“It’s All Good, We’re Fans of Her Being a Lesbian.”
Rachel Sennott has shaped I Love LA to mirror her own persona, blending classic slapstick with a Gen Z twist. However, it wasn’t until the sixth episode, “Game Night,” that she really let her guard down, showing off her extravagant comedic flair. Up to this point, her character, Maia, has been the grounding force amidst a cast of eccentric characters, including a gay sociopath, a detached nepo baby, and a chaotic influencer. Of all the main characters in I Love LA, Maia is the one with a stable job and clear-cut ambition. It was quite a spectacle to see her—and Sennott—unleash her wild side.
The shenanigans begin with a Ritz Crackers commercial. Maia has managed to book Tallulah (Odessa A’zion) for a quick gig in the ad, shot on a bustling L.A. set. It’s not high fashion like Balenciaga, but it’s a step in the right direction for both the influencer and her manager. Both are thrilled by the experience, playfully mimicking the production assistant’s calls on set.
But distractions arise with incessant calls from Tessa (Moses Ingram) to Tallulah, leading to an uncomfortable chat with a Ritz representative. After Maia confirms Tallulah’s relationship status, she’s reassured with, “Don’t worry, we love that she’s a lesbian.” It’s a peculiar remark but perfectly aligns with the corporate attempt to appear progressive—a recurring theme that will come to affect them both.
Post-Ritz and Kia promotions, Maia continues to ascend the corporate ladder at Alyssa 180. She even secures a spot next to her boss at a Forbes photo shoot, sporting a chic bob reminiscent of Nancy Pelosi. There, she adeptly handles a tricky question from a journalist, spinning it to highlight the empowering work environment at Alyssa 180, right before receiving a cryptic lunch invitation signed “Lewinsky.”
This intriguing subplot hints at underlying themes about ambition and power dynamics in L.A.’s corporate scene. Maia’s former boss, who she meets for lunch, exudes an old-school New York PR charm, questioning whether Alyssa fears Maia yet. Their discussion, filled with flirty undertones, reveals a side of Maia charged with unexplored potential and raw ambition. He poses a metaphor about hurricanes that Maia cleverly responds to, defining her character further and setting the stage for her potential evolution.
Meanwhile, Dylan (Josh Hutcherson) finds himself hosting a game night that could not possibly be more ill-timed for a tipsy and sexually charged Maia. Yet, she crashes it, adding to the night’s chaos.
Elsewhere, Charlie (Jordan Firstman), Alani (True Whitaker), and Tallulah attend Lucas Landry’s highly publicized funeral. The event turns into a spectacle, with attendees more focused on being seen than mourning. Amidst the chaos, Charlie faces an awkward reunion with a past fling, further complicating his day.
Back to Maia, her evening spirals into a whirlwind of jealousy and misadventure, culminating in a passionate yet complicated sexual encounter with Dylan, all while fantasizing about her former boss. The episode closes on Dylan’s regretful expression, a powerful shot that encapsulates the complexities of their relationship.
Random Musings
- • The term “funeral chic” unexpectedly fits the attire chosen by Charlie, Alani, and Tallulah for the crowded funeral.
- • Curious tidbit from Alani’s psychic about Charlie’s future demise at an L.A. fountain—a morbidly humorous forecast.
- • The unseen Ritz advertisement sounds absurdly delightful, especially with champagne flutes filled with crackers.
- • A map tracking all I Love LA filming locations could demonstrate the show’s commitment to featuring the city prominently.
- • Which was more cringe-worthy: the backflip for a TikTok at the funeral, or the #BlessUp hashtag?
Manuel Betancourt is a contributor to The A.V. Club.
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