Ep 1. Pilot

Lena Waithe’s comedy-drama series Twenties debuted in 2020 with the Pilot episode, which sets the stage for the first season’s storyline. The series follows the life of Hattie, a queer black woman in her 20s, as she navigates her career and personal relationships in Los Angeles.

The episode begins with Hattie (played by Jonica T. Gibbs) waking up to her girlfriend Ida (played by Christina Elmore) kissing her goodbye before heading off to work. Hattie, who is an aspiring TV writer, heads to the coffee shop where her two best friends, Marie (played by Gabrielle Graham) and Nia (played by Christina Anthony), work. The trio discusses their hopes and dreams, with Nia revealing that she’s been accepted to law school and Marie announcing that she’s been promoted to manager at the coffee shop.

Hattie attends a meeting with a TV executive who is interested in her script, but he tells her that it needs some work before it can be considered for production. Despite this setback, Hattie remains optimistic and determined to succeed. Meanwhile, Ida is hiding a secret from Hattie that could jeopardize their relationship.

Hattie attends a party with Nia and Marie and meets a man named Chuck (played by Jevon McFerrin), who she finds attractive despite his Republican views. Hattie and Chuck hit it off and dance together, but their connection is cut short when Chuck learns that Hattie is a TV writer and tells her that he doesn’t watch TV. Hattie is disappointed by Chuck’s lack of interest in her career aspirations but decides to give him a chance nonetheless.

The Pilot episode of Twenties sets up Hattie as a determined and ambitious protagonist who is unapologetic about her career goals. Despite facing rejection and setbacks, Hattie remains focused on her dream of becoming a successful TV writer. Additionally, the episode introduces a diverse cast of characters who Hattie interacts with on a daily basis, including her two supportive best friends and her girlfriend who is struggling with her own secrets.

The episode also touches on themes of identity, with Hattie being a queer black woman in a predominantly white and male industry. The introduction of Chuck’s character, a Republican, highlights the contrast between Hattie’s liberal beliefs and the conservative views of some of the people in her life. This creates an opportunity for Hattie to explore her own beliefs and values as she navigates the complexities of relationships and career aspirations in her 20s.

Overall, the Pilot episode of Twenties is a promising start to Lena Waithe’s witty and relatable series. Viewers are left rooting for Hattie as she faces challenges and works towards her goals, while also being entertained by the humor and relatable experiences of the supporting characters. The show’s exploration of a black queer woman’s experiences in Los Angeles is a refreshing addition to the television landscape and promises to bring a new perspective to the coming-of-age genre.