Somebody Somewhere Recap: Are You Being Tender With Me?

As a lifelong fan of heartwarming dramas that also manage to make me laugh out loud, I must say that “Somebody Somewhere” is right up my alley. The tender moments between Sam and her friends are what truly make this show shine. I find myself tearing up every time Brad sings about Joel with Sam’s gentle guidance, it’s just so beautifully authentic.

It’s astonishing, isn’t it? Susan’s behavior! Her actions have already put her on my list of disfavor, particularly after prohibiting Fred from joining his weekly brunch with Sam and Joel. But her latest move – scolding Sam for bringing doughnuts to their baseball club, then telling her that she can live as she pleases but not to pull Fred down – has ensured her a permanent spot at the top of that list. If I were Sam, I’d be pushing those Maple Log doughnuts towards Susan in an instant. Her claim of “calling it like she sees it” is simply her way of admitting that she doesn’t mind being unkind.

Experiencing such strong anger towards a character in “Somebody Somewhere” isn’t common for me, as it usually offers a comforting embrace. However, this time, it caught me off guard, just as it did for Sam. The pain on Sam’s face is evident, and she’s not only hurt but also overwhelmed: Is she bringing her friends down? This doubt torments Sam throughout the entire episode. It’s tough to watch her struggle, but luckily, “Somebody Somewhere” takes a heartwarming approach to ease this discomfort. By providing an entire episode written by Lisa Kron and directed by Robert Cohen, filled with moments that highlight how Sam consistently uplifts those around her, the show offers a beautiful counterpoint to Sam’s self-doubts. (And I bet Fred would be surprised if he heard this!)

To begin with, there’s Joel – the type of friend who voluntarily lends a hand when you need help moving your entire house, making him an exceptional Friend indeed. Joel understands this truth. Meanwhile, Sam firmly believes that 1) packing is the most dreadful task and 2) “we perform tasks we dislike for those we cherish.” When Joel inquires, “Are you being sensitive with me?”, it’s unclear if he’s more touched by the offer to pack or the sentiment behind it. However, Sam’s actions during this move day extend beyond mere assistance. While there, she begins to observe some peculiar signs that hint Joel might be making too many concessions in his relationship. For instance, he is parting ways with his cherished piano because Brad already owns one. Despite the fact that this particular piano holds a special place in Joel’s heart, it’s simpler to keep Brad’s. “It’s just a possession,” Joel explains, and while Sam appears somewhat skeptical, she decides not to press the matter further.

Shortly after, she discovers a box of items intended for a child Joel might have someday – even a tiny Fanilow onesie was included – and realizes that Joel intends to throw it away. He informs her that he and Brad don’t plan on having kids. Brad surprisingly has grown children, and apparently doesn’t wish for any more. Sam is taken aback: Joel had always dreamed of being a father, as she points out that the desire is clearly depicted on his vision board. Although Joel seems content and suggests they move past it, this situation exemplifies Sam’s supportive friendship: She refrains from pushing the issue at that moment, but she remains aware and ensures Joel knows she’s available to discuss it whenever he’s ready. It is important to note that she exhibits empathy rather than offering unsolicited advice or opinions.

A more compelling illustration of Sam’s influence on others is demonstrated through her actions towards Brad in this episode. Initially, Sam was hesitant and cold toward Brad due to feelings of jealousy and fear that he might replace her as best friend. The situation was a mix of discomfort caused by Brad’s SLS-induced illness and the emotional upheaval of potential friendship loss. However, time has healed these wounds, and now, when Brad asks Sam for help in writing a love song for Joel to perform at their housewarming party, she eagerly agrees. This moment, unknown to Joel, is a beautiful display of bonding between friends as they discuss emotions, share best impressions of Joel, and express what it means to feel loved. If only Joel could witness this heartwarming scene, he might be taken aback, thinking Sam’s offer to help pack was a sign of tenderness; in reality, he would be floored.

As a devoted fan, I must say that while their private moment was touching, nothing compares to the magical scene at the housewarming where they finally serenade us with their song. This scene truly encapsulates what makes Somebody Somewhere so captivating and why we’ve grown so attached to Sam. The sequence begins with Sam leading her friends in a boisterous, humorous rendition of “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” and culminates in us all shedding tears over Brad’s heartfelt declaration and Sam’s significant role in it all. In essence, this show is all about that moment – it’s a must-watch!

When it’s time for Brad to perform a song expressing his affection for Joel in front of both his friends and church companions, he becomes incredibly anxious. He stumbles on his opening line and turns to Sam at the piano for assistance. He feels like he might vomit. Noticing Brad’s distress, Sam offers him comfort with a gentle, reassuring expression and mouthes “It’s okay, I’ve got you,” before taking over and singing the first verse and chorus for him. Joel, Brad, and everyone else present are all moved to tears. Eventually, Sam looks back at Brad again and encourages him by mouthing “you can do this.” Remarkably, Brad manages to pull through. Although he’s not a great singer, and his fear is evident on his face, he carries on. He sings about how Joel has opened up his heart like never before, and no one has ever looked at him the way Joel does. Tim Bagley delivers an exceptional performance here, capturing every emotional beat that Brad experiences. And to add another tender moment of camaraderie between Brad and Sam? It’s almost overwhelming, you know?

Although it’s clear how fortunate these individuals are to have Sam as a friend, she herself does not feel that way. Later that evening, slightly intoxicated, she inquires from Joel if she burdens him, but dismisses his questions for further clarification. The following morning, Brad mentions to Joel that Sam might be facing financial difficulties due to the loss of an income source related to helping Joel with his rentals. He offers her money, should she require it. Her embarrassment is so profound that she hurriedly leaves the house. The next day, still hungover, she rushes to an ATM and finds only a mere $300 in her account, causing her to vomit. It’s unclear whether it’s the alcohol or her thoughts about being a burden to her friends that is making her feel this way; neither seems to offer much solace.

She mutters, clearly upset and in a low point, ‘I’m quite a pitiful sight right now.’ It’s evident that this series won’t conclude with Sam feeling this dejected about herself, but until we see her regain her confidence, it’s a challenging scene to witness.

Tender Moments

In a rather unusual turn of events, finding a septic tank issue in Iceland unexpectedly sparked feelings for one individual, don’t you agree, ladies? When the Miller sisters were called upon to help locate the septic tank situated at the backyard, Sam decided to take a photo not just as a reminder of the tank’s location but also, secretly, to have an image of that man saved on her phone.

• What a fun surprise: Sam is actually a great gift giver. Not only does she give Joel and Brad a dutch oven for their housewarming, because the name is too hilarious to pass up (Sam explaining what “dutch oven” also means still makes me giggle), but she also gives Joel a tub of his beloved vaporub with pictures of her putting it on and in her nose all over it. Perfect, no notes.

“Of all the Christmas-themed pillows in Tricia’s collection, which one do you find most amusing – the one that jokes about it being starting to look a lot like Christmas, the one that seems oddly aggressive with its phrase ‘All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth’, or the straightforward and humorous ‘Merry Cunt-mas’?

2024-11-04 08:54

Somebody Somewhere Recap: Are You Being Tender With Me?

Tender Moments

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