Ep 7. Valerie Faces the Critics

Valerie Cherish's world is rocked when she faces her harshest critics yet in episode 7 of The Comeback season 2. With her ongoing reality show, Seeing Red with Valerie Cherish, now boiling down to a behind-the-scenes expose, Valerie is left to confront the reception of her latest role in the critically panned HBO series, Room and Bored, a decade after the show's cancellation.

Things start to unravel before Valerie even makes it to the critics' panel, with her nerves getting to her during a session with her personal stylist. While Valerie tries to keep up conversations in between shots, the stylist pampers her with a never-ending wardrobe montage, playing dress-up with the star's infamous pigtail look.

The mood doesn't lighten up once they make it to the hearing. Valerie is greeted by a panel of critics who snicker at her every move and poke fun at her uncomfortable attempts at acknowledging criticism while still putting up a brave front.

The episode takes the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions as Valerie tries to listen to the feedback from the panel. But, while some of the critics are measured in their criticism, others are downright cruel, a reality made even worse by the fact that she has to be there, taking it all in.

One critic, in particular, takes Valerie to task over a specific scene in Room and Bored that she feels is "catastrophic," leaving Valerie utterly embarrassed and ashamed. We see Valerie's haunted expression, and her vulnerability shows through in the way she crumbles under the public scrutiny.

But the show isn't all gloom and despair, and there are comical moments sprinkled throughout the episode. One notable instance is when Valerie tries to save face by feigning professional acting prowess, blurting out complex vocal exercises in front of the panel. It's a moment of levity, but also one that shows Valerie's tenacity and her refusal to back down even when facing ridicule.

What makes the episode remarkable is the way it explores the nature of criticism, with the critics' comments not only pointing to the flaws in a performance but alluding to broader concerns about aging in Hollywood. This aspect brings the show to a higher level, allowing it to probe not just the trivialities of fame, but also the more significant issues of ageism and representation in media.

In conclusion, episode 7 of The Comeback season 2 is a must-watch for anyone who loves character-driven dramas that delve deep and offer nuanced commentary on contemporary Hollywood. It's a show that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of showbiz, but also one that celebrates the joys and rewards of enduring through it all.