Shrill recap: Aidy Bryant’s Annie changes course, and for the better

In episode one of Hulu’s Shrill, Annie (Aidy Bryant) is introduced as a struggling, well, everything. Fortunately, she finds the motivation to change. Find out more in our recap below.

Within the first few minutes of Shrill, we can see that life hasn’t been kind to Annie (Aidy Bryant). Even Annie’s interactions with patrons inside a cafe are somewhat unfortunate. They compare Annie to Rosie O’Donnell and assume it’s a compliment. There’s nothing wrong with O’Donnell but the look on Annie’s face tells us that she didn’t appreciate the comment.

To make things worse, Annie finds herself being shrugged off by her boss. She attempts to convince Gabe (John Cameron Mitchell) that she’s talented and could be useful as a writer but he calls her a clog in a machine. Annie remains positive but is visibly struggling with the reality that her boss won’t give her a chance to prove him wrong.

In the midst of all this troublesome workday, Annie receives a booty call from Ryan (Luka Jones). He’s not Annie’s boyfriend, he’s just a guy that calls her when he’s horny. Annie doesn’t admit it but that’s exactly what her relationship with Ryan could be summed up to. Luckily, things start to change for Annie.

Miraculously, Annie’s boss gives her an assignment to do. It’s for a review on the restaurant located inside of a stripclub but Annie is happy to accept. And the trip is well worth it.

As surprising as it may sound, Annie finds the women working in the establishment to be some of the wisest people she’s ever met. One woman has some incredible insight on life and it dawns on Annie that she’s right.

The other strippers are just as knowledgeable, giving Annie bits of advice that she can use in her life. Annie eventually leaves the stripclub but she leaves with a sense of confidence that she didn’t walk in with.

Feeling empowered and prepared to take on the world, Annie starts making some huge changes in her life. To start, she breaks off her non-relationship with Ryan. Annie had been putting up with him for far too long but finally figured out that he’s no good.

Following that encounter, Annie also finds the courage to confront her mother over her backhanded comments. Neither become angry during the confrontation but Annie points out that her mom makes sly comments about her weight and other superficial facets in casual conversation. It’s not blatantly said but Annie knows what her mother means.

The final instance of note depicted Annie standing up to the life-coach she stumbled into. Basically, this random woman approaches Annie and proposes that she train her. The woman assumes Annie is in need—solely based on her weight. Annie is initially polite about the offer but when she runs into the rude woman again, she stands up for herself. It isn’t the most elegant display but the point is driven across well.

The episode then closes out with Annie supremely satisfied and happy that her life is finally moving in the right direction. But, will this upbeat streak last?

Shrill is currently streaming on Hulu. For more on this Hulu Original and everything Hulu related, follow us on the Hulu Watcher Twitter Account @HuluWatcherFS or on the Hulu Watcher Facebook Page.