Back to Dollywood

It’s been a whole pandemic and then some since we last saw Natasha Lyonne die many, many (many, many, manymanymany) horrible deaths only to awaken alive back where she started. Back in 2019, if you can remember that far, “Russian Doll” premiered on Netflix. It was like “Groundhog Day” on acid and makes us question the nature of life, the possibilities of the multiverse and unexpected fallout of trauma. In short it’s gloriously weird and showcases the best of Natasha Lyonne (which is quite a thing to say because Natasha Lyonne is great in everything, period).

Now, three years later, it’s coming back. Season Two, what a concept! When last time we saw our unkillable (well, actually, she’s very killable, she just won’t stay head) heroine, she and Alan (her trapped in their own timelines cohort) walking off into an impromptu street parade together.

The series probably could have ended there, a trippy moment in time. But lo, the crazy train is returning, and according to Natasha it’ll be “deep, and deeply off-the-wall.” She calls the second season for the show she co-created and acts as showrunner for, a “Wild ride.” What we know is it picks up four years after Season One. And, reading between the lines, it sounds like we’re gonna get Quantum Leapy up in this hizzy (What? Snoop played the Super Bowl, that slang is cool again.)

While it’s not explicitly laid out, it seems some time traveling, era hopping, timeline jumping could be in order for Season Two. All the principals are back AND the show has added “Schitt’s Creek” alum Annie Murphy. That news is the polar opposite of, “Ew, David.” Also, her hairstyle in that photo sure looks 80s to me.

For those who forgot (I mean it has been three years since it last aired), the show was created by Natasha, Amy Poehler and out lesbian creator Leslye Headland. And in case you need more queer bonafides, and “But I’m a Cheerleader” director Jamie Babbit traded off directing duties with Leslye and Natasha on the entire first season.

Also two of Natasha’s character’s best friends: Maxine (played by Greta Lee) and Lizzy (played by Rebecca Henderson) appear to be LGBTQ+. At least I think they were, right? Three years was a long time ago, OK? And, from the promo stills, at least Greta is coming back.

Netflix only has the show’s Season Two return listed as “Spring,” but it was in the 70s in California over the weekend, so hurry the hell up. So, kittens, are you ready to do the time warp again?

Music Monday: Alexis Edition

I have not evangelized about “Schitt’s Creek” here because some things I just enjoy for myself without the need for pontificate further. Also, despite the tsunami of recommendations and critical love, I never watched a single episode before this year. But, goodness, did I ever need it in 2020. We binged the whole thing over the summer. Along with “Great British Bake Off,” this extremely pleasant Canadian import was a true life-saver through the pandemic. Not only is the show exceedingly nice (Canada, duh), but its sweet in a way that makes us all want to be better people.

The foundation of this show is love. The love we have for our families, for our friends, and our communities. And it tells us that we can all, if only we try and are supported, grow as people. I’ve come to deeply adore every single member of the Rose family and the good people of Schitt’s Creek. The character of Alexis, played by the impeccable Annie Murphy, is some of the best character development I’ve seen on a comedy. I just can’t recommend this show highly enough. But everyone should come to it in their own time, and let this warm-hearted show find them when they need it most. And, until then, you could always be just a little bit Alexis.

p.s. Yes, of course I am livid about White House Patient Zero. And, fear not, it will be addressed. It certainly will.