In the second chapter of Somebody Somewhere's sophomore season, aptly titled "#2," the narrative delves further into the nuanced realms of sorrow, camaraderie, and the unpredictability that life inherently harbors. This episode stands as a testament to the series' exceptional prowess in harmonizing humor with heart-wrenching emotion, as Sam (portrayed by Bridget Everett) and Joel (Jeff Hiller) tread cautiously through a labyrinth of sentiments, ranging from the ecstatic announcement of a friend's engagement to the comedic chaos of food poisoning.
The episode unfolds with the startling revelation of Fred Rococo's (Mike Hagerty) impending nuptials to Susan, a woman from his graduate school days who has shared an intermittent relationship with him over the years. The nonchalant disclosure of this pivotal life milestone during a relaxed poker night among Sam, Joel, and Tiffani (Mary Catherine Garrison) underscores Fred's laid-back demeanor, while also sparking a wave of introspection among the trio. Joel's spontaneous elation juxtaposed against Sam's palpable discomfort creates a stark contrast, illuminating their contrasting perspectives and approaches towards embracing change. Sam's discomfort is multi-layered, extending beyond Fred's wedding to encompass her profound apprehension towards alterations that could disrupt the nascent social circle she has only recently come to cherish, fearing the potential loss of more beloved figures. This fear is deeply rooted in her tragic loss of her sister Holly, and now, she grapples with the specter of losing Fred as well.
Sam's journey through this season emerges as a profound confrontation not merely with her grief over Holly, but also with the myriad issues that grief has stirred within her psyche. As depicted by the show, grief is a tumultuous force that brings to light all the unresolved facets of one's life. Sam's reaction to Fred's engagement serves as a poignant illustration of her terror of losing more individuals she holds dear. Her past tendency to isolate herself from others, as unveiled in the inaugural season, was a defensive maneuver aimed at shielding herself from potential heartache. Change, even when wrapped in the garb of positivity, can be prohibitively painful, and Joel, cognizant of this aspect of Sam, steadfastly offers his unwavering support despite her occasional recalcitrance.
Despite her initial hesitance, Sam eventually concedes to participate in Fred's wedding, undertaking the responsibility of serenading the couple with "Ave Maria." Joel, too, agrees to serve as the officiant. This commitment propels Sam into confronting her anxiety regarding the performance of the song, which she finds unsettling. Driven by her earnest desire to honor Fred, she seeks solace in vocal lessons from her seasoned instructor, Darlene Edwards, and attends a fall recital—a daunting yet courageous endeavor that symbolizes her strides towards confronting her past and overcoming her fears.
The recital scene unfolds as a masterpiece of awkward humor, where Sam and Joel's discomfort is almost tangible in the desolate gym. Their shared laughter at the absurdity of the situation, particularly when Brad Schraeder (played by Tim Bagley) unleashes his passionate opera performance, is both excruciatingly embarrassing and endearingly heartwarming. This scene highlights the ever-deepening bond between Sam and Joel, as they find solace in each other's company amidst the chaos.
The episode takes a dramatic twist when Sam and Joel, after indulging in Brad's controversial "St. Louis sushi," are struck with a violent bout of food poisoning. The sequence of events that unfolds is a testament to the show's uncanny ability to mine humor from the most unlikely of circumstances. As Sam and Joel navigate through the most intimate of disasters while trying to maintain their dignity over the phone, the scene, though graphically vivid in sound, serves as a perfect illustration of the show's unique blend of humor and humanity. It culminates in a moment of profound intimacy that solidifies their friendship in a way that only a shared, extreme experience can.
Punctuating the episode are tender moments that add layers of depth to the characters' struggles. Sam's quiet joy at being taken off the "no visitors" list at her mother's nursing facility stands as a serene oasis in the midst of her turmoil. Tricia's attempt to start anew at a supermarket job and her subsequent encounter with a former customer from Tender Moments serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny she's trying to escape in her small-town world. Her hate-post on a pillow she crafted for Charity last season is a small but powerful act of rebellion, whispering volumes about her pain and anger.
In conclusion, "#2" is an episode that delves deeply into the complexities of grief, the fear of change, and the unyielding power of friendship. It showcases the characters' vulnerabilities and their earnest attempts to navigate life's unpredictable twists and turns with humor and heart. Somebody Somewhere continues to resonate as a unique voice in television, offering an unfiltered and honest portrayal of the human experience that is both relatable and uniquely poignant.
