In the second episode of Somebody Somewhere's sophomore season, titled "#2," the show continues its delicate exploration of grief, friendship, and the chaos that life can bring. This installment is a testament to the series' ability to balance humor with heartache, as Sam (Bridget Everett) and Joel (Jeff Hiller) navigate a minefield of emotions, from the joy of a friend's engagement to the literal turmoil of food poisoning.
The episode kicks off with the surprising news of Fred Rococo's (Mike Hagerty) engagement to Susan, a woman from his grad school days with whom he's had a long, off-again-on-again relationship. The casual introduction of this significant life event to Sam, Joel, and Tiffani (Mary Catherine Garrison) during a poker night underscores Fred's nonchalant attitude, yet it also serves as a catalyst for the characters' own introspection. Joel's immediate joy and Sam's discomfort form a stark contrast, revealing their different attitudes and ways of dealing with change. Sam's discomfort is not only about Fred's wedding but also touches on her deep-seated fear of change—change that might disrupt the social circle she has just begun to accept, and might cause her to lose more loved ones. This fear stems from her loss of her sister Holly, and now, she might have to face the pain of losing Fred as well.
Sam's journey this season seems to be about confronting not just her grief over her sister Holly but also the many issues that grief has stirred up within her. Grief, as the show depicts, is chaotic and brings to the surface all the unresolved aspects of one's life. Sam's reaction to Fred's engagement is a clear indication of her fear of losing more people she cares about. Her past tendency to close herself off from others, as revealed in the first season, was a protective measure against getting hurt. Change, even when positive, can be painful, and Joel recognizes this about Sam, offering his support even when she's being difficult.
Despite her initial reluctance, Sam agrees to be a part of Fred's wedding, singing at the ceremony, and Joel agrees to officiate. This commitment leads Sam to confront her anxiety about performing "Ave Maria," a song she's not comfortable with. Her determination to do right by Fred leads her to seek singing lessons from her old vocal instructor, Darlene Edwards, and to attend a fall recital, an awkward yet brave step towards facing her past and her fears.
The recital scene is a masterclass in awkward humor, with Sam and Joel's discomfort palpable in the empty gym. Their shared laughter at the absurdity of the situation, particularly during Brad Schraeder's (Tim Bagley) passionate opera performance, is both cringe-worthy and endearing, highlighting the deepening bond between Sam and Joel.
The episode takes a dramatic turn when Sam and Joel, after indulging in Brad's controversial "St. Louis sushi," are struck with a violent case of food poisoning. The sequence of events that follows is a testament to the show's ability to find humor in the most unlikely of places, as Sam and Joel navigate the most private of disasters while trying to maintain their dignity over the phone with each other. This scene, while graphic in sound, is a perfect example of the show's unique blend of humor and humanity, culminating in a moment of intimacy that solidifies their friendship in a way that only a shared, extreme experience can.
The episode is punctuated with tender moments that add depth to the characters' struggles. Sam's relief at being taken off the "no visitors" list at her mother's nursing facility is a quiet joy amid her turmoil. Tricia's attempt to start over at a supermarket job and her subsequent encounter with a past customer from Tender Moments is a stark reminder of the small-town scrutiny she's trying to escape. Her hate-post on a pillow she made for Charity last season is a small act of rebellion that speaks volumes about her pain and anger.
In conclusion, "#2" is an episode that delves into the complexities of grief, the fear of change, and the power of friendship. It showcases the characters' vulnerabilities and their attempts to navigate life's unpredictability with humor and heart. Somebody Somewhere continues to be a unique voice in television, offering a raw and honest look at the human experience, one that is both relatable and uniquely poignant.