Enlightened - S02E01 “The Key”

The Oswalt Bump

At the start of season two, a remarkable phenomenon began to unfold as comedian Patton Oswalt took to Twitter, showering effusive praise upon a show that was largely unknown to the masses. Like a contagion, his words spread through the Twittersphere, infecting more and more people with curiosity and intrigue. Suddenly, viewers discovered that the half-hour slot after "Girls" on HBO held something far more extraordinary than a mere test pattern. This hidden gem was none other than "Enlightened," a thought-provoking, intelligent, and brilliantly nuanced series that defied categorization. With its talented cast of comedic actors, "Enlightened" emerged as a beacon of change, fearlessly embracing discomfort and challenging societal norms.

Synopsis and Exploration of Characters:

For those who are just now encountering this show or have approached it skeptically amidst the online praise, let's delve into the synopsis. Laura Dern portrays Amy Jellicoe, a woman whose life takes a tumultuous turn when an affair with her boss sours, leading to a breakdown at Abaddonn Industries. Forced into an extended leave from her position as a buyer in the Health and Beauty department, Amy seeks solace in a New Age retreat. Her return marks a profound transformation, as she becomes an ardent advocate for positive change in the world, awakening the jaded masses and championing various causes.

What sets "Enlightened" apart is its refusal to depict Amy as a saint. Co-creator Mike White, who also portrays Tyler and pens every episode, masterfully crafts Amy as a complex character driven by righteous anger born from personal setbacks. Amy's endeavors to reform her junkie ex-husband or expose Abaddonn's environmentally destructive practices showcase her unwavering commitment to effect change. However, she consistently encounters a dismissive world that labels her as crazy, challenging her ideals at every turn.

Evolution

While the first season of "Enlightened" fearlessly embraced discomfort, flirted with moments of pretentiousness, and delivered introspective narratives, the second season seems to be embarking on a new trajectory. Season two is looking to weave a captivating caper plot, propelling Amy into a partnership with Tyler. This storyline symbolized Amy's pursuit of redemption and validation after being marginalized within the workplace, culminating in her unforgettable humiliation during the previous season's finale. "Enlightened" serves as a reminder that sometimes, the change we seek lies just beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed. Patton Oswalt's enthusiastic endorsement ignited a flame, opening doors to a show that defied expectations and left an indelible mark on its viewers.

In the realm of contemporary television, Enlightened emerges as a show that adeptly captures the complex human psyche and the convoluted world of corporate culture. Centering around Amy Jellicoe, portrayed by Laura Dern, the series chronicles her tumultuous journey as she navigates her personal and professional life with fervor and fallibility. One of the pivotal episodes involves Amy gaining unauthorized access to her colleagues’ email accounts at Abaddon, her workplace.

She stumbles upon what she believes to be incriminating evidence against the company. Torn between her newfound purpose and moral quandaries, Amy resolves to dig deeper, enlisting the reluctant help of her coworker, Tyler. As the plot thickens, she reaches out to a journalist with the hope of unveiling the company’s murky undertakings through an exposé. This essay delves into the ethical dilemmas, character evolution, and thematic underpinnings of this turning point in Enlightened.

Uncovering Shadows:

Amy's character is etched with a blend of determination and naivety, her every step marked by a sincere, albeit often misguided, pursuit of justice. Her discovery of potentially compromising information within Abaddon's email archives ignites her zeal for righteousness. Amy, who views herself as an advocate for social justice, perceives the information as an opportunity to unveil the sinister side of the corporate world. However, this undertaking is fraught with ethical implications. Gaining unauthorized access to emails is an invasion of privacy, and the means by which Amy obtains the information reflects a breach of trust.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas:

In her pursuit, Amy tries to persuade Tyler to join her mission. Tyler, a character depicted as subdued and compliant, is initially resistant. The juxtaposition of their personalities highlights a central ethical dilemma: does the potential for a greater good justify the use of questionable methods? Amy’s resolute sense of purpose contends with Tyler’s caution and apprehension. The episode adeptly portrays the spectrum of moral compasses, as Amy’s audacious approach contrasts with Tyler's reticence.

A Beacon in the Dark: Contacting the Press:

Determined to shed light on Abaddon’s transgressions, Amy decides to contact a reporter. This choice reflects her unwavering belief in the role of journalism as a catalyst for change. Here, Enlightened taps into a profound societal theme: the power of the press in holding entities accountable. Amy’s character embodies the human yearning for truth, and her decision to contact a journalist exemplifies her faith in transparency as a tool for justice.

Conclusion:

In 2011, during the height of the Occupy Wall Street movement, these episodes of the series "Enlightened" was produced but there message is timeless. This particular episode's timing, deeply intertwined with the socio-political climate of the time, holds great significance. The choice made by the creators to address the role of journalism as a catalyst for change reflects their keen understanding of the power of the press in holding entities accountable. Through Amy's character, "Enlightened" taps into a profound societal theme, highlighting the innate human yearning for truth and the transformative potential of transparency as a tool for justice.

Enlightened, through its nuanced characters and rich storytelling, offers a contemplative lens into the corporate labyrinth and the ethical choices one encounters in the pursuit of justice. Amy Jellicoe, with her impassioned yet flawed methodology, represents the essence of human complexity. Through her endeavors to expose Abaddon’s secrets, the show explores the delicate balance between integrity and overzealousness. In a world where shadows often cloak the truth, Enlightened invites viewers to ponder the lengths to which one must go, and the ethical lines that are crossed, in the pursuit of unveiling the concealed.