Returning for it’s third season, Man Seeking Woman wastes no time in establishing that this season would start out different from the past two. The show has always had a very unique feel to it that perfectly analyzed Josh’s struggle to find a girl with some great analyzation into what it’s like to date in modern day. A lot of the basis for the show’s season long stories have focused on Josh rushing into things the minute a girl likes him, only to show why patience is such a virtue, especially when it comes to relationships. Season three chooses to start Man Seeking Woman off in a way viewers have never seen before, Josh is already in a relationship, which is an interesting sign.
At first, the episode comes across like it might be a perspective swap similarly to season one with Liz, offering a perspective other than Josh’s. “Futon” actually does begin with that idea, putting Josh into yet another new relationship and offering a glimpse into what the girl is dealing with when it comes to balancing her boyfriend and her friends. Once again, Man Seeking Woman does a great job with it’s analyzation and realistic nature of all of the different feelings and perspectives that come from relationships and dating. In this case, Josh comes across as a threat to Lucy’s friends, to the point where they are uncomfortable with having this new person around all of the time. For Lucy, she is trying to reap the best of both worlds; having her friends get to know her boyfriend and vice versa, yet, it’s tough to do and there will always be some boundaries. A lot of the problem is probably stemming from the fact that Lucy’s friends are jealous of Josh and how well the couple’s relationship seems to be starting out. Not only is he the in person representation of what others want and don’t have, Josh also becomes an additional voice who is forced onto their group and takes away their time with Lucy.
Man Seeking Woman has built itself on the decision to be weird and unconventional with it’s storytelling and surreally personifying the show’s stories. For “Futon,” the intrusion of Josh into their group is like an illegal immigrant attempting to sneak into a country. They bar Josh from the apartment and Lucy has to rely on crafty methods to sneak him back in. In a lot of ways, the show is trying to show that love has no bounds and everyone is allowed to see who they choose, regardless of what anyone else thinks. To the friends, Josh feels like an additional roommate that they never asked for, someone who comes and goes as they please without paying rent, buying groceries, etc. The choice to represent this similarly to illegal immigration is smart, because it fairly displays both sides of the argument. Josh and Lucy just want acceptance from her roommates, even if that comes with setting up some rules or requirements for Josh being around, while the friends already feel like they have been taken advantage of.
“Futon” really opens up Man Seeking Woman in an incredibly different way than viewers have seen before. In the past there have been times where Josh begins episodes or seasons with a girlfriend, but it fizzles out pretty quickly when the show reveals how rushed things move and that Josh is normally so caught up in seeking companionship that he cannot focus on the base qualities of a person compatible with him for the long-term. Season 3 introduces Lucy, who actually seems like she might be around for awhile. Not only was this the first time Josh seemed to be functioning naturally, but Lucy is actually really charming and does not seem to have any immediate flaws or red flags that might signify doom is on the horizon. Additionally, it looks like the show is implying that this season’s antagonist is going to be Mike, not the downfall of a relationship for Josh. When it comes to relationships, as seen in “Futon,” Mike is once again all about the single lifestyle, but his feelings are only amplified after the way Season 2 concluded. Now Mike is focusing on how bad girlfriends can be for guys, and this could be the one constant thorn that has the biggest influence on Josh.
Man Seeking Woman opened up with a great episode to kick off it’s third season. The show has a really unique feel and style to it, but it’s great to see a big step forward in the long-term story. Everyone roots for Josh because he just wants to find someone that will honestly love him, and the character has plenty of flaws that have stopped him from achieving that, but he needs to have some type of a step in a positive direction. Lucy seems like a fun character and it’s clear that she will be around for the season because the actress, Katie Findlay, is already listed as a series regular for the show. “Futon” was a really solid reintroduction to the show and it seems like season 3 has a lot of fresh ideas in store!
Other Thoughts:
- Lucy leaves to move in with Josh, which is a big statement for the first episode in the season. It’s deceiving because as a new couple they have no balance, so having their own space is necessary. Moving in too quickly begins to throw discomfort onto the relationship, so it will be interesting to see how Josh and Lucy navigate this.
- Interesting to see Mike set up as the antagonist in the first episode. Maybe this season is going to keep Lucy around and give viewers a chance to see Josh grow but Mike will be the one thing that truly holds him back.
Follow Us
