In the hit HBO dramedy “Somebody Somewhere”, the first season dealt with Sam Miller's (Bridget Everett) journey of overcoming grief following her sister Holly's passing. The second chapter saw her finding her footing in her hometown and handling her internal battle with a secret kept by Holly. The latest and final season depicts Sam's quest to embrace change, avoid resorting to detrimental old habits, and establish her place in her small community.
“Somebody Somewhere”, set in Manhattan, Kansas, acutely captures the subtle charm and monotony of life in a small town. Creators Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen successfully weave a hilarious yet profoundly compassionate story about the residents of this place. The show includes potlucks, bible studies, and gossip, but mainly touches upon the love and unity amongst the locals.
Sam, in the third season, finds herself working at a bar while also assisting her sister Tricia (played by Mary Catherine Garrison) in her event planning and Etsy ventures. While Sam is not typically a social butterfly, she flourishes as a bartender, engaging with patrons and often amusing them with her wit. The season also introduces a change in Sam's personal life, with her father retired in Michigan and her mother in an assisted-living facility. This forces Sam and Tricia to rent out their family farm, causing a shift in the dynamics of their relationship. The major turning point comes when Joel decides to sell his house, and consequently end his rental partnership with Sam, causing a rift in their friendship and impacting Sam's financial standing.
The season also highlights the strengthening bond between Sam and her newly divorced sister, Tricia. Both women find themselves in similar life stages and their evolving relationship becomes a crucial part of the narrative. In addition to this, Sam's friendship with Joel continues to grow, providing a captivating dynamic for the audience. Joel's shocking crisis of faith, however, throws Sam and viewers for a loop and pushes Sam to step up and become a pillar of support.
Throughout the series, Sam grapples with unstable finances, unanticipated health issues, and a surprise love interest. Despite occasionally resorting to her old coping mechanisms, she surprises herself with her willingness to venture beyond her comfort zone.
Episodically, the series presents raw emotional outbursts, and Everett's remarkable singing abilities, bringing a unique flavour to the journey. From unexpected joy to devastating setbacks, Sam learns that it’s perfectly alright to want more from life, even if she’s not certain she deserves it.
“Somebody Somewhere” Season 3 premieres Oct. 27 on HBO, with new episodes being released weekly on Sundays.
