Ep 3. Alicia

In the third episode of the third season of Veep, titled "Alicia," Selina is still struggling to distance herself from the scandal caused by her missing cleaner. She decides to attend a charity event with Mike and Gary, but quickly realizes that the event is also attended by a number of political rivals. Right as Selina is trying to make a diplomatically hasty exit, she spots an old college friend and colleague, Alicia Bryce.

Alicia and Selina share a complicated past, having once been roommates and even briefly dated. When the two women reunite, they discuss their personal and professional lives, and Alicia gently suggests that Selina needs to work on her image and reputation. Selina takes her words to heart and decides to take Alicia's advice, but as she tries to implement the changes, she finds that her team is not quite on board with her new direction.

Meanwhile, Amy is sent on a mission to collect dirt on a potential rival candidate and Selina is forced to deal with a public relations disaster caused by her own team. In the midst of all this chaos, Selina tries to remain focused on her goal of improving her public perception, but she soon realizes that her personal relationships may be more important than she ever realized.

As usual, Veep delivers a clever, witty and fast-paced episode, full of the biting humor and sharp political satire that has made the show a critical and commercial success. With several subplots unfolding at once, the episode never loses its momentum, and the comedic timing and chemistry between the actors is flawless.

One of the standout aspects of "Alicia" is the exploration of Selina's past and the ways in which her personal relationships have shaped her political career. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (who won four consecutive Emmys for her role as Selina Meyer) shines in this episode, bringing nuance and depth to her character's emotional journey. The scenes between Selina and Alicia are particularly memorable, as they highlight the complexity of their relationship and the lingering tension between them.

Another highlight of the episode is the excellent supporting cast, who each get their moments to shine. Timothy Simons is hilarious as Jonah, Selina's hapless aide, and Matt Walsh is reliably funny as Mike, Selina's loyal press secretary. Anna Chlumsky also delivers a strong performance as Amy, bringing a level of empathy and vulnerability to a character who is often portrayed as cold and detached.

Overall, "Alicia" is a strong episode of Veep, showcasing the show's trademark wit and satire while also delving deeper into its complex characters. With its stellar writing, impeccable performances, and razor-sharp humor, it's no wonder that Veep remains one of the most beloved and acclaimed comedies on television.