In September it was hard to believe that season 4 of Broad City was airing, it seemed like just yesterday it was January 2014 and we were following along as Abbi and Ilana tried to finesse their way to a Lil Wayne concert. However, as I sat in my dorm room watching the first episode of season 4 "Sliding Doors", the pinnacle episode of how Abbi and Ilana met, I couldn't help but feel the change that was all around. The change in the dynamic of their friendship through the years, the change in their humor, the change in social and political advocacy on the show, and the change in me, as a viewer.
Now, the word change is generally thought of as negative, but season 4 of Broad City embraces change in the best way possible. Throughout the past three seasons, we've seen the ups and downs of Abbi and Ilana's friendship, the good and the bad. The dynamic between the two and the authenticity that comes from their relationship so heavily sets this show apart from so many other of the " buddy" genres. No season is the friendship between Abbi and Ilana more vivid than this most recent season. From guiding each other through romantic relationships to helping each other financially to just straight chilling, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson bring a strong bond to a whole other level.
Another change Glazer and Jacobson so expertly do this season is use their platform to spread positive political and social messages amidst the current political state of the country. It is no surprise that this season is more politically charged than any other, considering the current political state of the country. But that didn't stop Abbi and Ilana. As usual, everything from equal rights to feminism to sexuality and so many more.
Just because there is a political message behind this season does not make it any less humorous. Every episode I watched had me laughing out loud and rewinding to re-watch scenes. Without giving any spoilers, one of my favorite scenes has to be in the episode "Florida" when Abbi and Ilana re-enact Beyonce's Formation music video in an old Cadillac while wearing 90's workout suits. The empowerment and humor perfectly mix together as Abbi and Ilana twirl Beyonce-style.
From amazing cameos, such as Shania Twain to RuPaul to Fran Drescher to Jane Curtin, this season has stars and moments that shine bright. Using their platform for political change blended with their humor, Jacobson and Glazer bring an already amazing show to a whole new level. Watching the last episode, the only thought I was left with at the end was: When does season 5 come out?
