One of the most captivating relationships to watch unfold in “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” has surprisingly become the one between Abby McCarthy and Becca Riley. Despite their limited screen time together and their primary connection being Abby’s ex-husband, Jake, their dynamic is undeniably complex and compelling. In a show built on the intricacies of post-divorce life, Abby and Becca’s interactions stand out, often proving more emotionally resonant than Abby and Jake’s scenes themselves.
What makes Becca such an unexpected and refreshing character in “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” is her relatability. Initially, one might question how a young CW actress could authentically portray the nuances of divorce. However, the brilliance of “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” lies not in aspirational lifestyles, but in its honest exploration of divorce, a reality that touches almost everyone in some way. Whether it’s personal experience, family history, or dating someone navigating divorce, it’s a prevalent aspect of modern life. Becca, without consciously choosing to deal with divorce, finds herself thrust into this situation as Jake’s girlfriend. Her admirable handling of this challenging circumstance, alongside Abby’s own efforts, makes them both characters that viewers genuinely root for, even amidst their inevitable missteps.
Of course, the central issue remains Jake and his consistent ability to complicate matters, often described humorously as “killing all the princesses.” The ongoing question is: why can’t Jake just get it together?
While the absence of Lyla is still felt, “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” has successfully continued to deliver compelling narratives. This particular episode effectively employs two straightforward yet insightful metaphors, both linked to Lilly’s approaching birthday, which culminates in a spectacularly awkward teenage birthday party scene. The first metaphor is introduced by Chad, Charlie’s imaginary friend with a focus on gastrointestinal issues: a crack in the foundation of Abby and Jake’s house. This discovery occurs as Abby and Jake, having recently slept together, discuss their encounter. Jake and Max arrive to assess the crack, highlighting the ongoing complexities of their post-divorce relationship.
The conversation quickly shifts to the uncomfortable realities of their situation. Questions like “Do you and your girlfriend use protection?” and “Are you still on the pill?” are not typical post-marriage discussions. Yet, Abby and Jake, soon-to-be divorcées who have slept together, find themselves navigating these intimate questions. The metaphor of the crack in the foundation becomes starkly literal: a $20,000 retaining wall is needed to fix their house, mirroring the significant effort required to address the cracks in their relationship and lives. Abby’s visit to her gynecologist, confessing unprotected sex and being off the pill, further underscores the precariousness of their situation. The doctor’s appropriately judgmental look precedes a prescription for the morning-after pill, usable up to five days after the encounter.
However, the episode swiftly moves from the potential pregnancy implications to the immediate chaos of Lilly’s 14th birthday party. Lilly excitedly announces that she has invited Jake’s CW star girlfriend, Becca, to her party, and Becca has accepted. Abby later describes the situation to Delia and Phoebe: “Jake’s embryo Becca invited herself to Lilly’s birthday party…and he just stood there, staring dead-eyed like the shark in Jaws.” While Jake’s cluelessness is partly to avoid conflict, Becca’s acceptance stems from genuine uncertainty about navigating these unfamiliar family dynamics and a lack of guidance from Jake.
Abby’s initial silence upon hearing about Becca’s attendance soon gives way to a breakdown at school when she sees Jake. This outburst is fueled by a multitude of stressors: the pregnancy scare, a struggling career, sleeping with her soon-to-be ex-husband, and Lyla’s absence. Abby’s emotional scream, “There’s a crack in the foundation!” encapsulates her fear of everything collapsing, including Lilly’s memories being tainted by Becca’s presence in their family home. She demands Jake uninvite Becca or they will cancel the party altogether.
Ultimately, the episode centers on Abby and Jake’s parenting amidst personal turmoil. Planning Lilly’s 14th birthday party triggers a memory of Abby orchestrating a Princess Jasmine appearance for a past birthday, a moment of “mom-hero” status. Now, however, she can’t simply provide a princess anymore; the reality is Becca’s presence. Despite initially telling Jake to uninvite Becca (a request Jake mishandles due to excitement over Joseph Gordon Levitt liking his script and his general thoughtlessness), Abby ultimately relents. She leaves Becca a message, inviting her to the party to avoid being a “princess killer” on her daughter’s special day.
Lilly has her own agenda. Despite party favors and a DJ, the party is initially lackluster as guests anticipated Becca’s arrival. Instead, they find only Abby, Phoebe, Delia, and an abundance of snacks. Abby observes Lilly retreating to the pool house with a friend, but they quickly reappear. Just then, Becca Riley arrives, sending the teenage guests into a frenzy. Abby notices some girls are excessively excited and realizes they are intoxicated. Discovering the hidden alcohol is gone, she gathers the adults to search for what the teenagers might have consumed. Phoebe’s relatable anecdotes about teenage substance experimentation provide a moment of levity.
However, the humor quickly escalates to absurdity when teenagers start jumping into the pool, clutching themselves in pain and screaming about “vaginas on fire.” The horrifying reality of vodka-soaked tampons is revealed. Abby’s horrified screams, witnessing the teenage chaos, are both terrifying and darkly comical. The parents are called, and Abby finds herself not only having an on-screen breakdown but also being labeled the mother who allowed vaginal intoxication at her daughter’s party. The episode reaches peak cringe with a parent exclaiming, “By the way, your daughter is a delinquent and your mommy book is bullshit!”
While the vodka tampon incident dominates the episode’s narrative, other storylines continue to develop. Delia’s entanglement with her client and Phoebe’s forced break from her role-playing relationship add layers to the overall narrative. Phoebe’s realization about her desire for genuine connection marks a moment of character growth.
The episode also revisits Jake and Becca’s fracturing relationship. Jake, while searching for alcohol-soaked tampons, discovers Abby’s unopened morning-after pill. Becca enters as he is processing this, and likely prompted by seeing Jake comfort Abby earlier, she checks his phone and finds the Uber receipt from his secret rendezvous with Abby. Becca confronts Jake, spelling out her understanding of his infidelity and demanding he leave. In this pivotal moment, Becca’s strength and self-respect are evident, while Jake’s inadequacy is glaring. Becca had been investing in their relationship, but Jake remains caught in a web of his own making.
A glimmer of hope appears with Lyla, who, thankfully, did not steal her children. She calls Phoebe to announce she has taken her children to Portland and convinced Dave to join them, at least temporarily. Lyla’s pursuit of happiness, finding it in her children’s well-being and artisanal pickles, provides a contrasting positive note.
The episode concludes with Abby contemplating the morning-after pill, a glass of water untouched beside it, leaving her future uncertain. The episode raises questions about Abby’s desire for another child and the possibility of reconciliation with Jake, now that they are both single and potentially co-parenting again. It also prompts reflection on Lyla’s absence and the shocking vodka tampon incident. “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” continues to excel at portraying the messy, unpredictable, and often humorous realities of divorce and complicated relationships, keeping viewers engaged and pondering what comes next for Abby and her circle.
