The Comeback is back, and it's a thrilling return. This time, Valerie Cherish, the quintessential desperate Hollywood star, is older, wiser, and more self-aware. Gone are the days of blithely ignoring disrespect; now, she's defiant and proactive. But is this new Valerie a character we can truly root for? Or is she just a bit too self-satisfied?
Valerie's journey in the third season of The Comeback is a fascinating one. She's still the same old Valerie, with her characteristic physicality and learned responses like 'right?' and 'yeah?'. But something has shifted. She's no longer just desperate for attention; she's demanding to be heard. This change is evident in her bold actions, such as calling out her director and fellow dancers for their mean behavior and quitting the Broadway show.
Lisa Kudrow's portrayal of Valerie is a masterpiece. She's acutely self-aware, knowing when she's being disrespected. But the key difference is that this Valerie is defiant and takes action. She stands her ground against a costume designer who sees her as camp and nothing more, and she publicly confronts a network executive. Her husband's reality show flailing is no match for her vast experience, and she shows him how it's done.
However, the show's comedic chemistry can falter at times. The creators' true intent, delivered with gravid plainness, can peek out from behind the mask. A beloved Hollywood legend's monologue about AI and real comedy writers feels uncharacteristically sincere. And a cast member's reassurance of Valerie's goodness can be a bit too earnest.
Despite these moments, Valerie's self-actualization is a triumph. She's evolved from a character we used to cringe-in-sympathy-with to one we can truly root for. Kudrow's portrayal is a testament to her talent, and the show's exploration of Valerie's journey is a must-watch. So, will Valerie return in ten years' time? Who knows? But one thing is certain: her comeback is a thrilling ride.
