Ep 10. Valerie Gets a Magazine Cover

Valerie Cherish is a television actress on a mission to claw her way back into the limelight, and her big break may have just arrived. In "Valerie Gets a Magazine Cover," the season one finale of the HBO comedy series "The Comeback," Valerie receives some exciting news that could transform her career.

The episode opens with Valerie at home, looking through mail when she suddenly screams in excitement. She's received a phone call from a magazine that wants to put her on the cover. Valerie can hardly contain her excitement, and she immediately calls her husband Mark to share the news. But as they talk, she starts to doubt her own worthiness for the cover.

Valerie's husband tries to comfort her, but she's hesitant to believe that this is really happening. She's spent so much time being told that she's not good enough, and she struggles to shake off those negative feelings.

As Valerie begins to prepare for the magazine shoot, she starts to worry that her looks aren't up to par. She enlists the help of her makeup artist, Mickey, to help her look her best. But even with the makeup, Valerie feels insecure and uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Valerie's obnoxious reality show producer, Jane, continues to follow her around with a camera crew, capturing everything for the next season of "The Comeback." Valerie tries to ignore Jane, but it's clear that Jane is more interested in making entertaining television than in actually helping Valerie.

When the day of the magazine shoot arrives, Valerie is a bundle of nerves. She's worried about every little detail, from her hair and makeup to the clothes she's wearing. But when she arrives at the shoot, she's surprised to find that the photographer is supportive and encouraging. He tells her that she looks beautiful and that he's excited to work with her.

Valerie puts on a brave face and starts posing for the pictures. But as the shoot goes on, she starts to feel more and more self-conscious. She's acutely aware of all her flaws, and she fears that the pictures won't turn out well.

Despite all her doubts and anxieties, Valerie manages to finish the shoot. When she leaves the studio, she's exhausted but relieved. She's done it - she's finally got a magazine cover! But as she reflects on the experience, she realizes that the shoot wasn't as glamorous or exciting as she thought it would be. It was hard work, and it made her feel even more insecure than before.

"Valerie Gets a Magazine Cover" is a bittersweet season finale that highlights both Valerie's successes and her failures. As she achieves one of her biggest career goals, she also realizes that fame and recognition aren't everything. She's still the same insecure, imperfect person she was before, and she still has a long way to go before she can truly embrace herself.

Overall, "The Comeback" season one is a hilarious, poignant exploration of show business and the ups and downs of fame. With fantastic acting from Lisa Kudrow and a sharp, witty script, it's a must-watch for anyone who loves smart comedy.