This 3rd episode of The Comeback Season 3 is surprisingly emotional, while the rest of it is so ludicrous. This episode captures everything this show has done so far, walking the fine line between satirical comedy and very real, genuine emotion.
What begins as just another one of Valerie Cherish's ridiculous work sessions quickly becomes a very personal affair during the midst of a family tragedy. Although emotions run high during this episode, it doesn't forsake its signature, hilariously awkward sense of humor but manages to convey even more life and tangibility to the jokes through its lack of speech than one would have ever thought.
Just as you thought, the 3rd episode of The Comeback, Season 3, was another episode filled with an entirely satirical approach to the industry, it goes in a direction that one could never imagine. Due to Valerie's reluctance to accept the one thing she refuses to acknowledge, she struggles through profound pain and sorrow.
She has always used her profession as an outlet for her sadness and it remains that same driving force throughout this installment. This does add an element of painfully poignant reality to this episode but doesn't prevent it from staying true to its core principles, as it is a stronger episode of The Comeback.
Valerie properly mourns Mickey's death in The Comeback Season 3 Episode 3
This 3rd episode of The Comeback Season 3 finally brings the audience one that should have been written at the start, an episode mourning the recent passing of Mickey (Robert Michael Morris). Unconventionally, however, the show has never truly shown any of its characters' feelings overtly and vocally.
Rather, through small gestures and silence, these characters' pain is so obvious and enormous. Her wigs and wardrobe have since contained Mickey's ashes, which she discovers during this installment within a closet filled with her elaborate attire and accessories located in the studio.
The discovery of her lost colleague's remains within her colorful costumes and wigs might seem like a humorous concept, but it's one of the most tender and striking moments of the series and truly signals the first steps in Valerie's journey through grief.
The hidden and silently grieving narrative playing beneath this comedic installment gives depth and extra dimension to the 3rd episode of The Comeback Season 3 than a solely satirical storyline perhaps ever could.
The show utilizes Mickey's ashes as the central element for the emotional arcs in The Comeback Season 3 Episode 3
Not only is Mickey's death incredibly heartbreaking, but his ashes serve as a driving force for many of Valerie's actions and decisions throughout this episode, functioning as one of its main characters. Although her discovered remains could serve simply as a small reminder of her lost friend and how much he is always with her, his ashes play a much more substantial role throughout this arc.
Within the studio closet, amongst mundane things, Valerie's life of work and her personal life intersect through the presence of Mickey's ashes. Audiences are taken on a journey through her life, filled with numerous trinkets from throughout her life; her decisions throughout the installment are informed by the constant silent reminder of Mickey and his passing. This installment truly makes Valerie's journey that much more defined and intimate than ever before.
The show remains its authentic self: Industry satire
While this 3rd episode of The Comeback Season 3 delves into an emotional aspect of Valerie's life, it does remain the most defining series of industry satire. The series continually captures the ludicrous yet ever-relevant world of show business while also staying true to the ever-present on-set chaos of The Comeback.
In an episode that even introduces a character named "Al," a new AI actor who only fuels the satire, as it shows the increasing ubiquity of technology, the show's ever-present bedlam, and the classic backstage drama, stays consistent.
The supporting characters are integral to helping Valerie cope with her emotions in The Comeback Season 3 Episode 3
Every actor contributing to the cast as a whole helps the 3rd episode of The Comeback Season 3 to reach its fullest potential through their interactions with Valerie's new, emotional storyline.
While it's true that newly introduced characters like Gabrielle (Britt O'Grady) accurately reflect the modern-day state of show business and introduce different generation perspectives to fill in the generational gap of the cast members, the dynamics between characters and the humorous and relevant advice from both Jimmy and Petey make for a very fulfilling episode.
Humor and awkwardness prevail in another signature of The Comeback Season 3 Episode 3
Even though the 3rd episode of The Comeback Season 3 carries a heavy burden with its personal subject matter, it is still one of the funniest episodes of the entire series. The episode, whilst containing a lot of sincere, heartwarming moments, includes hilarious and over-the-top moments that are guaranteed to have audiences in fits of laughter.
It is a trademark of The Comeback: confusion amongst the characters in relation to each other, flamboyant clothing choices, and utter madness surrounding the entertainment business; this episode packs a punch with more absurdity to go around and much to be said about John Early's character in its own delightful, maddening fashion, blending together heartache with darkly humorous tones, creating a genuine narrative that is neither too heavy nor too light.
Stage 24 is where Valerie learns to move on in The Comeback Season 3 Episode 3
The scatterring of Mickey's ashes on stage 24 in the 3rd episode of The Comeback Season 3 is the most profound and truly moving moment this show has ever delivered. Though on the surface it appears as such a small and silent moment, when unpacked, the show's message is actually incredibly substantial.
Through weaving her deeply personal life into the context of her profession (the thing that defines her and brings her true happiness and fulfillment), Valerie effectively puts one chapter to rest and embraces the new one. Its profundity lies within the entirely unsaid action: Valerie has finally allowed herself to bring Mickey into her life, incorporating a part of her into the place she feels most alive, her job.
This episode seamlessly fuses satire with sincerity. It is not at all unfair to argue that episode three of The Comeback season three is one of the most impressive yet, given how well it manages to blend its characteristic satire with raw, honest emotion.
While a satire on the entertainment industry all throughout, this episode specifically brings the world of show business to life and mixes it with an untold reality that makes it utterly believable and heartwarming at the same time.
Episode 3 is also the episode that saves this season. It would be foolish not to acknowledge that episode 3 of The Comeback Season 3 is undeniably the turning point of the season and potentially one of the best episodes in terms of acting and emotion of the whole series.
Also read: The Comeback Season 3 release schedule: When do new Episodes of the HBO comedy series drop?