POPSUGAR: So we have to talk about Insecure. You guys did such an amazing job with season two. What was it like filming that final scene in the kitchen with Issa Rae? It was so hard to watch, so I can imagine how hard it was to act out. Even though it all turned out to be just a daydream, it was still powerful.
Jay Ellis: It was a tough thing to shoot. Our writing is so beautiful. We're really lucky. Issa wrote that episode, but it was tough because there's no way that you don't leave that scene and think about disappointing relationships in your own life. Anyone who watched that scene, it touched a nerve. We all had the breakup that wasn't resolved. We've all come to the realization that this person who we loved for so long is not the person for you or not the person that you're supposed to spend your life with. At a certain point, I was just tired of crying. I was like, "My emotions are worn out. My tear ducts are getting dry. I can't keep crying. Why are y'all doing this to me?" [Laughs]
PS: Season two ends with Lawrence and Issa somewhat coming to terms with their breakup, but their relationship is still not quite resolved. Do you believe there's still hope for the two of them?
JE: I feel like how the season ended, to me, is kind of full circle. I think Lawrence realized that [the conversation] was something that he needed and something that he needed to say. He needed to hear Issa's point of view. He also needed to apologize for what he had done in their relationship and take responsibility for their breakup. And Issa had her moment to do all the same things. I really do believe that it allowed both of them to have a little bit of closure with where they are and realize that they can still love each other, but that doesn't mean that they're going to be together. I don't know if there's a future for them, to be honest with you.
PS: Is there anything you think Lawrence could have done differently to salvage his relationship with Issa?
JE: Communication. It's key. I think you don't learn that until you get older. Until you've been through some stuff. But all those moments when he was outside [Issa's] house, where he pulled her up on his phone, where he could have just hit send and made a phone call . . . I think season two could have been a completely different season, and their relationship could have been completely different. His ego and his pride or just being hurt got in the way of that. Sometimes you have to have grounded, honest, truthful conversations with the people you love if you want them in your life. When you don't, it festers and then the lid blows off and those people aren't in your life anymore.
