by Mike Hilty, Contributing Writer
A showcase of comedic chops, which also features some genuinely poignant moments about life and legacy, Dying for Sex is about Molly (Michelle Williams), a young stage four cancer patient who has just been given a terminal diagnosis. Since this is not her first time with cancer, she’s determined to make the most of her situation and focus on herself and her sexual empowerment. Supporting her on this journey is Nikki (Jenny Slate), Molly’s best friend extraordinaire and new caregiver when Molly decides to leave her husband, Steve (Jay Duplass).
There is no easy way to infuse comedy with something as serious as a cancer diagnosis, but Dying for Sex balances heavy subjects with comedy. The writing in the series is outstanding, doing a fantastic job of providing enough material for all the performers, while also telling a meaningful story of Molly’s journey of sexual liberation.
As a character, Molly is a remarkable example of resiliency and taking ownership of one’s destiny. At first, she’s timid and submissive to a fault. We meet her during couples therapy with Steve, and she’s already uncertain about how she’s living her life. Her second cancer diagnosis gives her a deep sense of clarity that causes her to go on a quest for sexual freedom. It’s not just about sex for Molly, but the empowerment and pleasure that she’s been lacking most of her life. While this causes her to confront her past traumas, it gives her time to explore what she wants. Williams is outstanding in the role, and I’d expect nothing less. She is a jack of all trades. I’d expect, at minimum, some Emmy love when nominations come out.
The real standout is Slate, though. Nikki is a fascinating character who knows how to be a friend, but struggles with taking care of herself, let alone others. When Molly decides to leave Steve, Nikki volunteers to be her caregiver, but doesn’t truly understand the implications of what it means after she agrees to do it. She’s a carefree spirit, and this has led to her adopting a more structured approach than she had before. Slate is excellent as Nikki, in one of the best performances I’ve ever seen from her.
Thematically, Dying for Sex shines in some incredible ways. What this series reveals about the meaning of death and its parallels with life is both chilling and profound. Little by little, Molly figures out that there’s no point in dying with the way she’s living. It’s an incredible moment when she decides to take her life into her own hands. This spirit guides her throughout the series, even when she chooses to fall in love again, and continues to influence her treatment decisions. There are genuinely hilarious moments throughout, but also moments that made me cry. Most importantly, Dying for Sex talks about sex in a way that not many shows have the courage to do. It doesn’t shy away from kinks and fetishes, and encourages everyone to explore. Several people help Molly with this, but none more influential than her counselor, Sonya (Esco Jouley). As an entry point into this world, Sonya serves as a spirit guide and cheerleader for Molly, and one who made the journey beautiful.
On top of these performers, there’s also Rob Delaney, the neighbor guy whose name is never given throughout the show. He’s the yin to Molly’s yang that enables her to explore herself sexually. The comfort level they have with one another is a journey, and one of the more outstanding relationships the show offers us. Delaney is dynamic and well-suited for this role.
Lastly, Dr. Pankowitz (David Rasche) is Molly’s lead doctor for her treatment. The evolution he undergoes throughout the show is remarkable, as he is initially skeptical about Molly being sexually active. By the end, he’s rooting for her the same way the audience is rooting for her. He could have been a stick in the mud throughout the whole series, but he turns out to be very caring, helping convey how doctors shepherd patients through the darkness. Dr. Pankowitz experiences just as much growth as others on the show, as someone who realizes that sometimes you must treat the spirit before you can honestly treat the body.
Dying for Sex is one of those shows in the same vein as Scrubs: It knows when to push the comedy, but also when it’s time to be more serious. The writing and performances make this one of the most complete shows you’ll see all year. Dying for Sex shines in how it can talk thematically about death, sex, and life in a way that other shows can’t. I felt for Molly at the end of this, but I felt a sense of joy in her that outweighed sorrow. That is the mark of a truly special show.
Rating: Loved It
Dying for Sex is currently streaming on Hulu
You can read more from Mike Hilty and follow him on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Serializd