Advance Preview: William Jackson Harper Carries The New Season Of HBO Max’s Love Life
The second season of HBO Max’s wonderful romantic comedy anthology, Love Life, returns tomorrow, October 28, and fans are in for quite a treat with this new season. As with the previous season, the second focuses on Marcus Watkins (William Jackson Harper), an editor at a New York City publishing house struggling with racial identity and a loveless marriage. Viewers meet Marcus on the night of our first season’s protagonist, Darby’s (Anna Kendrick) first wedding, where he happens upon another invitee to the wedding, Mia Hines (Jessica Williams). From there, his journey to finding his “one” begins to unfold in a rollercoaster of heartbreak and laughter.
Creator Sam Boyd, once again, has an innate ability to shine a light on the difficulties of love that bring a realness to this show. It’s not all about the flowers and butterflies, Marcus’ actions, and choices, especially towards the beginning of the season, can make it hard to justify whether or not he deservers to find the one. But, love is not easy, it’s extremely hard, and as the season progresses Marcus meets the battle head on and must learn from past mistakes in order to find his happy ending.
However, it is Marcus’ struggle with racial identity that truly takes the lead in this season and that is thanks to writer-producer Rachelle Williams. She showcases through Marcus the difficulties he is facing as a black man in a predominantly white world, especially when faced with Mia, who believes that Marcus is trying to behave whiter in order to fit in. It’s an interesting and frustrating dynamic that has been created between these two characters, but with Willaims safety behind the wheel, it feels authentic and relatable.
William Jackson Harper takes on the leading role this season and he is absolutely wonderful. He has the talent and charm needed to carry this season straight to the end. Jessica Williams as Mia Hanes is the perfect counterbalance to William Jackson Harper. However, it is Jordan Rock’s performance as Marcus’ best friend, Trae that ended up being my favorite. Rock’s character says what the audience is thinking and will have you wanting to be his best friend when all is said and done. Keith David steps in as our narrator of the season and is an absolute winner for me. If I could ever choose for someone to narrate my life, he would be at the top of my list.
Love Life season 2 isn’t a feel good season, so be prepared to be shaking your head throughout the season. If you are looking for a show that will help you escape reality, this is not it. Instead, if you are looking for a show to ground you and remind you what real life, and love, is like, this season is for you.