The previous five episodes of Not Suitable for Work did a solid job of establishing its central friendships, workplace frustrations, romantic complications, and the uncomfortable reality of twenty-somethings trying to convince themselves they have everything under control. By the end of episode 5, several relationships were already standing on shaky ground. AJ and Bill’s increasingly complicated arrangement was becoming harder to hide, Abby was struggling professionally, Josh was drifting further into self-absorption, and Kel was quietly carrying more emotional weight than anyone seemed willing to acknowledge.
Going into episodes 6 and 7, I expected the series to raise the emotional temperature, and while it certainly delivered a few meaningful developments, I also found myself feeling less invested than I had during earlier episodes. The story remains entertaining, and there are still enough likable characters to keep me watching, but some of the emotional beats feel surprisingly surface-level considering how close we are to the end of the season. Nevertheless, these two Not Suitable for Work episodes push several storylines forward, particularly Kel’s professional journey, AJ and Bill’s evolving relationship, and Davis’ painful discovery that the woman he likes has feelings for someone else.
Not Suitable for Work Episodes 6-7: Kel Finally Gets Recognition While the Friendship Group Fractures
The strongest storyline across Hulu’s Not Suitable for Work Episodes 6-7 belongs to Kel. After weeks of being treated like the responsible roommate who quietly keeps everything functioning, Kel finally reaches his breaking point when Josh and Davis openly dismiss his acting ambitions. What frustrated me most about this conflict is that neither Josh nor Davis appears to recognize how dependent they have become on him. They mock his career choice, disregard his schedule, and seem genuinely shocked when he decides to leave.
Once Kel moves into the girls’ apartment, the contrast becomes impossible to ignore. He cleans, cooks, organizes, and generally behaves like an adult. Meanwhile, his former roommates quickly descend into complete dysfunction. The apartment deteriorates so badly that Davis eventually throws garbage out the window, only for it to land directly on their landlord. Kel has been carrying far more responsibility than anyone gives him credit for. His temporary stay with Abby and AJ creates another interesting dynamic. Both women begin confiding in him separately, particularly regarding the growing tension surrounding AJ’s relationship with Bill.
Unfortunately, Kel chooses diplomacy over honesty and ends up telling each friend what they want to hear instead of helping them address the actual problem. Eventually, everyone realizes he has been playing both sides, and Kel finds himself unwanted in both apartments. Fortunately, episode 7 gives him a much-needed victory. After learning that one of his favorite Broadway directors is holding auditions, Kel finds a creative workaround when the production requires actors to have representation. Davis pretends to be his agent, which predictably backfires once the deception is discovered. Yet what I appreciated about this storyline is that the show allows Kel’s talent to matter. The director sees enough potential to give him a role, even if it consists of only two lines.
Not Suitable for Work Episodes 6-7: AJ and Bill Grow Closer as Davis Learns the Truth
AJ and Bill remain the show’s most divisive storyline. I understand what the writers are attempting to accomplish. They want audiences to see two adults gradually lowering their emotional defenses and discovering genuine affection beneath a seemingly casual arrangement. However, I still struggle with how detached the relationship feels from the reality experienced by every other character. Abby correctly identifies the issue early. Bill rarely takes AJ on actual dates, avoids overnight commitments, and appears comfortable keeping the relationship confined to private encounters. From Abby’s perspective, it looks less like romance and more like convenience.
To AJ’s credit, she eventually confronts Bill directly. The resulting Staten Island date becomes one of the more effective scenes in these episodes. Instead of relying on expensive restaurants or grand gestures, Bill shares a piece of his past. He explains how the ferry ride home used to be the best part of his day before wealth and status transformed his life. For perhaps the first time all season, Bill feels like an actual person rather than an impossibly polished fantasy.
Their conversation about exclusivity also demonstrates a level of emotional maturity rarely seen elsewhere in the show. AJ asks directly whether he wants to see other people, and Bill admits that being with her has changed his perspective. Unfortunately, their growing intimacy creates another problem. Josh spots Bill leaving the apartment and eventually realizes he is the same Bill who serves as Davis’ mentor and boss. This discovery triggers one of the biggest developments of the season.
At the same time, Davis receives completely misleading information from AJ’s mother, who believes AJ’s romantic interest might be Davis himself. Encouraged by this misunderstanding, Davis prepares to confess his feelings. Thankfully, Josh and Kel intervene before he can embarrass himself. The scene that follows is surprisingly touching. Davis finally learns the truth and responds not with anger but heartbreak.
Abby’s Career Crisis Creates the Most Realistic Storyline of the Season
While much of the attention falls on romantic developments in Mindy Kaling‘s show, Abby arguably receives the most grounded storyline. After being effectively blacklisted within the styling industry because of Vanessa’s accusations, Abby works relentlessly to rebuild her reputation. Her anti-ketamine campaign for Austin becomes a genuine success, and for a brief moment it appears as though her persistence is finally paying off. That optimism does not last.
Just when Abby secures what should have been a major professional breakthrough, Austin casually informs her that he has decided to work with another stylist. What makes the moment sting is how casually he delivers the news. Abby invested her money, time, creativity, and reputation into helping him. Austin treats the partnership as a temporary arrangement that can be discarded the moment something more attractive appears.
I found this storyline far more compelling than many of the romantic subplots because it reflects a professional reality that countless young workers face. Hard work does not always produce loyalty, and success does not always protect people from disappointment. By the end of episode 7, Abby is left staring at an uncertain future, and for the first time all season she genuinely feels alone.
Will Davis fully recover from AJ’s rejection? Can Abby rebuild her career after Austin’s betrayal? And perhaps most importantly, can AJ and Bill’s relationship survive once it becomes public knowledge? Drop your thoughts in the comments and follow FandomWire for more recaps, reviews, and ending explainers.
Not Suitable for Work Episodes 1-3 are now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
from FandomWire https://ift.tt/ZqMHimD
No comments: