Ep 1. #LizaToo

#LizaToo is the first episode of the fifth season of the popular TV series Younger. The show follows the life of Liza Miller, a 40-year-old divorced woman who decides to lie about her age in order to secure a job in the highly competitive world of New York publishing. In the previous season, Liza's lie was finally exposed to most of her colleagues and friends, causing a scandal that left her professional and personal life in shambles.

The episode starts off with Liza attending Josh's wedding, her former boyfriend and one of the people who discovered her secret. The ceremony is as emotional and bittersweet as expected, but Liza tries her best to hide her feelings and play the role of a happy friend. However, her façade is shattered when she receives news from her boss, Diana, that Empirical Press has been accused of sexual harassment by an unknown person on social media.

Diana is understandably stressed and worried about the scandal, especially because the person behind the allegations seems to have insider information about the company. She demands that all employees sign a non-disclosure agreement and cooperate with an internal investigation, which puts Liza in a difficult position. She knows that she and her friends have witnessed and experienced inappropriate behavior from one of their colleagues, but she also fears the consequences of speaking up.

Meanwhile, Charles, the CEO of Empirical Press and Liza's on-and-off love interest, is also dealing with the aftermath of the scandal. He's worried about his reputation, the company's image, and the potential legal and financial consequences of the allegations. He tries to reassure his staff that the investigation will be thorough and fair, but he's clearly affected by the situation.

As the investigation proceeds, Liza and her best friend Kelsey, who is now the publisher of a new imprint at Empirical, try to uncover the identity of the person behind the accusations. They suspect that it might be a disgruntled employee who was recently fired, but they can't find any solid evidence. Meanwhile, Liza meets with an old friend from her publishing days who offers her a job in a prestigious literary agency. Liza is tempted by the opportunity, but she's unsure if she wants to leave Empirical and her friends behind.

The episode also explores the personal lives of some of the characters. Josh's wedding triggers memories and regrets for Liza, who wonders if she made the right choices in her life. Kelsey, who is now dating a successful author, struggles with the pressure of being a young and powerful woman in the publishing world. Maggie, Liza's artist friend, faces a health scare that makes her reflect on her mortality.

Overall, #LizaToo sets the tone for the fifth season of Younger, which promises to be full of drama, humor, and surprises. The episode deals with important themes such as sexual harassment, workplace dynamics, loyalty, and self-discovery, while also keeping the trademark charm and wit of the show. The performances by the cast, especially Sutton Foster, Hilary Duff, and Miriam Shor, are as fantastic as ever, and the writing and direction are top-notch. Fans of the show will be delighted to see their favorite characters back in action, and newcomers will surely be hooked by the clever and addictive storytelling.