Lisa Kudrow: TVLine's Weekly Star

The Final Act of Valerie Cherish

In the series finale of HBO's "The Comeback," Lisa Kudrow delivered a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. As Valerie Cherish, the resilient and optimistic sitcom actress, she faced her most challenging adversary yet: the encroachment of artificial intelligence in Hollywood. Despite the odds, Kudrow managed to give Valerie a poignant and memorable farewell, blending humor with deep emotional resonance.

Valerie found herself at a crossroads, torn between continuing her A.I.-written sitcom "How's That?!" and standing up for human writers and actors. Kudrow captured the essence of this internal struggle with finesse, balancing comedic moments with heartfelt depth. The episode featured a long-awaited acknowledgment of "Mrs. Hatt," a nod to the show's history, while also highlighting the weight of Valerie's decision. She was forced to contemplate turning down a starring role, a prospect that filled her with both fear and determination.

Kudrow's portrayal of Valerie showcased not only her comedic brilliance but also her capacity for empathy. She took time to console her fellow actors and even the studio head who threatened to destroy the industry she loved. However, she also displayed strength when the studio head dismissed her sitcom as mere content for people to fold their laundry to. In a powerful moment, Kudrow's Valerie declared, "'Good enough' isn't good enough for me."

Though her A.I. sitcom continued without her, replacing her with an A.I. version, Valerie found a more fulfilling role on a show written by humans. Kudrow wrapped up three seasons of Valerie Cherish in one final interview with Jane, where she explained how she was never really the butt of the joke. "I think you have to agree to be humiliated, and I never signed up," she said with her signature unsinkable optimism. Her words reminded viewers that, despite the laughter, there was always admiration for her determination.

The finale gave us one last chance to bask in the presence of Kudrow's boldly ridiculous heroine and cemented the fact that Valerie Cherish is indeed a star that will keep on shining... no matter what.

Honorable Mention: Kate O'Flynn

Apple TV's "Widow's Bay" has introduced a town full of certified oddballs, and this week, Kate O'Flynn took center stage as we learned more about what makes deadpan secretary Patricia tick. O'Flynn has been hysterical all season long with her clipped, neurotic line readings, but here, she added a layer of heartbreaking sadness to Patricia as we saw how desperate she is to break out of her awkward shell and make friends.

A self-help book inspired her to throw a cocktail reception, and though it started slow, it turned into a wild bacchanalian rave when Patricia served punch, with O'Flynn letting loose with some inspired dance moves. It turned out to be an illusion, though — the self-help book was really an ancient tome full of black magic, and Patricia's demonic punch turned everyone into mindless zombies — and O'Flynn snapped into action as Patricia saved the townsfolk from certain death.

In the end, Patricia teamed up with Mayor Tom and Wyck to battle the island's dark forces... and we came away with a fresh admiration for O'Flynn's remarkable work.