In the premiere episode of 'Survival of the Thickest', we're introduced to the captivating world of Mavis Beaumont, a gifted stylist, and her faithful companion, Jacque, a professional photographer. Their exceptional teamwork draws praise from clients. This allows Mavis to thrive in her career and personal life, especially due to her ongoing relationship with Jacque.
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It's Jacque's recommendation that helps Mavis score her debut leading stylist contract with Sydney Dubois at Essence. Sydney's impression of Mavis is that she's ready and everything moves smoothly as planned.
However, their harmonious world crumbles when Mavis stumbles upon Jacque's betrayal - a secret affair with a model within the opulent confines of their shared home. Heartbroken, Mavis decides to part ways and, with the aid of her loyal friends, Khalil and Mavey, finds refuge in a small Brooklyn apartment. The catch? She must cohabitate with a stranger named Jade.
In the midst of her personal chaos, Mavis finds support from her friends, who embolden her and provide much-needed moral strength. Determined not to let her life's upheaval disrupt her professional progress, she indulges herself in a fleeting romance, seeking solace in those short moments of pleasure on one of her dark days.
Subsequently, Mavis receives an interview call. Despite Khalil's insistence on how this opportunity with Essence could revolutionize her life, she contemplates turning it down. Learning about Jacque's role as a co-worker prompts her to finally step back. This decision means resetting her stylist career, discarding years of painstaking effort and progress.
The opening episode of 'Survival of the Thickest' primarily acquaints us with Mavis. We delve into the major events that shape her life, with particular emphasis on her ex-boyfriend and two closest allies.
However, the episode seems to glamorize an unhealthy lifestyle. Mavis, the central figure, and her disdain for healthy women raise concerns. While Jacque's infidelity is unequivocally appalling, the use of a tear-jerking backstory to justify an unhealthy outlook seems questionable.
Moreover, the characters seem to lack depth, making them hard to relate to, and exacerbating the already subpar plot. The hope now is for an upward trajectory in the subsequent episodes. However, as it stands, the pilot episode can only be described as somewhat middling.
