Rachel Sennott and Odessa A’zion Discuss I Love LA’s Flawed Characters

Rachel Sennott and Odessa A’zion have opened up about their roles in the new HBO series, I Love LA, addressing the complexities of their characters’ toxic friendship and the audience’s desire for perfection on screen. The show has sparked significant conversation online, raising questions about its portrayal of gentrification in Los Angeles and whether it offers a genuine look at the city’s current cultural landscape.

Set against the backdrop of contemporary Los Angeles, I Love LA focuses on the turbulent, codependent relationship between talent manager Maya and influencer Tallulah. Their chaotic friend group also includes Alani, a nepo baby native to LA, stylist Charlie, and Maya’s boyfriend Dylan, who is notably not part of “the industry.” The series captures the essence of 20-something life, showcasing characters that are self-absorbed yet compelling, drawing viewers into their flawed realities.

During a recent interview, Sennott reflected on the influence of previous series such as Girls and Insecure. She noted, “Those were all shows I love and really inform me just as a person and as an artist.” This connection to earlier works serves as a foundation for the themes explored in I Love LA, with Sennott aiming to balance the humor and flaws of her characters.

Flawed Characters in a Flawed World

Sennott describes Maya and Tallulah as two sides of her personality, magnified to emphasize their distinct flaws. Tallulah embodies a carefree spirit, while Maya reflects Sennott’s own experiences as an LA transplant, grappling with feelings of isolation and a desire for control. The duality of their personalities adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the necessity of these contrasting traits for personal growth.

Both Sennott and A’zion recognize that audiences often seek moral clarity in television. “I would rather have an interesting character that starts conversation than a character that’s perfect,” Sennott stated. A’zion concurred, highlighting that the representation of flawed characters is essential to creating engaging stories. “I think that everyone in it was really funny, and I hope that people can see it’s just representing flawed people,” she added.

In crafting the series, Sennott, who serves as the creator and executive producer, emphasized the importance of empathy and nuance in the writers’ room. She expressed a desire to move beyond binary notions of good and evil, recognizing that every character is a blend of both. “As I’ve gotten older, I’m like, it’s all a spectrum, and every character has their good moments and their bad moments,” Sennott explained.

Embracing Diversity in Storytelling

The character of Alani, portrayed by A’zion, is particularly significant as she is the only Black woman in the main cast. Sennott noted the effort to ensure diverse perspectives were represented in the writers’ room. “We wanted to make sure we had a writer’s room with different points of view and perspectives that spoke to our different characters,” she said. This approach aims to create authentic narratives that resonate with a broad audience.

Sennott elaborated on Alani’s character, aiming to subvert the typical portrayal of nepo babies. “The reality is a lot of nepo babies that I know, they tell you a story and they’re like, ‘It was so crazy,’ and then they tell you a traumatic story and you’re like, ‘Whoa,’” she remarked. This complexity adds layers to the character landscape of I Love LA, presenting them as relatable yet flawed.

The dynamics among the characters illustrate the imperfections of life in Los Angeles. A’zion pointed out the conflicting nature of Tallulah’s character, who often prioritizes her own desires while genuinely caring for her friends. This duality is encapsulated in a moment from the first episode, where Tallulah makes an insensitive remark about Maya’s apartment, showcasing the often painful reality of friendship.

As I Love LA continues to provoke discussions about representation and character development, Sennott and A’zion remain committed to portraying the intricate lives of their characters. The show seeks to engage viewers not just with humor but also with the understanding that everyone is flawed, making their stories all the more compelling.