I really appreciate being able to watch this show when I am almost smack dab between Lindsay/Josh and Ashley/Austin age wise. I know Reddit has a way of amplifying strong opinions, but I really felt like I could understand a lot of the decisions each of them were making. I’m asking myself questions from this show almost all the time- what is financial success? When do we have enough? What is love? Will I let my face continue to fall? Will there be children in my life? Ultimately, who am I?
This is especially true regarding their decisions around seeking out or maintaining financial stability. Which makes me appreciate the overall theme of capitalism and it’s impact on people’s survival, who we allow to define success in our lives, and the things we are willing to hold on to or let go of as we seek comfort or happiness or success.
Josh having one of the most prominent emotional evolutions of being able to let go of ideologies and people he once held onto tightly. Lindsay stepping away from a version of success and beauty that seemed to reel her in but cause immense suffering. Austin choosing that dream of financial security, stepping into the life he’s been sold as the ideal. Ashley so desperately holding onto Austin and motherhood, leaving little room for consideration of an alternative.
I really think they did a great job painting generational divide with overlapping human ugliness that is present amongst all of us. The evolution of humans and their ideals, beliefs, and opinions as they grow older was kind of beautiful (?) to witness!