Series Finale: Lessons learnt from 'Girls'

Beware overindulgence and slutty friends, writes Kathryn White

1) The new nakedness is rather awkward. Commentary is rife concerning the ''new nakedness".

The issue can be summed up by the notion that a woman's televised sexuality is supposed to be titillating. Hannah's body is not.

A reporter asks creator and actress Lena Dunham why her character is "often naked, at random times for no reason", and we begin to realise that bodies on TV are essentially symbolic - they act as stand-ins for story.

In Girls, we see nudity that is - plain and simple - normal.

The sexual freedom afforded to these young women might have resulted in choice, but we are reminded that sex isn't inherently romantic; it's inherently sex.

2) The slutty friend isn't who you think it is. Jessa may seem like she puts out, but it is the neat and self-obsessed Marnie who is looking in all the wrong crevices for instant gratification.

In season three, we watch in horror as Marnie sleeps with her friend's ex, pursues another woman's boyfriend with needy intent, and insults all who enter her hallowed chamber. For real life analogies, be warned: much of this happens in secret.

3) Narcissism is a tough act to quit.

In season three not only does Hannah outdo herself, but the others begin to sing their own soliloquies. It makes for uncomfortable viewing: four friends, one group, four conversations. Even when the characters are called out, they cannot fathom their myopia. We assume that age will sort them out, but as the show is growing at the same pace as its generation, we can only wait in hope.

4) Your friend who "over-indulges" might actually become an addict.

As others grow up, head home before midnight or say no to drugs on a Tuesday, addicts like Jessa reach further into the void.

It is probably inadvisable to break them out of rehab - by the end of the season we see the fallout of Jessa's unresolved addiction issues channelled through a hyper-annoying Richard E Grant.

5) Keep on dreaming.

Whether you read this as sarcastic or inspiring, Generation Y's degree of idealism is so stratospheric that many in their mid-20s still live with their parents.

With the recession trudging along, you'd expect the dreamers to pack it up. But if they do, who will sing the next song, write your new favourite book or curate an exhibition that might or might not change the world?

As much of the show is about the development of a writer, the finale is a fitting and subtle précis: a slow, sly grin spreads across Hannah's face as she finally gets something that she really, really wants.

• Watch the season three finale at 10pm on M-Net Series Showcase, DStv 113