HBO’s hit comedy Insecure returned for its third season this past Sunday and instantly reminded me of just how much I missed it. If you don’t already know, Insecure follows late 20-something-year-old Issa, the namesake of real-life show creator and writer Issa Rae, as she tries to maneuver complicated relationships, challenging friendships, and a fizzling career in rapidly gentrifying Southern Los Angeles. The third season premiere, “Better-Like” finds Issa living on the couch of a man named Daniel, an old friend who she cheated on her long-time boyfriend with and is now loudly hooking up with other women, and driving a self-proclaimed “party Lyft” to make ends meet. While Issa’s bad decision making has always been a hysterical recurring theme on the show, you still can’t help but root for her. While her life may not always be pretty to look at, it serves as an honest portrayal of a young woman navigating the high and low points of life. (The high in this episode being flirtations with a handsome Lyft passenger named Nathan who I pray we see more of, and the low being drinking Jameson at 4 p.m.).

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Insecure is an easy favorite for me. The show makes me laugh out loud, centers women, has one of the best soundtracks on TV, and is constantly referencing Drake. “Better-Like” was the perfect season opener because it instantly made viewers feel like they were reuniting with old friends, but it sets the main characters far back from anything resembling a healthy lifestyle. With very little money, a job that does not value her presence, and just about the worst living situation a woman can have, we know Issa has a ways to go before getting her life all the way together. Fortunately, behind all of her missteps, there is a friend with an open ear, fierce side-eye, and empty shoulder. Enter Molly. Oh, Molly Molly Molly Molly Molly. On the plus side, she is finally getting the respect she deserves in this episode. She has moved to a new job at an all-black firm that has honored her benefit requests, is no longer pining to be in a relationship and has come back glowing from a well-deserved vacation. On the other side, she is still intimately engaged with her old friend Dro, a man who is in an open marriage and refuses to respect any of her boundaries. She tells him not to call, he does. She agrees to meet him at a restaurant, he shows up at her house. She gives him an ultimatum (exclusively friends or acquaintances with benefits), he struggles to accept either and demands pancakes. UGH! As an avid Molly follower, I know nothing about this relationship seems healthy for her and after all of the newfound success, therapy sessions, and personal growth, Dro feels like a giant step in the wrong direction.

One of the best parts of watching Insecure is following along with Twitter’s reactions. Talking about the show with a community of people every week feels like a decompression session with your best friends. Fans of the show are extremely passionate and feedback can range from incredibly encouraging...

When Issa and Molly have scenes together I legit text my girlfriends and gush. There's nothing like friends who know the real you. #INSECUREHBO

— Natasha Rothwell (@natasharothwell) August 13, 2018

I love that even though Issa and Molly's life circumstances are different financially, they still don't compete with each other and break each other down #InsecureHBO pic.twitter.com/oBqElYFt3B

— ZANA MAVIS (@ZhaneCartel) August 13, 2018

to incredibly shady...

issa girl if you had ya own damn place you wouldn’t have to text to know when you can come home #InsecureHBO

— icy grl (@INDIGOHEAUX) August 13, 2018

At least Issa has a car now. #InsecureHBO pic.twitter.com/dOwccHi3r4

— Shadow and Act (@shadowandact) August 13, 2018

with some personal gems in between...

Ufff Issa and Molly finally vocalizing their needs and wants... Season 3 lookin good #InsecureHBO pic.twitter.com/fSTpLMnmJe

— EveryStylishGirl (@EveryStylishG) August 13, 2018

Beware of anyone who doesn't respect the boundaries you try to establish. #InsecureHBO

— king crissle (@crissles) August 13, 2018

Twitter allows us all to tune in and comment on Issa’s antics as if we were in the show with her. And just like any real friend, at the end of the day, we want Issa to win.

As we gear up for another season of Insecure, be sure to come back to I AM & CO with all of your thoughts, insights, and opinions.