Jay Ellis On Lawrence Hive & Being The "Bad Good-Guy"
There are many moments on HBO's Insecurewhere situations and characters can feel familiar and even a little triggering. One, in particular, is Lawrence. He is far from the guy we were introduced to in the first episode who was bumming it on the couch. However, he has still made quite a few mistakes along the way. And I have such a love/hate relationship with him. Because, while it's hard to ignore some of his shortcomings, he does genuinely seems like a good guy who is learning and growing.
But as many of us know, the"good-guy" quality can sometimes make people hold on to relationships for longer than they should. And it's this thought process that has caused the character's fan base to become somewhat divided. Some feel like his actions are always completely justified (side-eye to #LawrenceHive), while others feel like his mistakes are unforgivable, and Issa needs to completely end that chapter.
Well recently, GQhad an in-depth conversation with Jay Ellis, who plays Lawrence, and they addressed the elephant in the room. The interviewer boldly explained that some women see the problematic good-guy as more of an issue than the blatant playboy types. They can be "more dangerous because red flags aren't as clear," GQ shared. To which Ellis surprisingly agreed, "All of the anger and scorn is justifiable. If you don't feel that after watching this character, then I haven't done my job."
He then explains further saying, "He's [Lawrence] not intentionally being malicious, he just doesn't know or isn't vulnerable enough to ask the people around him about the direction he should be taking or how he should handle a situation."
Later, the Top Gun: Maverick actor also commented on the growth of the characters and their audience. The first season aired in 2016; it is only natural for the feelings and opinions on situations to change over time. "I think there has been some maturity with the Hive, the audience, and how this character moves throughout this world, but we all have blind spots."
However, in the end, Ellis just hopes that people can learn something from his character.
"Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Don't be afraid to experience growth. Not everything can be dealt with through the lens of either anger or happiness. We're humans, we have a multitude of emotions for a reason and there are words to express all of those emotions."
He continues, "I hope people can use his journey as a litmus test and realize they can skip some of the lows and go straight to where they're happy."
"Lawrence isn't out here like, 'Oh, I'm 'bout to wreck all these women's lives!' He's like, 'Yo, I'm trying to be a good dude, but I'm also looking out for me. I think this is how this is supposed to go, so I'm gonna do it,' without realizing that, at times, that has ripple effects in other places."
While the divisive groups mentioned earlier are understandingly passionate. I think there are a lot of us who also fall somewhere in the middle. We realize Issa Dee and Lawrence have made some major mistakes but just hope they end up truly happy. And in regards to real life, my opinion is that just because someone is a good guy doesn't mean they are good for you.
Still, hardships are going to happen either way, and no one is completely good or bad. But, it's how you respond to bad situations that really define character.
New episodes of the fifth and final season of Insecure premiere every Sunday on HBO Max.
Featured image by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO
Kirby Carroll grew up in VA but now calls Atlanta, GA home. She has a passion for creating content and helping brands grow through storytelling and public relations. When not immersed in work, you can find her sipping a mimosa at brunch or bingeing a new TV drama on Netflix. Keep up with her on social media at @askKirbyCarroll.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl In Motion: DonYé Taylor Asked Herself This Question When Creating Her Brainchild
"Being an 'ItGirl' is all about being yourself and taking all of the elements that make you who you are and displaying them at your highest capability," creative brainiac DonYé Taylor says in the introduction of the limited video series, "ItGirl In Motion."
In partnership with Hyundai, xoNecole has unveiled the limited series in conjunction with our inaugural ItGirl 100 list. The list boasts 100 Black women who not only innovate and take up space when it comes to putting on for their cities, but also as the driving force behind brands that create impact for the culture. ItGirl DonYé Taylor is one of the 100 featured ladies who put her purpose into action.
ITGIRL IN MOTION with DONYE TAYLORwww.youtube.com
As a marketing consultant, content creator, and CEO, a driving force behind DonYé's ambitions has been to show others how she sees the world by "creating art and doing things that shift perspective." In founding her brainchild, Nüclei, which is coincidentally also home to the ever-so-chic chrome brain piggybank, DonYé briefly touched on the inspiration behind the brand. "I was like, 'What would it look like if I were to be of service to myself?' And that's what made me create Nuclei," she said.
Watch the video above to take a peek into the life of the LA-based ItGirl, the importance of Black women receiving our "flowers" while we're here, and the three things she believes are absolutely essential to any ItGirl.
See our ItGirl 100 list in full here. Click through the gallery below for some BTS moments of DonYé and our partnership with Hyundai.
CREDITS
Director: Mikkoh @mikkoh
Production Company: @30inthemorning
AD/Gimbal Op: @jeffreyrattanong
DP: @jucelandrin_
Editor: @30inthemorning
1st AC: Bonnie Delgado @bonniebellevue
2nd AC: Liz Robles @lizfatimarobles
FPV Drone Op: Kai Kevin Goh @kaivertigoh
Gaffer: Nelson Nguyen @nelson_ftw
Key Grip: Ames Hoang @mangothemaker
SLT: Jamon Tolbert @jamon.tolbert
Sound Mixer: Deyo Forteza @introducingdeyo
PA: Breyona Holt @exquisite_eye
PA: Aminah Muhammad @aminahmuhamm
BTS: Marika Belamarich @marikarosegold
Featured image by Marika Belamarich for xoNecole