Comedy is often woven into the storylines of other genres. Sometimes, it is a tool used to relieve tension in moments of impending doom; other times, it can be used to mask flaws within a character. Comedy is extremely flexible and can work well when paired with a number of genres, most notably dramas. One ofHBO’slatest comedies weaves these genres together to create a charming tale of self-discovery.
Somebody Somewhere,a recent series fromHBO, provides a number of heartwarming laughs within a story of familial bonds and identity. The series' first season contained only seven short episodes, but its lovable story and its endearing cast have led HBO torenewSomebody Somewherefor a second season. The show stars Jeff Hiller, Mary Catherine Garrison, Murray Hill, Mike Hagerty, Danny McCarthy, and several others. Its lead is played by Bridget Everett, who also serves as an executive producer on the series.
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Before the events ofSomebody Somewhereare set in motion, Sam (Everett) returned to her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas to care for her sister Holly. The series begins withSam adjusting to the worldafter Holly’s death. Early on, it’s clear that Sam and Holly shared a close bond in their understanding of one another. Sam is overwhelmed by Holly’s absence, and in her interactions with their remaining family members, the intensity of the loss grows. Sam finds comfort in her niece Shannon, who admires the free spirit of her Aunts Holly and Sam. Sam shares a nearly maternal bond with Shannon, and basks in the opportunities to continue her and Holly’s habits with someone else.
Sam’s relationship with Shannon is not received well by the latter’s mother, Sam’soverly opinionated and judgmental sisterTricia (Garrison). From her first moment on screen, Tricia’s intentions are clear. She is unresponsive to Holly’s memory and frequently irritated by Sam’s presence. As a co-owner of the Tender Moments boutique alongside her close friend Charity (Heidi Johanningmeier), Tricia considers herself superior to Sam. Tricianever resists an opportunity to mockSam’s financial situation and her struggles to find her place in the world. However, Tricia’s opinions don’t stop her from relying on Sam when the opportunity arises. Once Sam takes note of Rick (McCarthy), Tricia’s husband’s, strange behavior, Tricia is forced to realize that Sam may not be the villain Tricia has always made her out to be.
Sam and Tricia’s parents Mary Jo (Jane Drake Brody) and Ed (Hagerty) are equally troublesome. Mary Jo has fallen into alcoholism out ofher own grievous actions, making her incredibly harsh toward her family and their offers of help. Ed, the easy-going farmer, doesn’t make things much easier by trying to keep the peace and downplaying the severity of Mary Jo’s affliction. The solace for Sam comes in her mundanely boring job of grading essays. There, she meets Joel (Hiller), a former high school classmate who has just as much trouble fitting into the Kansas town as she does. As the two begin to form one of the most earnest bonds of the series, Joel invites Sam to join choir practice. Originally reluctant, Sam turns up to find that the choir practice is an unsanctioned ruse for largely queer individuals to get together.Among the group’s most notable membersis Fred Rococo (Hill), the charming MC who quickly becomes a friend of Sam’s.
Somebody Somewhere’sfamiliar family dynamic is only part of its charm. The HBO comedy is intimate and vulnerable, laced with tidbits of wisdom and joviality. In spite of the obstacles the world and her family throw at her, Sam remains true to herself, even if she hasn’t figured out exactly who that is yet. Her passion for singing is a joy that is celebrated by Joel, Fred, and various attendees of the unsanctioned group. In them,Sam finds her voiceand a place to belong. The reminiscent heartbreak comes in Sam’s attempts to bring that voice and persona outside the small practice room, and into her relationships with her family members who are far less understanding and supportive.
These achievements ofSomebody Somewhereare not only thanks to the cast, but the behind-the-scenes crew as well. Its episodes were directed by Robert Cohen and Jay Duplass, who has starred inThe Mindy Projectand Amazon’sTransparent. The series' episodes were written by Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen, and Patricia Breen.
While fictional, some ofSomebody Somewhere’sthemesresonate with Everett’s own life. Aside from being a native Kansan, like Sam, Everett lost her own sister to cancer. The authenticity ofSomebody Somewhereis largely thanks to Everett’s own vulnerability with her own experiences and skill in relating them to the screen. In continuing the work of Sam’s development and the progression of her family and friends, the second season ofSomebody Somewheremay feel the same. Hagerty, a focal characterin keeping Sam groundedwithin the family and caregiver for Mary Jo, recently passed away. His absence in the series will be felt, makingSomebody Somewhere’sthemes that much more sincere and significant.
Somebody Somewhereis now streaming on HBO Max.
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