’Somebody Somewhere’s’ Final Season Is Exceptional Television: TV Review

As a movie critic who has spent countless hours immersed in the celluloid world, I can confidently say that “Somebody Somewhere” is a gem that truly shines amidst the myriad of productions gracing our screens today. This HBO series, much like a well-aged wine from Manhattan, Kansas, offers a taste of small-town life with a richness and complexity that is both hilarious and compassionate.

In the third season of the critically acclaimed dramedy “Somebody Somewhere,” airing on HBO, Sam Miller (played by Bridget Everett) has found her footing in her small hometown after a difficult period following her sister Holly’s passing. This season, Sam encounters challenges as she faces her first major argument with her close friend Joel (Jeff Hiller), uncovers a secret that Holly had hidden from her, and learns to adapt without slipping back into old patterns of solitude and self-deprecation. As captivating as ever, the final season of “Somebody Somewhere” offers an exceptionally honest portrayal of friendship, compassion, and resilience.

The TV series “Somebody Somewhere,” located in Manhattan, Kansas, presents the peaceful, quaint, and routine aspects of small-town life in an authentic and amusing manner. Rather than being condescending, creators Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen provide a heartwarmingly funny and empathetic perspective on this specific location and its inhabitants. The show highlights potlucks, Bible studies, and neighborhood gossip, but the strong bonds and affection among the residents are the series’ most valuable assets.

As Season 3 begins, I find myself at a new job – the local dive bar, the Cock n’ Bull. While I wouldn’t call myself a people person, I surprisingly excel as a bartender, engaging with regulars, ensuring glasses are always full, and earning laughter with my blunt humor. However, it’s not just my job that’s undergoing change. With my mother in an assisted living facility, my father retired in Michigan, and our family farm rented to the imposing Iceland (Darri Ólafsson), life seems different. Despite seeming calm on the surface, I feel the impact of these developments deeply. My friendships and financial stability are about to shift dramatically when Joel announces he’s selling his house and ending our rental partnership to move in with his boyfriend, Brad (Tim Bagley).

In the latest episode, it’s revealed that Fred, friend of Joel and Sam, is now in a relationship. This puts Sam and Tricia, who’s recently divorced and an empty nester, in a similar life phase. While the dynamic between Sam and Joel forms the core of the show, the growing bond between Sam and Tricia is captivating. The fourth episode, titled “What If It Spreads?,” sees them visiting the Great Plains Expo in Wichita. After a day of business interactions and browsing booths, Tricia’s unexpected confession about her intimate life leaves a lasting impression on Sam, serving as a significant moment for the duo. Although Sam often looks down on Tricia, she also respects Tricia’s bravery in leaving an unfulfilling marriage and establishing her own path in events and the creation of provocative throw pillows with explicit sayings embroidered on them. These pillows are quite successful for Tricia.

As the sisters indulge in their pinot grigio-infused pillow-stuffing escapade, Joel and Sam’s friendship flourishes more than ever before. Individually, Everett and Hiller are captivating, but together they exude a powerful magnetism. For two seasons, viewers have observed Sam gradually leaning towards Joel, with their bond providing solace in aspects lacking elsewhere in Sam’s life. However, this season marks a change as Sam starts to realize the significance of her role in Joel’s life. In Episode 5, titled “Num Nums,” an intoxicated Tricia and their companions gather for Thanksgiving at Joel and Brad’s house. When Brad discloses details about his past, particularly his strained relationship with his grown sons, Sam learns that genuine love doesn’t adhere to a manual. She starts to comprehend that to attain it, she must be prepared to take daring risks – specifically, to uncover a vulnerability she has long hidden away.

Over the course of the series, Sam faces numerous challenges including financial instability, health issues, interference from Fred’s wife Susie (Jennifer Smudge), and an unexpected romantic interest. At times, she copes by withdrawing emotionally and engaging in self-criticism. However, with Joel and Tricia as her support system, she surprises herself by embracing novel experiences.

Sam has improved at dealing with the unexpected, but Joel’s sudden crisis of faith leaves both him and the audience in a state of surprise. When Joel sees parts of his vision board coming true while he is mourning losses and encountering a complex individual from his past, it demonstrates to Sam that even the most hopeful people can trip up. Assuming the role of a strong friend helps her realize that being exactly where she is, is perfectly acceptable.

Absolutely, the show “Somebody Somewhere” wouldn’t be complete without Everett’s unique vocal performance. The actress portraying Sam is a proficient cabaret singer, yet her character’s apprehension about public performances has been a recurring theme throughout the series. This season presents emotional outbursts, bawdy humor, and even some tearful moments. What sets this series apart from most TV shows today is its heartwarming surprises and poignant struggles. Throughout both triumphs and setbacks, Sam learns that it’s okay to persist and ask for what she wants, even when she doubts her worthiness. Life isn’t always about drastic changes; sometimes, it’s just about longing for more and slowly moving forward.

The third season of the show “Somebody Somewhere” will begin airing on October 27th, every subsequent Sunday will see a new episode being released on HBO.

2024-10-20 19:46

’Somebody Somewhere’s’ Final Season Is Exceptional Television: TV Review

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