Somebody Somewhere starts slow, refusing to let go of a single detail until absolutely necessary. This show is paced out so elegantly as to manipulate our emotional experience of the thing in stride.
It’s not terribly difficult to get caught up in the realist plot and ride the highs and lows of Sam’s life, the focus of this piece. We realize character growth alongside Sam, played by the exquisite Bridget Everett, cabaret performer and comedian.
I first saw Everett on Maria Bamford’s Lady Dynamite and fell for her characterization at once. Here is someone who can play a character like she doesn’t give a shit, and it’s funny as hell. Who doesn’t dream of telling the person they can’t stand the most of that fact right to their face? In the next breath, she cared so deeply for Bamford’s character. When I saw that, I was sold on Everett’s abilities.
As the world of Somebody Somewhere unravels, we slowly begin to understand and empathize with Sam’s plight. She doesn’t belong. She feels lost, without a career, or even a hobby beyond getting drunk and watching TV.
Who hasn’t been there? Let’s be honest, it’s incredibly relatable.
Finally, when she does begrudgingly befriend an old high school classmate, she begins to open up, only a little. She remains terribly guarded. She hurts her new-found friend Joel (Jeff Hiller) for having aspirations – because she has none.
The pain she feels because he has aspirations hurts too much not to humiliate Joel for his cut and paste dream board.
This is her catalyst. I really can’t imagine a more moving yet subtle way to force a character forward. Guilt gets the job done. It’s that growling tinge of guilt that forces her to change, to apologize, and to deepen that friendship.
That friendship is the key to the castle. It’s her course to self-actualization. Joel’s compassion and ability to forgive is that big ass bridge that falls down over the moat.
Let’s get something clear here, Joel lets Sam know she hurt him. Joel is no push over. He’s layered and interesting too. His personality demands a more positive approach to life, even if that means bottling up nasty feelings for an ex or for himself.
Thanks to the complexity of the characters, the show’s story wells up to the brim and overflows. This level of complexity underlies everything, making it dramatic, interesting, and personal.
It manages to balance the painful reality of life and the little glittering silver linings Sam’s personality demands.
Somebody Somewhere covers an astonishing amount of ground over the course of seven episodes considering it’s even pacing – despite it’s climax. From a cheating husband to substance abuse, death, a breakup, and finding one’s voice again.
The writing is funny, poignant, powerful, diverse, and dramatic.
Finally a show about life in a middle state that confronts and makes light of religion and the role it plays in the lives of queer people. This show proudly goes above and beyond to present queer characters as normal people handling normal situations. Finally.
There is much more to be said for Sam and the characters on Somebody Somewhere. I anxiously await season 2. This time, HBO would do well to spend more money on it, it deserves every penny.
Images courtesy of HBO
