Tube Talk: Three episodes to inspire new beginnings
With the return of warmer temperatures and chirping birds, campus is looking more like spring each day. Of course, this season brings with it a sense of a fresh start, whether that means an overdue closet cleaning session or a complete revamping of your state of mind. In case you haven’t quite found the motivation to start something new yet, here are three episodes to lead you in your endeavor. Some will inspire, while others may serve as a reminder that things won’t always go as planned, but all will help you on your way…or at least give you a much deserved study break.
- Courtesy of The CW
“The Carrie Diaries”
This first episode is about more than a young girl taking on the Big Apple. In fact, Manhattan plays more of a behind-the-scenes role in the pilot. Carrie Bradshaw (AnnaSophia Robb) and her family are learning to cope with the loss of her mother in the midst of the relentless back-to-school hustle and bustle. On Carrie’s first day of her junior year in high school, her father (Matt Letscher) talks to Carrie’s guidance counselor and the two decide she should take an internship at the law firm of one of Tom’s friends. Carrie launches into a frenzy of excitement after hearing that the internship will be in Manhattan, and the deal is made.
Anyone with big city dreams will connect with the young Carrie. Although “The Carrie Diaries” has received mixed reviews since its release earlier this year, the pilot reveals a complex storyline for all characters. Robb’s girly portrayal of Carrie is spot-on, although her giggly squeals can be hard on one’s ears. The first episode may be just the inspiration that you need to kick-start your spring renewal.
“Friends” — Season 1, Episode 1 “The Pilot”
As some may not remember, this classic comedy starts off with Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) running into the Central Perk coffee shop. She has just left her fiancé at the altar after realizing that she couldn’t marry him. Rachel quickly realizes that life is harder without the cushion of her parents’ money and struggles to find her way. After spending an unsuccessful day in job interviews, Rachel caves and buys a pair of boots — because who doesn’t need a pair of I-don’t-need-a-job-I-don’t-need-my-parents-I’ve-got-great-boots boots — prompting the group to force her to cut up all of her credit cards as an initiation to the real world. In the end, Rachel manages to land a waitress job at Central Perk, and the screen fades to credits as the group sits in their usual spot laughing together.
Though it may seem cliché, the pilot serves as a reminder that regardless of one’s current success, there are many things in life that affect one’s well-being more. So don’t fear if you haven’t quite made it to the finish line, because there are people who will support you all along the way.
“The Mindy Project” — Season 1, Episode 10 “Mindy’s Brother”
The New Year has just arrived, and Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling) is determined to make some changes in her life. Unfortunately, none of her four resolutions last longer than a few minutes. But she’s not the only one with goals in this episode. Mindy’s brother Rishi (Utkarsh Ambudkar) comes to visit with news of his plan to drop out of Stanford University and move to New York to pursue his rap career. Mindy is immediately appalled and even kicks him out of her apartment, but not before she gives him a hat (because it’s cold outside) and a MetroCard with some money left on it. After arguing about it for the majority of the episode, the two are reunited on the stage of a rap battle and all ends well for the Lahiri family.
Although Mindy is unable to follow through with her own goals, this episode ends on an uplifting note. Topped with Kaling’s awkward humor, this episode could bring up some new questions regarding your own dreams.