49 Reasons Why 2016 Wasn't as Bad as You Think

Transparent

Transparent Image by Amazon Studios, Screenshot: Amazon

By Joanna Hershon December 27, 2016

Jill Soloway’s “Transparent” might be the most perfect example of a liberal, privileged bubble, but it transcends this much-discussed bubble, because every character is profoundly flawed and any hint of smugness is quickly eradicated by humor and pain. 2016’s third season offered so many memorable images and lines, but it’s the opening credits that get me every time. The nostalgic composition (reminiscent of a music box) juxtaposed with home movies of characters of varied femininity and one particularly memorable bar mitzvah boy. It’s a plunge into the most Jewish kaleidoscope of family love and hate and the gorgeous mishegas in between.

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