Jenni Konner, a veteran television writer known for her work on Girls, has brought her expertise to the second season of Nobody Wants This. The series, now under Konner’s and Bruce Eric Kaplan’s guidance, delves deeper into its characters and relationships. This article explores how Konner’s influence has reshaped the show, particularly focusing on the development of characters like Sasha, played by Timothy Simons.
Nobody Wants This, loosely based on creator Erin Foster’s life, revolves around the relationship between Joanne, a shiksa podcaster, and Noah, her rabbi boyfriend. Season 2 addresses previous criticisms and offers a more nuanced portrayal of its characters. We’ll examine how Konner addressed concerns about representation and expanded the narrative scope of the series.
Here, we will discuss the changes implemented in the new season, the development of key characters, and Konner’s overall vision for the show. Join us as we explore how Jenni Konner helped Nobody Wants This evolve into a more settled and expansive comedy.
Jenni Konner’s Vision for ‘Nobody Wants This’
Jenni Konner’s arrival as co-showrunner marked a turning point for Nobody Wants This. With her experience from Girls, Konner aimed to deepen the show’s narrative and address earlier criticisms. She partnered with Bruce Eric Kaplan, another Girls alum, to bring a fresh perspective to the series.
Konner expressed her initial admiration for the show’s premise, stating,
“I found it so winning and funny and fresh, so it was just sitting down with Erin and making sure she wanted to learn how to do the other parts of the job. She clearly knows how to do the writing and the creative parts, and she really has this incredible sense of what the show is.”
Her goal was to support creator Erin Foster while also enriching the show’s characters and storylines. This vision led to significant changes in Season 2, focusing on character development and relationship dynamics.
Deeper Character Development in Season 2
One of the primary improvements in Season 2 is the enhanced character development. With more episodes, the writers were able to explore characters beyond the four main leads. This allowed for a more nuanced understanding of their motivations and relationships. Konner noted,
“No one was developed who weren’t the four main characters. These shows are 21 to 22 minutes each.”
This expansion is particularly evident in the characters of Sasha (Timothy Simons) and Esther (Jackie Tohn). Their marriage, previously a backdrop, is now a focal point, adding depth to the overall narrative. The storyline addresses the complexities of long-term relationships and personal fulfillment.
Addressing Jewish Representation
Season 1 faced criticism for its portrayal of Jewish women. In response, Konner and Kaplan brought in Rabbi Sarah Bassin as a consultant to ensure more accurate and respectful representation. Konner clarified that these changes were in motion before the criticisms surfaced, stating,
“While many assumed Jewish creatives were brought in after the reviews, Konner says Netflix and 20th Television reached out to her before the public had seen any of it.”
The character of Esther, who was initially seen as a one-dimensional antagonist, has been revamped. She is now portrayed as a more complex individual with her own struggles and motivations. This shift demonstrates a commitment to rectifying previous missteps and promoting inclusivity.
Timothy Simons as Sasha: A Key Relationship
Timothy Simons’ character, Sasha, plays a crucial role in exploring the themes of marriage and commitment. His relationship with Esther is no longer a simple plot device but a central storyline. Konner explained that the writers wanted to delve into why Sasha and Esther married in the first place and where their relationship is headed. She asked,
“Why did she marry Sasha? Why did he marry her? Here they are with a teenager, and it’s that thing where you look at your spouse and go, ‘Is that all there is?’”
Simons’ portrayal of Sasha brings depth to the series, highlighting the challenges and realities of maintaining a long-term relationship. This focus adds a layer of relatability to the show, making it more engaging for viewers.
Konner’s Talent for Spotting and Nurturing Talent
Konner sees herself as a shepherd of great ideas. She has worked with inexperienced creators to help their projects come to life. Konner said,
“I really think I’m good at spotting talent. That is something I feel a lot of pride in.”
She also believes that the TV world is not currently set up for new voices to succeed and wants to help make that possible. After she was tapped for Nobody Wants This, she recruited Kaplan so she could keep up with Single Drunk Female and other projects in development.
The Influence of ‘Girls’ on Character Development
Konner drew from her experience on Girls to develop the characters in Nobody Wants This. Just as characters like Elijah and Shoshanna evolved over time in Girls, the characters in Nobody Wants This are given the space to grow and change. She states,
“What we always said about Girls is, she may not be likable, but she’s relatable, and that’s how I feel about these characters.”
This approach allows for a more authentic and engaging portrayal of each character. The focus shifts from mere likability to relatability, making the characters more human and their stories more compelling.
Conclusion: ‘Nobody Wants This’ Finds New Depth
With Jenni Konner at the helm, Nobody Wants This has evolved into a more profound and engaging series. The focus on character development, particularly the exploration of Sasha and Esther’s relationship, adds depth to the narrative. By addressing earlier criticisms and committing to more inclusive representation, the show has found a new direction.
Konner’s experience and vision have reshaped Nobody Wants This into a series that offers both humor and insight. As viewers tune in to Season 2, they can expect a more nuanced and relatable portrayal of its characters. This evolution underscores the importance of diverse voices and perspectives in television.
Ultimately, Nobody Wants This has demonstrated its ability to adapt and grow, thanks to the guidance of Jenni Konner and her team. The series is a testament to the power of thoughtful storytelling and the importance of addressing critical feedback. As the show continues to evolve, it promises to offer viewers a fresh and engaging perspective on relationships and identity.
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