Ep 1. Dating

Tracey Ullman is back with her award-winning show Tracey Takes On for its fourth season. In episode 1, titled "Dating," Tracey takes on the world of dating and relationships with her usual blend of humor, wit, and skewering social commentary.

The episode opens with a montage of Tracey attempting to navigate the rough waters of modern dating. She tries everything from online dating to speed dating to blind dates set up by her friends, but she just can't seem to find the right person. Along the way, she meets a variety of colorful characters, some of whom are equally frustrated with the dating scene.

Tracey's first interview is with a group of single women in their 40s who all describe their dating experiences as "disappointing." They complain about men who are obsessed with younger women or who have unrealistic expectations for their partners. Tracey commiserates with them and jokes that maybe they should start dating each other instead.

Next, Tracey talks to a group of men who share their thoughts on what makes a woman "dateable." They discuss everything from physical appearance to personality traits, and Tracey has a lot of fun poking holes in their sexist views. She also tries to get them to explain why men are so intimidated by successful women, but they don't have a good answer.

Tracey then moves on to the topic of online dating and meets with a woman who runs a successful dating website. The woman explains how she matches people based on a variety of factors, including hobbies, interests, and values. Tracey is skeptical and wonders whether it's really possible to find a soulmate online, but the woman insists that it happens all the time.

In another segment, Tracey attends a speed dating event and chats with some of the participants before and after their dates. She observes that the men seem to be much more nervous and awkward than the women, and she wonders if that's because they're under more pressure to "perform." She also comments on the fact that most of the people at the event are white and wonders if it's because people of other races are less likely to participate in these kinds of events.

Finally, Tracey meets with a group of couples who have been together for a long time. She talks to them about what makes a relationship work and what advice they would give to single people who are looking for love. The couples share their own stories of how they met and fell in love, and the mood is generally upbeat and positive.

Overall, the episode is a fun and lighthearted take on the world of dating, but it also touches on some deeper issues around gender, race, and social expectations. Tracey is a master of satire and never shies away from poking fun at society's absurdities, but she also has a real warmth and empathy for the people she meets. Whether you're single or happily coupled up, "Dating" is an entertaining and thought-provoking look at one of life's most complicated and universal experiences.