With Real Adulthood on The Horizon For The Characters in INSECURE, Creator and Star Issa Rae Sets Up Season 4

By BILL HARRIS Special to The Lede As everyone realizes when the years pass by, our personal insecurities never go away. But they do change, which is why HBO’s INSECURE continues to resonate with so many people. Season 4 of INSECURE, starring, co-created, co-written, and co-executive produced by Issa Rae, debuts Sunday at 10 p.m. ET, only on Crave. Rae – who has received EMMY® and GOLDEN GLOBE® nominations for her acting in INSECURE – set up the new season in a panel session at the Television Critics Association event in Pasadena, Calif., earlier this year. Q: Do you think the comedy in your show has changed through the seasons? ISSA RAE: “Since the inception, I never wanted it to feel like a traditional sitcom, where every line was a joke. You still want the dialogue to feel naturalistic. It is more about the situational side of things. But I don’t think we’ve changed the way we approach comedy over the course of four seasons.” Q: With so much attention on the series now, does that influence how you write it? ISSA RAE: “I do long for the days of Season 1 when nobody knew who we were and no one had any expectations. Prentice (Penny, co-executive producer, co-writer, and director) and I are really clear about shutting out the outside world in the writers’ room … the instant feedback can be daunting, but it’s just a part of it. That’s the culture we’re in currently, and all you can do is continue to create and stay true to your story.” Q: But because you’re an influential figure now, does that make you mindful of what your character – also named Issa – does? ISSA RAE: “Absolutely not (prompting laughter among reporters in the room) … but we’re on HBO, so if anybody who is not supposed to be watching is watching, then you’re a bad parent (more laughter). I think that’s what it comes down to.” Q: What can you say generally about the story in Season 4? ISSA RAE: “I think this season is about our characters entering that next phase in their lives when they’re deciding to be intentional about a lot of the decisions they’re making. Issa (the character) specifically has quit her job and she’s pursuing this passion. Molly (played by Yvonne Orji) is in her first real relationship in a very long time. And Lawrence (played by Jay Ellis), guys always talk about this thing where you can never have three things at once, you can never have the right relationship, your finances right, and an apartment. You can’t have all three things at once. So I think Lawrence is just striving to level up on his own. Those are some of the things that we’re tackling, in addition to the fallout that happens when you’re turning 30, the relationships, the friendships that you have to work at in a different way. Some things phase out.” Q: Is there an end game for INSECURE? ISSA RAE: “We talk about where we want this show to go, and I think we have an idea. Nothing that we’re sharing yet.” Q: Fans are greatly anticipating Season 4. That must be a nice feeling. ISSA RAE: “It’s really flattering. It doesn’t feel like four years. I remember when I was like, ‘HBO, y’all gonna greenlight this, or do I have to go back to Koreatown to my job?’ Like, come on. It’s humbling and it’s really exciting that people are so invested in the series. It’s amazing.” billharristv@gmail.com @billharris_tv