Music Monday: Cyndi & Bridget

I was looking for a little joy and also missing my favorite fictional friends from Manhattan, Kansas when I stumbled upon this video of Cyndi Lauper and Bridget Everett performing together in 2017. Now this was before “Somebody Somewhere” was a flicker in anyone’s eyes. But, goodness, if it doesn’t bring the joy. And these days, I’ll take any I can find. Guess that means it’s also time for a full series “Somebody Somewhere” rewatch. As it should be. Happy Monday, kittens.

King Me

Now that we’ve shaken off our initial Pride anxiety, how about we celebrate our queerness with a big middle finger (in a fun, fabulous way, naturally) to the gender binary. Get ready for the first major drag king competition series from the free LGBTQ+ streaming service Revery. “King of Drag” is hosted by “Somebody Somewhere” star Murray Hill. They’ve lined up some great guest judges as well including “Somebody Somewhere” co-besties Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller, “Yellowjackets” sapphic survivor Liv Hewson, comic Cameron Esposito, and director Paul Feig. I know? I’m going to have to figure out how to stream Revry now.

My Weekend (Somebody) Crush

Yes, I know, more “Somebody Somewhere” proselytizing. But while searching for clips from the show, I came across this song from the first episode of the first season. Truly, this song – this scene – sums up the entire series. After finishing all three seasons, if you don’t cry buckets watching early Sam and early Joel find each other in this music, well, then you’re made of stronger stuff than me. May we all find your Sam or your Joel – be they romantic, platonic, familial – in this lifetime or possibly the next. Somewhere there is a place where we belong, each and every one of us. Happy weekend, all.

Somewhere Wonderful

Since I’m trying (emphasis on trying) to have a more positive outlook heading into 2025, I thought I’d mention one more thing I’m thankful for in 2024. “Somebody Somewhere,” which ended its third and final season earlier this month, is easily one of my favorite shows of the year. In fact it’s easily one of my favorite shows of the past several years. Possibly, and this is a big statement, of all time. But, definitively, it’s the best, most lovely TV show I watched this past year. Period.

This small, unassuming series about a middle-aged woman and her gay best friend living in their small Kansas hometown feels like the warmest, tenderest of hugs. But it’s not just an exercise in sugary feel-good weepiness. All of its tears – and believe me I cried buckets during the finale – are earned through real connection with these imperfect but still trying characters. You will recognize the elemental bonds between Sam and Joel. You will feel the complicated prickliness surrounding Sam and her sister, Tricia. You will welcome the embrace of this group of oddball outsiders who form a family. Bridget Everett & Co. poured so much love into these people’s lives and allows them to take up space in a world that so often ignores (or even worse) the so-called weirdos. And lest you think it is all just schmaltzy rainbows shit, this show is funny. So. Fucking. Funny.

I’ve always called “Somebody Somewhere” a little show with a big heart. This transplanted Midwestern gal feels seen, and anyone with a found family will feel at home. That we got three whole seasons is a gift in itself. And it’s one I will cherish, and rewatch, forever. Happy end of 2024, kittens.

My Weekend Crush

I consider the fact that “Somebody Somewhere” is getting ready to release its third season a minor, but definitely not insignificant, miracle. That its third season will be its last, alas, can’t even dampen my excitement. This little show with a big, open, wonderful heart is perhaps my favorite show on air right now. It’s definitely my favorite show about Midwestern lives. Nothing much happens and everything happens, and ain’t that life in a nutshell. Knowing I’ll get to return to the lives of Sam and Joel and Fred Rococo et al fills me with so much quiet joy. In fact I will consider it a balm for this election season. It’ll premiere nine days before the election, and be there for us after it as well no matter the result. Though, you know you wanna party with all these Midwest misfits when we win. Happy weekend, all.

My Weekend Crush

Do you believe in miracles? (Not on ice, I’m not that gay — though I am that old…) The miracle in question is the third season renewal of one of my favorite shows. After the wonderful season two finale last weekend, I had resigned myself to that being the end (given HBO Max new Max’s slash/burn ways). But, thanks to Big Gay TV Gods, it was given another season. As I was saying, miraculous.

Now, I’ve sung the praises of “Somebody Somewhere” since its first season became my sleeper show of the year. It’s so rare to encounter a series with such a big heart that showcases small town life nearly perfectly. Set in its star Bridget Everett’s real-life hometown of Manhattan, Kansas, this unassuming series finds its joy, pain and everything in between in the entirely ordinary.

Yet focusing on the everyday doesn’t make it mundane — far from it. And it’s a reminder that good storytelling doesn’t need crazy concepts or special effects to still be deeply affecting. The world of Sam, her gay best friend Joel, sister Tricia and the rest may seem small from the outside. But the process of supporting your family, making new friends and just living your life is always, infinitely complex. And it’s in those moments, “Somebody Somewhere” triumphs in its loveliness.

I cannot overstate what an ABSOLUTE PLEASURE this show is to watch. Honestly, I can’t think of a single reason not to watch this show. If you like flawed yet deeply relatable characters (I mean, who amongst us isn’t one?), watch this show. If you like show choir, watch this show. If you like the Will & Grace dynamic without an annoying Just Jack, watch this show. If you like fully integrated queer and trans characters who are not treated like Very Special Episode additions, watch this show. If you like earnest discussions of christianity and spirituality, watch this show. If you like earnest, funny-as-hell Midwestern people, WATCH THIS SHOW.

Honestly, I think that’s what I love most about “Somebody Somewhere” — its midwestern soul. I mean, even the name is unassuming. Yeah, this is a show about somebody somewhere but it could really be anybody anywhere. Because it’s really about life, it’s messiness, and how we each find our happiness amid the quiet mayhem of simply existing.

Typically, depictions of small town life fall heavily on the rural rube stereotypes — just a bunch of backwoods hillbillies doing hillbilly shit or whatever. Or they’re fish-out-of-water comedies à la “Schitt’s Creek,” where the big city sophisticates learn from the podunk townsfolk. But “Somebody Somewhere” doesn’t have time for that nonsense. Instead of filling the screen with prenaturally precious or impossibly charming characters, these somebodies feel like they 100% could be your next door neighbors — if only you take the time to get to know them.

And, in its own understated way, this show is also radical. I mean (SPOILERS FOR THE SEASON FINALE), the show ends with a trans wedding. If that’s not a radical act, then you haven’t been reading the news lately. The best stories about our chosen families have often been queer stories, and “Somebody Somewhere” is no exception. While Sam is straight, she is surrounded by queer characters who feel very of the moment and their location. If you’ve ever lived in a conservative area, you’ll instinctively understand the push-pull it takes to be out in that environment. Us Blue State gays (or transplanted Blue State gays like me) are largely preaching to the choir. But Kansas gays? Yeah, that’s where it matters the most.

I can’t wait for another season of this show. I can’t wait to spend more time with these people. I want as many people as possible to meet them and fall in love with these lovely and genuinely genuine people. Happy Weekend, all.

My Weekend Crush

God, I’m so fucking excited for this big-hearted show to come back. It’s truly a minor miracle we got a second season at all, considering there are queers on this show and it’s on the streamer formerly known as HBO Max. But there’s a dead lesbian in the backstory already, so maybe they thought they’d give this one a mulligan this once. I just can’t say enough about this sweet, quirky, entirely Midwestern look at the oddballs and everyday people among us. The delicious weirdness of family and friendships as adults is treated with an eye for the absurdity — and if we’re lucky, rare ecstasy — of daily life. I just, I just love this show. Catch the second season starting this Sunday and who knows we might even get a third season. Happy Weekend, all.

Back from Somewhere

I just finished a rewatch of this hilarious, heartfelt show that lovingly embraces the families we make for ourselves wherever we find ourselves — in this case in the corn fields of middle America. So I am beyond thrilled that this understated show got a second season starting soon. I truly hope more people start to watch. Not just because that will mean possibly a third season for me to watch (let us hope against hope in this streaming economy — also there are queers in this show so how it escaped the last Cancel Your Gays purge is beyond me), but also because this kind of big-hearted storytelling is truly lovely. And, honestly, more people could use more of that in this world. Welcome back. show, for everybody everywhere.

Second Somewhere

Would you look at that? Three days of posts in a row? It’s like I’ve been doing this forever and miss it (and, of course, the kittens). Anyway, easing myself back into the old blog saddle this week, and it already feels good. So would you like some more good news? I know I sure could.

On the heels of the surprise very welcome news about “Girls5Eva” being renewed for a new season (and switching a bigger platform on Netflix), comes equally surprising very welcome news that HBO Max’s “Somebody Somewhere” is coming back for its second season this winter. I’m thrilled that the unassuming series has been given a sophomore season, especially considering the recent programming apocalypse (and Cancel Your Gays contributions) at the streamer.

This hilarious yet unexpectedly heartfelt show from comic Bridget Everett isn’t showy. Instead it’s the perfect Midwestern show about the oddballs that exist in every community and the joy of being with your found family. Also, while it may not have any current major lesbian characters, the show is plenty queer with matter-of-fact gay and trans representation.

Honestly, I thought the first season was so lovely it could have stood on its own. But I’m thrilled to be able to watch another season of this loveably scruffy bunch of weirdos do ridiculous and lovely things to the background hum of cicadas over the cornfields.

p.s. Goodness, kittens. Thank you so much to all who donated and offered kind words to My Little Life Implosion Fund so far. I cannot thank you enough.

How to Donate:

Venmo: @Dorothy-Snarker
Paypal: idgie2@hotmail.com

Definitely Something

Every queer person intrinsically understands the process of finding their chosen family. Yet we’ve rarely been shown depictions of this — past that of teens or young adults. Part of what makes the new HBO series “Somebody Somewhere” so special is that it allows full-grown adults to find their families, and themselves.

The show is a semi-autobiographical story from comedian/cabaret aficionado Bridget Everett. If you’re a fan of Amy Schumer’s sketch comedy series, you’ve no doubt seen Bridget’s stand-up. She’s always kind of brash and wonderful, but “Somebody Somewhere” allows her to show her big, beautiful heart as well.

Set in Manhattan, Kansas (where Bridget was born and raised) the show also reveals a nuanced eye for quiet intricacies of Midwestern family life. In the series her character Sam had returned to her hometown to take care of her sick sister, who then passes away before the show starts. Now, six months later, Sam is adrift. The story is part mid-life crisis, part an embrace of your inner outsider.

“Somebody Somewhere” is also an undeniably queer story. While Bridget’s Sam doesn’t identify as gay, the friends she turns into family during the course of the show cross the LGBTQ+ spectrum. But their sexuality and gender identity isn’t fussed over. Like true Midwesterners, most of the gay stuff goes unsaid or remarked upon — it just is. (Same goes for commentary on Sam’s body, which is only touched on fleetingly making for a refreshing change.) The series also deftly navigates many queer Midwesterners often uncomfortable relationship with the church.

The heart of the show is about finding your people, the ones who make you feel like you belong. The ones who support you, even when you think you don’t deserve anyone’s love or care. Sam finds it in her gay BFF Joel (played with goofy grace by Jeff Hiller). I’ve also mentioned this show is really funny, right? Because it is. Really, really funny.

After the short “Somebody Somewhere” first season, just seven 30-minute episodes, you’ll definitely want more. But you’ll also feel fully satisfied. In a town where rainbows still mostly mean The Wizard of Oz, the show is a meditation on the power of queer and outsider families. They can help us find, or rediscover our voices — in this case figuratively and literally. In showing us the power of being authentically ourselves, and embracing our inner oddballs, we can find joy in the most unlikely of places — even Manhattan, Kansas.

p.s. If you don’t finish the show with a little boy crush on Fred Rococo than I’m not sure we can be friends.