The sophomore season of HBO's poignant dramedy Somebody Somewhere graces the screen with its premiere episode "NNP," a masterclass in subtle storytelling and character development. Picking up several months after the season one finale, the episode delves into the intricacies of Sam and Joel's deepening friendship, set against the backdrop of the familiar yet evolving landscape of Manhattan, Kansas.
The episode opens with Sam and Joel's dynamic relationship taking center stage, now characterized by a "marriage of convenience" as Joel frequently sleeps on Sam's couch due to renting out his own home on Airbnb. This new living arrangement is a testament to the bond they've formed, and it's a joy to witness their easy camaraderie as they navigate daily life together. From playful banter at the park to a mishap with Airbnb guests, their shared moments are filled with laughter and lightheartedness, a stark contrast to the heavier themes of grief and loss that underpin the series.
Meanwhile, Tricia's life takes a dramatic turn with the closure of her Tender Moments store and the departure of her daughter Shannon to college. This leaves her grappling with an empty nest and the reality of her crumbling marriage. The invitation to Sam and Joel to join her for dinner is a poignant moment, highlighting the complex sisterly relationship between Sam and Tricia. They are not best friends, but there's a mutual respect and familial love that perseveres despite their differences. The dinner scene is a perfect example of the show's ability to blend humor with raw emotion, as Tricia's vulnerability emerges alongside her sharp wit.
One of the standout aspects of Somebody Somewhere is its authenticity, particularly in how it portrays laughter and humor. Unlike many shows, the characters in this series are in on the jokes, creating a sense of relatability and intimacy that draws viewers into their world. This is evident in the way Sam and Joel make each other laugh, enhancing the realism of their friendship and making their interactions all the more endearing.
The episode reaches its emotional peak when Sam, while cleaning out her father's barn, feels the weight of the task emotionally. She sees her father's hat and sits at his workbench, tears streaming down her face. She calls Joel (a sign of how close they've become) and asks him to stay on the phone with her for a bit. "He loved this place, and now I just feel like I'm packing up his whole life," she tells him. She knew that packing up the barn would break her father's heart, but "didn't know it'd break [hers]." It's a beautiful scene where the camera never moves and there are no cuts; it's just Sam feeling everything. Like the dinner at Tricia's, this scene does a lot: it reveals how close Sam and Joel are — she can be and wants to be vulnerable with him — and speaks to one of the show's fundamental principles: family comes first.
However, the scene's biggest emotional punch comes from the other layer of this entire storyline about Ed. Mike Hagerty, who portrayed Ed, died before season two was filmed. Instead of killing off the character, Somebody Somewhere decided to handle Hagerty's absence by sending Ed off on an extended trip. This decision is a quiet yet beautiful way to handle the reality of Hagerty's passing, allowing the show to maintain its tender and respectful tone.
"NNP" is a testament to Somebody Somewhere's ability to balance humor with heartache, to explore the nuances of grief and loss while still finding joy in the simplest of moments. The episode is a loving reminder that life is a tapestry of connections, and it's in these connections where we find our strength and our laughter. As the second season unfolds, it's clear that Somebody Somewhere will continue to be a beacon of authenticity and emotional resonance, a show that values the importance of community and the power of friendship in the face of life's challenges.