Barry Season 3 Episode 1 'Forgiving Jeff' Review

Forgiveness is something that is earned.

Forgiving Jeff is the first episode of season 3 of HBO’s Barry. Six months later, everybody’s lives have changed. Struggling with his purpose, Barry is back to his life as a hitman. An old acquaintance asks for his help. Is forgiveness a formidable solution?

I have been waiting the longest time for Barry to return. As soon as I started watching, I was smiling, shocked, and gripping my laptop at the climax. Concluding on a dramatic note, season 3 of Barry returns strong. The hiatus helped the show find new layers of a story and character dynamics.

Barry Berkman is at the lowest point. Having little to acquire in his life, Barry is just barely holding on. Now, Barry is having visions about kills he hasn’t even done. Not missing a beat, Bill Hader does a splendid job getting into the deflated mindset of this character. He mixes comedy and drama tremendously.

The script is conducted well. Catching up with all the characters, we are in for a wild ride this season. There is never just one story going on. The character depth has always impressed me in this show, but now they have reached high levels.

Let’s talk about Sally. First, let me say how Sarah Goldberg knocks it out of the ballpark with both her performance and interpretation of Sally. Having the hit show she always wanted, you could say that Sally is living the dream. Sally is so misguided that she is unaware of Barry’s deterioration, gloating about her successes.

I squeaked at the reveal that NoHo Hank (Anthony Carrigan) and Cristobal (Michal Irby) are a couple now. I look forward to seeing more of their storyline as the show progresses. Carrigan is the master at comedic timing. He is also a very talented dramatic actor which I hope is brought out more during the season.

So far, Fuches (Stephen Root) is hiding out. This is a storyline I am looking forward to seeing unfold. What will happen to Barry and Fuches? Will Barry continue to search for him?

And now, Gene Cousineau and Barry. Now fully aware of what Barry has done, Gene has made a pivotal decision that heavily affects himself and Barry’s life. This is is the primary focus of season 3. Let me tell you, I was on the edge of my seat during the climax. Henry Winkler and Hader are terrific in their performances.

Be on the lookout for familiar faces. Elizabeth Perkins and Elsie Fisher have brief cameos. Due to changes in the show, I hope that more of the characters from the acting class return. I always loved seeing them in scenes.

Bill Hader aced the atmosphere of the first episode. He pulled in the audience with the right tension. That, and his style in direction. One of the most notable cinematic features is in Sally’s introduction. In this one long continuous take, Sally walks through each set of her new show. The lighting has integral detail, reflecting the character's inner intentions.

The climax may have been directed a little too silly. It was hard to take it seriously. I also wasn’t sure if it was real. Then again, that’s the atmosphere of the show.

Forgiveness is the main theme of season 3 of Barry. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the show will turn out. I have been waiting a long time for this series to continue and so far I am satisfied.

Go watch the first episode of season 3 of Barry on HBO. You will not be disappointed!