“Girls” has always been a lesson in vulnerability, and last Sunday’s episode was no different, although it did deviate from the usual forms of exposure. In its early seasons, “Girls” received a lot of attention from viewers, often male, wondering why it was important to show a fully naked Lena Dunham wandering aimlessly through an apartment or sitting on the toilet. Of course, Dunham was playing her character, Hannah, but these questions persisted. Often, Dunham responded, and her message was one of seeking authentic storytelling, and in real-life, women of varying body-types roam naked through their homes.

With three episodes left until the series finale, “Girls” gave its viewers the same sex and nakedness, but also took a refreshing dive into social vulnerability. As Ray, the show’s resident curmudgeon, set out to collect a people’s history of Brooklyn, he hesitated at the thought that no one would want to talk to him. What followed, with help from Aidy Bryant’s character, was a really beautiful display of someone pushing far outside of their comfort zone. After lots of observation, Ray made himself emotionally available to strangers and received decidedly positive energy and conversation in return. With this story-line, “Girls” gave one of its most relatable narratives to date, effectively highlighting that a great potential for good rests in social and emotional vulnerability.