The Friendship is Real in Claws “Cracker Casserole” (recap)

Claws this week was amazing. Last week I declared this show my new love, and this week I’m dying to find a crew like Desna’s to get me through this life. While there wasn’t a lot of big action, this episode more than made up for that with character development. What we saw was a group of ladies who are undeniably there for each other.

Desna’s still trying to get the numbers up at the clinic and learning to respond to Zlata’s questionable feminist ethic. She ultimately convinces Zlata that the best option is to make a commercial, but Zlata expects results, or else. Roller is finding his place in his new family, and also trying to help Uncle Daddy at the same time. Uncle Daddy wants to get out from under Zlata’s thumb, especially when he finds out she plans to start moving Cocaine with the Columbians. Uncle Daddy wants the Haitians to speed up their timeline, but Ruval is not going to be rushed.

Jenn

This was a rough week for Jenn, but if she’s got nothing else, her girls have got her back. Zlata’s plan to drive a wedge between Desna and Jenn seems to backfire when the long-time friends decide that rather than Desna taking Jenn’s home, Dean and Desna will just move in with Jenn. This works out great for Polly because she and Marnie can move into Desna’s old place.

Jenn’s mom is in town, ostensibly to lend a hand, but Brenda (a perfect name for a terrible person) is a piece of work. Still trying to make things right with a very angry Bryce, Jenn tries to cut everyone’s favorite square-dancing Jew for Jesus. I can’t be the only one who thinks Hank is kind of the worst, right? He convinces her to dance one last time in a competition with him, but when her guilt gets the best of her, she rushes over to see him. Unfortunately, when she gets there she finds her mother looking to go down on Bryce. When Jenn attacked her mother, we see that these ladies really are all for one. Her friends are still there afterwards when Jenn finally breaks down and begins to sob. My heart broke y’all.

Polly

Our favorite con-artist is having way too much fun with life right now. She’s still enjoying every moment of training the new male dancers for the club, and her take on directing the commercial is just so extra. It isn’t in the spotlight much, but the fact that Polly’s friends embrace her, even with her embellishing of the truth, is a sure sign of real caring.

Virginia

The big story this week was Virginia’s pregnancy and her and Dean’s decision to abort the baby. Desna is not handling Dean’s relationship well, but Dean turns it right back on her about keeping secrets about the Russians. Despite trying to beat Virginia’s ass twice this week, Desna really does seem to care for Virginia.

Quiet Anne taking Dean and Virginia to the abortion clinic was very well handled. Abortion story arcs are often awkward (I’m looking at you, Glow.) and often more about making a point than developing a plot or character. This was the best take on abortion I’ve ever seen. First, everyone got to make their case and share their experiences and thoughts on abortion, while we also got some major backstory on Anne and Polly. But, in the end, Virginia and Dean made a thoughtful and informed decision, with Dean recognizing and respecting Virginia’s choice. Desna didn’t handle it great, but that’s more out of her protectiveness of Dean than disapproval. (I love that Virginia and Dean show us that Desna isn’t always able to rise above it all or handle her business in the best way.) In the end the abortion was just as Virginia said, “not a big deal.” It happened safely and without shame. Pushing through the crowd to Awkwafina’s “My Vag” was the empowerment moment I needed this week too. In that moment when Virginia claps back at the protesters and exits with both middle fingers held high, I loved that woman. And, Virginia loves Dean! And they’re getting married!

One of the things I love about the show is how it plays with the boundaries between farce and sincerity. This was definitely a more sincere week with some characters experiencing moments that were all too real, but right alongside that were Jenn’s confederate confection of a square-dance dress and a food item called “cracker casserole”. Dr. Ken’s video outtakes for the commercial were every one of us when we first got ahold of a recording device, admit it. I think I need to go watch the episode again.

Claws airs Sundays at 8/9c on TNT and is also streaming on Hulu.