Michelle Buteau understands what it’s like to be a complicated person and what it’s like to be thick in New York. But, as we said in the first two episode reviews, “thick” isn’t what this show is about. What this show is about is a woman who is making her way, newly single, and figuring her shit out.
Figuring out who you are is one of the hardest things in the world, but if we’re being honest, we don’t think that you ever stop figuring out who you are. It’s a constant evolution.
And that’s where Survival of the Thickest excels. It excels in not focusing on body size, but treating all bodies as though they are normal – because news flash – they are.
Survival of the Thickest excels at being a hilarious television show that explores all aspects of what it’s like to live in New York City. It explores the evolution of a woman finding her way, friendships, and the way that things can be perceived (but not giving a fuck and doing shit your own way).
Mavis is figuring out her issues and she’s working. She’s loving all of the attention she’s getting and has even started feeling herself and running with Marley.
Marley and Khalil aren’t exactly close – they are friends by association. Even with their drama, Mavis is determined that they all get along. She tells them about the guy at the bodega that gave her free produce.
Going to have to agree with Khalil here – you don’t fuck where you eat. Hell, that should be common sense. We’re not saying that every time that you do something like that, it’s going to bite you in the ass, but unless you’re being bit in the ass, is it worth it?
We will never look at chocolate Pop Tarts the same. Also we’re definitely going to need to card everyone before asking them to help us get Pop Tarts.
One thing that we love about Mavis is that she can recognize when she’s making her mistakes and when there is a situation that she feels uncomfortable about, she just leaves. She also handles that shit like a boss ass bitch.
While we are not sure what will come of the Bodega worker, what we do love is that this, mixed with all of her confidence and work propels her forward.
Mavis doesn’t seem like the type to just be hooking up with everyone, but we’re not judging. We know that feeling wanted, needed, and desirable is something that can be intoxicating.
And hell, if some hot guy from Rome wants to come for us and take us out, we’re down. Bubble gum, though? We’ll pass on that.
While we’re not judging giving a blowjob in the back seat of a taxi. This is New York. Shit happens and quite frankly it’s not the craziest thing we’ve seen this week. But girl, this seems more of a cautionary tale on what not to do, because giving someone a blow job with gum in your mouth is a recipe for disaster.
We said what we said.
It works out for Mavis. Turns out gum comes out with peanut butter and ice. Who knew. We sure didn’t. She’s just happy that she had sex and that her Italian fling was a good time.
Khalil and Marley, meanwhile, are finding a way to get along. The two have been held together by Mavis, but it’s when they are forced to become friends on their own terms that we’re able to see a different side.
Sometimes you find friendship when you allow yourself to just feel comfortable and find common ground. Tone Bell and Tasha Smith give such life to Khalil and Marley, that you want them to be your friends. They push each other. They make you want to push yourself and be surprised by someone.
But more than anything, all of the characters in this show – well – they make you laugh.
They bring you joy.
And they make you embrace your inner bitch, cause life is supposed to be lived.
OTHER THOUGHT
- We’re loving that a large part of this show is taking place in a Drag Queen club. It’s such a good time, the people are amazing, and the shows that are put on are fabulous.
- We love Peppermint.
- Marley can paint
- Khalil makes a mean boot
- I can’t stop laughing with Mavis in the best way. She just brings me such joy
