Another series finale?! Are you kidding me?! The Kansas comedy Somebody Somewhere ends after its third season. I’m as devastated as I was for My Brilliant Friend in different ways. This was another show I had been along for the whole journey, and much like the other show, it became very endeared to me. I could see aspects of my own journey in both shows. My Brilliant Friend is based on four novels, so it’s entirely obvious it would end after four seasons. If it didn’t, it would seem suspect or at the very least altogether unnecessary. But Somebody Somewhere was building steam and coming around to some really great stories and I’m just disappointed it’s ending here. Not that it’s a bad ending, just…you know what I mean… Let us dive in and say goodbye to our favorite singer, Sam (Bridget Everett), her buddy Joel (Jeff Hiller), and all their Kansas shenanigans!!!
Episode # 1 – “Margarini”
We start with Sam in a bar, I’m not entirely sure why she’s there but there’s a dog and I think that’s probably all that really matters. It turns out she is actually working there, as well as working for her sister Tricia (Mary 
Catherine Garrison) who has created a booming business for herself with her crass yet hilarious pillow designs. Tricia is also officially divorced now which is also good for her. Last season she splurged on a new fridge, this season it is a car and I love it for you, babe. Glad to see naughty pillows are so popular. But even with that success, she’s struggling. She doesn’t know how to not be someone’s person. She’s newly single and her daughter is away at school. This is fresh territory again but she is back in the dating game.
Sam visits Joel while he’s at a bake sale with Brad (Tim Bagley), as well as Fred (Murray Hill) and his wife, Susan (Jennifer Mudge). Sounds like Joel got an offer on his house and is done with the Airbnb thing. So he’s moving in with Brad. Very cute, also seems very – sudden? I guess I’m not sure what the time frame has been since the end of last season. But Susan is worried about Fred’s health and encourages everyone to be supportive. This doesn’t entirely land well. And that annoyed me. But more on that later.
The sisters are also responsible for renting the farm out, which has landed in the hands of a lovely Icelandic gentleman (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) who is affectionately referred to as “Iceland” the whole season. Sam is awkward around him, but not his dog. This stirs feelings and induces Sam to visit a pet adoption place, also inducing falling in love with an adorable little cloud of fluff. Much to Sam’s dismay, by the time she comes back, the cutie pie had been scooped. Sam is devastated.
Episode # 2 – “Dinky Dinkies”
In keeping with the spirit of helping Fred get healthy, they form a catch club to meet up and throw a baseball around. I like it. I would totally do that if I had a single friend who lived in my area. All my friends live online. Anyway, Sam brings donuts and Susan doesn’t appreciate the sabotage. Sam is more than miffed and while it is an often annoying change to make, if your friend has been told by doctors they need to get healthy or die and his wife is trying desperately hard to make this a more pleasant experience by getting friends to be supportive then why are we mad? Seems rather childish to be pissy over a granola bar instead of donuts. And as I said, if your friend has been told it’s a life or death situation getting healthy then why wouldn’t you support that as much as you can? But there’s lots of change and in general, that isn’t Sam’s bag.
She goes to help pack Joel’s place and it’s more of the same. Asking questions and wondering why things are being left behind. And I get that she’s trying to be supportive in her own way. But you also need to just accept the choices people make. You can’t force second-guessing and analysis constantly. Sometimes, you just have to acknowledge someone made a choice you don’t like and that’s it. If Joel has decided not to have kids, that is his choice and you have to respect it. Whether you disagree with it or not.
Meanwhile, Tricia is still just living her best life. Though annoyed to have to deal with a septic issue at the farm. That whole sequence was just absolutely hilarious. I could barely breathe. Stomping around, and stabbing the ground, is just genius acting by Garrison. But also Iceland watching and the sister whispering, all-around hilarious stuff. 
On a more romantic note, Brad would like Sam to work with him on singing better and practicing a song of his own creation to sing for Joel. It’s so sweet and I appreciate seeing the two of them bonding. It’s important for people who care about the same person to get along in some way. Seeing the love and support between them as they approached this song was so lovely. Brad truly believes in Sam’s talent and she wants to help him do this for Joel. In the end, the tears were a-flowin’ and it was perfectly lovely. Even if Sam does ruin it the next morning with Dutch oven jokes. Or rather, Brad ruins it by asking if Sam needs money and saying they could happily loan her some. Poor Sam. Feeling bug-sized right about now, I bet. The puke scene at the bank, however, was priceless.
Episode # 3 – “Porch Lyfe”
Tricia has joined the local country club so not only does she need a new wardrobe, she needs to brush off her networking skills. Tricia has her eye on the prize, but not just that. She’s very quick to notice Sam’s limp and insists she get care. This brings up a lot of feelings for them both, given it is a small town and a family doctor and someone who took care of their sister. Sam says she will and it’s been a joy watching these two shift their relationship with each other. They both lost Holly but in different ways. And while some of that grief has been dealt with, some is still lying in wait. But she does go and hears essentially what she doesn’t want to hear: that her life needs to change if she wants to keep living it. She’s scared, but this isn’t a death sentence. Just a call to arms.
What is a death sentence is having a partner who needs to do everything together when you’re used to being a solo act for yourself. And this is something I can speak to on Joel’s end. I grew up an only child at my mom’s house and the oldest of 4 at my dad’s. I am used to being responsible for everyone and also just being responsible for myself…guess which I’d prefer? Exactly. I am one who thrives on doing things alone. I have zero issues eating alone or seeing a movie alone. My guy? Not like that at all. He was raised with both parents in the home and two siblings so you didn’t usually do stuff alone; also the frequent announcing and acknowledging just kills me. I’ve never felt like I needed to explain I was leaving the room nor need anyone else’s acknowledgment that I’m leaving the room, but apparently, this is a thing. For Joel, he’s used to flying free. He does whatever and he’s comfortable that way but now he has a partner who wants to do everything together and that can feel stifling to change to.
Speaking of change, Sam is trying to talk to Iceland while he’s at the bar and I appreciate seeing Sam really push to come out of her comfort zone. You can tell she’s awkward and doesn’t really know what to do, but she’s trying, and in the end that’s the most important part. She also comes around on the health stuff, even if Fred and Joel are more resistant. Susan is genuinely the adult here, wanting the person she loves to take care of themselves. Why is this a bad thing? Because she’s making you eat slightly healthier and not burgers every meal? I feel like Susan got a bad wrap on this whole thing and I don’t like it.
But the best part of the whole episode is what gave us our title. Sam decides to listen to some music and sit out on her porch, just offering neighborhood commentary. Bridget is hilarious as she narrates her neighbor arriving home with a girl. Just absolutely dying listening to her whole monologue. And that’s part of Bridget’s appeal as Sam. She is trying to improve herself and how she thinks about herself, but that’s an uphill battle. One I’m still fighting every day. Bridget’s portrayal of Sam feels like a best friend hug. Someone you could sit and just talk shit with while you both tried to be better people. Truly the essence of her and Joel’s relationship and I really appreciated that even more this season.
Episode # 4 – “What If It Spreads”
Sam is in ass-kicking mode and I love to see it. She’s taking the doctor seriously. I doubt she’s given up on tiny Tinis entirely, but she’s got Tae-bo on and she’s doing it and I’m so proud of her! She also has dug up some old memories on the farm and I was curious what was there… I suppose I’ll have to wait because it’s trade show time in the city and Sam has to load in with Tricia and get going. Classic sister moments 
watching these two and I just love it. But Sam does reveal the letters she found were old love letters their mom had written their dad and it causes them to reflect. Since I’m myself the daughter of an alcoholic to the point where it killed him, you wonder why and how and seeing all these different versions of them. For Sam and Tricia, it’s knowing they never got the best part of their mom (who was alcoholic as well, if you don’t remember) and sadness over who they could have had in their life, while understanding why their father was so protective and resistant to taking her to rehab because that was his love and he didn’t see her any other way. It was a beautiful perspective on a difficult situation.
Meanwhile, Brad and Joel are doing bible study together. Brad had to play straight for a long time, while Joel could never have forced himself to do that. And we are seeing a slight generation difference here. But Brad’s road rage moment was absolutely hilarious and all the applause for Tim Bagley! Just fantastic acting this season, he does awkward so well! But it’s especially awkward for Joel when his high school bully appears at bible group. He wants to apologize but Joel is just not ready for this conversation.
Back to the trade show, Tricia is on fire and so is her pee. Babe, I know you’re back in the game but DAMN. Oh, wait, not that far back yet? Treading slowly? So who gave you the clap? Ah yes, dick weasel himself slipped back for some and left you a present. Can sex with Rick (Danny McCarthy) be off the table completely now? She may be feeling vulnerable but it’s Sam who truly opens up and I’m so grateful these two have made peace with each other’s existence. I love seeing them together just being sisters.
Episode # 5 – “Num Nums”
It’s Thanksgiving! Time to be with the people that we love and give thanks for everything we have. Brad and Joel are hosting and hopefully, it’s better than the church bitties. Listen, I get that they mean well, but I would break that “I have two dads” mug in a heartbeat. It’s hard enough at times for Brad to have to reconcile his past. Especially in this group where there are so many queer identities, but also different attitudes that come with that. As I said prior, Brad had to play it straight for a while. And he truly did care about the woman he was with. But going at it authentically and choosing to be his real self had consequences. And while Susan wants to dig and ask all these questions, I don’t think she realizes how much she’s hurting him even bringing this up but then also judging him for not having her same response. Ok, now we can be mad at Susan. Y’all were mad about the food thing, but this is the thing I’m mad about. Leave him be, damn.
Tricia is feeling the love, despite the tension. She truly feels so loved being included with Sam and her friends. And I love that for her. I think we’re seeing how isolated and lonely Tricia was just as a wife and mother. And she had her business too but her life was about being a wife and mother. Now, she’s living for herself and her happiness and I’m so happy for her. She deserves it. She also helps smooth over the feelings and reminds everyone of what’s important: love. Everyone can see how much Brad and Joel love each other. On Sam’s end, she gets it now. She gets why Joel would choose to walk away from kids, to have what he has now. She is supportive of that now and whatever Joel wants for his happiness. And then we see a crying Joel sitting in the kitchen alone. Oh, my heart.
Episode # 6 – “As Much As I Like Not Feeling”
Joel starts the episode with an accident. Bless him, he’s so emotionally fragile right now. The little old lady is being so nice and kind and he can’t take it. He’s two seconds away from an emotional breakdown. Sam suggests a sleepover and OMG, yes. They’re so cute, but also he needs it. He needs that time with Sam to let walls come down and be honest. But Sam’s also gotta go help Tricia.
She’s practicing her pitch. Tricia has made great contacts at the country club, including a massive whale donating to cancer research. Tricia shares their story with Sam and it’s a beautiful moment for these sisters who have been through so much together and they’re healing and it’s just so goddamn wonderful. Also Rick calls and Sam holds the phone up so Tricia can verbally berate him. That’s sisterly love. But Sam is also getting her own ideas and I love seeing these two working together. It’s just so wonderful compared to season one Tricia and Sam. Arguably the best character relationship arc in all three seasons. Just…all the feels.
Those are small feels though. Let’s get ready for the big feels. They are gonna smack you right in the heart. Are you ready for this? We watch Sam get ready for her date. It’s like just pick a flannel, would you lady?! But she’s trying to be vulnerable, to let herself feel things. And that is hard. When you’ve spent your life putting up funny, fat girl walls, it’s hard to bring them down. Even if, like me, you feel like you’ve found the right one. I have a ring on my finger, and I’m still like “You LIKE-LIKE me, right?” She’s scared. It could be so good, but when you don’t know how to have the good, it’s a whole journey and it’s so scary. She wants it. She wants it so bad. But it’s always what if…what if he ends up being shitty? What if I run out of things to talk about? What if we have nothing to talk about?!?!
But it’s time. It’s here. And what better place for a first date than your farm?!? I mean seriously, how f*cking cute. It helps make her comfortable, and able to chat and make jokes. They fall so easily into banter and it’s just everything we’ve wanted for Sam. They have this quick comfort with each other, making jokes. “I don’t like how you always put yourself down.” Ok, buckle up buttercups. The emotions are going warp speed now. If you have always loved yourself, good. That’s how it should be. For those of us who needed to learn that we are easy to love, hearing something like that is a big f*cking deal. My partner will still catch me and remind me to stop speaking to myself in such and such ways. Sam has someone here in front of her, who is already showing on day one that he cares. He cares about how she speaks to herself. He cares about what she has to say. Lord, may all women know such kindness. And then a kiss and I was scared. I was scared she would run and not fight for herself and her happiness. But SHE STAYED!!! And it’s feeling like the Sam we know is finally turning a corner.
The sleepover arrives and it’s nice to see these two spending time together again. But Joel does hit the weep mode again. Is it really the kids thing? Or could it be more? Sam wants to help, but is feeling like this might be a tad out of her depth. So she suggests seeing Pastor Deb (Ora Jones) and I think this might be exactly what Joel needs. But Sam also acknowledges her big feelings and why would Iceland even like her? She doesn’t understand why he would want her, what he sees in her. A big mood that I think a lot of us can identify with. The question is will Sam be open enough to try?
Episode # 7 – Series Finale -“AGG”
We’re here -last episode. And boy, it’s an emotional doozie but in a really good way. Sam is now volunteering at the animal shelter we saw her at in episode one at the beginning of the season. We saw her devastated to lose out on that floofy pup, but now, it’s an even more rewarding experience being able to volunteer with all those animals and help them find those loving, fur-ever homes. See what I did there?!
Sam also helps get Joel to see Pastor Deb which turns out to be exactly what he needed. That was the hole in his heart. He was missing the whole church community that he had lost. Granted, a lot of that was through his own choices and actions, but Deb is there saying, “We never really left. You did. And we’re so happy you’re back.” And that was everything Joel needed to hear right now. His soul truly is at peace again and I just love that for him. But bringing it up with Brad is another story. Having that experience together with their faith was important to Brad and he’s disappointed that Joel needs that experience to be a different one. But relationships are about compromise, and he accepts it. Later in the episode, we see Joel pick Brad up from the church. A kind nod is shared with his childhood bully, peace is amongst the land. Brad apologizes for taking his time, he had questions about the sermon and Joel wants every single detail. They’re both at peace in their places and can share it together and that’s what is most important. Joel didn’t lose his faith, he just needed to practice it elsewhere. And now they can share it at home with Joel as his happiest self. Just wonderful, even if I don’t understand it myself.
Meanwhile, Tricia and Sam have had their roller coaster of a relationship over these seasons and Tricia comes to Sam crying. This is a complete shift from anything we’ve seen of their relationship, but they forgot Holly’s birthday and Tricia is devastated. Sam isn’t. And here is where Tricia acknowledges how they grieved differently. She was dealing with other stuff and didn’t fully process it, even if she thought she did. Whereas Sam literally lived in Holly’s house with all of her stuff. Sam had no choice but to process everything because it was all around her. She couldn’t even bring herself to sleep in the bed the first season. But she made peace with it and lived these experiences for Holly because she was always with them.
And after losing my dad abruptly last year, that’s what I say too. Everything I do is for him to see through me, my eyes, my heart. Tricia is finally coming around and processing those feelings. Seeing her come to Sam and them completely turn around their relationship with each other was so beautiful. It isn’t always easy getting along with your sister, but it’s a special bond worth caring about. Tricia even trots out to the farm to cuss out Iceland when she thinks he blew off Sam. He quickly corrects that she blew him off, so then of course she comes at Sam. Get her, Trish. Get her to open up, damn it. But Trish sees how Iceland feels and she wants her sister to be happy and this could be a real shot at it. Tricia finally gets Sam to take her old Jeep too, so this is a new corner for Sam to turn.
We get a brief phone call from Dad (Mike Hagerty) and I loved how the plot worked for this. It felt like an honor to his memory and even if the parent storyline is left untied, that’s sadly the way alcoholism and recovery go. Sometimes, you just never know what will happen. This season didn’t feature Mary Jo (Jane Brody) at all except by reference. And somehow, that feels like the healthiest way to handle it all. You can’t fix addicts and you can’t make people be kind. They make their choices and if you have to distance yourself because of those choices, that’s valid. The girls had a season of growth and laughter and bonding. And I don’t know how much of that still could have happened if they needed to be trudging back and forth to see their mom. I think I prefer it this way.
We finally wrap up with a concert at the bar. Sam has gathered the people she loves most. Even Iceland makes an appearance of support. They’re so cute, anyway. She just wants to say thank you, to acknowledge how much they mean to her and how much they’ve helped her grow. And then she sings “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus and good lord, how I wept. The past few years especially have been difficult and a time of growth and change. Sam’s singing brought all that home for me but also just how much I’ll miss this show. How much I will miss the talent, the love, but also the unabashed truth of being yourself in a world that tells you not to and singing your heart out like no one is watching. I’ve loved watching Sam, Joel, and everyone grow over these three seasons. I’ve loved growing with them and I am devastated to say goodbye. We’re all somebody…somewhere…just trying to make it…
