One of the few times Oscar nominee and Emmy nominee Laura Dern appeared on television was when she famously played the apple of Ellen DeGeneres’ alter-ego Ellen Morgan’s eye in Ellen’s coming out, or, “Puppy Episode.” And while Dern, a David Lynch protégé if ever there were one, acted as the voice of reason as Ellen’s love interest Susan way back in 98, she’s never better than when she’s either unraveling or fully unraveled as in Alexander Payne’s deliciously black comedy Citizen Ruth.

Those who adore Dern, whether she’s completely unchained or sweetly put-together, will get a little of both in her new HBO comedy Enlightened, airing Monday at 9:30 on HBO. Enlightened, from bisexual writer, actor and executive producer Mike White (Chuck and Buck) features Dern as Amy Jellicoe, a health and beauty executive who undergoes a very public meltdown that sends her on a journey to mental and emotional recovery that promises to be a bumpy ride at best.  

The wonderful Diane Ladd, Dern’s real mom who has also played her mother in Citizen Ruth and Wild at Heart, plays Amy’s mom on the show. Luke Wilson and White costar.

Check out Enlightened.

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