme lengths to stay in shape and maintain his appearance. This leads to some of the episode's funniest moments, including a bit where he accidentally orders a "female" workout DVD and is forced to awkwardly complete the exercises in front of his wife and friends.

As the episode progresses, we see how these various fears and anxieties about aging are affecting each character's relationships and self-image. For example, Candace starts to feel insecure about her own appearance after trying to comfort Toni, while another character, Dave, becomes more and more isolated as he struggles to come to terms with the fact that he's not as young as he used to be.

Throughout it all, the show manages to find the humor in these situations without ever veering into outright mockery or cruelty. Instead, it's clear that the writers and actors have a genuine affection for these characters and their struggles, even as they poke fun at their foibles. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but also moments of genuine warmth and tenderness, particularly in the scenes between Toni and her husband, who is dealing with his own aging-related issues.

Overall, "Going Gray" is a standout episode that perfectly encapsulates what makes Portlandia such a unique and special show. It's funny, quirky, and insightful, and it manages to explore weighty topics like aging and self-image with wit and humor. Fans of the show will love it, and newcomers will be hooked by its offbeat charm and irreverent humor.