This show! Bridget Everett really only came into my life a couple of years ago when I watched the film Patti Cake$ (which, go watch it already!), and I’ve been looking out for her in things ever since. She’s just got such a calming presence and voice and I just want to hug this woman! But instead of doing that, I will settle for her excellent new show, Somebody Somewhere.
In it, she plays Sam, who we meet stuck in a strange rut in her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas one year after her sister’s death. It’s clear the two were incredibly close, but their tight relationship may have caused a strain on Sam’s relationship with the rest of her family. For instance, it’s kind of clear that Sam’s sister Trish doesn’t like her very much, but the feeling seems to be mutual. There’s also a strained relationship with her mother, who’s slipped back into alcoholism at a dangerous clip. Sam’s relationship with her father seems to be the most easy, although she’s frustrated that he just let’s her mother’s habits slide.
Sam’s aimless wandering gets pegged down a little bit when she starts a new job at a test grading center, where she reconnects with old high school acquaintance, Joel. The two used to do choir together and it’s clear Joel is still in awe of Sam’s talent, so he manages to convince her to attend “church group.” This group really doesn’t seem religious at all, but more a place for people to hang out, drink, and have a talent show. It’s great fun and Sam seems to like these people right away. Joel is definitely the constant in Sam’s life during this tumultuous time, and I just loved their easy friendship so much!
There are plenty of other bumps in the road over the course of this short season, but I don’t want to give it all away! Just know that you’re going to get something that’s funny on the surface, but a whole lot more underneath. I’m so happy this got picked up for another season, although I was sad to learn that Mike Hagerty, who played Sam’s father, passed away earlier this year. It’ll be interesting to see how they incorporate his death into the show. I really, really liked his character and his relationship with Sam. He will be missed. But, until we get a new season, I implore you all to give this a watch. I promise it’s worth it.