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Elizabeth Perkins (R) joins Ophelia Lovibond in Season 2 of “Minx.” Photo courtesy of Starz
LOS ANGELES, July 17 (UPI) — Minx Season 2, which premieres this Friday on Starz, elevates the drama and social commentary of the iconic ’70s feminist erotica magazine. It skillfully blends historical fiction with real-life monumental changes, creating a delightful and thought-provoking experience.
In the Season 1 finale, publisher Doug Renetti (Jake Johnson) handed over full control of Minx magazine to its creator, Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond). By 1973, Joyce is thriving and receiving offers from major publishers in the real world.
While Joyce dealing with corporate publishers could be an intriguing plot point, “Minx” Season 2 takes a different direction. The season premiere sees Doug presenting a new opportunity, leading them to go back into business together.
Season 2 explores the new challenges that come with success. In Season 1, Doug faced the struggles of getting Minx on shelves and turning a profit, while Joyce fought to maintain her feminist vision in a magazine that relied on exposing men’s bodies.
Season 1 excelled at showcasing the complexity of noble ideals when put into practice. It also delved into the conflict between art and commerce. How far can Minx push the boundaries of erotica to convey its social message without compromising the essence of that message?
Similar to how Minx cleverly packaged political essays within an entertaining format, the “Minx” show continues to navigate these issues with humor and energy. It does not mock historic movements but finds the comedic aspects within them as the characters strive for success within the ’70s feminist movement.
Now that Minx has a dedicated readership, Joyce must make different choices than when she was just starting out. Meanwhile, Doug finds himself compromising within a company where he no longer holds complete control.
Tina (Idara Victor), Bambi (Jessica Lowe), and Richie (Oscar Montoya) – key staff members – also assert themselves in new positions.
Joyce gets the chance to meet feminist icons, both real historical figures and fictional creations of the Minx universe. She learns valuable lessons from both.
Despite her convictions, Joyce remains endearingly self-conscious, often stumbling over her words and trying to overcompensate. Her journey involves seeking validation and approval less and simply embodying her beliefs. This makes her character highly relatable.
In Season 1, Joyce reconciled with her sister, Shelly (Lennon Parham), after revealing her marital problems in a radio interview. Shelly and her husband (Rich Sommer) embark on sexual experimentation in true ’70s fashion.
The half-hour format proved ideal for Season 1, allowing each episode to make a social point, tackle business-related issues, and move forward. Season 2 maintains this pace with episodes that may revolve around a single madcap event or a significant business decision.
Max’s decision not to stream the second season of “Minx” is truly their loss. Fortunately, Starz recognizes the brilliance of this show and will continue to support it, with hopes for a third season in its new home.
Fred Topel, an entertainment writer based in Los Angeles, attended film school at Ithaca College. He has been a professional film critic since 1999 and a Rotten Tomatoes critic since 2001. He is a member of the Television Critics Association since 2012 and the Critics Choice Association since 2023. Check out more of his work in Entertainment.
