Ep 9. Valerie Hangs With the Cool Kids

The Comeback is an American comedy-drama television series starring Lisa Kudrow, who plays Valerie Cherish, a one-time A-list television actress looking for a return to the spotlight. In the HBO series' first season, the show within a show, "Room and Bored," serves as the platform for Valerie's attempted comeback, while a reality TV crew follows her every move for a show called "The Comeback," documenting the trials and tribulations of her career resurgence. Episode 9 of the first season, titled Valerie Hangs With the Cool Kids, revolves around the ongoing struggle of Valerie to fit in with the younger, hipper cast of her new sitcom and cement her place in the Hollywood hierarchy.

The episode opens in the fast-paced world of network television where Valerie, always eager to reclaim her fame, finds herself desperately trying to stay relevant amidst a new generation of actors and industry tastes. A combination of insecurities and determination drives her as she tries to navigate the tumultuous waters of showbiz politics and the insecurities that come with being an aging actress in a youth-obsessed industry. Valerie, who is inherently a bit out of touch with the latest trends and the new breed of Hollywood stars, seeks to ingratiate herself with her younger, hipper co-stars — who represent the "cool kids."

Through the lens of the reality TV cameras, viewers witness Valerie's painstaking efforts to bond with her co-stars off the set. Her attempts are a mix of heartfelt and cringe-worthy moments, showcasing the humor and pathos of a character who is simultaneously trying too hard and not quite getting it right. Valerie's need for acceptance lands her in a series of uncomfortable, yet comically rich situations as she oscillates between seeking genuine friendship and networking for career leverage.

Throughout Valerie Hangs With the Cool Kids, Valerie is acutely aware that her interactions are being documented by the ever-present reality crew, adding pressure to her quest for connection and acceptance. This awareness often leads her to act in a way she hopes will be perceived as favorable by the viewing audience, revealing the complexity of her character — a woman caught between her authentic self and the version she wants to present to the world.

The episode delves into the dichotomy of Valerie's life — the version of herself she presents on camera versus the moments of vulnerability and insecurity she experiences when the cameras aren't rolling. Although viewers may cringe at Valerie's attempts to be one of the "cool kids," there is something endearing and human about her struggle. The episode's strength lies in its ability to blend the situational comedy of Valerie's misadventures in the world of "Room and Bored" with the pathos of her personal quest for validation and relevance.

In the midst of trying to bond with the "cool kids," Valerie also deals with the realities of her job, which include long hours, demanding producers, and a character that sometimes becomes the butt of the joke. The show's knack for blurring the lines between fiction and reality is on full display in this episode as Valerie's real-life desire to be liked and respected mirrors that of her character's storyline on the sitcom. The layered performance by Lisa Kudrow adds depth to the seemingly superficial nature of Valerie's pursuit, as she deftly embodies the duality of an actress whose career comeback is fraught with both anticipation and humiliation.

As the episode progresses, Valerie's slated "hanging out" with the cool kids reveals the subtle tensions and politics of age, fame, and friendship in Hollywood. It's a magnified look at the social dynamics of celebrity culture and a poignant reminder of the pressures to maintain appearances in the face of personal insecurities. The presence of the reality TV crew only amplifies these experiences, offering a meta-commentary on the nature of fame and the often unflattering process of being part of a reality show.

Valerie Hangs With the Cool Kids culminates in a series of events that force Valerie to confront her stance within the showbiz ecosystem, questioning what it truly means to be successful and admired. Without giving away any spoilers, the episode manages to balance humor and heart as Valerie navigates her way through the daunting social labyrinth of young Hollywood. It's a story about image, identity, and the often painful lengths one will go to in order to fit in, and it stands out as a strong chapter in the unfolding narrative of Valerie Cherish's return to the small screen.