BWW Recap: Liza's 'Summer Friday' Isn't Without Its Ups and Downs on YOUNGER

So, apparently... while we're finishing up our turkey leftovers, prepping for a visit from the big man with the bag, and above all, bracing for snow... it's bright and shiny summer in the YOUNGER-verse. But while the weather outside may not be frightful... it's not quite all fun in the sun for Liza and Kelsey, who find themselves in hot water after a deal to secure Colin's manuscript goes rather awry. Ruh roh.

But don't despair... there's more to it than just that, as Diana finds herself a new beau, Redmond returns (hello, Michael Urie!!), and Liza has another new revelation herself. Plus, Josh appears shirtless on multiple occasions throughout the half-hour, so we really can't complain too much! Lolz.

It's all ahead or behind (depending on whether or not you've seen the episode), but if you're intrigued, and wanna delve a bit deeper... you know what to do. Read on, read on:

The A-Plot: In an effort to keep her private relationship with Colin separate from her business relationship, Kelsey (with Liza's help, natch) seeks out a nonpartisan agent (read: Redmond) to avoid any conflict of interest. Redmond agrees... but not without a revealing stipulation that makes Liza a bit uncomfortable. But honestly, that's something for a different time and a different place. (And I'm not kidding... she and Kelsey have got way bigger fish to fry!!).

Though it all starts off pretty well - the Millennial honchos are quickly offered a profile piece in ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY (Question: Who else thought something was going to be divulged when Emily was first introduced?!) and a potential Paramount deal (shout out to Broadway's Scott Rudin!!) - Kelsey clearly gets a bit big-headed.... and, rather predictably I might add, it backfires. Like, big.

In an effort to embellish the EW piece, Kelsey sends over the manuscript, an excerpt of which is then printed online as part of the article. Here's the thing. Random House gets a glimpse of the piece and offers a higher deal, which Redmond knows is a higher deal because Kelsey sent over Millennial's offer in order to ink the Paramount deal - despite the fact that nothing was signed. So, Redmond agrees to Random House... and long story short: Millennial loses the book. Shoot!

Poor Kels! So, it looks like her "big break" book is sold to another publisher... but does that mean her relationship with Colin is hanging in the balance? TBH, it's kind of unclear. Oh, well. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

BUT... question: with Liza insisting that Kelsey be the "face of Millennial..." could that mean she might say she wasn't part of Kelsey's BOTCHED deal?! Could she throw Ms. Peters under the bus like that?! And might it cause a rift in their friendship? I don't know... I mean, I really don't know. Just speculating...

But judging by those crazy end-of-season promos... I don't believe such a conclusion is that far off. Again, only time will tell....

The B-Plot: In an effort to rid herself of the negative and let go of the past, at the behest of her therapist, Diana asks out "the next attractive man she sees"... who just so happens to be the handsome neighboring therapist in that same office. (Yikes again!) While that obviously doesn't seem to sit well with the current shrink, Diana doesn't really care, dumping one shrink for the other, and throwing herself into a fresh, new relationship. Like... really throwing herself in. Like... "when Richard (the new therapist) gets evicted from his place, Diana offers to have him stay a few more days" kind of throwing herself in. Hmm... change of pace? Change of heart?

Now, I, for one, am proud of Diana here. While we've been so focused on Liza's growth throughout the years (then again, we kinda have to be, don't we?), I'm glad we get some real quality screen time with Diana. It's nice to see her away from work, too. She can really drop the "boss facade" and zone in on the commitment issues that might not come up in a work setting. And as we also see her alone - without any colleagues or anyone from the Empirical side of her life - those issues are brought to the forefront. Nice to see that she's not only confronting them... but bringing them to the forefront.

1) Maybe she doesn't need a therapist after all? Could she have learned her lesson? 2) If she has, might it change how she acts toward certain people at work? (I know I say that every time, but Trout-y also makes new advancements every time, so it's understandable). Can't wait to see what's next. #Growth. Good for you, Diana!

But Also: Josh feels majorly overshadowed by Liza's past life with ex David (to whom, don't forget, she's actually still married... so, we'll see when that comes into play again, but anyway...) stating, "Nothing we do is ever gonna be new for you... I'm never gonna be your first time for anything."

I mean, in her defense, he is talking about "butt stuff," but that's kinda beside the point. I mean, the underlying message is clear.

After a heart-to-heart gal pal talk with Maggie (awww... as I type that I actually realize how much I missed those... and much more infrequent those have become... could it be a sign of her further integration into her new, "26-year-old" life), Liza "mans up" and decides to give Josh one of her firsts... but it's not what you might think. She gets a tattoo... of an hourglass on its side: "[It's] us, living in the now," as Josh says. "'Cause when we're together, it's like time has stopped."

Awww... that was nice that she did that for Josh, and allowed him to give her a "first" experience. But again, her face says it all. And granted... that may be in part to throw off the viewers into thinking they were about to do the other thing... but the question remained - and has for a while, at that: does she really love him?

The aspect of the tattoo really drives it home, too: it's a permanent statement of the status of their relationship, pretty much solidifying where they are... but her apprehension to it might show that she's uneasy with it (and them) being permanent. And yet, she laughs and smiles, as if to say, "Yeah, go ahead," as if it's already a done deal and she's accepted it, even though it's not something she really wants. Could this be the show's magical metaphorical way of saying she's settling with Josh? And are they basically letting us know that she feels this way, too? Hmmm... Very interesting. #PlotTwist #SortOf

And then, of course, with the whole Charles/David mess she's roped herself into, there's also the question of what either of them might think should they ever find it. And I know you're all thinking "why would either of them ever look down there?" and I'm kinda thinking the same thing... but at the same time, I'll counter with this: This is YOUNGER, and since day one, there's been twists and turns around every corner. It could happen. Anything can happen. With this show, you never know what's coming next.

#TBT: Holy throwback, Batman! Three cheers and major props to the writing team for Diana's mention of Annabelle Bancroft and Redmond's mention of the slush pile. Hard to believe those came from the first season... seems like forever ago!! PLUS, the re-appearance of Emily Burns (from the mixer wherein Liza learned Thad's secret) was another awesome #throwback as well!! So nice to see the continuity... with the episode count adding up, I feel like the show is worthy of referencing the past... and these guys always seem to do it PERFECTLY! Way to go!!

Line of the Night: "Josh, your generation didn't invent anal sex... you just invented talking about it all the time." ROFL! Writers, you've outdone yourself again.

And A Parting Gift: A photo of Josh! Enjoy, y'all!

So... what are your thoughts? Where do you think Liza and the gang are headed next? Let us know in the comments below... and we'll see you next week! 'Til then, as always, stay YOUNGER.

Check out a sneak peek of next week's episode below:

Matt Smith is a writer and theatre enthusiast based in New York. For more information or further inquiry, including additional writing samples, please visit mattsmiththeatre.com.