“Firefly Lane” : Season 2 Part 2 Review
“Firefly Lane” - Season 2 Part 2 Review
Netflix shocked viewers with the first part ending of “Firefly Lane” this season. The second part of the season was released on April 27, containing even more emotional twists and turns.
Sarah Chalke as Kate Mularkey, Katherine Heigl as Tully Hart and Ben Lawson as Johnny Ryan star in “Firefly Lane,” a drama series that follows childhood best friends into their adulthood as they learn to navigate hard life situations together and apart.
“Firefly Lane” never fails to showcase life issues with authenticity. While other series approach difficult situations in an unrealistic way, this show excels in forthright writing. Part two exhibits the realities and detrimental effects of breast cancer.
Not a moment in this portrayal of a cancer journey seems unbelievable. The bad and the ugly take hold of the scenes taking place in the present, so viewers will think these are watered down or brushed over.
The writing allows for a great story to take over, but Kate’s hardships would not be effectively conveyed without a skilled actress.
Sarah Chalke enhances this part of the season with her raw and emotional portrayal of Kate’s cancer journey. Scenes when her hair first falls out or feeling overwhelmed by the way she is treated as someone with cancer are two examples of various times Chalke exhibited expertise in her role.
The writer’s focus on Kate’s past and present provided much-needed insight into her personality. It was a nice contrast from the usual fixation on Tully’s story.
In episode 15: “Moondance,” Kate is speaking to her therapist about how everyone else is feeling except herself. This scene forces viewers to reflect on the selflessness Kate has shown throughout the series.
While Chalke’s acting and the writer’s plot carry “Firefly Lane,” viewers continue to come back for Kate and Tully, a friendship to spark envy.
One of the most crucial parts of “Firefly Lane” is the deep friendship between Kate and Tully. There continues to be a spectacular development of their relationship up until the end of the season.
In the last episode: “This Must Be the Place,” Kate surprises Tully with a present during a hard time, already predicting how she was going to feel before the moment. Instances such as this one prove the writer’s skill in making this the best friendship to follow throughout a series.
Typically the series teases future events that reveal a crucial part of the plot, but the writers failed to do so effectively this time. The wedding day scene hinted at throughout a few episodes, felt rushed and barely regarded.
Viewers ended “Firefly Lane” with a want for more, as this was an unexpected wedding included in the season. However, this minor detail does not take away from the rest of the storyline.
Besides this aspect, there are no flaws that come to mind when reflecting on the wonderfully told story about fully developed characters. This part of the season gets a perfect rating because of the quality of the story and acting.
Those who are up for an emotional journey of well-loved characters will want to watch part two of this season of “Firefly Lane.” Feelings are rarely presented with the vulnerability these actors express, and it is worth the tears to finish the series out strong.
Rating: 5/5
Cassie Baylis is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ceb6085@psu.edu.
