The FX raunchy romantic comedy series, You’re the Worst, returns on Wednesday, September 9th, 2015 at 10:30pm.  The show follows a narcissist writer, Jimmy Shive-Overly’s relationship, with the cynical Gretchen Cutler.  The “worst” squad also includes their best friends Lindsay, an unsatisfied housewife, and Edgar, a PTSD Iraq war vet. With the second season premiere airing next week, I decided rexamine each character to see who is the best at being the worst adult, in season 1.

Jimmy’s Worst Episode 

EPISODE 2, Insouciance

After meeting during the first episode both Jimmy and Gretchen are continuing to pursue a casual, sexual relationship.  So, what happens when sex is off the table? Jimmy initially assumes that they won’t see each other, until sex is back on the table.  Then Edgar steps in and arranges for Jimmy to take Gretchen out on a date.  This is probably my personal favorite episode, because of the hilarious opening, dinner, and movie date scenes.  Chris Geere brings Jimmy to life throughout the episode as his dry humor supports the character’s boyish indifference to the situation.  Then there is a moment of true affection as Jimmy longingly stares at Gretchen after she says that, “Cameron’s the worst.”  Jimmy is truly a boy stuck in a man’s body; but he is willing to grow up for Gretchen.

Worst Line 

“I like to yell out character inconsistencies, structural flaws,and keep a general humorous commentary, this is the only place that let’s me do that.”  Episode 8

Season 2 Needs 

In episode seven, we vaguely see the type of relationship Jimmy has with his father.  Hopefully we will actually get to see his father come to town, or Gretchen and Jimmy take a trip to London.  Also, where is Jimmy’s mom? Does he have siblings? Throughout this past season we learn that Lindsay had a crush on Jimmy, while he dated her sister.  If they do a flashback episode it would be cool to see exactly how that went down.  In addition it would be interesting to see Jimmy encounter a writer he idolizes, only to be repulsed by him/her.

Gretchen’s Worst Episode 

EPISODE 8, Finish Your Milk

 Gretchen “leaves” town to visit her parents, only she doesn’t, and Jimmy ends up interrupting her family’s lunch to drop some truth bombs.  For the first time we see Gretchen masterfully lie to Jimmy’s face, who in a referential Usual Suspects scene, discovers the truth.  During Jimmy’s epic monologue to Gretchen’s parents about how they haven’t met the “real Gretchen”, viewers fully come to understand her character.  She is still a rebellious teenager, afraid to grow up, so she hides herself away from not only her parents, but from men too.  Aya Cash’s performance, when she finds the engagement ring, is beautiful as she silently processes this possibility, and goes through a range of emotions.  Gretchen’s default setting is to run away from adulthood, so she breaks up with Jimmy.

 Worst Line

“I shit myself earlier, and that is only the second most embarrassing thing that has happened to me today…” Episode 10

Season 2 Needs 

Gretchen should being taking more awkward steps into adulthood, outside of just being in an adult relationship.  She could attempt to get a promotion at work, but struggles to balance her job with her relationship.  Towards the end of the season begin to subtly hint at her and Jimmy having the “kid” talk. I would like to see Gretchen’s perspective on the idea of being pregnant and then raising a child.

Lindsay’s Worst Episode 

EPisode 9, Constant horror and Bone-Deep Dissatisfaction

This flashback episode to two-half years before Gretchen met Jimmy was great for all the characters, but especially Lindsay.  We see her in the midst of planning her wedding, then married, and still basking in the glow that she beat her older sister to the alter.  This in comparison to her present state of dissatisfaction with life as a wife.  Throughout this episode we understand her motivations for settling, low esteem, sibling rivalry, being neglected as a child, and the fear of being left behind.  These are all childish reasons to marry, as mature adults should only marry out of love.

Worst Line

“I’m not a sidekick! I’m Beyoncé, not Kelly Rowland. If I’m on a motorcycle, I’m driving the motorcycle, not riding in that shitty little side motorcycle thingy for poor people and dogs.” Episode 7

Season 2 Needs 

Next I want to see Lindsay struggle to establish herself as an independent woman.  She will be divorced, have to get a job, and find somewhere to live.  Lindsay may even need a roommate, who could conflict with Gretchen.  Even though I see her and Edgar getting back together, I don’t want to see Lindsay in a relationship during season 2.  If she beings dating then it would be an interesting role reversal between her and Gretchen, who is now in a steady relationship.

Edgar’s Worst Episode 

Episode 5, Sunday Funday

Edgar planned the perfect Sunday for him and his friends.  During their brunch, he accidentally drops the secret itinerary for the day.  Richard Hendricks, guest star Thomas Middleditch, returns the misplaced list to Edgar.  Throughout the day Richard and his group of hipsters end up attending all the events that Edgar had previously planned for his friends.  Including shopping cart racing and going to an open house for fresh baked cookies.  Throughout the episode we see this man suffering from PTSD and act as a child. A child who only sees the world as a playground.

Worst Line

“My Therapist said I should be alone as little as possible on account of how I’ve been waking up holding a knife.”  Episode 6

Season 2 Needs 

Now that Gretchen has moved in with Jimmy and Edgar will he begin to miss his best friend?  Throughout season 1 Edgar has supported their relationship, but the dynamics has changed in the finale.  I really want to see a roommate fight between Edgar and Gretchen that places Jimmy awkwardly in between his girlfriend and best friend.  Plus, Edgar wooing the newly single Lindsay.

By Sarah Belmont
Featured Writer
@sjbelmont