OUR DREAM BALLOT

NATASHA ROTHWELL, YVONNE ORJI, ISSA RAE, AMANDA SEALES, AND WADE ALLAIN-MARCUS

THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO LOVE ISSA

Rae’s “Insecure.” Whether it’s the entertaining hangout feel of the show or the detailed exploration of the Black female experience in modern-day America, the HBO dramedy has something for everyone. A big part of its success can be attributed to a cast that brings multiple dimensions to the series’ realistic storylines.

Rae plays Issa Dee, a millennial in Los Angeles taking on the pressures of balancing her career with her relationships. As a Black woman, Rae highlights a specific journey that hasn’t really been explored so candidly and directly on television before; her lovable awkwardness makes her one of the most relatable characters on the small screen. Even in situations in which she might not necessarily be in the right, her persistent optimism keeps her afloat. The fifth and final season sees Issa continuing to hit personal milestones while struggling to maintain her relationships.

Yvonne Orji plays Molly Carter, Issa’s best friend since college. A successful lawyer, Molly faces discrimination as a woman in the workplace; but she has even more difficulty withdating thanks to her open-and-shut approach to love and her unwillingness to compromise. Her inability to look beyond herself worms its way into her relationship with Issa. Orji has the ability to dig into the layers that make Molly difficult to pin down: She’s selfish but loyal; she’s supportive but judgmental; she’s smart, but not always emotionally adept. Still, Orji’s performance makes Molly a character we want to see end up on top.

The supporting ensemble brings impressive depth to the show’s world. Jay Ellis charts the evolution of Lawrence Walker, Issa’s

TOP: RAYMOND LIU; BOTTOM: MERIE W. WALLACE/HBO

JAY ELLIS AND CHRISTINA ELMORE

ex-boyfriend, from a man stuck in a personal and professional rut to a proactive go-getter. As his character develops, things get complicated opposite Issa and Christina Elmore’s Condola; it’s one of the most complex love triangles in recent memory, transcending TV’s typical “willthey-won’t-they” scenario.

Then there are Issa and Molly’s friends Kelli and Tiffany, portrayed by the scene-stealing Natasha Rothwell and Amanda Seales, respectively. Their comedic finesse throws audiences off the scent of dramatic reveals to come. Seales’ exploration of Tiffany’s postpartum depression, in particular, is a moving highlight, while Rothwell portrays world-weariness in surprisingly subtle ways.

As Nathan, Issa’s friend-turned-lover, Kendrick Sampson brings important real-world discussions about self-preservation and mental health into the story. Courtney Taylor is immediately likeable as Sequoia, Issa’s intern and executive assistant (as she likes to describe it); her comic timing fits perfectly with the vibe of a show that’s entering its last hurrah.

“Insecure” is multifaceted enough for every viewer to find a character they identify with. Even though we’re saying a bittersweet goodbye to our favorite L.A. millennials, watching their development over the span of five seasons has made it hella easy for them to stick with us for the many years to come.