Ep 6. Troll

Annie finds herself dealing with an unfortunate but very common aspect of internet culture in this episode of Shrill, titled "Troll." After writing an article that catches the attention of trolls, she becomes the target of online harassment. This leads to a spiral of anxiety and self-doubt, as she starts to question the value of her writing, her physical appearance, and her personal relationships.

One of the strengths of Shrill is its ability to blend humor and emotional resonance, and this episode is no exception. The show doesn't shy away from the ugliness of online trolling, but it also finds moments of levity in the absurdity of the situation. For example, we see Annie struggling to come up with a suitable comeback for a particularly vicious troll, only to finally settle on "I'm rubber, you're glue." It's a silly moment, but it also highlights the powerlessness that comes with being targeted by anonymous hate online.

The episode also explores some interesting themes around the intersection of social media and mental health. Annie's obsession with reading comments and monitoring her likes and shares creates a self-imposed pressure that's all too relatable for anyone who's spent too much time scrolling through their feeds. At one point, she even has a moment of clarity where she realizes that her "fear of insignificance" is tied to her need for validation on social media.

However, the show is careful not to blame Annie for her own struggles. This isn't a story about a woman who just needs to "unplug" and "stop worrying about what other people think." Instead, we see her reaching out for help from her therapist and friends, who provide much-needed perspective and support. Her friend Fran is especially helpful in this episode, calling out the toxic culture of online harassment and encouraging Annie to reclaim her power.

The acting in this episode is particularly strong, with Aidy Bryant anchoring the emotional weight of the story. We see her go from the initial exhilaration of publishing her article to the crushing despair of reading the comments, and it's a journey that feels all too real. There's also a great scene between her and Luka Jones, who plays her love interest Ryan. Without giving too much away, their conversation is a great example of how to write a male character who's both supportive and flawed.

Overall, "Troll" is a standout episode that tackles some difficult subject matter with humor, heart, and intelligence. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who's ever been targeted by online bullies, and it's a powerful reminder that we don't have to suffer in silence.