The Reel Review
Sam, a woman struggling with grief and acceptance in a small town in rural Kansas, learns how to live a more vibrant, purposeful life, thanks to the unconventional love of her chosen family and her sister. Bridget Everett, Jeff Hiller and Mary Catherine Garrison star in season three of this tender HBO Max dramedy that celebrates compassion, acceptance and friendship.
Somebody Somewhere is like a slumber party with your best friend – filled with sweet (and sometimes hysterical – i.e. the STI jokes) tiny moments. Several of the seven half-hour episodes in Season 3 take on a more somber tone than seasons one and two, as Sam navigates a potential romance with a very stoic Icelandic man (Òlafur Darri Òlafsson) who’s renting her parents’ home and Joel, the always upbeat gay Christian, reconciling the compromises he has made as part of his new relationship. Following the wild success of her bawdy pillow sales,Sam’s sister Trish is awash in money and self-confidence.
It is heartwarming to see a loving community represented that celebrates the importance of a chosen family, authentic queer and transgender representation and the relationships that bind friends together – and all in Middle America, no less. The tearful finale brings the sweet series full circle, with a rousing, feel good performance that celebrates personal growth and the beautiful platonic love between besties Sam and Joel.
REEL FACTS
• HBO recently announced that Season 3 will be the last for Somebody Somewhere.
• Season 3 of Somebody Somewhere has picked up Critics Choice Awards nominations for Best Comedy Series and Best Actress (Everett) in a Comedy Series. Season 2 won a Peabody Award.
• There has been a petition to lobby HBO to bring back the series for a fourth season. Everett and Hiller have also hinted at a possible follow-up movie.
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