Season 3
We all know the magical point in the series when we settle into familiarity. We sing along to the theme song at the beginning of each episode. Our voices chant along with the nasal “O. MY. GOD’ and our hearts warm when we hear our favorite character’s catchphrase – ‘Bazinga’, ‘Tit’s up’, ‘That’s what she said’, or ‘Suit Up!”. By season 3 we’ve been immersed in our character’s world for long enough to know the inside jokes, become invested in different relationships, and participate in the novelty of new characters.
This month marks the beginning of my third year here in Paris, ceremoniously dubbed Season 3 by my friends and I.
Season 2 wrapped up with a bang and a cliffhanger. Your favorite protagonist was left on the precipice of uncertainty. Officially done with school, internships, and b.s., but not a clue as to what comes next. Bouncing back and forth between the extremes of life – joy and loss – for the last few months, she finishes Season 2 unsure of herself, her relationships, and her future in the City of Lights.
Freshman Adult
You’ve watched along for two years now and (hopefully) fallen in love with the character. She is relatable, funny, weird, adventurous, and has her fair share of issues (only a couple – relax). She’s Penny at the beginning of The Big Bang Theory, Jess at the start of New Girl, Rachel in a drenched wedding dress in Friends. She’s a freshman adult, figuring it out as she goes.
As someone who routinely has to take breaks from her favorite shows because she gets stressed by the drama and suspense, it’s incredibly unnerving to now be the character in the middle of the scene.
What’s happening with her friend group? When will she get a job? How is the dating life going?
You can’t pause the episode in real life. You just have to live through the stress and uncertainty and find out the ending.
Through the uncertainty, this protagonist is comforted in the knowledge that this is still the beginning of the series. One day when it’s over she’ll be able to look back and laugh at the worry, the silly mistakes, and the interesting cameo’s and be thankful for the journey. Thankful for the special episodes, the dramatic two-parter’s, and the boring filler ones and recognize the magic of struggle that finding yourself is.
This next year will be full of new characters, plot lines, and relationships. I for one, can’t wait.
So… let season 3 begin.
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