Russian Doll (Alan’s Routine)

Previous episodes of “Russian Doll” had posited that the main antagonistic force was the protagonist, that someone with greater classic principles or at least wasn’t a complete hot mess would do well in their position, and the best joke of “Routine” is how it blows up that perspective. What Alan has over Nadia in education and properness, he lacks in emotional intelligence and curiosity, so while she’s gaining her sea legs with each loop, he’s becoming undone in ways that feel earned. It’s not as ingenious as the pilot, but it’s the closest the show has come up until now.

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