None of these words end in a smile. I'll admit to having not had the chance to see the rest of Transparent's second season, which was released on Amazon on December 11. If I had, then this episode may be ranked even higher, as there'd be greater context to place it in. As it is, it's still one of the very best episodes of television this year, and perhaps the best episode of Transparent so far, no small feat given the show's stellar first season. The episode takes place at the wedding of Sarah and Tammy's, and whereas the majority of the first season focused very much on Maura, and her telling her family about being transgender and all of them coming to terms with that, this really broadens the scope to focus on all of the Pfefferman family. Yes, there is still plenty of Maura - and Jeffrey Tambor continues to excel - but we also follow the drama between Sarah and Tammy, and the doubts over their nuptials, Josh and Rabbi Raquel's big pregnancy news, which threatens to overshadow the wedding, and Ali, who is the one to spill Josh's secret, and spends much of her time alone and wanting the whole thing to be over. It's the final shot that truly makes this episode, tracking along the various rooms, showing Josh and Raquel facing up to their future together, Sarah trying to tell her new wife that she hates her, Shelley telling Maura she has always been beautiful, and Ali all alone.
NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far.
A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.
