Despite its crazy plot line, the first season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt drew me in with its humor and heartfelt characters. Kimmy’s overly enthusiastic attitude kept the show not only lighthearted, but also sincere and authentic. So when I sadly reached the end of Season 1, I desperately craved more. And Season 2 reeled me in with even more laughs.
The second season casts Kimmy entrenched in many problems. She has to worry about her married love-interest, Dong. She selflessly helps the newly divorced Mrs. White. She also balances a tight budget, working as an Uber driver at night.
But mainly, Kimmy is trying to establish a new self and separate herself from her years in the bunker. This season, she’s trying to settle her past and seeks out a therapist in Andrea (Tina Fey), an Uber customer and struggling alcoholic. Her therapy sessions with Andrea teach Kimmy to feel angry, an emotion she’s entitled to have.
Fey’s role in the show was the highlight of the season. She’s more of a mess than even Kimmy is. More importantly, Fey is a brilliant actress, able to convey the struggles of a disillusioned member of the workforce.
But Kimmy’s not the only one who’s having problems. Lillian’s having a hard time letting go of the past, as hipsters intrude her neighborhood. She fears gentrification, as city projects attempt to establish new eateries–a very real problem in neighborhoods even in Dallas.
Furthermore, Titus has entered into a relationship with construction worker Mikey, a refreshing character to the show. Mikey, awkward and uncomfortable, charms Titus with his kind and loving personality, as he comes to terms with being gay.
In addition, Jacqueline, tired of being the better person and more importantly, sick of being “poor,” pines for a rich man, but finds herself actually falling for him. We see a new side to the otherwise self-centered Jacqueline, someone who is capable of love and affection.
Granted, the season wasn’t as funny as the previous season, but it sure did have its laughs. Kimmy’s outdated ’80s references continue to be humorous, while Titus’s soliloquies remain to be dramatic and cliched.
The second season Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt tackled some more serious issues, while remaining true to its crazy, kooky tone.
