Nothing in This World Is Easy

"Nothing in This World Is Easy" is the first episode of the American comedy-drama web television series Russian Doll. It was directed by Leslye Headland and written by Headland, along with Natasha Lyonne and Amy Poehler. The episode was released in the United States, along with the rest of season one, via Netflix on February 1, 2019.[1]

"Nothing in This World Is Easy"
Russian Doll episode
Nadia Vulvokov (Natasha Lyonne) looks into the bathroom mirror for the first time.
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 1
Directed byLeslye Headland
Story byNatasha Lyonne
Leslye Headland
Amy Poehler
Teleplay byLeslye Headland
Featured music
Cinematography byChris Teague
Editing byTodd Downing
Original release dateFebruary 1, 2019 (2019-02-01)
Running time25 minutes
Guest appearance(s)

Plot

The episode begins with Nadia Vulvokov in her friend Maxine's loft, where she is celebrating her 36th birthday. Talking with Maxine and her other friend, Lizzy, Nadia reveals that she is suffering from a mid-life crisis and that her cat, Oatmeal, has gone missing. At the end of the party, Nadia flirts with Mike Kershaw, a college literature professor who has recently gone through a divorce. Walking home, Nadia sees Oatmeal and chases after him, only to be run over and killed by a taxi.

Somehow, Nadia awakens in Maxine's bathroom before any of the events prior to her death occurred. Instead of meeting Mike, Nadia talks with Ruth Brenner, a close friend, and therapist, who Nadia talks with to explain her situation, believing to have amnesia. She later meets John Reyes, her ex-boyfriend, and together they search for Oatmeal. She once again sees the cat and chases after him but is stopped by John as the taxi from before passes the street, saving her life. Angered about how careless Nadia seems to be, John leaves her by herself. Now alone, Nadia searches for and finds Oatmeal. At night, Nadia and the cat sit together on a bridge, only for Oatmeal to disappear from Nadia's hands, causing her to fall off the bridge and drown.

Once again, Nadia awakens in Maxine's bathroom, this time spitting out a large amount of water. Realizing that she's in a time loop, Nadia decides to spend the rest of the night with the advice given to her by Mike, to simply "Be careful."

Production

Produced by Universal Television, Paper Kite Productions, Jax Media, and 3 Arts Entertainment, the first episode of Russian Doll was written by co-creators and executive producers Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, and Leslye Headland. The latter also directed the episode.[2][3][4]

Reception

Critical response

Rose Maura Lorre, writing for Vulture, gave the series premiere of Russian Doll 4 out of 5 stars, describing the episode as a mix between Groundhog Day and Donnie Darko. She also praised the detailing in the episode, stating that "Russian Doll most reminds me of Donnie Darko in this: Each beat of this series premiere feels fraught with potential significance. Every detail seems to be telegraphing that you ought to remember it because it’ll mean something later on."[5]

Accolades
Year Association Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2019
 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland, & Amy Poehler Nominated
[6]
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Outstanding Music Supervision Brienne Rose Nominated
[7]
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour or Less) Michael Bricker, John Cox, & Jessica Petruccelli Won
2020
 Art Directors Guild Half-Hour Single-Camera Series Michael Bricker Won
[8]

References
  1. Liz Shannon Miller (December 14, 2018). "'Russian Doll': Netflix Reveals Release Date for Natasha Lyonne Dark Comedy". IndieWire. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018.
  2. Andreeva, Nellie (September 20, 2017). "Netflix Greenlights Comedy From Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland & Amy Poehler". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  3. Goldberg, Lesley (September 20, 2017). "Natasha Lyonne to Star in Netflix Comedy From Amy Poehler, Leslye Headland". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  4. MacDonald, Lindsay (September 20, 2017). "Amy Poehler Heads to Netflix With a Natasha Lyonne Comedy". TV Guide. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  5. Rose Maura Lorre (February 1, 2019). "Russian Doll Series Premiere Recap: Tomorrow Never Dies". Vulture. Archived from the original on July 11, 2019.
  6. "71st Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". Television Academy. Archived from the original on August 17, 2020.
  7. Libby Hill (September 14, 2019). "Complete Creative Arts Emmy Awards 2019 Winners List: 'Game of Thrones' Torches Competitors". IndieWire. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020.
  8. Marcus James Dixon (February 1, 2020). "2020 ADG Awards winners: Full list of Art Directors Guild champs in film and TV". Gold Derby. Archived from the original on March 25, 2020.
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