In the final two episodes of How to Die Alone’s first season, Melissa jumps into the deep end, and Natasha Rothwell proves herself to be a multi-hyphenate, showcasing her range as an actress in ways we haven’t seen before. If The White Lotus gave us a taste of how talented Rothwell is across multiple genres, her performance in these episodes is a three-course meal. We’re already familiar with her impeccable comedic chops — Melissa’s practice monologue in the van leading up to her confrontation with Alex was too good — and sharp writing, but she pulls on our heartstrings in How to Die Alone (did anyone else tear up as she took flight for the first time?), delivering an impressive first season with abundant potential for a second.
After deciding to tell Alex her true feelings before the wedding, episode seven picks up with Melissa journeying to the airport to catch him before his flight to Maui. She arrives too late, rolling up to his gate after hijacking one of the electric carts to see the flight is finished boarding and preparing for takeoff. Defeated, she goes to the Thai restaurant where she once worked.
At first, the choice to return to her comfort zone seemed like the ultimate form of regression. However, as the night goes on, the show reminds us that sometimes, outgrowing yourself and bearing witness to the discomfort it brings is a necessary part of evolution. The Melissa who shows up at the Thai restaurant on New Year’s Eve is light years ahead of the ol.
