Column: It may be set in a small town, but ‘Somebody Somewhere’ was epic television
As a woman who has navigated her own share of dark forests and monstrous terrors, I find myself deeply moved by HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere.” This series resonates with me in ways that few others have, as it delves into the heart of human struggles – love, forgiveness, and the journey toward self-acceptance.
Heroes don’t always have to embark on journeys from Troy to Ithaca, traverse Middle-earth or Westeros, or walk along the Yellow Brick Road to fight monsters, form unusual bonds, uncover hidden strengths, and conquer the darkness that looms over their realm. Instead, they can find their epic stories in the everyday challenges they face and the transformations they undergo within their own worlds.
Occasionally, much like Dorothy Gale found out long ago, a true hero may accomplish everything they set out to achieve right here at home, in their very own Kansas.
In “Somebody Somewhere,” Sam Miller, like another woman who appreciates the power of an exceptionally impactful tune, accomplishes this feat without experiencing a disorienting blow to her head.
In Emmy terms, the HBO series that wrapped up after three seasons on Sunday is classified as a comedy. However, it’s not just laugh-out-loud funny, with Bridget Everett portraying Sam in this half-hour show created by Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen. It also delves deeply into emotional depth, similar to contemporary comedies like “The Bear.” In essence, while “Somebody Somewhere” is undeniably humorous, it’s equally powerful in its poignancy.
Indeed, the series shares certain themes with “The Bear”: the devastation of parental alcoholism, the twisted relationship between talent and self-doubt. (In this part of the Midwest, though, ambitions are smaller, clashes far less operatic. Here, kitchens have toaster ovens, rooster figurines and refrigerator magnets.)
It’s an even farther cry from TV’s more obvious epic journey tales — no warring clans, no Dire wolves or vows of vengeance, no magical rings. Unless you count the near-omnipresence of doughnuts.
Despite the absence of elaborate speeches, intense fights, or stunning landscapes, the characters in “Somebody Somewhere” might seem ordinary like people you encounter at your local supermarket; however, they are just as captivating and complex as any sorcerer, hero, or endearing Scarecrow. Their journey is filled with challenges similar to traversing Mordor, Westeros, or Oz.
When we encounter Sam, she’s deeply engrossed in sorrow and stands precariously on the edge of giving up. She came back to her modest hometown, Manhattan, Kan., to care for her ailing elder sister Holly, who had cancer. Unfortunately, Holly has passed away now, and Sam finds herself stuck. Overwhelmed by grief, trapped in a job she dislikes, dealing with the complex dynamics of her dysfunctional family, and stuck in an endless cycle of self-criticism and regret. She longs to be elsewhere but lacks the courage to depart.
Sam didn’t have any particular destination beyond Lawrence, Kansas. Despite her ambitious aspirations of becoming a star in the high school show choir, Sam never managed to go much further than her hometown. Her younger sister Tricia (played by Mary Catherine Garrison), who can be quite defensive, often points out that Sam worked as a bartender in this town.
In comparison to Tricia, who’s a married mother, co-owns a local store selling pillows and various items, or Sam’s farming parents, Sam seems to be more of an unprotagonistic character in his own narrative.
Television
The actor is wistful about the final season of the HBO dramedy that he co-stars in with Bridget Everett, but he’s ‘just living in gratitude that it aired at all.’
Joining the scene is Joel (portrayed by Jeff Hiller), an eccentric colleague who, surprisingly, shares a past in show choir. With a sugar-coated demeanor and a dash of spice, Joel is overjoyed at the prospect of rekindling his friendship with Sam, whom he admired greatly. A devout and lively member of his church situated within the shopping mall, Joel extends an invitation to Sam for a covert choir rehearsal. Initially hesitant, she eventually attends, discovering a convivial group of the town’s open-minded individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community, enjoying an evening filled with music and camaraderie, accompanied by some refreshing beverages.
Under the watchful eye of the benevolent sage Fred Rococo (drag king Murray Hill), “choir practice” might not resemble the magical lands of Oz or Rivendell, but it plays a similar role in my life. As I catch a glimpse of the joy and nobility that binds us together, I find myself embarking on a quest – not to save the entire world, but to preserve my own corner of it.
The path Sam takes is filled with hazards: Although the route he follows largely winds through cornfields and the quiet allure of a quaint small-town main street, danger lurks everywhere, just like dragons do in every corner.
In simpler terms, Mary Jo (previously known as Jane Drake Brody) is an alcoholic who later suffers a stroke, leading to aggressive behavior and extended hospitalization. Her husband, Ed (Mike Hagerty), takes on the role of a patient, supportive spouse, trying to manage their farm amidst his wife’s illness, his own aging, physical constraints, and fatigue. Tricia, who has always been envious of Sam’s bond with Holly, constructs a fragile persona that eventually cracks. Lastly, even the cheerful Joel harbors self-doubt and past traumas.
However, the greatest challenge Sam encounters undeniably stems from within herself. Much like other timeless heroes, she boasts a unique ability – her powerful voice. Yet, similar to several heroic figures, she remains hesitant to unleash this potent tool.
Spurred on by Joel and Fred, Sam finds it challenging to embrace her artistic side once more, knowing that doing so would necessitate delving into the deep reservoir of feelings she’s long kept under wraps with a seal of frustration and apathy.
In the span of three seasons, every song she sings feels like a mountain conquered – yet the way ahead is often obstructed by debris or terrifying apparitions that seem to originate from her own mind. (Everett’s skill as a singer is remarkable; she manages to deliver both a powerful sound and the raw, uncertain tones of an untrained voice, demonstrating exceptional talent in musical performance.)
The series itself manages to achieve a comparable feat. Appearing ordinary, it delves authentically into the gritty details of daily life in small towns, such as “Somebody Somewhere”. Beneath its themes of bravery, dedication, and risk-taking, it camouflages itself in loose t-shirts and scenarios drawn from everyday rural existence. A scene where Sam motivates Joel to navigate a tractor transporting hay will strike a chord with anyone who has traversed country roads. Life-altering choices need to be made, concerning the farm and Mary Jo, and there is even a tornado in one episode – it being Kansas, after all. However, the real storms are deeply human. The struggle of asking for, and accepting, aid; the tricky process of scaling emotional barriers; the acceptance of various forms of loss.
As a cinephile, I must confess that “Somebody Somewhere” stands tall among cinematic epics, for within its frames, it boasts an ensemble of characters who each embody heroism in their own extraordinary ways. While Sam may serve as the focal point, the camaraderie that blossoms around her is a rare and relatable tapestry woven from threads of shared experiences and unyielding resilience.
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In guiding Sam towards his fate, Joel might appear like a blend of the Scarecrow, Samwise, and Podrick Payne combined, but as a gay Christian searching for a church community and a people-pleaser yearning for a wholesome romantic relationship, Joel has his own demons to conquer.
In a predicament of her own making, Tricia finds herself ensnared within the confines of a stereotypical princess mentality and polite dialogue she had contributed to constructing. She must embrace the deceptive “Lying Cushion,” a creation born from the revelation of her best friend’s betrayal by sleeping with Tricia’s husband, before uncovering that what appears as defeat is instead a detour paving the way towards success.
In my humble opinion, Fred Rococo stands out as a unique and captivating figure, unlike any other sage, wizard, or seer I’ve encountered. As a professor specializing in agriculture at Kansas State, Fred transcends the confines of his academic title. He is deeply attuned to the perils of solitude, always making time for a genuine “How are you feeling?” and offering unbiased counsel on topics ranging from farming techniques to emotional introspection.
At the culmination of the second season, when he ties the knot, it’s hard not to shed a tear. Not only does the wish to please Fred compel Sam to perform “Ave Maria” and Joel to make an extraordinarily heartwarming speech, but also because Fred truly deserves to be the happiest person on earth.
Love of all kinds — romantic, platonic, familial, topophilic — fuels every epic adventure, and “Somebody Somewhere” is all about love, its necessity and its pitfalls. In Season 2, Sam rejects her friendship with Joel, and her growing reconnection with Tricia, over what she believes are betrayals. (Joel has begun dating Brad, played by the wonderful Tim Bagley, without telling her; Tricia reveals that Holly told her she was sick a year before she told Sam.) In both cases, the omissions were made in fear of how Sam would react.
Tricia remarks that when you’re angry or hurt, Sam, instead of including someone, you tend to exclude them after minor mistakes,” she explains.
The dense forest symbolizes the journey Sam undertakes. Her deeply ingrained belief in her own unworthiness compels her to scrutinize every situation, searching for hidden meanings that confirm her suspicion of betrayal or deceit. This persistent scanning makes her question the sincerity of acts of kindness or camaraderie, viewing them as fleeting illusions designed to trap her into believing she need not be lonely.
Love triumphs best when we learn to forgive, starting with ourselves – an arduous voyage many of us undertake at some point. Prompted by Fred’s wedding, Sam decides to let go of her resentment towards Joel and Tricia. In the third season, she starts to perceive that the forest isn’t as ominous or terrifying as it initially appeared. Love, including romantic love (with the rugged Icelandic man who now rents the Miller farm), becomes a reality for Sam when she realizes that progress is the path forward.
In “Somewhere,” we don’t see a benevolent ruler back on the throne, evil vanquished, or Sam gracing the Broadway stage with Iceland cheering her on. Instead, the story concludes in a modest tavern where Sam is surrounded by companions, singing. Yes, Iceland may beam a bit, but the tune isn’t “Over the Rainbow.” It’s more like Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” playing in the background.
Because no epic is ever about the resolution — it’s all about the journey.
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2024-12-09 07:31