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2 TV ENCORE By Kyla Brewer TV Media A s young women navigate the ups and downs of mod- ern life, it helps to have a crew of steadfast girlfriends along for the ride. Issa Dee (Issa Rae, "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl") relies on her close friends in another eight-episode season of the award-winning HBO series "Insecure," airing Sunday, Aug. 19. When the season opened the week before, Issa was living with her ex, Daniel (Y'Lan Noel, "The First Purge," 2018), and her pre- carious financial situation means it would be unwise to move out. Meanwhile, her BFF, Molly (Yvonne Orji, "Night School," 2018), struggles to keep it together now that she's finally landed her dream job at a black- owned law firm. Created by Rae and loosely based on her hit web series "Awkward Black Girl," the series offers viewers a glimpse into the lives of a tight-knit group of black women, who are often underrepresented in prime-time television. This season, the women strive to make the right decisions as they continue to evolve in their 30s. In an inter- view with the Hollywood Reporter, Rae talked about how the characters grow in season 3. "This season is about not act- ing like you're naive anymore or that you don't know better," Rae explained. "So it is about, what does it look like to know better and to do better?" Following their mantra to "know better, do better," Issa Cass Co Family YMCA 2 x 2" Pear Tree Gallery 3 x 2" On the Cover and her pals face the realities of their situations. Now that she's no longer with Lawrence ("Jay Ellis, "The Game"), Issa is con- flicted about her complicated relationship with Daniel, her childhood friend and on-again, off-again lover. Professionally, she isn't sure about her future with the nonprofit she's been working for, We Got Y'all. As for Daniel, he struggles to get his music career off the ground. While fans of Ellis, who played Issa's love interest in the first two seasons, are likely dis- appointed he isn't back, this season opens the door to explore a new side of African American culture through the eyes of Daniel. In a June inter- view with Vibe.com, Rae revealed one of this season's major themes. "I love black masculinity as it relates to black women," Rae said. "I think that's something interesting that we haven't got- ten a chance to explore yet — and specifically toxic male black masculinity as it relates to black women. I'm trying to find a way to explore that and get a round- ed storyline that isn't preachy." Issa and her relationship issues may take up a lot of time, but black female friendship is still at the core of "Insecure" in season 3. While Issa tries to fig- ure out what to do about Daniel and her career, Molly deals with her own problems. She may be a successful corporate lawyer, but she hasn't been able to translate that kind of success into her romantic pursuits. To make matters worse, her hang- ups and insecurities could sabo- tage her newly secured dream job. A very pregnant Tiffany (Amanda Seales, "My Brother and Me") deals with the pres- sures of impending motherhood, but she still finds time to spend with her girlfriends. However, it's obvious the dynamics of the group are changing. Natasha Rothwell ("Love, Simon," 2018) — who's been in the news recently because of her casting in "Wonder Woman 1984" (due in 2019) — repris- es her role as the group's straight shooter, Kelli. Rothwell also works as a writer on the series, which focuses on diver- sity both in front of and behind the camera. From the beginning, Rae was determined to assemble an inclusive team to work on "Insecure." When HBO was looking for a director for the comedy-drama, she recom- mended Grammy-winning music video director Melina Matsoukas, known for her work behind the camera of Solange Knowles' "Losing You" video. She's directed a number of epi- sodes of "Insecure," and her involvement led to Knowles becoming the show's music consultant. Music is a big part of the series. Featuring indie acts and established artists, the show's soundtrack has earned praise from critics and fans, who can't get enough of Rae's raps in front of her mirror. Songs from Drake, Vince Staples, Blood Orange and D'Angelo have been featured on the show, along with music from "Insecure's" official composer, Raphael Saadiq, who rose to fame as a member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! The mix of music, comedy and drama has earned the first two seasons of "Insecure" many accolades for Rae and her cohorts, including two pending Emmy nominations. Rae has been nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category and Patrick Cady has been nominat- ed for a cinematography Emmy for season 2's "Hella LA" epi- sode. Rae's role as Issa has also earned her a Golden Globe nomination and consecutive NAACP Image Award nomina- tions for both acting and writ- ing. "Insecure" was named one of the top 10 TV programs of the year in 2017. Rae may be enjoying her suc- cess these days, but things aren't so great for her on-screen alter ego. Luckily, Issa has her gal pals to lean on in the new season of "Insecure," airing Sunday, Aug. 19, on HBO. 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